The vote by the Trustees was disappointing. The issues of density, traffic safety, traffic congestion, emergency services, and building size should have been addressed more thoroughly. I am convinced that this project, as it is currently proposed, is not appropriate for this location.

Hopefully the election this year will tell the '4' that voted for this development a clear message in what the people of Oakland Township wants!

We need to continue to voice our objections against this development as currently proposed by expressing our disappointment to board members in writing. I believe that many of the board members took subjective statements provided by the developer and viewed them as objective data. This development is not right for the township and will have long term negative effects for years to come. I am very dismayed by the members who voted for the development.

it is already very unsafe to exit the Hills of Oakland and Carrolton Hills Subdivisions.
Blossom Ridge can only make it much worse. The taxpaying residents of this community have voiced their very legitimate concerns, only to have the board ignore them in the end. If Blossom Ridge is built, the negative effects will be endured by all of us for many years to come. There are 2 Elementary schools within walking distance from this development. It's very dissapointing that our board has ignored our concerns in exchange for tax dollars! I know how I will be voting!

this development needs to be flagged as no available for school district registration otherwise we will have phantom kids using grandparents and aunts/uncle addresses to attend RCS schools.

After attending Township meetings regularly for some time, I see a real disconnect between the consideration of private property owners requests and that of some business and outside interests. In the removal of the historic Paint Creek Dam residents concerns were ignored for the advice of experts with agendas. A homeowner wanting to extend his home was forced to hire an attorney, attend several meetings and endure questioning as to what the use of new construction was, for a building that never needed a variance. A developer wishing to construct a business venture whose project's design is outside the parameters of the township ordinances is treated with deference and respect, while residents questioning the granting of that variance are spoken to arrogantly and their concerns dismissed by a majority of the board. It is difficult to fathom the reasoning of those board members who consistently vote against the interests of the residents they have been elected to serve.

I stand by my quote last night and I have serious fears in anticipation of the first accident on Adams Rd. as a result of this misplaced and over developed senior/assisted living complex. I look forward to this year's election August 7, 2012 when the residents can have their ultimate say in the future direction of Oakland Twp. and the manner is which residents are dealt and listened to.

If you were offended by the boards voting for the Blossom Ridge proposal, then you should be even more upset by the fact that voted to use “immanent domain laws” to allow a walking path across three properties.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/OTMIWatch

Why no comments from Terry "The Crypt Keeper" Gonser?

Amazing how many of these comments are from people who are running for office! I'm sure it's not about the money - who's really corrupt?

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery...thank you. Just so we're clear, I am NOT running for office, but do want to see the township under management that actually represents the people. Have you visited the former damn site? Have you seen the green algae and pond scum at the base of the water wheel in the Cider Mill? Have you ever been to a BOT meeting and seen the way the residents are disrespected, ignored, belittled, maligned and disregarded? If so, you might be running for office, too!

The vote on the Blossom Ridge Development was certainly disappointing, but hardly surprising. Once again, the Board of Trustees (in this case, 4 members), in their hubris, chose to ignore the concerns of good citizens who have a direct interest in the area. What was even worse was the demeaning and disrespectful manner in which these citizens were treated in a public venue. The citizens of this Township deserve to be listened to and treated in a professional manner.
As for 'OakTownBoy,' his comments bring a smile to my face. It's unfortunate that people who lack the capacity to intelligently discuss issues feel compelled to resort to name calling. What's even more tragic is the poor soul doesn't have the honor and integrity to use his real name. Maybe there's a good reason for his cowardice. It certainly provides a window into his being.
As Plato once said, "One of the penalities for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Elections have consequences and there's one coming up Tuesday, 7 August.

Terry, A split vote at this stage of the process is a much better sign than the Harvest Corners rezoning that was overturned by a public vote. The number to watch for the next reading and the night of the final vote is that 238-unit number. During the Harvest Corners process there were changes literally at the last minute, submitted that day, incuding density. The votes prior to that night had been with none opposed. One board member did not like the last minute changes and changed her vote. If there are last minute changes that have only hours of possible board review time again, maybe we can get the vote 3-4 and have it fail. I have no problem with development. Just keep to the original plan.

