Troy Zoning Board of Appeals - February 2015 Meeting Recap

City staff has posted the video recording of the 2/17/15 Troy Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting to YouTube. At the bottom of this post is the video. (The meeting actually starts shortly after the 3 minute mark of the video.)

Click here to download the entire Agenda Packet from the February 17th meeting.

There were two items on the agenda:

1. A variance for 1321 Boyd Street (for a lot split). The ZBA voted to postpone action on this proposed variance until our March meeting. I voted "yes" on the postponement motion.
2. A variance for 2774 Orchard Trail (to construct an addition to a home). The ZBA approved the variance. I voted "yes" to approve the variance.

Congratulations to our newest ZBA members, Philip Sanzica and Thomas Desmond! Also, congratulations to our newly-elected Vice Chairman, David Eisenbacher!

Serving With Anthony Pallotta

I was saddened to hear about the February 24, 2015 passing of former Troy City Councilman Anthony N. Pallotta. I had the privilege of serving with Tony during my first 2 years on the Troy City Council. In fact, during my "rookie" year, I sat right next to Tony. I guess they figured I could use use the advice of a Council veteran like him.

As Councilmembers, Tony and I didn't always agree but I appreciated his insight and his experience as an elected official.

At the end of his last term in 2003, Tony had served 31 years as a Troy City Councilman! Even after he retired from City Council, he just couldn't stay away from community service. According to the AJ Desmond & Sons Funeral Home website, Tony was a 2000 hour volunteer in the Emergency Center at William Beaumont Hospital of Troy.

Leadership Troy recognized Tony for his service to our community when it named him Troy's 2005 Distinguished Citizen.

Praying for Tony's family on their loss. Thank you to the Pallotta Family for sharing him with the people of Troy!

Brief Thoughts on Michigan's 2015 Proposition 1

Image via Safe Roads Yes!

On May 5th, Michigan voters will consider a ballot proposal to raise Michigan's sales tax to help fund road repairs and provide continued funding for schools and local governments. Personally I would have preferred to see the Michigan Legislature increase the fuel tax as a fairer way to address the deteriorating condition of our roads and bridges. But, this ballot proposal may be our only solution.

I ran across a couple of posts in support of Proposition 1 from two individuals whose opinions I respect:

• Click here to read "Reality Trumps Fantasy in Road Funding" by former State Representative Chuck Moss.

• Click here to read "No Prop 1, no good roads. Guaranteed" by The Detroit News' Nolan Finley.

More information on the ballot proposition can be found on the website for Safe Roads Yes!