OSCODA TOWNSHIP AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN 2021 This page intentionally left blank. OSCODA TOWNSHIP AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN 2021
TOWNSHIP BOARD Ann Richards, Supervisor Jaimie McGuire, Treasurer Joshua Sutton, Clerk Timothy Cummings, Trustee Steve Wusterbarth, Trustee Jeremy Spencer, Trustee William Palmer, Trustee
PLANNING COMMISSION Mimi McDonald, Chairperson Edward Davis, Vice Chairperson Bernie Schenk Bill Palmer Cathy Wusterbarth John Minor
Dan Gary (2020) Bob Tazior (2020)
ADMINISTRATION Michael Mitchell, Township Superintendent Eric Szymanski, Planning & Zoning Director Todd Dickerson, Economic Improvement Director
2018 COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN 2019 STRATEGIC PLAN
2021 AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN LIST OF MAPS LIST OF TABLES Map 1: Regional Setting 13 Table 1: Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance Comparison 9 Map 2: Transportation Network 31 Table 2: Population Change in Oscoda Township 18 Map 3: Recreational Resources 35 Table 3: Population Change 19 Map 4: Recreational Resources 35 Table 4: Age Distribution 19 Map 5: Topography 39 Table 5: Household Characteristics 21 Map 6: Soils 39 Table 6: Housing Stock (2015 ACS) 22 Map 7: Wetlands 40 Table 7: Housing Tenure (2015 ACS) 23 Map 8: Waterbodies 40 Table 8: Age of Housing Structure 23 Map 9: Federal and State Land 43 Table 9: Educational Attainment (2015 ACS) 25 Map 10: Existing Land Use 49 Table 10: Income and Poverty (2015 ACS) 27 Map 11: Growth & Investment Areas 67 Table 11: Existing Land Use Calculations 46 Map 12.1: Future Land Use 70 Table 12: SWOT Analysis 60 Map 12.2: Future Land Use 71 Table 13: Land Uses for Growth & Investment Areas 68 Map 12.3: Future Land Use 71 Table 14: Future Land Use Categories 72
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Population Change in Oscoda Township 18 Figure 2: Age Distribution in Oscoda Township 19 Figure 3: Household Size 20 Figure 4: Oscoda Township Housing Stock (2015 ACS) 22 Figure 5: Age of Housing Structure (2015 ACS) 23 Figure 6: Median Housing Value (2015 ACS) 24 Figure 7: HIgh School Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (2015 ACS) 24 Figure 8: Employment by Industry (2015 ACS) 26 Figure 9: Reasons Why Respondents live in Oscoda Township 53 Figure 10: How Important are the Following ISsues to You? 54 Figure 11: Opinion on if the Population in Oscoda Township Should Grow in the Coming Years 55 Figure 12: Opinion on if Oscoda Township Should Have More Development in the Coming Years 55 Figure 13: Commercial Services Oscoda Township Needs 56 Figure 14: Housing Choices The Township Should Plan For 56 Figure 15: Needed Additional Recreation and Support Facilities in the Township 57 Figure 16: Oscoda Township Properties Recently Visited 57 Figure 17: Reasons Why Respondents Visit Public Parks and Recreation Facilities 57 Figure 18: Respondent Opinion on Future Land Use Patterns Along the Lake Huron Shoreline 58 Figure 19: Top SWOT Responses 59 FIgure 20: Summary of Online Survey Results 61 FIgure 21: Oscoda Township Planning Commission Resolution of Adoption 88 FIgure 22: Oscoda Township Board of Trustees Resolution of Adoption 89 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 7 2. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND 11 3. DEMOGRAPHICS 17 4. COMMUNITY FACILITIES 29 5. NATURAL FEATURES 37 6. EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS 45 7. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 51 8. GROWTH & INVESTMENT AREAS 63 9. FUTURE LAND USE 69 10. ACTION PLAN 79 This page intentionally left blank.
6 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 1. INTRODUCTION
Introduction | 7 INTRODUCTION conditions in the Township. One of the most important sections of the plan is The Oscoda Township Master Plan is the public input, which is an important a policy document which reviews the tool to guide future decision-making current conditions in Oscoda Township, and developing goals. Finally, the and based on that review and public goals in conjunction with the Future input, provides goals and objectives for Land use section, strive to improve and the future of land use planning in a 5 to strengthen areas of the community 20-year time frame. The plan, used in that the residents enjoy and work to conjunction with the Township Zoning change areas and issues that have been Ordinance, will assist in guiding future identifi ed as a concern. land use decisions. The legal basis and rationale for the Master Plan are outlined The main purpose of a Master Plan is in the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, to guide and enable a community to PA 33 of 2008, as amended. establish the direction of development. Specifi cally, the Planning Act gives This document is a culmination of the communities the authority to adopt efforts by the Oscoda Township Planning an offi cial Master Plan, and to serve Commission to create and adopt an as a guide for local offi cials when offi cial Master Plan. This process greatly considering land development matters. valued the input from the community, The Master Plan considers all of the and therefore the document is refl ective information listed above and as such of their wishes and concerns in regards aims to: to the community. It strives to retain and strengthen the quality of life in » Guide the use of limited resources in the Township, while planning ahead to an effi cient manner anticipate and address changes. This » Promote public health, safety, and document outlines the preferred future, welfare or vision, of Oscoda Township. » Preserve the quality of the environment PLANNING PROCESS » Guide future zoning decisions The Master Plan is constructed from a number of various components, To ensure the Master Plan is current, including a community profi le, natural and adheres to the fl ux of current social resources inventory, existing land use, and economic trends, the plan must community input, goals and objectives, be periodically reviewed. The MPEA and a future land use plan. The initial requires that a Master Plan be reviewed inventories, community profi le, natural by the Township once every fi ve years. resources, and existing land use serve as an analytical tool to review the current In March of 2016, Oscoda Township began creating their Master Plan. The Township contracted with Spicer Group Inc. to assist the Planning Commission with this process. The Planning Commission met with the Spicer Group fi ve times between March 2016 and October 2017 to develop the plan. Community input was sought through an online survey. Feedback from the community as well as inventory data collected at the beginning of the process was the basis for the goals, objectives, and action items outlined in this plan.
8 | Oscoda Township Master Plan TABLE 1: MASTER PLAN AND ZONING ORDINANCE COMPARISON
Master Plan Zoning Ordinance
Provides general policies; a guide. Provides specifi c regulations; the law.
Describes what should happen in the future. Recommended land use for Describes what is and what is not allowed the next 20 years, not necessarily the today, based on existing conditions. recommended use for today. Includes recommendations that involve Deals only with development-related issues other agencies and groups. under Township control. Flexible to respond to changing Fairly rigid, requires formal amendments to conditions. change.
On December 11, 2017, the Board of Ordinance contains the rules that Trustees submitted the draft plan to govern the present. neighboring jurisdictions and to Iosco County as required by the Planning The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act Enabling Act. On March 5, 2018, the requires that a Zoning Ordinance be Planning Commission held a public based on an adopted Master Plan. hearing on the Master Plan, required by Often, once a community has updated the Planning Enabling Act. This provided their Master Plan, it will also review the an additional opportunity for public Zoning Ordinance to ensure it aligns input into the Master Plan. The fi nal with the goals of the Master Plan. Master Plan was adopted on March 5, 2018 by the Oscoda Township Planning USING THE MASTER PLAN Commission. The Master Plan will be used primarily MASTER PLANS AND by the Board of Trustees, the Planning ZONING ORDINANCES Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals as a guide in making land use Often Master Plans and Zoning decisions. Applicants seeking approval Ordinances are thought of as the same from any of these bodies will also fi nd document. However, a more accurate the Master Plan to be a valuable tool for description would be that they are understanding the long-term goals of two different set of tools, used in the Township. Likewise, the Master Plan conjunction with one another, and can be used by other citizen committees work toward the same purpose and to assist them in their review of land-use goals. Even though the documents are related issues. working toward the same goals, they are actually different. The Master Plan also acts as the starting point for all Zoning Ordinance updates The Zoning Ordinance is the law, and and amendments. Michigan State Law it regulates the use and development requires that the Zoning Ordinance and of land as it exists in the present. zoning amendments be based upon a The Master Plan is policy and should Master Plan. The Master Plan gives a therefore be used as a guide to legal basis for zoning and identifi es how the future use of land and overall the community is protecting the health, development in the Township. While safety, and welfare of the population. the Master Plan outlines a community’s In the event that either the Zoning vision for the future, the Zoning Ordinance or a decision of either the
Introduction | 9 Planning Commission is challenged in » Provide a basis for amendments to court, the Master Plan will help provide the Zoning Ordinance and zoning the planning rationale to support land map – to help realize and enforce use regulation. plan goals. » Understand expectations for the The Board of Trustees, Planning future land use patterns and desired Commission, and the public should land use types in the community – continuously reference the Master plan to inform potential residents and in order to: businesses about Oscoda Township and its future. » Review development proposals – to confi rm any given proposal meets all » Identify and recommend physical goals and objectives of the Master improvements – to provide direction Plan. for provision of roadways, entryways, non-motorized paths, parks, and » Review rezoning requests – to community facilities. confi rm that the request is consistent with the goals and policies of the » Provide specifi c design standards Master Plan, and potential impacts related to buildings, landscaping, and on the Township. other site improvements – to guide development and redevelopment throughout the community.
