Plymouth BZA approves variance for salon at 825 N. Center Street

Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

A new business can locate in the former Blueberry Cottage building at the corner of Harrison and Center Street in Plymouth following Tuesday night’s action by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

BZA members heard the variance of use request from Susan Shaw, owner of 825 North Center Street. Shaw sought a variance to allow a salon in the building, which is zoned R-3, a traditional residential district within the historic overlay district.

Cailee Brummett wants to purchase the property and open a salon, but she needs a variance of use to operate in the residential district. Brummett told BZA members she would be the only stylist in the building with an upstairs apartment.

Plymouth Plan Director Ty Adley said the previous commercial use lapsed in grandfathering, requiring the applicant to pursue the variance.

During the public hearing, Britton Smith, who lives around the corner on North Michigan Street, spoke in favor of the request, saying, “It’s a great idea.” He expressed his desire to support his neighbors and stated that filling the empty building was a good plan. However, Smith had some concerns about the traffic speed on Harrison Street.

Adley also read a letter of support for the variance request from another neighbor, Jeff Houin.

With only three of the five board members present, Shaw’s variance request passed with a 3-0 vote.