New State Street artisan sausage business on hold as zoning turns into blockade
Hannah Cheadle and Walt Hansen have struggled through zoning issues as they work toward opening their new Ann Arbor business, an artisan sausage and jerky shop in the Old World tradition.
Janet Miller | For AnnArbor.com
They wanted to become part of the slow food movement in Ann Arbor. They didn't know they were in for a zoning battle.
“We’re originally from Michigan and we wanted to come back home to help revive Michigan’s economy,” Cheadle said.
So the couple made plans to open Biercamp Artisan Sausage and Jerky.
This past winter, they rented 1,400 square feet of space in the former Hofman Furniture storefront at 1643 S. State St. next to The Produce Station, and were looking at an April 15 opening date.
But the couple has hit hurdle after hurdle, first with a directive to hook up with the city’s water and sewer system, then zoning issues that would limit their retail floor space, and then a question on whether they will be able to sell craft beer and wine as they had planned.
“There have been a lot of surprises,” Cheadle said.
They moved to Ann Arbor and set to work remodeling the rented space, pulling out old carpet, painting walls and decorating the ceiling.
“We’ve tried to make it our own," Cheadle said.
Her father did the custom woodwork with natural wood trim from reclaimed barn wood to give it a country feel. They installed a kitchen with a smoker and walk-in cooler. They installed coolers and a small lunch counter at the front window.
When they had finished the build out, they called in the state for a Health Department inspection and found out they needed to have the property’s septic system approved.
They paid the $500 fee to Ann Arbor Township, but a week later were told they would have to instead connect to the city water and sewer system that was available. Their store is on an island of Ann Arbor Township land surrounded by the city of Ann Arbor. They were told the hookup would cost $23,000, and their landlord agreed to cover the costs.
But the fight didn’t end there.
“After we got over that shock, we found there were other issues,” Cheadle said.
Hooking up to city water and sewer requires annexation, and annexation requires rezoning, said Chris Cheng, city planner. The city is currently discussing the annexation of all township island parcels in the city's service area.
The city’s master plan designates the Biercamp parcel M1, light industrial. The parcel also includes Zak’s Auto Shop and a building for furniture storage. M1 zoning would allow Biercamp to make sausage and jerky, but they could use only 10 percent of their floor space for retail, Cheng said.
Cheadle said that would mean only 140 square feet, not enough for retail sales. They need about 500 square feet, she said. They will make and smoke the sausage in the rear kitchen, but need the front third of the store for sales.
Also, the M1 zoning would not allow them to sell the craft beer and Michigan wines they want to pair with their sausage.
Hansen and Cheadle want the city to re-zone the parcel C3, a fringe commercial designation that would allow them to make and sell sausage and jerky and sell microbrews and local wine. Once they submit all the paperwork, they will plead their case before the Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to the City Council.
A sign at the couple's business, which is on State Street near The Produce Station.
Janet Miller | For AnnArbor.com
While the city planner won’t make an official recommendation to the Planning Commission until all of the paperwork is submitted, Cheng said he would likely recommend M1 zoning. Commercial zoning, he said, could open the door for intense commercial use.
“With a C3, you could put a drive-in McDonald's there,” Cheng said. “You need to look at future potential use.”
But Hansen and Cheadle pointed out that the adjacent Produce Station — the two spaces are connected by a parking lot — is zoned C3, and has the same potential of becoming a McDonald's.
For now, the couple is waiting. The township’s zoning would have allowed them to operate as planned, Cheadle said.
“If we could have stayed part of the township, we would have opened our doors by now,” Cheadle said.
Once the paperwork is in place, a hearing before the Planning Commission will be scheduled. The earliest would be July 19, Cheng said. Hansen and Cheadle are from Suttons Bay in northern Michigan. Hansen grew up around the food business, working in his family’s food market. He was a chef at Del Posto Italian restaurant in New York City, working under celebrity chef Mario Batali. Cheadle worked in fashion merchandising in New York for an accessories company.
They got the idea of opening an artisan sausage company when they were living in New York.
“Preserving meat is making a comeback. Old World methods that were dying out are coming back,” Hansen said. “In New York, everyone is preserving meat. It’s part of the farm-to-table concept.”
