Development News for Taylor, Michigan

Taylor Council Approves Draw for 2026 Junior League World Series

The council approved the draw for the 2026 Junior League World Series (JLWS), with a total of 12 teams participating, divided into six teams in the United States bracket and six in the international bracket. The local District 5 tournament will be held at Heritage Park. The draw determined the buy positions for teams in both the international and U.S. brackets, with specific regions assigned to bracket numbers. This event marks the 44th JLWS to be held in Taylor, making it one of the longest-running international youth sporting events. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th, with tournament games beginning Sunday, August 9th, and concluding with the championship game on Sunday, August 16th. All games will be available on ESPN Plus.

Taylor Council Refers Utility Easement Vacation Petition to Planning Commission

The council considered a petition to vacate utility easements adjacent to lots 96 through 112 and 475, 479 through 485 on West Point. The property owner intends to combine these lots into one larger parcel, currently zoned differently. A concern was raised that not all adjacent property owners signed the petition, specifically two parcels south of Mercer on West Point. The process involves referral to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation, followed by a public hearing, ensuring the non-signing property owner has an opportunity to be heard. The council ultimately approved the referral to the Planning Commission.

Taylor Approves $1.3 Million All-Inclusive Playscape for Heritage Park

The council approved Ventura LLC as the selected contractor for the design and installation of a new all-inclusive playscape at Heritage Park. The project is funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and a TBA capital outlay account for 2026-2027, totaling not to exceed $1,300,000. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance city parks and recreation, and thanked Senator Erica Geis for securing the grant. The playscape will be built around the existing structure, adding new features designed to be inclusive for all users. Construction is expected to take approximately eight to nine months, with completion anticipated by spring of next year. The Parks and Recreation team, led by Mr. Ulin, and the Recreation Commission were commended for their work on the project.

Taylor Considers Rezoning of Former Masco Campus for Mixed-Use Development

The council received and filed the first reading for a rezoning proposal for parcel 60-220-99-001-017. The property, currently zoned I-1B2 Light Industrial Business Regional Taylor Gearbourne Heights Gateway Overlay, is proposed to be rezoned to I-1 PUD Light Industrial Plan Unit Development. The site is the former Masco Corporation campus, located at the southwest corner of Van Bourne and Merrick Street. The PUD rezoning would allow for uses including an upscale self-storage facility (132,050 sq ft), an event and conference center (60,000 sq ft), and professional offices (75,732 sq ft). The Planning Commission has added a condition to exclude manufacturing, intense industrial uses, and specific transportation/warehousing uses, requiring any special land use to return to the Planning Commission for approval. Council members expressed support for the applicant's vision of preserving the unique campus-like building and revitalizing the vacant site. Matthew and Brian, the applicants, were present and commended for their work with the city team.