Evelyn,
I attended three of the Oakland Township meeting regarding the Blossom Ridge development and noted the lack of residents who where not present to support the development. I believe most residents are not aware of the development nor do they have sufficent concerns to attend a series of very lengthy and boring meetings. This development is seriously needed by the seniors in the township who will need the housing that will be provided.I do not wish to leave the township when my time comes to scale down my home.It is from my personal experience that assisted living will be needed by many, many families in the township. Family members can be close by to visit family members who can no longer maintain themselves in their own homes.Burying your head in the sand an not acknowledging this need will only come back to haunt you when the time comes.The biggest problem with the traffic on Adams Rd. will not come from this proposed project but will continue to be from the Adams High School students who drive themselves to school instead of walking or taking the bus. My brother in law is a resident at the Waltonwood Assisted living development on Rochester Rd.south of Tienken. The employees are high quality persons who provide a much needed service to our family. I thank God daily that it is close by, but it is always fulll and will not be able to meet future needs of the adjacent community.

As previously stated, I am very disappointed that the board has approved this development. I welcome the concept, but the size is simply overwhelming for the area. With that being said, I believe another issue has become very clear. These board meetings need to be televised. It is my opinion that some of the long standing members did not treat citizens of the township with respect at various times and could be dismissive. If the meetings were televised, it may remind people that you may disagree but respect should still be shown.

While I'm disappointed you didn't use your name, I agree that among other changes toward complete transparency, televised broadcast of all meetings is of paramount importance. Citizens must be treated with respect regardless of the issue. Citizens should also be completely informed of the issues under consideration at Board meetings. The current approach of simply making a motion to accept an agenda item, often times with no discussion, is completely unacceptable. Likewise, the motion to approve the payment of township bills as a lump sum at the end of each meeting with no detail for the citizens is unacceptable. Publish the township checkbook on-line so citizens know where and how their tax dollars are being spent. Not being forthright with information always leads to a perception of impropriety.

My concern is that Moceri builders did a sub-par job on a condo complex that my senior mother lives in, in Shelby Twp., owning the property from brand new 10 years ago. Around 5-7 years living there, roofs on many units leaked & needed total repair. As of now the homeowners have had to pay for all new roofs, many repairs needed on shotty trim & windows that have leaked & need replaced. A large number of trees that were used as landscaping were dead within a few years. They were improperly planted and/or planted in medians where no water would ever reach them, they too were also removed at the expense of the homeowners. Also of concern, being that I am a homeowner in Oakland Twp, is the fact that Moceri built an identical Condominium community (Silverbell & Adams Rd) where there are currently many,many foreclosures of the units there. My view of this situation may be different but it is a valid one... much more consideration is needed in choosing a residence for an elderly loved one... Moceri's places have a nice facade~but once that "new" label is gone...watch for the unforseen expenses that I assure you WILL happen with this developer. People will be lured in by the beauty of our area~ I'm sure they'll be paying top dollar to see that their senior is situated well. If this is the builder... the complex could be an eye-sore in little or no time

IF you would like to see how Moceri manages senior living, check out his previous venture in Northpoint just off of Hall Road.

Dear Fellow Neighbors,

The last two comments are unfounded and libelous. Moceri has not built condominiums is Shelby Township since 1995-over 17 years ago. In addition, Moceri has no involvement whatsoever in Northpointe, built and managed by Edward Rose and Sons,Inc.

As to foreclosures, those comments are irrelevant. The percentage of foreclosures in the adjacent luxury housing segment ,e.g. Hills of Oakland and Carrollton Hills, were 3-4 times greater than in SilverCreek.

Safety, Security and Quality are Hallmarks of Moceri. The World Class Neighborhoods in Oakland Township and other Southeast Michigan Moceri Communities are cherished by generations of families that call them 'HOME'.

Blossom Ridge will have 64% less traffic as compared to a single family subdivision at the same location(varified by Oakland County Road Commission). The Senior Community will have 53% open space in contrast to an average of 17% of the surrounding subdividions(varifiied by Oakland Twp Planning Consultant) . Oakland Twp to have 222% more seniors living alone in next 24 years(Southeast Michigan Council of Governments). The proposed location is best suited per the 2005 and 2012 adopted Master Plans and Planning Commission.

Those are the facts.

All my Best,
Dominic J Moceri

Clarification and Correction ...Adopted April 11, 2011 Master Plan and Planning Commission Motion for Recommendation of Approval on February 7, 2012 .

Dominic J Moceri

Correction: Blossom Ridge will generate 64% less traffic at peak hours and only add 1/3 of 1% to current daily traffic to existing conditions as compared to a 61 home subdivision in the same location. These facts were submitted to and accepted by Oakland Twps's traffic consultant(URS) and the Oakland County Road Commission. This information was vetted and considered by both the Planning Commission and Oakland Township Board of Trustees as part of their recommendation and approval.
Best Regards,
Dominic J Moceri

Mr. Moceri,

Once again, you present facts and then correct them. At board meetings in a public forum, I would expect such a thing, but in writing sir? Please. As for your statement about comments being “libelous”, I was not aware that you had a Juries Doctorate to add to your extensive list of expert qualifications. But hey every time you open your mouth Mr. Moceri, we learn something more about you.

