Brandon Twp.- The planning commission is seeking input from township residents on what kind of development they would like to see in the community.
A master plan public study session is planned for 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, at the township library, 304 South St., Ortonville.
‘It’s not a new master plan, just a review of an existing one to see if we want changes,? said Jody Hall, planning commission member. ‘We want input from the public to get comments, suggestions, to find out what they want to see different or changed, what they like or don’t like.?
Pursuant to Michigan law, the township has to review their master plan every five years. Hall called the last review in 2009, ‘an exhaustive process,? with two public meetings and economic development from the county.
This time around, one of the features the planning commission is looking at is adding possible connective trails for walking and biking. Grant money is a funding option for trails, which are increasingly popular, and could be connected with trails in other townships.
‘I find that an important feature? get out and enjoy nature at no cost,? said Hall. ‘Trails would be open space and recre-ational use, but we want to outline them on the master plan.?
A planning tool for development, the master plan study session will seek feedback regarding residential development; commercial, industrial and economic development; parks, open space and natural feature preservation; traffic and transportation; and community facilities.
‘We just want feedback? are you happy? What do you want to see with your township? What kind of development do you or don’t you want?? said Hall. ‘We want to maintain the rural character of Brandon, with no big box stores on M-15. Some people want to widen M-15, some don’t. A lot of people want to preserve more open space and protect wetlands up here. We’re just going to get feedback to make sure everything is going well.?
The master plan will be adopted sometime in 2015.