10 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 2. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
Community Background | 11 For a Master Plan to be successful, There is a second cemetery across from various community aspects must be the church. At both sites, the majority of analyzed. Background studies include the graves are unmarked. evaluating the most current U.S. Census data, historical trends, community As the fi rst settlements grew into surveys and other resources. Important a more permanent community, the factors that make up a community logging industry also contributed to include population, housing, the signifi cant growth in this area. The local economy, natural resources, river served as an excellent means to public facilities and infrastructure, and transport logs to the mouth of the existing land use. These factors, along river where eight lumber mills were with community input methods such operational. The timber was then as community surveys, help leaders transported by ships from the docks on determine the wants and needs of the Lake Huron to the markets in Detroit citizens for the future of their Township. and Chicago. By the early 1900s the lumber era came to a close, and in a REGIONAL SETTING massive fi re both the Oscoda and Au Sable communities were almost totally Oscoda Township is located in the destroyed. northeastern portion of Iosco County, in the upper lower peninsula of the State On July 11, 1911, a forest fi re caused by of Michigan (see Map 1). It is bordered sparks thrown from a train locomotive by Lake Huron to the east, Plainfi eld ignited outside of Oscoda and spread Township to the west, Wilber Township quickly into town. This fi re joined with and Au Sable Township to the south, an already burning forest fi re outside of and Alcona County to the north. It is Au Sable, and collectively burned down a large rectangular-shaped Township, all of Au Sable and all but a handful of equating to three of Michigan’s buildings in Oscoda. The fi re is said by traditional 36-mile square townships. some to be one of the most devastating fi res in the history of Michigan. This HISTORY is due to the fact that Oscoda was a lumbering area, therefore all of the The Oscoda-Au Sable area attracted structures and even the sidewalks and early French explorers because of the roadways were made from wood. The abundance of natural resources and townspeople were forced to abandon game. Oscoda is a Native American their homes and seek refuge in the Indian term meaning “a pebbly prairie”. cold waters of Lake Huron. Luckily, The Au Sable River running through there was a lumber boat docked in Oscoda was named by the French, and town which carried many of the men, means a river of sand. Louis Chevalier women, and children to safety in Bay was the fi rst to establish a claim in this City. However, the aftermath of the area. He built a trading post at the fi re was devastating to the region. The mouth of the river, and soon a small two towns were destroyed, the lumber community grew. company, mills, and acres of lumber were burned to the ground, and the Before becoming a settler’s community, majority of the residents were forced Oscoda was home to the Chippewa to leave the region and begin their lives Indians. One of the few physical anew. While the fi re was devastating, remnants of the tribe is the Chippewa overall there were only fi ve deaths, and Indian Cemetery on Indian Road. It is over time parts of the communities were an artifact and historic record of the able to slowly rebuild. original Native American settlements in the area. Currently, the cemetery In 1923, Major Carl Spatz came to is administered by the Oscoda United Oscoda and proposed the construction Methodist Church. of an airfi eld for army aircraft. Up until this point in history, this was the
12 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Map 1: Regional Setting MAP 1: REGIONAL SETTING
Community Background | 13 Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Top); Wurtsmith Air Museum (Bottom) most signifi cant event defi ning the 1997, the Michigan Legislature created development of the community. First the Wurtsmith Renaissance Zone, a known as Loud- Reames Aviation Field, designation exempting businesses and in 1924 the base was renamed Camp residents within the 5,000-acre zone Skeel and became Selfridge gunnery from all state and most local taxes. camp, until 1944 when it was renamed Over the years, different parts of the Oscoda Army Air Field. During World air base have been occupied by various War II, the base was used to train French private and public organizations and the pilots. In 1953, that base was renamed former base has been redeveloped and Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In 1960, the integrated into the community. Strategic Air Command (SAC) took over the base and brought in the 379th Currently, the old base area has a varied Bombardment Wing fl ying the KC-135A mixture of uses which include Kalitta Air, Stratotanker and the brand-new B-52H Phoenix Composite Solutions, Phoenix Stratofortress. At its peak, the base Flight Solutions, HAECO Americas military population was approximately Engine Services, and several other 3,135 personnel plus dependents. The aviation- related businesses. There are base was permanently closed in 1993 by several manufacturing facilities and the Department of Defense. a telecommunications company, and more than 40 other private businesses. Now the old Air Force base is called In addition to the industry, there is also the Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport. As restored base housing, multiple family of 1993 it was opened as a public residential complexes, churches, a airport, and in 1994 the Township took medical care facility, the public library, over the area as the Redevelopment a community college, performing arts Authority. The Authority’s purpose was theater, and two museums including to operate and maintain the airport. In the Wurtsmith Air Museum and the 14 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Veterans Memorial Park of Northeast of the 19th and 20th Centuries, which Michigan. Overall, the entities at the is something this small town with deep former base provide over 1,300 jobs to roots in logging feels close to the heart. the area and about 700 privately-owned residences. Tourism and recreation are a vital part of the Oscoda community and economy. In 2000, Oscoda Township needed to In 2008, Oscoda Township applied for a replace an aging wastewater treatment Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund plant, and subsequently took ownership Grant. The State awarded the Township of the old base wastewater treatment $460,000 to extend a boardwalk and system. The newly acquired system build a pier off Oscoda Beach Park. featured aerated lagoons. Around While this pier is new, it comes from a 2014, the aeration components in long history of wooden piers that have the lagoons began to fail. Upgrades shaped Oscoda’s history beginning over were implemented which improved 100 years ago. In the past, these piers the wastewater treatment quality and were used for industry, commercial lengthened the system’s useful age. The fi shing, and transportation. The existing upgrades included removing sludge, pier is representative of that past, installing a new fi ne bubble aeration but now serves the community as a system, replacing the existing blowers, destination point for recreation, fi shing, performing rapid infi ltration basin a landmark in the community, and a distribution piping modifi cations, and way to promote the natural resources adding a chemical feed mixing structure of the area. The pier was designed to and effl uent metering. Upgrades be universally accessible, with benches were fi nished in October of 2016. and fi shing opportunities, specialty Throughout the upgrade, the entire lighting, and a connection to an existing system had to stay in operation so the park boardwalk. It is the centerpiece to Township’s customers never lost service. an extensive recreation system in the With the completion of the upgrades, Township. the Township now has three times its original capacity and a system in compliance with all regulations.
As previously mentioned, Oscoda’s history is rooted deep in the logging industry. It was the original major industry and a driving force for the development of the Township, and still plays a signifi cant role in the Township’s identity today. In 2005, the Michigan House of Representatives named Oscoda Township as the offi cial birthplace of Paul Bunyan. While little is known about the specifi cs of his life, he represents the bravery, strength, endurance, and larger-than-life persona of the men who worked in the logging industry in its heyday. The fact that Oscoda was named the offi cial birthplace of Paul Bunyan resonates deep in the area, and is something very important to their heritage. The Township has a statue to commemorate him at Furtaw Field, and also hosts a Paul Bunyan Days Festival every year. He represents how strong, hard-working men in a small American lumber town helped fuel the prosperity
Community Background | 15 This page intentionally left blank.
16 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 3. DEMOGRAPHICS
Demographics | 17 This section includes an analysis of During the last 70 years, Oscoda the demographic data taken from the Township has experienced rapid 2010 U.S. Census, and the American population increases and decreases. Community Survey (ACS), as well as Before World War II, the Township was other sources. Census data provides a a large land area occupied by very few current profi le of the Township and its people. By 1950, the population had existing trends, both of which can affect increased by 15.3%, and in 1960 there Future Land Use. was an increase of 398.5% of people in the Township. This was due to the POPULATION TRENDS AND high concentration of population in COMPARISONS the areas around Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB) and the existing urban Population growth is the most important settlement along US-23. The exponential factor infl uencing land use decisions population growth continued in 1970, in any community. If a community is adding an additional 182% of people. increasing in population, there will be an At that time, the Township population increased need for housing, commercial had reached 11,585 people. establishments, industry, parks and recreation, and roads. When WAFB closed in 1993, the event caused a dramatic change in the total population of the Township. According to the 1990 U.S. Census, 11,958 FIGURE 1: POPULATION CHANGE IN OSCODA people lived in Oscoda Township. Using TOWNSHIP estimation methods developed by the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), as described in the Township’s Recreation Plan, about 6,521 people continued to reside in the Township after the closure of WAFB.
The 2000 Census Data suggests that the population loss was not as dramatic as was originally thought. As shown in Table 2, the consequences of the base closure were perhaps overstated, or the programs that were initiated to revitalize the Township were relatively effective. While there was a large loss in TABLE 2: POPULATION CHANGE IN OSCODA the local population, there were about 10% more residents present in the TOWNSHIP community in April of 2000 than had been predicted to be present. The 2010 Population # Change % Change U.S. Census reported 6,997 residents 1940 731 - - living in Oscoda Township.
