MCC gets variance for parking lot

The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals Oct. 20 approved a variance request for a temporary parking area near Mott Community College on the southwest corner of Horrigan Drive and Longway Boulevard.

It uses a system of flexible, porous paving material instead of the asphalt or Portland binder pavement that is required for any off-street paving for more than five vehicles.

Larry Comer, a MCC representative, said that student enrollment increased 20 percent from last year. An overabundance of cars and an increase in traffic prompted a new approach to solving the problem with Grass-Pave II, a sand and gravel substance.

It stabilizes the lawn but leaves it as grass and is environmentally friendly.

Comer said that the substance is only made for occasional use. If it were used for heavy traffic the grass would erode.

The group approved an amendment to its bylaws permitting teleconferencing in case a physical quorum is not present. The measure requires a minimum of four members present and one person present by telephone.

The board will meet next at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St. Call 766-7355 for details.