Just A Citizen

I am not a resident of Oakland Twp, but live in the area. I am within 2 miles of the new complex moving forward and would be impacted by this facility. When I look at the Moceri developments in the area I am very impressed, I believe Moceri would do a great job on this complex.

My parents are in the market for such a facility and it would be great for them to be living in this facility. I believe Moceri does a first class job on any such property they develop. All one has to do is drive through all of the subdivisions they built in the area to see their work product.

I currently am looking at building a condo with them in the area and am very impressed with their product, approach and customer service. I have done my homework and previous buyers are happy with Moceri's work. Why do people think Moceri will change their approach on this property? Look at their track record.

Mr. Moceri, if the zoning change is defeated are you going to sue the township again? Sorry but we missed the neighborhood love when there were multi million dollar law suits in play.

I, too, was disappointed in the BOT's vote, but expected it nonetheless. While I have no doubt about the quality of a Moceri building, I am genuinely skeptical that it will not impact Adams road, especially during high traffic times. The density of the population, and how that fits into the township is the question. The current BOT acts in fear, therefore I presume they will pass anything. They were fearful of the "liability of the dam" so they worked with CRWC to remove the historical site. How is that working out for the citizens who now how have fund the repair? Some on the board are fearful of another lawsuit, and those who voted to move ahead, I believe, voted out of fear, and not in the best interest of the township.

My Apologies Sir if indeed you are not the same Dominic Moceri Builder, who 13 years ago constructed Aberdeen Village in Shelby Township (26 mile & Mound Rd.) If you and another builder share the same name, let me be the first to apologize... or perhaps checking the FACTS before you post should be practiced across the table.

I believe I was correct at stating the fact that Moceri builders did in fact construct the complex (Aberdeen) in Shelby Twp. of which I spoke of previously... It was a builder named or using the name Dominic Moceri... it has only been 12 years (not over 17 years ago) as stated in Mr. Moceri's previous post. The complex has struggled with many costly building construction issues & continues to do so.

Too many "not in my backyard" opinions. The fact that Oakland County doesn't have a development like this is pathetic. This is being proposed by a good developer in a perfect area. I know many seniors that would love this development - including my Mom. For all the naysayers, wait till you get old enough to want a place like this and have to move out of the area to find such a place. Get over yourselves.

Stop Blossom Ridge Re-Zoning!!! Important Meeting Tonight!

There is still time to voice your opinion at tonight's Board of Trustees Meeting for the Second and Final Reading on the re-zoning! The Board of Trustees vote at the First Reading of this proposal was a split vote (4-3) on granting this re-zoning request – so it is not fully supported by those we elected!

A change of one vote will make the difference and Stop Blossom Ridge Re-zoning!

Make your voice heard tonight!

Tuesday, August 14th
Time: 7PM
Township Offices 4393 Collins Road

Blossom Ridge is a proposed high density Independent/Assisted Living Senior development at Adams & Dutton Roads requiring a re-zoning authorization from the Township!

Blossom Ridge is Too Dense! Too Impactful on the surrounding sub-divisions! Out-of-Character with the Township’s Master Plan!!!

To learn more, or to volunteer to support Stop Blossom Ridge Rezoning! Contact: BRREFERENDUMACTIONGROUP@HOTMAIL.COM

Thrilled that Blossom Ridge will be part of our community. Moceri has done a magnificant job of developing our area and this will only enhance the neighborhood. How wonderful to know there will be l a place in the community when we are all ready to downsize that we will be able to live.

Congratulations to the visionary Moceri Companies. It takes a lot of courage in this tough economic environment to make a commitment of this magnitude. They have made the area along Adams road from Dutton to Silverbell the place to live and now retire in Oakland Township. This project will bring needed construction and service jobs to the area.

Please sign petition to have citizens vote on whether or not to allow this rezoning. We are not against a senior living community, but we are against the FIRST 3-story 450 foot building in the township, too high density (over 6 units per acre, vs. 3-5 allowed), impact on traffic. The 4 Board of Trustees in favor of this rezoning were lame ducks...they were voted out/retiring from board.

If interested in learning more, and to sign petition, contact:

BRREFERENDUMACTIONGROUP@HOTMAIL.COM

In spite of the builder's attempts to deny our CIVIL RIGHTS rights as citizens of Oakland Township, support for the petition drive has been overwhelming! To have a say on whether or not to allow this rezoning, be sure to sign the petition.

If interested in signing petition, contact:

BRREFERENDUMACTIONGROUP@HOTMAIL.COM