They plan to make lardo (a type of salume), pancetta, ring bologna and an assortment of jerky such as General Tso. They want to offer a sandwich of the month and also pickle their own condiments, such as beets, fennel and mustard seed. They are growing their own hops in front of the store and hope to someday brew their own beer.
They thought Ann Arbor would be a perfect fit, they said, although they considered Traverse City, Detroit and Suttons Bay.
“Ann Arbor is a cool city,” Cheadle said.
Janet Miller is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
ypsijake
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
I'll bet that they open just before work begins on the Stadium bridges and then people will start avoiding the area...here's hoping they survive though
mgander2
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
Everyone is saying they should have done their research, but from the article it sounds to me like the city changed the zoning on them after they were already approved? I think the point is that Ann Arbor does have the power to approve or deny small businesses and obviously, this is a case where they should be approved, without a doubt. General Tsaos Jerky? Sounds delicious! Best of luck
NYCfoodGUY
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 10 p.m.
Someone forwarded this article to me and i couldn't believe it. I also live in NYC but was born and raised in Michigan. Just the other night i saw a commercial on local NYC TV with Jeff Daniels telling me how great Michigan is and how I should come back there and start a business because Michigan would welcome me with open arms. I have to wonder if Cheadle and Hansen might have seen this very same commercial? I also wonder how much Michigan spends to broadcast commercials all over the country trying to get people to move back there. Seems like a real waste of money since when people actually do it, they just shut them down before they can even get started.
Gill
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.
@engineer If you get "Big Bother" to drop zoning requirements in your area, let me know. I'll put in a brothel, strip club, and shooting range adjacent to your house in your resdiential sub-division. I'll get a lot of business, but people will be parking in front of your house at all hours of the night. Good business for me, bad for the residential zoned neighborhood.
DAN
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.
What is an artisan sausage? Does it taste any better or is just more costly?
m. goldberg
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
Looks like township & city employees are back from their 4 day weekends. Who else wouldn't be shocked about the city sewer price tag and appalled at a new business trying to get better zoning. Lots of uninformed commentary & assumptions on all of this. As a small business owner myself, I can attest the fact that township & city never make mistakes!
John Q
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
"Who else wouldn't be shocked about the city sewer price tag and appalled at a new business trying to get better zoning. Lots of uninformed commentary & assumptions on all of this. " The price tag for hooking up to city water and sewer is only shocking to someone who has never looked into the costs of doing that. The property owner surely knew the costs which is why they agreed to pay to hook up. Anyone can ask for a zoning change. The issue is that the property owner should have realized that their would be a zoning issue first. They would have known that by going talking to someone at township and city. But they didn't. Stop blaming the city for the business owners failure to do their homework.
Brad
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : noon
"but a week later were told they would have to instead connect to the city water and sewer system that was available" -So who told them that (state health dept, township, etc)? -Were they right about it? That seems to be where all the problems started.
John Q
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.
I suspect when they sent their check to the Township, someone at Ann Arbor Township realized that they were making a request for a Township island and explained that they would have to get hooked up to city water and sewer. The property owner should have known this already and likely did know. The policy on annexing Township islands has been set for a number of years and it's very unlikely that the property owner was unaware of this fact.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
From this article it Hannah and Walt come off very likable and as trying to do the right thing. I do feel for them and wish them luck with their re-zoning effect. However, all of these issues are ones they should have researched BEFORE starting, not afterwards. It's not that expensive (espeically when the business can write it off on taxes) to hire a local attorney or buidling inspector who specializes in new businesses to research all of these issues for you.
Roger Roth
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 10:57 a.m.
I have long thought that promises made by governments, local and national, about the benefits to our economy of small businesses is a myth. Not only is starting up more often a nightmare, especially if you follow the cardinal rule of location-location-location, but, in the end, if you achieve break even in a year or two, and can eke out a middle class living for yourself and your family for your 60-80 hours/week work, the ones who usually make out from start-ups are landlords and banks. Good luck to these folks. They seem like hard-working, sincere young people.
Engineer
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 5 a.m.
This is the perfect example of why we need LESS government. Politicians are like diapers they need changed often and for the same reason per Mark Twain. He was spot on years ago and today. Leave these people the heck alone, let them open their business and let us decide if we want to shop/eat there. We do not need big brother interfering.
