Costco expected to submit site plan for new store in two months, Pittsfield officials say
Pittsfield Township officials expect warehouse club retailer Costco to submit a site plan in about two months for its proposed store near the State and Ellsworth intersection.
During Wednesday's Board of Trustees meeting, officials provided a brief update on the project, saying discussions between the township, Costco and several community stakeholders have progressed.
“We want to make sure they’re very deliberative and upfront with all the stakeholders in the process,” said township Supervisor Mandy Grewal of the company’s recent meetings with Washtenaw County Road Commission staff and township officials. “Based on those preliminary discussions thus far, we should have a submission in the next month or two.”
News of the deal to bring the big-box development to the township surfaced in April, but plans have progressed slowly.
The property has been eyed for retail development before and is attractive to Costco - a top-10 retailer in the country - because of the proximity to I-94 and the overall market, township officials said.
Sam’s Club is also located in Pittsfield Township. The current closest Costco stores are in Green Oak Township and Livonia.
The company reportedly has an agreement to have existing buildings east of Airport Boulevard demolished. However, a traffic study and mitigation plans to limit congestion have not been completed.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
MDavid
Fri, Aug 13, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
@SalineDoe: Thanks for your thoughts. I live in the Lohr/Ellsworth area and it's reassuring to hear the outcome is viewed as positive by others.
jfk
Fri, Aug 13, 2010 : noon
State street south of Ellsworth does need additional lanes, but if I remember correctly there are issues with some combination of distance from the airport and historic buildings in the stretch from Ellsworth to Morgan. Either way, State St. South of Ellsworth and Ellsworth west of State are going to need to be revamped regardless of what moves into that space.
SalineDoe
Fri, Aug 13, 2010 : 7:20 a.m.
@MDavid - I gotta think Costco will have nothing but a positive impact on our property values. Costco stores don't even open until 10am each day, so morning traffic will never be an issue. It will also drive demand to fill up existing vacant buildings. As an avid biker, I am thrilled by the plans for bike trails in this area. I am tired of risking my life riding on a narrow shoulder. Anytime you add recreational features like this to a region, it makes housing much more attractive to purchasers. Result: our property values will go up or at least hold steady in this economy. All good news. If they can get a bike trail along Ellsworth added into the mix, then residents from the entire region can begin biking over to restaurants and parks. I personally can't wait and all of my neighbors think the same!
MDavid
Fri, Aug 13, 2010 : 5:18 a.m.
What is the expected impact to homeowner property values near the Ellsworth/Lohr intersection? Is it less because of the congestion, or is could there be an increase in value, especially if sidewalks and bike paths were completed on Ellsworth? There also is the bikepath proposed connecting those homes to neighborhoods toward Textile too. Any thoughts?
Gorc
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 11:08 p.m.
"But I do enjoy the irony of the current board's cheerleaders highlighting how selective the "pro-business" attitude is in this town." It's interesting how I have an unofficial spokesman who knows nothing about my perspective on views.
Gorc
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 10:59 p.m.
I supported Walmart opening for business and disagreed with the recall efforts of our townships officials over the matter.
John Q
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 8:52 p.m.
"I live In Pittsfield township and I love the fact we are pro business....keep those $$$$$ flowing into the township." Except when the business was Wal-Mart and everyone hated it. But I do enjoy the irony of the current Board's cheerleaders highlighting how selective the "pro-business" attitude is in town.
Gorc
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.
I live In Pittsfield township and I love the fact we are pro business....keep those $$$$$ flowing into the township.
Gloriagirl
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.
Wonderful news! Now all those foodies don't have to travel to Brighton. It would be prudent to look at traffic patterns in the immediate area especially at peak travel times in the PM as State and Ellsworth are crowded and when expressway traffic is blocked east bound, Ellsworth is an immediate alternate. Football Saturdays will also challenge existing travel. I hope Pittsfield Township in collaboration with the road commission, make some revisions to the existing traffic flow in conjunction with this welcomed development!
Ignatz
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 1:21 p.m.
Let's pour some coffee on this thing and get it moving!
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 12:03 p.m.
now answerman (i mean announcerman), now "i" never said round-about, you show me where. they seem to be the answer to all traffic problems lately. i wouldn't be surprised to see multiple ones there, that's all.
Bulldog
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.
I can't wait for Costco!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jay Allen
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
dading. What? I never said they "had" to spend the money, they are IN FACT spending the money. I am in the township, I have attended a few of the meetings and I have spoke to my council people about this. I gave it my support - not that they needed it - I just did not want to see it all drug out like the Wal-Mart fiasco. Making State Street south of the intersection (by the airport)a full 4 lanes vs the 2 that is has been spoke about. Making Ellsworth 4 lanes in both directions for a longer distance than it is, is another. State Street off of I-94 down to Ellsworth gets all jammed up because there is NO WHERE to go. It is like cramming 10# of crud in a 5# bag. It just won't fit. And your suggestion is a round-a-bout?
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
to the announcer man, costco doesn't have to spend $$ for a traffic survey. i've read the same many threads you have...traffic blows w/in 1/2 mile of that intersection. maybe a magic round-a-bout, or maybe 2, like lee rd and us-23...
Jay Allen
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.
@dading: There have been a few other threads that stated Costco was conducting traffic studies and gathering ideas on how to adjust the flow of traffic in that area. iirc, there could be changes in that area.
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.
good store. but bad bad bad bad bad bad location. that intersection is terrible ALREADY.
Laura
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 10:38 a.m.
Costco would be a great asset in this township!!
uawisok
Thu, Aug 12, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.
Good Deal at least CostCo treats it employees with respect, gives them benefits and a living wage VS Walmart and retailers of their ilke!!