Planning Commission Rejects Major Changes to West Main Villages Project

The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to reject a revised development proposal that would have brought a Kroger grocery store and gas station to West Main Street.

The vote came after residents and commissioners accused the developer of abandoning the original mixed-use vision for the West Main Villages project.

"It kind of feels like the old bait and switch," a resident said during the public hearing.

From Walkable Village to Superstore

The Ferlito Group, a Detroit-based developer, originally received approval in 2025 for the township's first project under its new Mixed Use District zoning ordinance. That plan called for:

  • 336 apartment units across 10 buildings
  • 108 duplex units across 54 buildings
  • Multiple small commercial buildings along West Main Street
  • A total of 440 housing units

The revised proposal submitted this week would have replaced that layout with:

  • A 99,000-square-foot Kroger grocery store
  • A fueling station
  • 264 apartment units across 8 buildings
  • 77 single-family homes
  • A total of 329 housing units

That is a reduction of 111 housing units from the original plan.

Gas Station Not Permitted in Mixed-Use Zone

Township staff noted that a gas station is not a permitted use under the Mixed Use District zoning. The project would require rezoning at least part of the property to commercial status.

"This plan does not fit with the mixed-use concept we have previously approved," said planning commission chair Scot Jefferies.

Traffic and Walkability Concerns

Residents raised concerns about increased traffic, truck access, and the loss of walkability during the hearing.

"We keep talking about walkability. Now we're talking about a gas station," one resident said.

Many pointed out that the area already has multiple grocery options within a short drive, including Meijer, Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe's, two Harding's, and a Target grocery.

Affordability Questions

The shift from duplexes to single-family homes raised affordability concerns. The developer stated the homes would sell for between $300,000 and $450,000.

"The price point just described doesn't sound like entry level loans," said planning commissioner Ron Ver Planck.

Tony Ferlito of the Ferlito Group responded:

"Show me where you can buy a brand new product for under $300,000. Please. If you show me one, I will go buy one because it's impossible."

Kroger Defends the Plan

Kroger representatives said the store would employ about 150 people and focus primarily on food rather than home goods.

"We truly believe fits within the multi-use zoning," said Tony Ferlito. "This is a smaller footprint, fresh market, grocery store."

What Happens Next

The Thursday vote does not cancel the project approved in 2025. The developer can still build according to the original plan. The developer can also return with a new zoning request.

"It's frustrating. This is our first mixed use development. And it had and still could have the potential to be a role model," said Trustee Michael Chapman.

As of now, the township appears committed to its original vision for its first-ever mixed-use district.