Some believe the biggest challenge in Springfield Township is balancing the rural lifestyle with the demand for modern services.
Looking into 2004, Supervisor Collin Walls sees the challenge in a different light.
‘The real challenge is separating what’s needed from what’s desired,? Walls said. ‘I don’t have the feeling that we have a preponderance of residents wanting something other than what we have. There are a few, but they’re not the majority.?
Springfield Township is coming off a year which saw major road improvements along Dixie Highway and adoption of an ‘overlay district? amendment to the zoning ordinance.
Private development such as Hosler Pontiac and the new Kroger plaza (planned for completion this spring) will add to the improved look, and Walls sees additional emphasis on physical improvements in that corridor.
‘Visually that’s an immediate impact,? he said. ‘I think that’s a positive thing that will begin to snowball.?
The next step, Walls said, is to work with smaller property owners on redevelopment.
‘We have some really dysfunctional lot sizes from many many years ago that will need some creative minds and flexibility in order to be redeveloped properly,? he said. ‘I think we’re going to see a community-initiated effort to work with Dixie Highway property owners a little more closely in trying to get some continuation of improvements.?
In the realm of public services, 2004 should see the completion of a five-year capital improvement plan, a cooperative project involving the township board, planning commission, library board, parks and recreation and fire department.
‘We have a finite number of dollars to spend on major improvements,? Walls said, but the group has attempted to prioritize township needs. Near, if not at, the top of the list is expansion of Fire Station #2 on Rattalee Lake Road.
The Springfield Township Fire Department will also see enhanced service in 2004 with two new full-time fighters and the location of an American Emergency Response ambulance rig at one of the township fire stations.
Walls believes another important new project will be the promotion of ‘dry hydrants? at new developments. Such hydrants will depend on lakes for their water supply and require less maintenance than standard hydrants.
The only major road construction project slated for 2004 is the paving of Holcomb Road. ‘By the time we get done with our share of Dixie Highway and Holcomb Road, that’s a reasonable investment.?
Township officials will also likely continue efforts to educate people concerning water quality and stormwater management, Walls said. ‘It’s a [federal] mandate and a long-standing community interest? since the 1980s, he said. ‘It’s the natural continuation of the evolution of the community.?
Growth in the township seems inevitable, but Walls said officials will stand firm in their enforcement of open space and wetlands preservation requirements. He hopes developers understand the need for cooperation for everyone’s benefit.
‘It’s the only reasonable way you can work with a property owner and protect their ability to gain a reasonable return on their investments, and still attempt to preserve and maintain some of the character that we came here to enjoy.?
Of course, 2004 is an election year, and Springfield Township has not only a seven-member board of trustees but also an elected library board and an elected parks and recreation commission.
State election law calls for all to be elected on the same ballot, so Walls predicts a lively time come summer and fall.
‘It is possible that every elected position in the township could be all brand new. It’s highly unlikely, but’there’s always a surprise or two in an election year.?