1950 843 112 15.3% Over the past decade, the decreasing 1960 4,202 3,359 398.5% population trend has continued. According to the 2010 Census, the 1970 11,585 7,383 175.7% Township has a population of 6,997 1980 11,386 -199 -1.7% residents, which was a decrease of 1990 11,958 572 5.0% 3.46% since 2000. In the past 5 years, this trend has continued. ACS data from 2000 7,248 -4,710 -39.4% 2015 estimates that there are 6,867 2010 6,997 -251 -3.5% residents in the Township, which is a decrease of 1.86%. These population 2015 6,867 -130 -1.86% trends, and that of the County, are similar to those of other Michigan
18 | Oscoda Township Master Plan TABLE 3: POPULATION CHANGE
1990 2000 2010 2015 Oscoda Township 11,958 7,248 6,997 6,867 Iosco County 30,209 27,339 25,887 25,401 Michigan 9,295,297 9,938,444 9,883,640 9,900,571
TABLE 4: AGE DISTRIBUTION
Age Range Oscoda Township Iosco County Michigan Residents % Residents % Residents % Ages 0-5 306 4.3% 1,020 4.0% 596,286 6.0% Ages 5-19 1,063 15.1% 4,050 15.6% 2,052,599 20.7% Ages 20-24 319 4.5% 1,038 4.0% 669,072 6.7% Ages 25-44 1,252 17.8% 4,554 17.5% 2,442,123 24.7% Ages 45-64 2,207 31.5% 8,465 32.7% 2,762,030 27.9% Ages 65+ 1,850 26.4% 6,755 26.0% 1,361,530 13.7% townships, indicating that the loss of The fi rst group, 0-5, represents pre- population from the base has stabilized school children. Children in school are and now the Township is following represented by the 5-19 age group. more statewide trends. Young adults obtaining a higher education or entering the work force AGE DISTRIBUTION are represented with the 20-24 age group. The family formation age group Information on age distribution within is generally people in the 25-44 age a population is useful in determining group. The last two groups are the the public services and special needs empty nesters between 45-64 years old, a community requires. For example, and the elderly at 65 years and over. younger populations tend to require more rental housing units and smaller Figure 2 helps to illustrate the age homes, while the elderly population groups that make up the population in may have a need for nursing homes Oscoda Township and how they have or assisted living facilities. Analysis of grown or declined in a decade. As the age distribution may also be used by policy makers to identify current gaps in services and to project future service FIGURE 2: AGE DISTRIBUTION IN OSCODA needs for housing, education, recreation TOWNSHIP and medical care. It is of equal importance in planning to anticipate which age groups are likely to increase during the planning period. Examples of this are the aging “baby boomers” and their children; both forming waves of population which rise and fall as they move through their lifecycles.
For the purpose of this report, we have separated the population into six age groups to show different stages of life.
Demographics | 19 chart shows, the most signifi cant drop HOUSEHOLDS in population was the 25-44 age group which lost 514 people or a total of Household Size 29% the second largest loss was in the school-age children which decreased by The number of persons per household 26%. There was also a 22% decrease in constitutes the household size. Since the 0-5 population. In comparison, the the 1970s the nationwide trend in 65 and older population experienced population has been in decline. There a 35% growth, or an additional 483 are many factors that have resulted in residents, and the age group of 45- this trend including declining number of 64 also experienced growth with an children per family, women entering the additional 201 residents. As of 2010, workforce, higher divorce rates, growing almost 60% of the population is in the number of elderly living alone, and the empty nester or retirement age group growing number of non-traditional and are, or will be, in need of assisted households. living and nursing home facilities. Knowing whether the household This indicates that Oscoda Township has size is increasing or decreasing is an aging population. The median age of very important. If the household size the Township is 50.9 years. Compared of a community is increasing, new to the median age in 2000 which was housing units might be necessary to 42.9, this is a signifi cant increase. While accommodate citizens needing places to this is only slightly lower than the Iosco live. This can even be true if the overall County median age of 51, both of population of a community is declining, these are signifi cantly higher than the and should involve incorporating diverse median age of Michigan at 38.9 and housing options into a community, such the median age of the United States at as apartments and duplexes. 37.2. For planning purposes, an aging population has unique needs in terms Household size in Oscoda Township has of housing, access to medical care, been decreasing over time, just like the recreational facilities, etc. and should be national trend. Within the Township, the specially considered when making future household size has decreased from 2.28 planning decisions for the Township. in 2000 to 2.14 in 2010. Therefore, the average household size is 0.13 persons smaller than it was 10 years ago. This is similar to the County and the State, FIGURE 3: HOUSEHOLD SIZE which have both decreased around 0.10 persons.
Household Characteristics This section analyzes households in terms of the relationships among the persons who live in a single housing unit. Families consist of people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption and vary by the parental presence (single or couple). Non-families consist of a single person living alone, or a group of people that are not related by any of the factors listed above.
It is important to know the housing characteristics and how they are changing over time for the governing body to understand the types of
20 | Oscoda Township Master Plan TABLE 5: HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Oscoda Oscoda Iosco Iosco Household Michigan Michigan Township Township County County Type 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 #%#%#%#%#%#%
Married Couple 1,664 52.5% 1,531 46.9% 6,471 55.2% 5,871 49.9% 1,947,710 51.4% 1,857,127 48.0% Families
Single Male 93 3.0% 148 4.5% 398 3.4% 514 4.4% 154,187 4.1% 185,363 4.8% Families
Single Female 309 9.7% 333 10.2% 986 8.4% 1,034 8.8% 473,802 12.5% 511,583 13.2% Families
Single Persons 949 29.9% 1,070 32.8% 3,357 28.6% 3,735 31.8% 993,607 26.2% 1,079,678 27.9% Living Alone
Other Non- 155 4.9% 184 5.6% 515 4.4% 603 5.1% 216,355 5.8% 238,757 6.1% Families
Total 3,170 3,266 11,727 11,757 3,785,661 3,872,508 Households
housing that is needed to support the of the population, the second largest community. group may need something different. It will be important to determine what Table 5 shows how family characteristics type of housing these individuals need have grown or declined in the 10- and plan for their future growth as well, year period between 2000 and 2010. or risk losing a group of individuals The largest type of family across all because of limited housing options. jurisdictions is Married Couple Families. These options could include apartments, In Oscoda Township, this group consists condos, duplexes, or various senior of 46.9% of the families. This is less living options. than both Iosco County and Michigan, and is also a decrease from 2000 when HOUSING 52.5% of the population was Married Couple Families. It should be noted Housing Stock that Married Couple Families is the only category that has decreased in the past Housing stock is the most basic measure decade in all jurisdictions. of housing, and refers to the type of housing units found in a community. A category to take special note of The U.S. Census separates housing is the Single Persons Living Alone. into fi ve different categories: 1 Unit Within the Township, it is the second Detached (single-family homes), 1 Unit largest category with 32.8% of the Attached (granny fl ats, single apartment population, and had the largest increase unit connected to a single-family home), in population for all groups within the 2 to 4 Units (duplex units), 5 or More Township. These trends are similar in Units (apartment complex), and Mobile both, to the County and State and Homes or Trailer Units (Figure 4). indicate something for the Township to consider when planning future housing The majority of the housing stock in options. While the single-family homes Oscoda Township is 1 Unit, Detached are still very important to the majority (74.7%). This is consistent with the large
Demographics | 21 TABLE 6: HOUSING STOCK (2015 ACS)
Unit Type Oscoda Township Iosco County Michigan #%#%#% 1 Unit, Detached 4,221 74.7% 17,021 83.5% 3,272,125 72.1% 1 Unit, Attached 256 4.5% 388 1.9% 211,330 4.7% 2 to 4 Units 572 10.2% 756 3.7% 230,109 5.1% 5 to 9 Units 62 1.1% 330 1.6% 192,278 4.2% 10 or More Units 314 5.6% 645 3.2% 389,578 8.6% Mobile Homes or Trailer Units 224 4.0% 1,234 6.1% 243,416 5.4% Boat, Rv, Van, etc - 0.0% 17 0.1% 1,002 0.0% Total Units 5,649 20,391 4,539,838
FIGURE 4: OSCODA TOWNSHIP HOUSING STOCK Housing Tenure (2015 ACS) Housing tenure, also known as home ownership rates, is important to determine the type of residents in a community. It also helps determine where public services may need to be increased or decreased. A high home ownership rate may indicate that a community will have stable and well- kept neighborhoods. Vacancy rates indicate the amount of empty and seasonal housing. A vacant unit is defi ned by the United States Census Bureau as a housing unit with no one living in it at the time of the interview, unless its occupants are only temporarily absent. Units that do not meet the defi nition of a housing unit are those number of families in the Township. under construction, unfi t for habitation, The second largest group is 2 to 4 units or to be demolished, and are excluded (10.2%), and the third largest category from the data. Seasonally vacant units is 10 or More Units (5.6%) (Table 6). are intended for occupancy only during certain seasons of the year. Compared to the County, Oscoda Township has fewer 1 Unit Attached Oscoda Township is comparable to structures and Mobile Homes or Trailer the County when studying occupied Units, but more multi-family housing housing. The Township has an structures such as 2 to 4 Units and 10 occupancy rate of 57% and County’s or More Units. While the County has is similar at 55% (Table 7). Both almost 10% more 1-Unit, Detached jurisdictions are also comparable structures than the Township, it’s when considering vacancy rates. Both important to note the Township has communities have a vacancy rate in more than the State (72.1%). It is the mid-40s. In comparison, both important to consider the various types jurisdictions are dissimilar to the State of housing options as the Township of Michigan which has a total occupied continues to see shifts in the previous housing rate of 84%. household demographics.
22 | Oscoda Township Master Plan TABLE 7: HOUSING TENURE (2015 ACS)
Category Oscoda Township Iosco County Michigan #%#%#% Occupied Housing 3,224 57.1% 11,343 55.6% 3,841,148 84.6% Owner-Occupied 2,373 73.6% 9,091 80.1% 2,728,815 71.0% Renter-Occupied 851 26.4% 2,252 19.9% 1,112,333 29.0%
These differences are a product of the FIGURE 5: AGE OF HOUSING STRUCTURE (2015 ACS) region and amenities that both the Township and the County have to offer. Both areas have a much more seasonal schedule than the whole of the State. Therefore, it makes sense that the home occupancy rates would exemplify this.