John Q
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
Lots of uninformed commentary about "mean old Ann Arbor". This is a basic zoning issue that's become a problem because the business owners didn't do the basic due diligence to ensure that the property they are leasing has the proper zoning to open their proposed business. If they had taken 5 minutes to go to Ann Arbor Township Hall, they would have learned that: 1. The property is located on a Township island. 2. Those islands are subject to annexation to the city. 3. When those properties are annexed, water and sewer connection fees have to be paid to get connected to the city's water and sewer system. 4. The city rezones those properties based on the city's Master Plan and that zoning may not necessarily be based on what zoning the Township currently has in place. 5. Any building and zoning issues will become the city's responsibility once the property is annexed so they'll need to talk to city planning staff to determine whether their proposed use will be in compliance with the city's zoning standards. It appears that they did none of this since all of this information that could have been learned in a 5 minute conversation came as a surprise to them. I'm not sure why they wouldn't have done any of this due diligence. But just because they failed to do so doesn't make it the city's fault for the situation that they find themselves in today. Many here are slamming the city because the city hasn't taken the position of ignoring all of the city's building and zoning standards and its Master Plan to allow this business to open. But the city is doing exactly what it should be doing which is applying the same standards for this business that it applies to all businesses that operate in Ann Arbor. Otherwise, what's the point of having building and zoning standards if anyone can come in and claim ignorance and the city waives those standards on that basis?
John Q
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
I don't think it requires an attorney to do this research. All it takes is them spending 5 minutes at Ann Arbor Township hall and they would have known all of this information.
jcj
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
Sounds like the ambulance chasers are looking for business!
Joseph Lewis
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
Exactly. Any decent local attorney would have been aware that the issues regarding these township islands are well known to be problematic for both residential and business situations.
PersonX
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:46 a.m.
Very well put. There are enough problems with the city without blaming everything on "government." Rules have to be applied with some consistency. This whole matter does not bode well for this business; as much as one would want them to succeed, it is clear that they are not prepared for it, and therefore their chances of success are not very good. There is more to running a sausage factory and store than just good will and talent, unfortunately. Once the zoning is changed, who knows what horror might get in there is this undertaking does not work out. These people need professional help.
48103
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.
I regularly drive this stretch at peak hours, and the traffic sucks! Rezoning this site (and via the domino effect, its neighbors) to commercial would make things that much worse. I'm with the camp that says they should have done their homework before dumping a bunch of money into the building.
nicole
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 2:19 a.m.
Ann Arbor is so full of itself. I bet they wish they'd located in Traverse City or Suttons Bay! That said, so what if they didn't research everything perfectly. Does that mean they shouldn't have a business here? Ann Arbor should be bending over backward to get them in here and started!
pbehjatnia
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 1:32 a.m.
Chris Cheng obviously does not have a vested interest in the revitalization of our local economy which means neither do his bosses at the city. At the same time these two dod not do their homework. Tsk. Tsk. If they had they would have known that Ann Arbor city employees are business unfriendly. Just like our city council.
m. goldberg
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
How is this "poor planning" or 'homework not done"? They can open, they're just looking for better zoning (which they're surrounded by it sounds like). Well done a2, make sure not to stray from ancient zoning plans and push this new business out. Welcome back to Pure Michigan!
shepard145
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
As the City cuts police and fire and other vital services in an effort to soften up the public for a nice fat tax hike, this is a wonderful example of tax revenue the city is turning it's back on due to nothing other then incompetence. Ann Arbor's web of pathetic activist driven zoning laws should be scrapped in total and rewritten by a new administration that knows something business and prosperity rather then dwelling on the feeling the grass with their toes.
mike gatti
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
God Ann Arbor get over yourself. If it ends up a McDonalds then so what, maybe that is the lot's destiny. These people want to bet on our town with their business. Just say thanks and support it.
Steve Hendel
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
Janet Miller: something does not compute here: is or is not the property located within Ann Arbor? Who is responsible for approving zoning changes? The story seems to have it both ways.
Adam Jaskiewicz
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
It's a township island. They have to hook up to city water/sewer to get their health permit. To do that, they have to be annexed by the city, which means the city has to decide how to zone the property.
nixon41
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 10:12 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a pain in the booty when it comes to progress. This would bring in a tax base etc. Come to Saline:) we'd welcome you.
