Independence Township Planning Commission is seeking public input on the updated township Master Plan.
The most significant change to the plan is the combination of three documents, Background Studies, Vision 2020 Strategic Plan, and Vision 2020 Master Plan, into one document, reported Richard Carlisle, planning consultant, to the Township Board.
The Transportation Plan has been extensively updated about maintenance and responsibility over the roads in the township, Carlisle said.
Also, maps have been updated to reflect roadway improvements completed since 1999 and new ones still to be completed, he said.
A new type of path called a Rural Pathway was created for the northwestern portion of the township has been added to the Safety Path Master Plan.
‘Due to the rural gravel roads, is not appropriate for concrete safety paths,? Carlisle said.
Rural pathways are 10 feet wide, crushed limestone or aggregate. They will be along roads including Allen, Reese, Rattalee Lake, Hadley, Oak Hill and Hubbard Road.
A section on Opportunities for Change has been added, which outlines several ways the township can influence function and character of roads in the township, even though roads are designed, built and maintained by agencies such as the Road Commission for Oakland County and the Michigan Department of Transportation, he said.
‘Land use decisions often go hand-in-hand with transportation,? Carlisle said. ‘Therefore, it is important to consider the township’s options on improving the transportation network.?
The Greenways Plan and map has been updated to include a county initiative entitled Green Infrastructure. Green Infrastructure is a visioning process to identify green corridors, land use practices, and community conservation goals, he said.
The master plan helps provide a general statement of the township’s goals and policies and provides a comprehensive view of the community’s desires for the future, define the future character of the community, and serve as an aid to both short-term and long range decision-making, Carlisle said.
The Vision 2020 Master Plan is available at the Independence Township Clerk’s Office, Building and Planning Department, and at the Township’s website, www.twp.independence.mi.us. Residents, business owners or other stakeholders who have questions or comments can contact: Independence Township Building & Planning Department, 248-625-8111; Carlisle/Wortman Associates, 734 662-2200; or Brian Oppmann (boppmann, 248-625-8480