Age of Structure The age of the housing stock is a way to determine the quality of the existing structures and future need for new housing. Generally speaking, the economically useful age of residential structures is approximately 50 years. Beyond that age, repairs become TABLE 8: AGE OF HOUSING STRUCTURE expensive and the ability to modernize the structure to include amenities Year Number of Permits considered standard for today’s lifestyle is diminished. 2010 4 2011 5 When a community’s housing stock approaches that age, it is possible that 2012 1 the need for rehabilitation and new 2013 2 construction will increase. There are exceptions to this rule, however. Some 2014 4 of the older housing of a community 2015 6 might be very well built, as well as 2016 4 desirable because of historical or architectural value, while at the same 2017 (as of 6/17) 4 time newer housing might not be of Total 30 good quality.
It is important for a community to know the decennial Census. It estimates if people are continuing to move into information and is therefore less the existing housing stock or building accurate for the years 2010 to the new. If new residents are fi lling up the present. In order to include the available housing stock, it is likely being most recent data, the Iosco County repaired when necessary. However, if Building Department has provided the residents are always building new, the number of residential building permits older housing may become blighted. issued between 2010–2017. Figure 5 represents both the percentage of The data in Figure 5 is 2015 ACS the total housing structures and the data. The ACS is not 100% data like corresponding number of structures
Demographics | 23 from the ACS data. Oscoda Township’s Median Housing Value older housing, built before 1959, accounts for about one-third of the Analyzing housing values and rent could Township’s housing stock. Meaning, the be the best way to determine both majority of the housing stock is 50 years quality and affordability of housing. It or newer. Approximately 77% of the is crucial that a community maintains housing stock was built prior to 1980, both quality and affordable housing and since then there has been a sharp to support a diverse community, and decline in the number of structures continue to attract new residents for built. Table 8 on the preceding page future growth. represents the number of residential building permits issued since 2010. In Of the three regions, Oscoda Township the past 7 years, there have been a total has the smallest median housing value of 30 homes built, which is a signifi cant at $76,400, which is lower than both drop from 2000-2009. the County and State. Iosco County at $85,400 is also lower than median FIGURE 6: MEDIAN HOUSING VALUE (2015 ACS) housing value in Michigan of $122,400. See Figure 6.
ECONOMY Economic characteristics comprise a signifi cant portion of Census Data. Economic characteristics are important because they help determine a community’s viability and ability to support future commercial, residential, and industrial growth. Economic data also helps a community see its economic strengths and weaknesses and alludes to new trends. This economic analysis will utilize both 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census data and 2015 American Community FIGURE 7: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND BACHELOR’S Survey 5-Year Estimates. DEGREE OR HIGHER (2015 ACS) Educational Attainment Educational attainment measures the education level of a community. It allows for analysis of the skills and capabilities of the labor force and the economic vitality of the community. The level of educational attainment achieved within a community illustrates the types of jobs that are suitable or necessary for citizens.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports those who did not complete high school, those who earned a high school diploma or an equivalent, those that attended some college, earned an associate degree, and those who earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
As illustrated in Figure 7, Oscoda Township has 34% of individuals who
24 | Oscoda Township Master Plan TABLE 9: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (2015 ACS)
Place 2000 2015 Bachelor's Bachelor's High School Some College High School Some College Degree or Degree or Diploma or Associates Diploma or Associates Higher Higher Oscoda Township 38.20% 31.2% 11.00% 34.4% 33.5% 19.7% Iosco County 40.20% 26.5% 11.20% 40.0% 31.9% 16.1% Michigan 31.30% 30.3% 21.80% 29.9% 32.7% 27.0%
have a high school diploma, and 19.7% are signifi cantly smaller than that of of individuals who have a Bachelor’s Michigan, which is 61.3% of individuals Degree or higher. in the work force. As illustrated in Figure 8 on the following page, the Table 9 illustrates how each community’s largest industry in the Township is educational attainment has changed educational services, and health care since the year 2000. Oscoda Township and social assistance employing 18.5% experienced a decline in individuals with of the population. This industry is a diploma by 3.8%, an increase of 2.3% also the largest employer in both, the individuals who attended some college County, and State. The second largest or received an associate degree, and employer is manufacturing (17.2%), an increase of 8.7% of individuals who followed by arts, entertainment, and earned a bachelor’s Degree or higher. recreation, and accommodation and These trends are similar to those of the food service (14.6%), retail trade County and State as well. (14%), and professional, scientifi c, and management, and administrative and This data shows that Oscoda Township waste management services (8.9%). residents are choosing to attend college and raise their education levels. The Unemployment community must be prepared to attract the type of jobs these individuals are According to the Michigan Department qualifi ed for. of Technology, Management, and Budget, the unemployment rate in the Employment County is down from 15.8% in 2010 to 9.5% in 2015. This trend continues The U.S. Census Bureau presents in 2016, with an unemployment rate at employment data in terms of 7.1%. Similar trends can be found at employment by industry and the State level with unemployment at unemployment rates via the 2015 12.6% in 2010, dropping to 5.4% in American Community Survey 5-Year 2015, and 4.9% in 2016. Estimates. Employment by industry is a good way to analyze what types Income and Poverty of industries are the most prevalent employers of the Township. Employment Income and poverty levels are a way to data is also another good way to measure the relative economic health of indicate the high proportion of a community. Increases in income can retired individuals in the Township. show economic success while increases The ACS indicates that of the entire in the percent of individuals below the Township population, 16 years and poverty level can show economic failure. older, 43.9% is in the labor force, Income is measured at three levels: which is similar to the 46.1% in the median household, median family, County. However, both numbers and per capita. Table 10 illustrates
Demographics | 25 FIGURE 8: EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY (2015 ACS)
these levels, including the percentage 2.2 households in the County are below of citizens who rely on Social Security the ALICE threshold. This means that income and individuals below the 46% of all Iosco County households poverty line. do not have the fi nancial resources to afford the basics, such as housing, child ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, care, food, transportation, healthcare, Income Constrained, Employed, and technology. While this represents is another measure of households a decrease since 2017 when 47% of struggling to afford basic needs. ALICE Iosco County households were below households are defi ned as those that the ALICE Threshold, it is higher than earn more than the established poverty the statewide 43% of households with level, but less than the basic cost of income below the ALICE Threshold. living in the county - this is known as The percentage of Oscoda Township the “ALICE Threshold.” According to an households with incomes below the East Michigan Council of Governments ALICE threshold is also slightly higher (EMCOG) 2019 summary report of than the State at 44%. ALICE in Iosco County, 1 out of every
26 | Oscoda Township Master Plan TABLE 10: INCOME AND POVERTY (2015 ACS)
2000 2015
Oscoda Iosco Oscoda Iosco Michigan Michigan Township County Township County
Median Household Income $41,994 $31,321 $44,667 $34,295 $37,317 $49,576 Median Family Income $50,046 $45,265 $60,793 $43,155 $46,042 $62,247 Per Capita Income $21,587 $17,115 $22,168 $25,028 $23,486 $26,607 % Household with Social 25.70% 41.70% 26.20% 54.6% 52.5% 33.5% Security Income % Below Poverty Level 12.4% 12.7% 10.5% 18.3% 17.7% 16.7%
Median household income is the per capita income is $25,028. This measure of the total incomes of the number is similar to that of the County persons living in a single household. ($23,486), but lower than that of According to the 2015 ACS data, the Michigan ($26,607). As seen in Table 9, median household income in Oscoda approximately 55% of households rely Township was $34,295, which is less on Social Security Income. This is slightly than the median household income in higher than the 53% in the County, but Iosco County ($37,317), and less than signifi cantly higher than the 33% of the Michigan ($49,576). State.
Family income is a measure of the Finally, Table 10 also compares the total income of a family unit. Because percent of the population below the families often have two incomes, and poverty line. Oscoda Township has do not include single persons living the highest percentage of the three alone, median family incomes are compared jurisdictions. This information typically higher than median household is parallel to the lower median and income. The median family income in family household incomes in the the township is $43,155, this is less than Township. Poverty is measured using the County ($46,042) and the State at 48 thresholds defi ned by the Census. ($62,247). To determine whether a person is poor, one compares the total income of Per capita income is the measure that person’s family with the threshold of income all individuals within the appropriate for that family size and jurisdiction would receive if all income characteristics. received in the entire Township was equally divided among all residents, These factors must be analyzed by a regardless of age or employment. This community in order to identify the number is usually the lowest of the special needs of the citizens and provide three incomes. Oscoda Township’s the appropriate public services.
Demographics | 27 This page intentionally left blank.
