Planning commission defends master plan

Atlas Twp.-No trailer parks.
That’s the word from township planners who on Wednesday night hosted a public hearing at the Goodrich Middle School Cafetorium which drew about 60 residents to discuss the township master plan.
The master plan, which is reviewed every five years, is a guide for land use in the community it serves.
Rick Misek, Atlas Township Planning Chairman, along with commission members responded to questions and several accusations that had surfaced since the public hearing was scheduled.
‘If a mobile home developer knocks on our door, by law we have to listen to them, however, we can make it very challenging to continue,? said Nick Lomako, township planning consultant from WadeTrim Engineers.
‘There is no intent to bring in a mobile home community. There also has been no changes to the master plan to open that door.?
About five years ago a mobile home community was considered in the township. After a two-year battle, the plan was abandoned.
Several residents also objected to the proposed master plan, with a minimum lot size of five acres.
In 2007 voters turned down a ballot proposal to change an ordinance raising the minimum lot size to five acres, paralleling the master plan.
The planning commission argues that trends are for five to eight acres rather than a higher density three acres.
‘The master plan does not change the law’the plan is five acres, the law is three acres, as residents voted.?
The planning commission will convene on June 17 to evaluate the input from the public hearing. It is uncertain if a vote will be made at that time.
Copies of the master plan are at the Atlas Township Hall, the Goodrich Library and via a link on the Atlas Township website, atlastownhsip.com.
Comments may be mailed or emailed to the Atlas Township Clerk, Attention Planning Commission.