Brandon Twp.- Responsible development is the goal of Defending Our Natural Treasures (DON’T), a new group that has formed from several smaller groups concerned about recent development in the area.
The group will meet at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 27, at the Edna Burton Senior Center, 345 Ball St. and the public is invited.
‘We’re hoping to implement zoning ordinance changes,? said DON’T Spokesperson Jason Gault. ‘In 2004, an amendment was made to the master plan… They created an overlay district that identifies natural features in the township and we would like to see changes implemented that would protect and serve to ensure those natural features stay there for a long time and are not wiped out by future development.?
Gault cites Springfield Township, Independence Township and Ann Arbor as some municipalities that have created a series of zoning regulations giving high priority to natural features. In the local area, he cites the Kearsley Creek as the natural feature that needs to be protected.
Carol Woodbridge, a member of DON’T, says her fear is that M-15 is becoming similar to Dixie Highway in Waterford.
‘Filling in wetland buffers will penetrate Kearsley Creek,? she said. ‘We’ll have commercial fest instead of CreekFest… We want to work with developers and township officials to maintain the rural character of Brandon.?
Development plans recently approved for M-15 include a 122,000 square-foot retail center by Brandon Development Lockwood LLC, to be located south of Brandon High School and a 144-unit apartment complex, north of Solley’s Appliance and Fireplace Center, to be developed by Silverman Development Company. Silverman is also planning a 15,000 square-foot retail center just south of the entrance to the Long Lake Village subdivision, and will seek approval for a site plan at the planning commission meeting set for 7:30 p.m., Aug. 28, at the township offices, 395 Mill St.
DON’T is on the agenda for the Sept. 25 meeting of the planning commission.
‘We think if the township is educated, we can reach a good understanding on how to go forward,? Gault said.
To join DON’T, or for more information, email carolskiw@yahoo.com