28 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 4. COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Community Facilities | 29 The Township and County are Finally, the Michigan Department of responsible for providing certain services Transportation administers the Federal to the community such as utilities, funds which are appropriated to the police, fi re services, and recreational county road commission under the facilities. There is a standard of living Fixing America’s Surface Transportation that must be met in order to continue (FAST) Act (December 4, 2015; Public to attract residents to the community Law No. 114-94) and through the State and to keep the current residents of Michigan Public Act 51 for MDOT, happy. Providing needed services to aid counties, cities, and villages. the community and help to continue growth, while protecting the natural AIRPORT environment, is the responsibility of the Township. This section of the Master In addition to the road transportation Plan will outline those services. system, Oscoda Township also has access to a world-class air transportation TRANSPORTATION facility. What used to be the Wurtsmith Airforce Base, is now the Oscoda- The transportation network for Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport Authority and as a Township includes roads, paths, and an benefi t of the shutdown of the base, airport. It is important for a community is now available for general aviation to keep the roads safe to encourage use. The facility is outside of the control residents to travel throughout and to of the Oscoda Township Planning surrounding communities. Because of Commission and this Master Plan does the rural, wooded nature of Oscoda not intend to provide analysis, but this Township, and the presence of the Au is a key fi xture of the Township and Sable River and other lakes, roadways deserves recognition. are not constructed in the traditional square-mile fashion of many Michigan The base was closed in 1993, and townships. since then this property has become a hub of economic growth in the Oscoda Township is served by two Oscoda Township community. Within state highways, M-65 that travels east/ the property there are 1,300 jobs, west and then north/south through over 40 private businesses, and 700 the western third of the Township, and converted base homes. The Airport US-23 which runs north and south Authority took over one year after the along the lake shore. Traffi c counts, base closed and it now operates as a or Annual Average Daily Traffi c (AADT) public airport. Throughout the property reports, are provided by the Michigan there are various businesses related Department of Transportation (MDOT) to aviation and airplane maintenance, for the state highways. The numbers manufacturing companies, businesses are used to determine if roads are unrelated to aviation, and housing. meeting or exceeding their designed There is also the public library, a capacity, and to plan for future road community college and performing arts improvements. MDOT records the theater, several museums, churches, and information for their roads, therefore medical facilities. the counts that took place in 2016 for M-65 and for US-23 are 10,338 south WATER SYSTEM of River Road and 17,064 north of River Road. These counts are located on the The water and wastewater systems in Transportation Map (Map 2). Oscoda Township are currently operated and maintained by a third party The Township is also served by various consultant. Oscoda Township has an local roads such as River Road, extensive public water supply system as Bissonette Road, F41, Loud Drive, and part of the Huron Shore Regional Utility Rea Road that are other important Authority. Huron Shore Regional Utility thoroughfares in the Township. Authority (HSRUA) was established in
30 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Map 2: Transportation MAP 2: TRANSPORTATION NETWORKOscoda Township, Michigan Source: Michigan Geogrpahic Data Library & MDOT
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1992 as a joint venture between several included sludge removal, installing area municipalities to acquire, own, a new fi ne bubble aeration system, improve, enlarge, extend and operate a replacing the existing blowers, regional water supply and distribution performing rapid infi ltration basin system. HSRUA is under the supervision distribution piping modifi cations, and control of a Board consisting and adding a chemical feed mixing of one representative from each of structure and effl uent metering. With the constituent municipalities, and the completion of the upgrades, currently provides treated water to the the Township now has three times municipalities of the City of East Tawas, its original capacity and a system in City of Tawas City, Charter Township of compliance with all regulations. Oscoda, Charter Township of AuSable and Township of Baldwin. The source of The lagoon system is sized for 0.5 the water is an intake structure located million gallons per day (MGD) with the in Lake Huron near Tawas Point. This ability to increase to 1.0 MGD capacity source provides customers with high in the future. The Township also has quality raw water that is then processed 31 miles of gravity sewer, 10 miles of in the HSRUA facility which reduces, forcemain, and over 640 manholes. The removes or destroys contaminants in the Township also accepts and treats water source water. from Au Sable Township.
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM NATURAL GAS In 2016, the Township upgraded Natural gas is provided throughout their wastewater treatment facility. the Township by DTE. Due to the vast Upgrading the lagoon system, the amounts of wilderness in the Township, Township improved the wastewater it is dispersed throughout the more treatment quality, and lengthened populated areas. the system’s useful life. The upgrade
Community Facilities | 31 POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES hundreds of miles of snowmobile and recreational vehicle trails located within The Township has its own police the forests. There are 10 Township- department which provides continuous owned recreation properties and 2 service for both Oscoda and Au Sable leased properties, but these are only Townships. The department patrols 163 the tip of the iceberg when it comes to square miles and the staff consists of 10 the recreation opportunities of Oscoda offi cers- two Sergeants, 7 patrol offi cers, Township. Map 3 and 4, on page 35, and the Chief of Police. shows the recreation resources Oscoda Township has to offer, and they are The fi re service in the Township is described herein. provided by the Oscoda Township Volunteer Fire Department, which Oscoda Township Beach Park consists of 30 volunteers from the Oscoda and Au Sable communities. Located on River Road on Lake Huron The volunteer fi re department provides in Oscoda, this 9.6-acre park has complete fi re and rescue services for approximately 1,000 feet of Lake Huron Oscoda and Au Sable Townships, and frontage. Because of its popularity as a contracts for part of Wilbur Township. public beach, it serves the entire region The Township fi re station is located and beyond. in the downtown business district of Oscoda. On average, the department This park has a basketball court, skate makes 125 calls per year. Additionally, ramps on a concrete pad, a wooden the volunteer fi re department, and all band shelter, a shuffl eboard court, an surrounding fi re departments including ADA accessible pavilion, boardwalk, Alcona County, have a reciprocal mutual sunbathing deck, children’s play aid agreement. The Township recently equipment, splash pad, picnic tables, acquired a rescue sled and is now able grills, benches, and ADA accessible to provide snowmobile rescue for the restrooms. The site is served by an entirety of Iosco County. asphalt paved parking area. This park is home to the “Dock Reserve” (site of RECREATIONAL FACILITIES a dock prior to the Fire of 1911) that is now a historic area. Oscoda Township contains ample natural amenities such as lakes, rivers, In 2008, the Township received a woodlands, and beaches. More than Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund 80% of the land in Oscoda Township Grant to construct a 475 foot combined is public forest land, most of which is boardwalk/fi shing pier in this park. densely wooded and wild. There are This Park also serves as the site of the Oscoda Art-on-the-Beach Arts and Crafts Show every summer and the free Rotary Concert Series.
Piety Hill Located on 1.2 acres along Dwight Street where the water tower used to be, this site has approximately 225 feet of frontage on the Au Sable River. It has a stairway and a handicap access to a fi shing pier, which was funded through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Inland Fisheries Grant. This is a small special use park. Its service area Oscoda Township Beach Park is the greater Oscoda region.
32 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Oscoda Huron Sunrise Park Located approximately three miles north of Oscoda, this 14-acre beach park offers gravel parking along the side of the US-23 highway and accessible trails for bicycling along the Lake Huron Shore. These trails directly feed into the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) US 23 Oscoda Roadside Park. This MDOT roadside park has rustic bathrooms, no available water, and has limited parking and limited beach access. This park’s service area is region wide.
Oscoda Riverbank Park Oscoda Township Beach Park Located on the Au Sable River near the » 5 Youth Soccer fi elds- each with two River Road Bridge near the downtown small sets of portable bleachers Oscoda area, this 5.2-acre park offers » BMX Track accessible paved trails for bicycling and walking, vault restrooms, picnic tables » Concession stand and direct river access for swimming, » Restrooms fi shing, and canoe launching. These improvements were funded through » Open air pavilion the Michigan Department of Natural » Maintenance garage Resources Waterfront Redevelopment Grant. The site has gravel parking and Ken Ratliff Memorial Park the service area is region-wide. Located on County Road F41 on Van Furtaw Field Etten Lake, this park has approximately 3,000 feet of lake frontage and is Furtaw Field is a 3.3-acre park located comprised of approximately 11 acres in downtown Oscoda on US-23. This of land. This park has an enclosed property was recently transferred to pavilion known as the Warrior Pavilion, Oscoda Township by the Oscoda Area two accessible open air pavilions, two School District. It functions as a town accessible boat ramps, groomed swim gathering spot that boasts the famous beach, children’s play equipment, Paul Bunyan statue, and is currently picnic tables, grills, and benches. A being utilized for community events. snowmobile trailhead for accessing The service area is region-wide miles of trails is also located at this park. The site has an accessible restroom Sports Complex facility and there is also an asphalt paved parking area. The service area is This 49.4-acre sports complex park region wide. has existing sports facilities and the Township has recently completed a Development Plan for adding more Warrior Pavilion features to the existing complex. The The pavilion is located at the Ken Ratliff service area is the greater Oscoda Memorial Park. With an outdoor deck region. This complex features: on three sides, it sits close to the beach. This facility has been used for wedding » 5 Little League fi elds- each with two receptions and other large parties. small sets of portable bleachers There is a full-service kitchen as well as » 1 Softball Diamond restrooms. Although the beach in this
Community Facilities | 33 in which businesses, organizations and individuals compete on sleds made from cardboard boxes) is held at this site. The service area is region wide.
Foote Site Park Located above the Foote Site Dam on the Au Sable River, along River Road National Scenic Byway, the three-acre site itself is owned by Consumers Energy. It is maintained and operated by the Township. This is adjacent to the area where the Au Sable River Queen (privately owned) boat docks. There is also a privately-owned concession/ gift shop located adjacent to this site. This park has four privy toilets, paved parking, two boat launches and a Foote Site Park children’s play area. The service area is region wide.
area appears to be shallower than it is, Other Recreational Facilities the safe swimming area is well-marked and buoyed. The service area is region In 2019, the Oscoda Township Board wide. of Trustees sold the Community Center. The building was part of the Old Orchard Park former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and consisted of two full gymnasiums, Located on River Road in Oscoda three racquetball courts, an exercise/ Township, this campground/park equipment room, a banquet/meeting facility is owned by Consumers Energy, room, and an activity room. In addition, and maintained by Oscoda Township. the building had approximately 1,200 Located on 193 acres which follow the square feet of leasable space. Although National River Road Scenic Byway for sold, some members of the community over two miles, the park offers a wide desire a replacement facility that serves variety of recreational opportunities. This the indoor recreational needs of the park contains 525 licensed camp sites- Township. Such a facility would require 300 are primitive and 225 are modern. community support and should be Part of this park is used as a rustic horse addressed in future community surveys camp for riders using the Michigan and recreation plans to determine the Shore-to-Shore trail. Picnic tables are level of need and degree of willingness located, in generous supply, throughout to subsidize this type of recreational the park. There are pavilions, trails, two operation. hard surfaced boat launches, and boat docks. Water, showers, and restrooms, Oscoda Township is rich in recreational both fl ush and vault type, are available. facilities that are open to the public, There is also a children’s playground, in addition to the vast existing park fully accessible fi shing pier, designated system previously described. Facilities beach and swimming area, boat rentals, throughout the Township are both and a grocery store. This park is in good publicly and privately owned, and a condition and receives high usage. complete list of the other recreational opportunities is listed in the Oscoda A Winter Fun Park is being developed Township Recreation Plan. The following just west of this site. Presently, two list is a summary and does not represent sledding hills are in place. The annual all the opportunities available to the Snowbox Derby (a unique winter event residents and surrounding region.
