COVER PHOTO: Steve Witte of Nederfeld outlines plans for the new Dorr Family Dentistry practice.

The Dorr Township Planning Commission stepped back a little bit Tuesday evening to approve the site plan for a new and additional buildings submitted by Dorr Family Dentistry Dr. Bryant Dudzik.

Commission members grappled with a recent township policy insisting on sidewalks when new or improved building and sites are established, but eventually relented because the requirement would delay and perhaps even scuttle the project altogether.

The practice currently is located between the cemetery and the new township hall (formerly Crossroads Church) 1697 142nd Ave.

Steve Witte of Nederfeld of Grand Rapids outlined Dr. Dudzik’s plans to replace the current building with a 4,473-square-foot facility on the 1.88-acre site and install another, even larger building at 5,250 square feet. Also planned are adjustments to the parking area.

The new dental offices will be connected to the sewer, but will have a private well water system.

 The township, ever since approving a new master plan, has wanted to insist that all new projects include new sidewalks as a matter of public safety, especially along the busy thoroughfare that is 142nd Avenue.

However, it was pointed out that the land in front of the cemetery to the immediate west doesn’t have a sidewalk, so Dorr Family Dentistry’s cement walkway would be interrupted.

Plan Commission Chairman Dan Beute opined, “I think it (the township’s sidewalk policy) is a good idea, but it isn’t required.”