Ypsilanti Township church seeks to buy ex-Carnahan Chevrolet near I-94
Ypsilanti Township's Burning Bush International Ministries could soon buy and move into a vacant car dealership in Ypsilanti Township.
Ypsilanti Township building planning coordinator Joe Lawson said the church is interested in moving to the former Carnahan Chevrolet, located at 770 James L. Hart Parkway in the Washtenaw Business Park at I-94 and Huron Street. A purchase agreement has been signed for the property and the deal could quickly close if site plans are approved.
Staff has recommended the planning commission approve the site plans and recommend the board of trustees also approve them. A public hearing before the planning commission is scheduled for Tuesday night. The board of trustees would vote on the plans at an upcoming meeting.
The former Carnahan is owned by the lender and has been on the market for about a year said John Hamway, the property’s listing agent from Signature Associates. It is listed for $1.8 million, or $66 per square foot for the 27,277 square foot building on 9.15 acres.
Hamway said the property’s main advantages are its visibility from the I-94 and easy access to the freeway. That has meant interest from more than just car dealerships while it was on the market.
Carnahan Chevrolet
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
“I’ve had a wide range of interested parties with different uses all across the board,” he said.
Burning Bush’s offices are currently on Tyler Road in Ypsilanti Township, but Lawson said they rent Willow Run High School’s gym for their services because the congregation has outgrown the Tyler Road building.
Leaders from Burning Bush weren’t immediately available for comment.
According to plans submitted to the township planning commission, the interior would see minor modifications in order to convert a portion of the facility into a sanctuary that could accommodate 900 parishioners.
The site comes with 400 parking spaces, which is more than the 300 spots required by the township. The township will not permit a daycare on the site because of the proximity to other industrial facilities in the area, and Burning Bush must agree to enhancing landscaping on the property.
Carnahan Chevrolet was one of several dealerships in the Ann Arbor area on the market in the last year. Hamway said he isn’t involved with the sale of any other lots in Ann Arbor, but over half of those he has listed in southeast Michigan in recent years have been renovated to accommodate businesses other than dealerships.
Comments
charliesangel
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
To be honest I am tired of seeing a $19.95 Oil Change billboard that is misleading to the those who drive on 94 heading East or West. It's tacky and distasteful. I'd rather see something more POSITIVE in the community. What's so bad about a church that wants to be there and I suspect is committed to making our city a better place...every little bit helps in my book. charliesangel
aj barnes
Thu, May 26, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
I am happy about it and I think it's a great move for the city and for the Township. Some things money just can't buy. Like peace of mind, like protection from harm and danger, pulling that drug dealer, thief or robber off the street, safety for our children, love, self confidence, healing for the brokenhearted and hope for the hopeless. These are all things that Burning Bush will bring to the community. It has a history that has left positive impressions in the hearts and minds of those it has affected. So any tax money that would have been lost has far greater gain when you invest in people. That's one for the township!!
J. LaShawn
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
As a long time resident of Ypsilanti, I want to take this opportunity to commend the officials of Ypsilanti Township for making a wise and, I would say, prudent decision. That dealership has been on the market for a year and if I remember correctly the dealership next door is also vacant. Our city desperately needs some positive momentum. In recent years there have been major defeats in the area of real estate for the city as a whole. When we typically read about what's going in Ypsilanti, it is negative. Entire apartment complexes going into foreclosure, plants closing or drastically reducing it's staffing levels, restaurants closing, etc. This time we finally have something to cheer about! We should openly embrace a thriving ministry being the "Beacon of Light" welcoming guests as they enter our great city. Remember, they will bring life to a major hub of our city that currently houses 2 failed dealerships. I believe that the impact on the surrounding businesses can only be financially positive. With their move, they will bring their considerable buying power with them to an area that is in dire need of help. Once again I commend the Township and welcome the Burning Bush Church.
Ivory
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
Well done, well done to the official of Ypsilanti Twp. It takes foresight and vision to see how adding a vibrant church to a community can only enhance the gateway to Ypsilanti. Historically when an active church joins the community all those around benefit and thrive from the influx in people and activates. People like to live near their church home; this is good news for the renovated unites on the north side of I94 and the new construction homes going up!
Edith E
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.
JOB WELL DONE! To the officials of the Ypsilanti Township. Good judgment in the decisions made by recognizing tangible solutions to the decay of any city should be applauded. The location was leaving an open wound for the community at large and constant reminder of bad times. When the local government wants to show that it cares about its citizens and constituents they must react in the best interest of the community at large. Allowing a church to occupy any space shows positive signs towards the hope for renewal, rehabilitation, change, movement and resolve. This decision releases a declaration that we are on our way to better days.
Traci Denise
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 5:17 p.m.
The Ypsilanti Twp Officials should be commended for making such a wise decision!. Burning Bush International Ministries has been a pillar in the Ypsilanti community for almost 20 years. It is great that they have chosen to utlize an existing building as their place of worship instead of building something new or completely relocating. I am sure their presence in this area will have a POSITIVE impact on the surrounding businesses. The number of people Burning Bush will bring to this area will create a domino effect on the community and the surrounding businesses by way of jobs and revenue. I know nothing but good things will come from them taking residence in this building. KUDOS to the Twp. and Congratulations Burning Bush!