34 | Oscoda Township Master Plan MAP 3: RECREATIONAL RESOURCES Map 3: Recreational Resources
Map 4: Recreational Resources MAP 4: RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
Community Facilities | 35 AuSable River within the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
U.S. Property State Property
The federal government owns a vast The State of Michigan is another and variable amount of resources within entity that offers numerous recreation Oscoda Township, which includes: The opportunities within the Township. Huron-Manistee National Forest, River These include the Au Sable State Forest, Road: National Forest Scenic Byway, two fi shing access sites, two boat Lumberman’s Monument Visitors launches, camping within the State Center, Canoe Memorial Overlook, Forest and a campground at Van Etten Iargo Springs Interpretative Site, and Lake that offers 62 primitive camping Foote Pond Overlook. There is also an sites, Three Mile Park, the Old State extensive network of trails within the House ORV Trail, and Seven Mile Hill Township including non-motorized snowmobile trail. paths such as the Michigan’s Shore-to- Shore Riding/Hiking Trail and the Eagle Other Entities Run Cross Country Ski and Nature Trail, along with 25 miles of snowmobile The County offers various contributions trails and about 200 miles of ORV in conjunction with the entities listed trails within the National Forest. Within above, and also offers the Huron Oscoda Township there are extensive Snowmobile Trail, which is a 91-mile opportunities for camping in almost trail with sections located within the all areas of the National Forest. There Township. Additionally, Consumers are also 80 designated camping sites Energy owns various properties for around Foote Pond and Loud Pond, and its hydroelectric dams and offers The Lumberman’s Monument Camping recreational opportunities at these sites. site with 20 designated developed sites. There are also several private entities There are three boat launches owned by including the Goodwin Gersham Site, the federal government located within Lakewood Shores Golf Course, YMCA the Township. Camp Nissokone, Camp Cherith, and The Landing.
36 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 5. NATURAL FEATURES
Natural Features | 37 The natural environment plays a smaller elevations changes as shown on major role in land development. It the map, most are surrounding water in is important for a community to the State Land. analyze the land before beginning development. The natural environment Soils can signifi cantly impact development. On the other hand, land development Map 6 depicts the different soil can have a negative effect on the types within the Oscoda Township. natural environment. For example, Within each of these types there are if a developer fi lls in a wetland, not several different soil associations. For only does it destroy protected wildlife the purposes of this plan, the map habitat, but also the water that is usually illustrates the types of the soil, rather standing in that area and recharging than their specifi c names. In regard an underground aquifer suddenly has to development, it is important to no place to drain. Therefore, the water understand soil characteristics such as spreads to a new area and can cause permeability, runoff potential, and sand fl ooding. A Future Land Use Plan is content. discussed later in this document that will guide the community in determining The soil composition of Oscoda areas that will be preserved and areas Township is fairly uniform throughout that will be developed in the future. the Township, with only a few areas of exception. The majority of the Township As mentioned previously, Oscoda has sandy soil that is excessively to Township contains ample natural moderately well-drained, and has amenities such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, a rapid permeability. Sandy soils and woodlands. The community allow surface drainage to penetrate wishes to preserve the natural features groundwater tables, therefore the while utilizing them for recreation and Township should remain alert to the relaxation. This section will analyze protection of groundwater. The next the natural features that are located two most common soils in the Township throughout the Township. can be found in the wetland areas. They are considered to be muck, or sandy TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS muck (high concentrations of organic materials), and are very poorly draining Topography wet areas. There are several other types of soil found in the Township, with The overall topography of Oscoda the most variation occurring along the Township is most commonly northern border near Van Etten Lake characterized by the water resources and M-65. There are some areas in the located in the Township. Map 5 depicts Township, like the Airport Authority the topography in the Township. The property, that are not included in the lake shoreline is the lowest area, at soils survey completed by the County. around 570 feet above sea level, then the topography is fairly fl at until the CLIMATE middle third of the Township, where the Au Sable State Forest begins, and the The climate of Iosco County is elevation begins to climb. The majority considered a Cold Middle Latitude of the sharp increases or decreases of climate where the coldest monthly elevation can be found surrounding mean temperature goes below 27°F the Au Sable River and its surrounding with a long season of cold weather wetlands. In some instances these and signifi cant winter snow cover steep topography changes can be 100 developing. In this climate, the westerly feet or more. The highest area of the winds dominate all year. As such, Township is at about 920 feet above sea weather changes are more frequent. level and is found in the northernmost section of the westernmost third of The average rainfall is approximately 26- the Township. There are several other 30 inches per year and average snowfall
38 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Map 5: Topography Oscoda Township, Michigan MAP 5: TOPOGRAPHY Source: Michigan Geographic Data Library
Wissmiller Rd B ie o lennie Rd Gle nn dy Glennie Rd G Rd d R Andrews Rd aldRd Healey Rd Healey n o d D c R FEET R Rd Coville Bamfie ld d e Clouse Rd M 02,700 5,400 10,800 M 65 s m Clouse Rd Rd Barlow Clo u d r k R a R d o F erco U
d Rd Cruzen an r S St V o
e o 2 LEGEND i n 3 P Goddard Rd P Rd Bell Rd 41 F d r n l D o d Rd London
Rempert R High : 1948.82 Tr e P )HHW Webster Rd Rd Baker y ey k Y h g k 7 a t in c 3 a r A L n a Yo 7 r e Kobs Rd 4 Michaud Rd r e d W R oa a L
Rd B R Rd Barlow
Mi FordRd chau d d Federal Forest I K e
A
DeCost Rd DeCost Lorenz
o C R
b l Fo s r R ra e E Low : 547.9)HHW Baker Rd Baker e s Kings Corner Rd d 2 t T d e d 43 d lfv A Kings Corner R F a 2 Z o ie T
o i w t G G s R R e g S le e Kings Corner Rd d
n r d
l o C
n F e R
i d E e 6 Rd i d r
r l 13 R e
R K
2 Black R v d era Glennie Rd rd A s a o
d r e r Vaughn d n Faw LakeRd F L a e n L
o Fawn Rd e Fawn Rd L W D Glennie R Rd d b Fawn Rd n
R e r d o ord Rd m s t a g D
F R t r
h n Glennie Rd LorenzRd w E o D i d
r t rd C o
o M 65 o Wi e d d F t n r o
Pine Rd u d n a Pine Rd Pine R R n Pine Rd L w C o H a
e Wilber Rd Wilber u R Rd e C k Indian Rd o d l d t ne te a
McArdle Rd sso
Bi Rd u d
n D L C t o Deer Rd M y r R F R o Rd a R o d e r e era Lenard a d l Near Trl P t r F e d W
e t oa o r F R d
r Winn s d r im 4 R 212 es t 1 m 3 Dutcher T et rl Rd Small Rd d e Da r Rd e N R Wi n e n k d
Lo o CookeD a Merton Rd Merton u o a Rd d m r Da C T m r R l MackRd 65 Rd d Wentworth M Rea Rd Arrow St Perimeter Rd st Dr re River Rd t We n i o 5 H u 8th St r F 8 ederal 0 R F 2 F Slosser Rd oad e d R d e r a
R Kobs Rd Kobs l Rd Huron
L e F Wilber Rd o
o m r
Greenwood Rd Greenwood e
r
e
p OatsRd s d t F n e R
d oad W o
R d R Kokosing Rd z r M o o g t 4 e i r R l
ff t R a R 3 l I lls e