Halter
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
As a small business owner myself here in Ann Arbor, all I can do is empathize. This is another example of how the City of Ann Arbor makes it next to impossible to be a small business owner here, and why so many give up and move to Ypsilanti or the surrounding townships. And yet, we KEEP ELECTING the same folks who don't know anything about business and this cycle repeats over and over again.
5c0++ H4d13y
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
Seems like a bad move not checking the space out for all these issues before renting.
Fat Bill
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.
I second that. You walk your plans through step by step with the officials until you have the kinks worked out, then you sign the papers.
Joseph Lewis
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
@Halter; you are incorrect. All that information is easily available at city hall and online.
Halter
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
There is absolutely NO WAY to check these sorts of things before renting, as there is no commonly held database on these types of problems. What the renters should have done is had the city come in and inspect and advise BEFORE renting the space -- but the rest of the world doesn't work that way, and why would any small business owner thing that Ann Arbor would somehow have these archaic rules and regulations?
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
"Ann Arbor is a cool city," Cheadle said." and what makes us a "cool city" is the way we beat people in to submission. :(
Dot
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
... and sometimes we have to be careful what we wish for "They wanted to become part of the slow food movement in Ann Arbor" sadly, it appears they succeeded.
Dot
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
InsideTheHall: "You have to lawyer up to start a business. Why? Is it custom? Is it really neccessary" Looks like "yes" would be a good answer business-wise. I wish these folks, and anyone looking to follow their dream, the best of luck with their venture, but when you are investing money into a rental building for food prep./restaurant use, that hasn't had prior use as such, AND you are on a septic and well system, investing the money into solid legal documentation of approval for this use (not even verbal from Washtenaw Environmental Services folks would be airtight for me), prior to "investing" in all other aspects of the business is poor planning in ANY city or township! Planning and implementing a business to this extent, without considering every angle legal and otherwise, only to then blame Ann Arbor township and city for putting up roadblocks when something didn't go smoothly doesn't makes sense (or dollars).
Steve Hendel
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.
These people sure didn't do their homework, did they?
CountyKate
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
Tell them to come to Ypsilanti. We welcome small businesses here.
PattyinYpsi
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
Way to be prejudiced, Bill. There's no crime whatsoever in Ann Arbor, is there? And every Ypsi business has been victimized. Try being a ittle more neighborly.
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.
Sure, if they want to be broken into to or have their establishment torched.
David Cahill
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
I really think the City should be more flexible this area. This part of South State is a hodge-podge of small businesses, with no clear pattern of zoning or uses. We would gain a lot, and lose nothing, by allowing the rezoning to C3 and welcoming this small business.
Vivienne Armentrout
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.
I agree, but again, this was just a recommendation from the city planning staffer assigned to this case. It is a long way from having the city cruelly deny them the opportunity to carry on business. They should work through the Planning Commission to request the C3 zoning and I suspect they would receive a lot of support.
snoidfromcheboygan
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Ahhh the intricacies of bier-ocracy...sounds like moving into an existing business building in Ann arbor Twp. should have been a cake walk. I guess a lawyer could have probably told them that they would be forced into the city, and forced to hook up to city sewer at a $23,000 price tag. And why would McDonalds, or any business want to move into that small of a space? Seems like any of the other businesses along State Street would be better and they are all zoned C-1. Seriously????? Hang in there...there is no such thing as customer service in the govt and they only have one speed, but it will get done eventually.
LarryJ
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
I think the city should be greasing the wheels for a new startup business like this. Perhaps the city needs an ombudsperson for businesses to help grease those wheels.
Andrew R. Gorsuch
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
The Produce Station welcomes our new neighbors Hannah and Walt and we are excited to have Biercamp in our neighborhood!
leaguebus
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
What Andrew realizes, its all about traffic. More choices in an area draws more potential customers for all the businesses.
Lynn Liston
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.
I'm glad to see Andrew from Produce Station welcoming the new business next door! It will be terrific synergy for both stores and an added attraction for shoppers. Now if the city will only realize what a great opportunity this is for everyone.
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.
As a business person, this would be illogical.
AA
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
Michigan is the least business friendly state in the region and Ann Arbor is the least friendly city. Good Luck and Lotsa Dollar$ will perhaps let you see the promised land.
leaguebus
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
Michigan last year was number 17 in the nation in its business climate. It is higher than any of the surrounding states but Illinois.