Mrs.Cochran
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
As a Ypsilanti Twp. homeowner, I'm glad to see that someone is interested in purchasing any building in the city, albeiet a church or business. If you drive 2 minutes into Ypsilanti you see the eye sore of what remains of Perry Apartments, broken, boarded and disgusting. I'm also happy that a vibrant church that has obviously outgrown their current home is attempting to bring their ministry into the heart of what is currently a failing commercial area. I was saddened to see Stoney Creek Coney Island close last month, not to mention the closing of Kerby's not to long ago. We NEED to populate the community with our dollars, how will the other businesses survive if we do not. If you go into BW3's on a Friday or Saturday night it's close to empty, I can say the same for Leo's Coney Island...face it folks, we need their money, especially in a bad economy. Who knows, maybe some of their church members will move into our community and buy some of the foreclosed homes we drive by daily. Great going Ypsilanti Officials, you're doing a great job!! To Burning Bush I say you are Welcome!! Your ministry will bring a breath of fresh air!!
jessica
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
Thumbs up, to the Ypsilanti Township Commission for supporting a progressive, community-based non-profit organization. Our community will only be as strong as the people that reside in it, and I believe that Burning Bush Church is an invested, active, entity in our community. I am a teacher for the Ypsilanti Public School System, and I have witnessed the positive impact of this ministry first hand. Many of my students have benefited from the annual community fairs hosted by Burning Bush at Willow Run. They praised the church for giving them free school supplies, physicals, haircuts etc. to give them a great start to the school year. Last year, several of my students attended the Fine Arts Camp, hosted by Burning Bush, and they were given priceless exposure to the Arts for FREE! Thriving organizations, like these are "stakeholders" in our community, bringing much needed support to a community that is striving for growth and success. As a public school teacher I have witnessed cuts left and right, taking so much away from our children, and it's nice to know that we have city officials, that still honor and care about PEOPLE.
Jason Allen
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
I think the township has made an impeccable decision. The image of Ypsilanti has been on the decline for quite sometime now with vacant buildings and desolate properties, of which keeps our city from active growth. With this church occupying the building in the heart of the city, it can and will definitely improve and add an influx of support and funds to the surrounding businesses. As an employee in the city, I am all for building our city economically while creating a haven for the people. Lets stand behind our religious organizations because they too play a vital role in the advancement of our city. I stand in agreement with the decision!
Charles Russell
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
Hats off to the township for having the foresight to support bringing a thriving ministry of people, for the people, into the center of commerce! I surmise that this can do nothing but bring much needed blessings in conjunction with it. From my observation, Burning Bush International Ministries is a flourishing church well known for it's active community involvement, outreach efforts and commitment to excellence, not to mention the economic boost their congregants would bring to the surrounding businesses with their patronage. I forsee this move as nothing but having a very postive impact for the Ypsilanti area. Good going township officials!
jeannie
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
I think that getting that building occupied ...by almost anyone... is great! I commend the Township Officials for having the insight to see that keeping those declining buildings would only hurt the image of ypsilanti township. Allowing a church would loose taxes but create such an influx of viability to the area. It would create increased use for the businesses around the area which would in turn create more jobs and keep some stuggleing businesses alive I work with a reclocation company and when I would bring people to the city I would exit there at I-94 and Huron and I can't tell you how embarrasing it was to pass not 1 but 2 empty declining buildings on the MAIN drag of the street.I have since chosen an alternate route to avoid the view. Believe me, new comers dont want to buy a house in an town that seems to be dying. I have witnessed it first hand. If they dont buy, then there goes possible residental property taxes. Big Kudos to our Ypsilanti township! Revive our city... You've got my vote!
Mike
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
SERIOUSLY... What is wrong with our Ypsilanti Township officials??? Menards has already been turned down by Pittsfield Twp. and they still wish to locate in this area!!! They are looking for a location with major freeway exposure... (check) With major freeway access... (check) In a Washtenaw County location with homeowners interested in DIY projects... (check) They are looking to provide 200 to 300 jobs.... (BIG Benefit) They will pay property and business taxes...(Another BIG Benefit) And yet our township officials are recommending the approval of a tax exempt entity to occupy a Commercial property in a Commercial Development Area!!! I think an effective, responsible local government which truly cared about it's constituents (taxpayers) should do everything possible to try to entice businesses, (real, job creating and taxpaying businesses) to locate in OUR Township!!!!
glimmertwin
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 8:52 a.m.
If you read the township meeting minutes you would see that the township is courting and trying to get Menard's. That doesn't mean it will happen, but they are trying.
joe golder
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Although a Menards would be a great addition to the existing businesses in that corridor. The car dealership will not offer an economic opportunity for Menards..... But having said that it does offer a great location for development and provide a much needed business for residents in the area.
C. Marie
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.
Sounds like a good idea. I'd rather see a vibrant, functioning building than the eye-sore the empty space is becoming.
Turd Ferguson
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
not much of a website: www(dot)bbimonline(dot)org currently located in west willow.
glimmertwin
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 7:29 p.m.
Curious to see how this works out. Does the master plan permit use in this industrial park for tax-exempt facilities? If it doesn't, just wait to see the lawsuits come flying by those business denied permits based on deviation from the master plan.
dading dont delete me bro
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.
i am glad that an existing building is getting renovated and not another building is being built on current vacant land. i.e. the new charter school being built at hitchingham and merrit.
Mrs.Cochran
Wed, May 25, 2011 : 5:45 p.m.
So true. Actually, they are building two schools, one right next to the other.
joe golder
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 7:01 p.m.
Micky D's will be needing to add workers on Sunday's! That's a positive.
dading dont delete me bro
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
i guess getting it off the tax rolls is better than leaving the property vacant...
Freemind42
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 7:01 p.m.
I disagree. Now it will never be taxable land. Although you won't hear people crying about this like they did when UM bought the old Pfizer campus, this is for "God's work".
treetowncartel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Makes me think of that classic line "Oh Lord, won't you buy me, a Mercedes Benz..."
lynel
Tue, May 24, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.
My friends all drive Porsches.....