0 S o
d
st e d 3 D t h
e Rd R Fo r k a Britt Rd Britt a al C rl ton Rd c
r a m d
e 8 s d i Kennedy Alvin Rd Alvin R
e 20 4 L d 2
F d Rd F oa B n
Sturk a R M
d 3 r 2 d
n g o o Rd Mead
a S n R U St
u S d R d d I m l a Binder Rd Binder e
R AllenRd m r O
e g t
n o p s e Austin Trl
t
National City Rd City National e
R
rt K r Chambers Rd Chambers
d R R e o Webb Rd d d T
i t d r F s Iargo R l
Cornett Rd s
e Rd ut R ro r
T e
n d
r
MeadRd
h 3
Pond Rd o
4 g smond Rd F Wilber Rd Wilber E l 5 u d 4 a d a
R r Esmond Rd Rd l V e R d l F de e a Esmond Rd e ra d e l l F 6 e o
n R or 4 d e o st 5 F R r w a d 4 4
o 0 A
r 49 SAGINAW'S OFFICE d c Vau B st Roa 230 S Washington Ave g n Rd Brooks re h R M Curtis Rd o Saginaw, MI 48607 d t
Sherman Rd Sherman F s l T Curtis Rd a Tel. 989-754-4747
u e er 1 r d t l F e www.SpicerGroup.com Curtis Rd tle ra o 1 F F e 5 ed oa Rd R d 4 MiGDL
0DS Soils Oscoda Township, Michigan MAP 6: SOILS Source: Michigan Geographic Data Library
B K Fe o i For d m al e d eral est y er st or Dr R b d 474 R F d d 1 o d R Prince e e a issmiller F d 4742 W r a
l o
i R Coles Rd Coles n
R nnie Rd Healey Rd Healey e Andrews Rd Glennie Rd l ld Rd FEET d G a on 02,800 5,600 11,200 D c d R Rd Barlow Bamfield d e Clouse Rd M R M 65 Clouse Rd Clo us d k R e U o k S Rd co Rd Cruzen LEGEND er a nd d L a 2 V R e St r 3 a Pi n 41 F m Goddard Rd r d Soil Type Bell Rd a e F r C
l d d r D r Rd London
R R o T Rempert e Sand o
k Baker Rd Baker Webster Rd y s ey
P a th b ck L a o n Yo est
K Michaud Rd r For r e Federal Sandy Muck 7 a
icha d B Rd Barlow FordRd 3 M ud R Road 47 d
e d
Y
DeCost Rd DeCost Lorenz R
C A
F s Muck l o W
ra re b
L Baker Rd Baker o e s K Kings Corner Rd d 2 t I e d 43 lfv F a 2 Z A o ie
o i w G R R e R G Peat g le Kings Corner Rd d n d
l rne d R C
n Kings Co r R e
i d E
e Rd i r e
r R
R Black
d Glennie Rd v
AT r
s Loam
o Vaughn
r w Fa T LakeRd Fawn Rd n L D
Fawn Rd e Fawn Rd Glennie S d
b Rd
n E R d o r m
C t rd Rd K Clay Loam o R D a F g
e A E Glennie Rd h
Lorenz Rd Lorenz n
d
d i r L
t o
rd Wi M 65 C o e d F t a n
r o
Small Rd Small r n Pine Rd R d a Pine Rd Pine Rd Pine L u Loamy Sand R n C o L w a H
u a e R
Wilber Rd Wilber Rd d e C k ke l
d onette o s a
McArdle Rd is
B Rd u D d
n L F
C Deer Rd ty r o M R Silt Loam R R a R o d e e o d r d eral P a F Near Trl t r o e d W
e a o Dutcher Trl r Winn tsR d d 2 re im F
r R 21 s 4 t e m 3 te 1
d Rd a Rd Small d r Sandy Clay d D N R e R R Winn k e d
L k
o o Cooke D a
c Rd
u Rd Merton d o a r D m T a am C Sandy Loam r R l M 65 Rd d Wentworth M Rea Rd Perimeter Rd Silty Clay st R d e ive ore R r r Rd F st
o 8th St l F 5 r
i 1 deral 08 F ra Fe de e Urban Land 2 e Fe 9 Slosser Rd Road d 2 d 2 W e R a r o a
R l Kobs Rd Kobs
L e F Rd Huron
Wilber Rd o
o m r
e Greenwood Rd Greenwood r
e p s OatsRd d t F d n R W o d e oa R R d Kokosing Rd o M o z r t
rg R 4 e t il ff a R 3 lls e l I R S
0
o e st d D t
d k h e Rd Fo r 3 R a
Britt Rd Britt a
r d c
ral a C l ton R m
d
e s
8 L d d i R Kennedy 20 4 Rd Alvin d e 2
F d Rd F
a B R
o a n Sturk
M R d
r y n g d t 3
o Mead Rd Mead
i o
a 2 n R S
C t d S S u R d
l U
I m
a e
Binder Rd Binder R a m
r d Allen Rd Allen l t
g n e p O s
o o n e Austin Trl
e i
t r t R r
a t o Chambers Rd Chambers d R d R F
N t
Iargo
d Cornett Rd s d
Rd e
T r Webb Rd R
r 3 MeadRd
ou Pond Rd o
4 n t d F
5 R Esmond Rd l h d Rd Wilber a 4 g R r
Esmond Rd Rd l d d u l e Esmond Rd d a a
e e R
l e o V n
d 6 F R
r w 4
5
o A
V r 4 augh c d SAGINAW'S OFFICE n B t Roa Brooks Rd Brooks s 230 S Washington Ave Rd M Curtis Rd e Curtis Rd or Tu Rd Sherman Curtis Rd l F Saginaw, MI 48607 tt era Tel. 989-754-47 A l d e e www.SpicerGroup.com R ll
F
e Rd d n
Natural Features | 39 Map 7: Wetlands Oscoda Township, Michigan
MAP 7: WETLANDS Source: National Wetlands Inventory d
R Wissmiller Rd nnie Rd B n e Andrews Rd
i l R a l l G ld d
d r a fie Rd Glennie Rd n r
Bam o l e
D o b c w d M R
M 65 m e Clouse Rd Coville Rd Coville Clouse Rd i s Clo u R d e FEET K R Rd ook d k 02,700 5,400 10,800 derc a Van L St r e Rd Cruzen d Pi n R a Goddard Rd d d e Rd l R m Bel r LEGEND r
d 41 F C n a l D
r o d Rd London F US 23 Rempert R T P r e Webster Rd Rd Baker y ey o k Freshwater Emergent h g k 7 o Y a t in c 3 a r A L n a Yo 7 P Michaud Rd r r e Kobs Rd 4 Wetland e R d W
oa a R Rd Barlow d B R L d FordRd Michau t d Federal Fores I e A
DeCost Rd DeCost K
Lorenz Freshwater
o C
b R l Fo s Forested/Shrub Wetland a r E r e R Baker Rd Baker e s Kings Corner Rd 2 t T d ed d 43 d l v A f Kings Corn R F a 2 Z o i er e o T
t i G w Riverine G s R R e g S le e Kings Corner Rd d
n r d o l C
n F e R
d
ie 6 d E i
Rd
r r l 13 R e R K
2 Black R v
d era Glennie Rd rd
r s A
d a o Vaughn e d r n Faw LakeRd F L a e n L Cedar Lake Rd D Glennie Ro e Fawn Rd L
d b Rd Fawn Rd n R r d m o d Rd t or D a
g F R
E h
Glennie Rd LorenzRd n d r i
d t
r C d o o F W M 65 e
t n o i r Pine Rd R d n a Pine Rd Pine Rd Pine u R n L w o a C H
e u e R Wilber Rd Wilber Rd l Indian Rd C d k
d ett d n e a
d McArdle Rd Bisso Rd ou D L n o R Deer Rd M F t r r y o
R Rd
e R t e
e Lenard o r d era P W r o l F Near Trl e a
a t d ad o ri d
Winn sR 2 re m F
C R 21 s 4 t e m 3 Dutcher T te 1
Rd rl Rd Small d Da r Rd e N R Winn k e d
Lo o CookeD a Merton Rd Merton u o a Rd d m r Da C T m rl R MackRd 65 Rd d Wentworth M Rea Rd Arrow St Perimeter Rd st d r R re River Rd o est
o F
r l 8th St F 5 i eral 8 1 ed 0 er a e F 2 F ed 9 e F 2 Slosser Rd Road W d ad 2 e R o r a
R l Kobs Rd Kobs
L e F
Wilber Rd o
o m r
Greenwood Rd Greenwood e
r
e
p OatsRd s d t F d n e R a W o Rd Huron
R d o d R o Kokosing Rd o z r M g t 4 e r R il
ff t R l Ia R 3 ll e 0 S o s d
e D
st d 3 t h
e Rd R Fo r k a Britt Rd Britt a al C r on Rd c
r a l t m d
e 8 s d i Kennedy
Alvin Rd Alvin R 20 4 L d e 2
F d Rd F oa B n
Sturk a
R d 3 r 2 d n g o Rd Mead
a llenbarger Rd S She R U St S R d I T e ld d
a Binder Rd Binder r m
R AllenRd r o O g u p t o t e Austin Trl s e R R r d r
Chambers Rd Chambers t
d R
d d o National City Rd City National
t F Iargo R
Cornett Rd s
Rd e
Webb Rd n r
h MeadRd 3
Pond Rd o
4 g Esmond Rd F u Rd Wilber l 5
4 a a
r Esmond Rd Rd V Fed d era d e Esmond Rd d a e l R l F o V R or e
a d e
ug o st 6 F R h r n ad 4 Rd 40 5 A 49 4 c t Road T Rd Brooks s M u Curtis Rd e
t r G tt o Curtis Rd re le s F SAGINAW'S OFFICE e e Curtis Rd al
Sherman Rd Sherman r 1 n R r e 230 S Washington Ave A d I d al Fo 1 w m e Saginaw, MI 48607 F er 5 F
ll ed e o p d oad 4 o Tel. 989-754-47
n R R e el d m www.SpicerGroup.com R r Davison i D a Davison Rd R a r WilberRd
d l D Davison Rd r C d
0DS Waterbodies Oscoda Township, Michigan MAP 8: WATERBODIES Source: Michigan Geographic Data Library
F K e deral rest im Fo Fo d b l r Dr Bo ra es Roa 42 d e e t 4 7 y d 474 Prince r e 1 d l F R Rd Stout i d Glennie Rd n R oa
R FEET amfiel d ennie Rd Andrews Rd B d l d Rd 05,90011,8002,950
Healey Rd Healey M 65 G al Coville Rd Coville
t Rd n s o
D Rd Barlow e
1 c r
7 M
o Clouse Rd 7 Clouse Rd
d d F R U
4 ok Rd Cruzen R LEGEND erco S l d n 2 a d Va m r r 3 a e a
o F 41 F d F R Goddard Rd e Rd r Lakes l r F Bel o
l o D d
BissonetteRd r d
P London Rd London
T R e Rempert yR k
Baker Rd Baker y Watercourses Webster Rd s e h k a t b c a L n o Yo est Michaud Rd r Fo r r B e K Federal Mich ud Rd B 7 a i a 7 3 Rd Barlow s FordRd 4 d
d Road
s e
R DeCost Rd DeCost o Lorenz
C n s C e t b e
o d te Rd Baker K Kings Corner Rd lfv a R Z o i d e i r
Duval Creek e G w G R L le d g
n Kings Corner Rd d a l C
R d n d
Kings Corner Rd e Cedar i Rd R ke
e d i r
r r
R Black R na W
d Glennie Rd e r
s e Lake
R v d
r L Vaughn
LakeRd Fawn Rd o D
Fawn Rd e d SlabGlennie Coppler Creek R o R L D e n b
d a d d o Stuart m t Lake Rd e
l R g E R a
d
Glennie Rd n
h LorenzRd d i r d Lake o W t ord r M 65 Pine Van Etten F Fo e C t o Perch in r Pine Rd n R d n a Pine Rd Pine Rd Pine L u R River o a W C Rd Wilber Lakeu H Lake R e Rd C d l Indian Rd d t o M Bissone te R u D d Mitchell d McArdle Rd d n R Deer Rd ty r o
r e o
rts F R
