Developers are working on plans to convert another Lyon Township golf club into a subdivision with single-family homes.
During its first meeting in 2023, the Lyon Township Board was presented with a conceptual plan for 182 single-family homes located on the 160-acre Cattails Golf Club property.
Since 1989, the golf course at West 9 Mile Road (57737 West 9 Mile Road) has been a fixture of the community. Mario Moscone purchased the property in 1989. He opened Cattails two year later with his brothers Frank and Tony.
Tony Moscone, now that his two brothers have died in the last 14 months, told the board that he is the last one.
Moscone stated that he was looking forward to Cattails’ move into the next phase. “I want to keep the original plan — make the property appealing to a variety people… Cattails Preserve or Cove, which I’m not sure of the name, will transform from golf and recreation into a unique development that will benefit Lyon Township over many years.”
Moscone said the property is beautiful and is located on the east side of 9 Mile Road. It’s also right across from Woodlands of Lyon on 120 acres, which is a planned development of 103 homes.
Brian Keesey, planner, stated that township officials expected Cattails property changes for at least ten years. He cited the 2012 master plan.
This is not the first housing project to replace an existing Lyon Township golf course. Developers proposed last year a 310-home development at the Coyote golf club property, which is located on the east side Milford Road, north from 12 Mile Road. This is a decrease from the 2019 proposal for a 477-unit subdivision at this location.
Keesey stated that the Cattails plan was a result of “the anticipation of golf courses being redeveloped into single family properties, it’s no surprise for the township but what is proposed are 182 single-family houses with lots of 55 to 65 feet,” Keesey.
Cattails Golf Club, Lyon Township, has been suggested to be transformed into a housing project. (Photo by Susan Bromley/USA Today Network).
Although more than half the land would be kept open in the conceptual plan’s design, the density proposed is greater than the ordinance allows.
Keesey stated that “the big question is whether or not the density proposed is something the township is able to accommodate.” He noted that the planning commission had already raised objections. “81 units are allowed for density; 182 homes have been proposed.”
Another issue is the distance between houses. Sideyard setbacks must be at least 30 feet according to township ordinances. Cattails’ development concept calls for at least 15 feet between houses.
Brad Strader, MKSK Planner, stated to the township board that the density of the project was reduced by removing development from the southwest corner and improving the layout. To preserve the open space behind the houses, he said that a minimum of 15 feet should be allowed between the houses.
Strader stated that homeowners don’t like side yards. They prefer the back yard. We can’t have open space if there are 30 feet between units.
He said he had seen projects in Novi with just 10 to 15 feet between units, and 25 percent open space. There were also some West Bloomfield developments with only 10 to 10 feet between buildings.
These were not attractive selling points for the Lyon Township Board.
Trustee Lise blades stated that she is embarrassed by the Novi’s very narrow setbacks. She advised developers to increase the setback of the Novi township’s side yards to 30 feet, as well as the density requirement. Trustee Kristofer Endlow stated that he was against density as it was proposed. Trustee Sean O’Neil and Enlow both referenced a target density of 127 units.
Enlow stated, “Look at this and comply with the setback requirements. You’re on your path to a great development.”
The Board also discussed traffic concerns, such as paving 9 Mile along the frontage, curving an entrance straightaway into the development to decrease speeding, and connecting to a nearby development.
John Dolan, Supervisor, concluded the discussion by telling developers that the greatest obstacle he saw was distance between buildings.
He said, “It makes the course look like an alleyway.” It’s a lovely golf course. But, to make it work for everyone, 160 to 180 homes would be difficult to chew. Although I don’t know what you can do about density, that is the main point. I hope that this helps you move forward.
Conceptual plans are not subject to the board’s attention. Strader stated that the dialogue was constructive and that they would return with a plan to address all or most of the comments.
If a housing development is approved at the site in Lyon Township, a flag that was displayed on Cattails Golf Club’s course on January 4, 2023 could be just a recollection.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at [email protected] or 517-281-2412. Follow her Twitter @SusanBromley10.
