The Master Plan for the future of Independence Township is ready for review.
Major changes from the 2008 Master Plan include revised land usage of historic and rural resources to meet the community’s age and population.
Updates were also made to population demographics, housing, community facilities, and services, natural features, and transportation. The existing land use map has been updated to reflect recent development since 2005, said Richard Carlisle, president of Carlisle/Wortman Associates, the township’s planning consultant.
He noted an increase in office businesses and multiple family dwellings, higher demand for utilities and recreation, and decrease in commercial, industrial ,and agricultural land. Infrastructure and transportation needs included clearer goals and alternative funding.
Carlisle said there is a need to conserve older neighborhoods and maintain attractiveness.
Future land use was also considered while updating the plan.
‘The Planned Mixed Use category was removed and replaced by the Individual Target Plans for Dixie Highway Corridor, Northwest Area, Sashabaw Corridor, and White Lake Area,? Carlisle said.
Changes encourage flexibility in use by allowing for mixed-use development, improving various visual images and traffic safety in the township.
Several other areas of the township were also addressed and updated along with a need to preserve infrastructure and maintain the integrity of the community.
A Green Infrastructure Plan includes updated maps for green infrastructure, natural features, and Michigan natural features inventory.
“The update emphasized pedestrian connections and coordination of open space,? said Carlisle.
Township attorney Steve Joppich said they ensured all legal language of the plan was done correctly.
Another change in the works is a revised mission for Parks, Recreation and Seniors, which will continue to roll out over the next few years.
Clerk Barb Pallotta said the parks and recreation department gets to highlight the beautiful parks and facilities of the community.
‘They help us look good,? she said.
‘Parks are the heart and soul of the community,” said Trustee David Lohmeier.
The Planning Commission wrote the draft revisions to the Master Plan, and sent it to the township board for review. It is also posted online.
Trustees approved a request to approve the plan’s distribution to neighboring communities as well as Oakland County, RCOC, MDOT, and local utilities and railroads.
‘The review period is 63 days. During this period it is also customary to receive public comment,” said township zoning administrator Brian Oppmann.
A formal public hearing is also required before the final draft is approved after the 63 day review period.
The process of reviewing and updating the 2020 Vision Master Plan began in April 2013. Township staff, planners and consultants were involved in the update.
Carlisle encouraged trustees to add their input.
‘The Michigan Planning Enabling Act also provides the township board the opportunity to choose to have final approval authority over the Master Plan,” Carlisle said. ‘Since the board relies upon the plan for guidance in land use decision, I do recommend the board assert authority over approval of the plan.?
To read about updates to the Master Plan, visit www.twp.independence.mi.us.