Steady growth for Atlas Township

Atlas Twp.- A five acre lot size, rezoning of M-15 properties and continued work on some of the more than 47 miles of gravel roads, are just a few of the issues Paul Amman, township supervisor, has to contend with this year.
‘New homes in the township have sagged over the past three years,? said Amman. ‘As a result, we have reduced the hours that our building department is open due to lack of business.?
Building permits sagged from 40 in 2004, to 24 permits in 2005, down to nine in 2006’similar to trends statewide. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has grown from a population of 5,551 in 1990 to 7,257 in 2000.
Amman says that while the number of homes built in the township has decreased, the State Equalization Value has increased by more than $50 million.
‘Part of this is due to increasing property values, and part is due to the quality of new home construction in Atlas Township. By the time someone purchases a lot in Atlas Township and adds a septic system and well to the cost of the lot, they have a substantial investment, so they usually build a home that is compatible with the investment.?
‘We’ll continue to grow at a slow rate’but the quality of development will continue to grow.?
The township master plan allows for commercial property to be limited to the north end of the M-15 corridor, to eventually become either commercial or manufacturing districts.
While the township provides a zone to foster new businesses, Doug Tetmeyer, president of the Goodrich/Atlas Chamber of Commerce says don’t forget existing area business.
‘Supporting local business helps support your friends, neighbors; it also maintains a great level of convenience and trust,? said Tetmeyer.
‘It is much more convenient to buy a product or hire a service locally than it is to rely on someone from miles away. Hiring someone locally also gives a great deal of security: wouldn’t you rather buy from someone you or your neighbors know well??