Halter
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
Absolutely 100% agree....
Joe Wood
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
You are correct. I myself have been in a court battle over zoning with my township for about 8 years. Even though I'm not in Ann Arbor proper, The Ann Arborites that have moved out here have brought their roadblock mentality with them.
4 Fingers
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
I'm surprised the Landlord didn't there would be a problem before the Tenants signed the lease. I also wonder if their going to have to pay him rent while waiting for city approval, its going to be several months before they'll be able to open. On a side note, I can't wait! No more driving to the east side of Detroit for the real thing!
zip the cat
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
@clownfish talks like a true bureaucratic wanabe. The companys you list are top tier and have lots of employees to help the tax base of this circus town. Lets see you name a list of mom and pop 1 or 2 people companys that got approved with out all the b/s these people and lots of others have to go thru. Were waiting!
Boo Radley
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
Jackson & Zeeb is in Scio Township - not the city of Ann Arbor. Now take a look at all of the other growth in the townships and not paying taxes to the city of Ann Arbor.
Freight Train
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.
Adventures In Homebrewing. Jackson rd - near Zeeb.
Joseph Lewis
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.
Half the businesses mentioned by clownfish started as small mom and pop types....they were smart enough to follow prudent business practices.
clownfish
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.
Sorry for the multiple posts, but this whole idea that A2 is not business friendly is simply a myth. Ask Main Street Ventures, Thompson Reuters, Google, Busches, Kroger, Encore Records, Zingermans, Espresso Royalle,etc how A2 has impeded their businesses.
CynicA2
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
Very funny, clownfish!! #1 in a state that is probably close to the BOTTOM of the list of "best states for start-ups", isn't saying much. Google hasn't come close to doing what they said they would do, and quite possibly never will - a little "excessive exuberance" on the part of a tech company has been known to happen. Barracuda likewise - they haven't actually committed to anything other than exploring their options.
DonBee
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
Clownfish - Based on your many posts here, I can only conclude that you like government red tape and expensive administrations.
Halter
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.
Yes, ask any of the owners of those business how many ridiculous business hurdles they have had to jump, the fees that have to be paid, and the months and months of waiting for things to be handled by the City...you defeat your own argument here. Just because business move in and stay for awhile doesn't mean they haven't faced the exact same hurdles -- I guarantee you they have
Stephen Landes
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
Yes, ask Zingermans how long it took to get permission to tear down a burned out building so they could expand and how much it cost them to do so.
zip the cat
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
Welcome to the greedy bureaucratic circus better known as Ann Arbor. I left there carnival mentality,kiddie games years ago for just the crap your going thru. I moved my business OUT of Ann Arbor. Good luck
xmo
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Thank Goodness Ann Arbor has a friendly business environment or these people would be really in trouble! "With a C3, you could put a drive-in McDonald's there," Cheng said. "You need to look at future potential use." But Hansen and Cheadle pointed out that the adjacent Produce Station — the two spaces are connected by a parking lot — is zoned C3, and has the same potential of becoming a McDonald's. What's wrong with another drive thru McDonald's?
CynicA2
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.
Very funny, clownfish!! #1 in a state that is probably close to the BOTTOM of the list of "best states for start-ups", isn't saying much. Google hasn't come close to doing what they said they would do, and quite possibly never will - a little "excessive exuberance" on the part of a tech company has been known to happen. Barracuda likewise - they haven't actually committed to anything other than exploring their options.
clownfish
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
2009 "Best Small Cities for Start-ups", Ann Arbor #1 city in Michigan, Business Week <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/barracuda-networks-considers-downtown-ann-arbor-expansion-network-security-information-technology-jo/">http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/barracuda-networks-considers-downtown-ann-arbor-expansion-network-security-information-technology-jo/</a> <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/google-plans-to-add-jobs-in-ann-arbor-as-global-hiring-accelerates/">http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/google-plans-to-add-jobs-in-ann-arbor-as-global-hiring-accelerates/</a>
clownfish
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
What's wrong with another drive thru McDonald's? Traffic in that location for one.
clownfish
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
Has the city put up roadblocks or are they following the rules everybody must abide by? The fault lies with the owners for not doing their diligence properly. If you think it is the Cities fault, would you want a tanning factory in your residential neighborhood? How about a stamping plant? A fertilizer factory next to your kids school? We have zoning for a reason, and we have an appeals process. This is called "democracy". The only thing impeding this business is lack of understanding of the rules by the owners.
jcj
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:47 p.m.
