Last chance to comment on master plan

Mitchell Township residents will have a final opportunity to review and provide comments on the township's proposed master plan.

The township planning commission, with the assistance of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, has been updating the master plan. The purpose of the master plan is to provide guidelines for future development, while protecting the natural resources, preserving community character and maintaining the sense of community. The planning commission held a series of planning workshops during their quarterly meetings, said Richard Deuell, NEMCOG senior planner.

The draft master plan can be viewed July 28 from 6-8 p.m. at the Mitchell Township Hall. The plan can also be viewed at the NEMCOG Web site at www.nemcog.org/Mitchell-Township_MP.htm. A public hearing for the draft will take place 7 p.m. at the township hall.

The public comment and review is the last phase before the master plan is presented for adoption by the township planning commission and board of trustees. The current plan was written in the 1980s, said Tim London, planning commission secretary.

"The plan will be the basis for any future zoning," he said.

London said during July 28 viewing session, he and the planning commission will be present with a few copies of the master plan draft. If people have comments they can be submitted at that time.

Aug. 4 will be the final time the planning commission can legally accept public comment. After the hearing any comments received will be incorporated into the master plan if necessary. The draft then would be adopted by the planning commission and presented to the township board for its acceptance, London said.

"(Then) we would mail the finalized copies of the plan to all the surrounding local units of government and anyone that might have a reason to know what's in the master plan," he said.

London said for more information about the master plan or to make arrangements for viewing a draft he can be reached at 848-2195.

Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.