It does sound like it would be a welcome addition to Ann Arbor. Unlike the Dream Nite Club! It is too bad the city seemingly bends over backwards for some businesses while keeping in place roadblocks for others. I don't think it would have been necessary to line the pockets of a lawyer. But it certainly would have been prudent to do some research and get some answers before going so far with the project. I hope they don't give up and I wish them well. "With a C3, you could put a drive-in McDonald's there," Cheng said. This argument does NOT hold water in this case! And illustrates a lack of common sense in city hall. The property next door is zoned C3! And the city ALWAYS manages to find ways to put up roadblocks for what THEY don't want!
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.
I think this is more about competition than "zoning". I think zoning is a ruse. The real fact remains that this new sausage business would cut into the Produce Station's sales. Consider the Produce Station's grill menu and the fact that if the sausage place opened, they could totally undercut them with a cheaper tastier product and have beer to boot. I think its too bad that the powers that be will impede them .
KMHall
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.
They would enhance, not threaten, The Produce Station's business.
bruno_uno
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
I feel for the two go getters with a great idea for a cool city like ann arbor. However, they most definitely faulted in not performing basic due dilegence such as zoning before they agreed on this location.
johnnya2
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:17 p.m.
Who invests money into something PRIOR to getting all your zoning and regulatory approvals. It would be like spending money on a bar, only to find out after the fact the property is in a dry county.
MB111
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.
This is precisely why we hear about about growth in the townships and severe budget cuts in the City.
Joseph Lewis
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
None of this should have been a surprise to them. Having an attorney who specializes in zoning and business issues would have made all this clear at the get go, and perhaps they would have found a better location. Poor planning is the real story here.
trapper
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.
Mr. Lewis is exactly right. Professional advice to a new business venture is essential.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
Joseph Lewis, +1 I completely agree. This is a perfect story of why planning your business, before you start, is essential. Especially before you spend this much time and money.
Fat Bill
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
One assumes that these folks didn't have to obtain bank financing to start this project, as a proper business plan would have addressed the zoning issues. I would certainly have made sure my zoning was in order prior to signing the lease and beginning the remodel...
Joseph Lewis
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.
@SL; Yeah, who needs those pesky building codes, health department rules, sanitation regulations, zoning...
Stephen Landes
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
JL -- only because government makes it so difficult to get a business started and keep it running. One should not have to hire a guide just to start a business. I know it is part of life these days, but it is WRONG.
Joseph Lewis
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
@inside. It certainly is custom and best practice to have an attorney when starting a business, especially a food based one. Nothing out of the ordinary at all.
InsideTheHall
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
Think about it JL. You have to lawyer up to start a business. Why? Is it custom? Is it really neccessary? Nope, it is the bureaucrats getting their "cut" of the action. Oh and it helps to hire a "connected" barrister who can cut the "red tape" with the bureaucrat who has hand extended.
Wrangler
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.
Time, and time again, I hear about the city of Ann Arbor impeding small business owners. It sends a sad message. If the U of M wanted a sandwich shop, they'd be allowed to put it anywhere they wanted.
joe golder
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Times are hard enough without putting expensive, timely road blocks up for people trying to do business in the area. This story should have been about the grand opening. You are so right about local politics and universities.
Vivienne Armentrout
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.
The sad part of the story is that the parcel had been allowed to remain as a township island for so long. If they are going to be producing food, they should indeed be hooked up to city services. If the annexation had taken place, they could have resolved the zoning issue relatively quickly. But merely a recommendation from a city planner does not keep them from pleading their case to the Planning Commission for the C3 zoning. I hope that they succeed. It sounds like a marvelous addition to the city, especially right next to the Produce Station. Lots of "synergy" there.
InsideTheHall
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.
And Atlas shrugged. This is the poster story for how government impedes the economy.
Enso
Mon, Jun 20, 2011 : 10:58 a.m.
Look at the state of the economy... It's a perfect example of how business wrecks the economy.
Stephen Landes
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
I was going to write my own comment, but you said it all.
clownfish
Sun, Jun 19, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
2009 "Best Small Cities for Start-ups", Ann Arbor #1 city in Michigan, Business Week