Rd e Lake t R o
e dera Lenard P r a W l Near Trl
R e d
a o F r F
d a o i
d e m
Baker 21 3 r 4 C 2 s e 1 d t t
R Rd Small e o Five Channels R d r l R
lw Creek L am N R o k a u D Cooke D e d
y d Dam Pond e c a Rd Merton R k T a D o m r a d am o rl
R M M Rd C d 65 Cooke Dam Pond Rea Rd Loud Dam Pond Perimeter Rd t d res Ri Foote Dam Pond o ve Fore R r Rd st
F 5 l 8 a 8th St r
l 0 i edera 2 d er 1
F d e F Fe 9 d R 2 Slosser Rd Roa e 2 Van Etten r d W d oa e R e
R
b
l Creek
Indiani Creekr
L a
e Kobs Rd Kobs l
o F Au Sable River m W o
r Greenwood Rd Greenwood e r Duell p d
OatsRd e W F d n s o d e t Kokosing Rd R R Roa o z r
o R e g t d t Lake
r ff lls e a R
I R Huron Rd Huron
e 4 t o D M
d s k
d h e Rd Fo r 3 R a il
a l
Britt Rd Britt ar n Rd
l l c 0
ra C to 3 m
d S L d e
d 8 s R t 4 i d Kennedy 2 2 Rd Alvin Fe d 0 F
R a a B o Shellenbarger Rd n R d r y 3 n g d
t 2 i o Rd Mead a R S
R S d
C t S d U l e
m R Binder Rd Binder
a d
l t Allen Rd Allen
n p O s
e Rd o Austin Trl e i r t rt
Iargo o a Webb Rd Rd Chambers R d st F
Iargo N
d e d Cornett R
Rd r
T 3
R Towerline Rd Towerline r o
o 4 MeadRd u Pond Rd F
5 n t d nd Rd R Esmo 4
h d Rd Wilber d l
g R Esmond Rd Rd a l R r u l
nd Rd e d Esmo e a
l e 6 d a o
V d n 4 e
r 5 R
w 4 F
A o
r d V c t Roa
B s Curtis Rd Rd Brooks e a G M or Curtis Rd u F g re e Curtis Rd ral h I Rd Sherman e n m d SAGINAW'S OFFICE n i e
w T B sc A p 230 S Washington Ave F
h R o u
l e d o l R Saginaw, MI 48607 o l t e d t
l f Davis r d e on e f Tel. 989-754-47
n i R al Dr D
m R R d www.SpicerGroup.com
R r a d WilberRd Davison Rd d d Davison Rd C
40 | Oscoda Township Master Plan is approximately 45-55 inches per year. Summer months have an average high temperature around 80°F and cool evenings in the 50s. Winter months see average highs in the 20s and 30s with lows in the teens and 20s.
WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS Wetlands According to the National Wetlands Inventory, Oscoda Township contains clusters of wetlands scattered throughout the Township. Wetlands can limit development in a specifi c area and each type and extent must be carefully examined before proceeding with any type of development. The wetlands Boardwalk through wetlands. and waterways of Oscoda Township are illustrated on Maps 7 and 8. Iosco County has less than 100,000 At the heart of Michigan’s wetland people, this category does not apply regulatory program is Part 303, Wetland to Oscoda Township. Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act A local unit of government has the 451 of 1994), formerly referred to as authority to create wetland regulations the Goemaere-Anderson Wetlands that address wetlands not protected Protection Act, P.A. 203 or 1979. The by the State. Oscoda Township may Michigan Department of Environmental wish to investigate this option if it is Quality Land and Water Management concerned about loss of wetlands due Division administers the permit program. to development. Legislation was passed to protect wetlands by restricting their use to There are four different types of certain activities only after permit wetlands located within the Township, approval by the State of Michigan. and are considered to be lands defi ned Permits are approved only upon a review by the existence of water, either on or of an environmental assessment fi led by near the surface, during a portion of the the petitioner that shows the avoidance year. The wetlands within the Township of wetland resources to the greatest mainly follow the Au Sable River, but extent possible and minimization of they can also be found in small sections unavoidable wetland impacts. around other lakes and river, just west of Van Etten Lake, and along the Under the Act, the following wetlands northern portion of the shoreline within are protected: the Township.
» Wetlands contiguous to an inland Waterways land, pond, river, stream, or similar water course. Wetlands adjacent There is an extensive network of to the drains, creeks, and rivers in waterways in Oscoda Township, and as Oscoda Township would fall in this a whole the Township is divided into category. two major drainage basins. The Lake » Wetlands fi ve acres in size, or larger, Huron shoreline directly receives the in counties that contain a population drainage from much of the extreme of at least 100,000 people. Since eastern side of the Township. Small creeks and drains run directly to the lake Natural Features | 41 AuSable River within the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
without entering another riverway. The Township. The reservoirs created behind remainder if the Township is in the Au these dams provide scenic recreation Sable Drainage Basin, and because the areas named Loud Pond, Five Channels river runs through the entire Township, Pond, Cooke Pond, and Foote Pond. much of the water in the Oscoda area In the northeastern section of the drains to it. Ultimately, the Au Sable Township, a branch of Pine Creek fl ows then drains into Lake Huron. into Van Etten Lake. Aside from these features there are various other lakes The largest lake in the area is Lake and creeks within the Township. Huron, forming six miles of shoreline along the easternmost Township border. NATIONAL AND STATE Along the shoreline there is commercial FORESTS and residential development. The Department of Natural Resources lists The Huron National Forest and the Au a total of 42 interior lakes within the Sable State Forest are both located Township. The two largest interior lakes within Oscoda Township. Over 80% of are Van Etten Lake and Cedar Lake. Van the land in the Township is designated Etten is a fl owing lake that is fed from as Public Forest Lands, totaling almost the Pine River, with lake levels controlled 60,000 acres in the National Forest by a dam located at the southern end of and almost 4,000 acres in the State the lake, fl owing into Van Etten Creek. Forest. The forests are located in the Cedar Lake is spring fed with outfl ows western two-thirds of the Township to Lake Huron. Development around and are a great recreation opportunity these lakes is primarily single-family for residents and visitors, habitat for homes, many of which are seasonal in fi sh and wildlife, and resources for local nature. industry. There are also several hundred miles of snowmobile/ORV trails found The Au Sable River and a branch of the across both forests. Pine River pass through the Township. The Au Sable River traverses the entire Another important land owner within Township west to east, and has been the public state land is Consumers designated a Wild and Scenic River Energy, which owns about 3,500 acres of by the U.S. Forest Service. The river land around their hydroelectric dams. All has a total of six hydroelectric dams, this information is illustrated on Map 9. four of which can be found in Oscoda
42 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 0DS Major Property Owners MAP 9: FEDERAL AND STATE LANDOscoda Township, Michigan Source: Michigan Geographic Data Library Wissmiller Rd ie Body Glennie Rd lennie Rd Gle nn G US 23 Rd Rd d R Andrews Rd R ld ald d
Bam fie Rd on w o
D l
c r d FEET Coville Rd Coville
M a e Clouse Rd R 02,650 5,300 10,600 M 65 s
Clouse Rd Clo u B Rd d e ok k Rd o R c a e l r l e r t d L an Rd Cruzen t T m i St V r r L r e a LEGEND a Pi n a e F d Goddard Rd r B e Rd Rd 41 F Bell o
d o C r n d l d P D r o Rd London Township Dams
R R ! Rempert T e Baker Rd Baker P y Webster Rd y s e k b k th g c 7 a in o 3 a o L r 7 n a K Y State 3 r e Michaud Rd 4 Michaud Rd r e R d 2 oa a
d B R Rd Barlow
M R FordRd ichaud st d Federal Fore S e
DeCost Rd DeCost K U
LAKE STATE RAILWAY
o C Federal b
ralFore s s R Baker Rd Baker e t ed 24 Kings Corner Rd d F ad 32 d lfv Private Kings Corner R o Z o ie
R i G w G R e g
le Kings Corner Rd d
n d
l C n e R
i d e Rd i d r
r
R e
R Black
Rd Glennie Rd rd v
s a o
r r Vaughn n Faw LakeRd e n L Fawn Rd e Fawn Rd L D Glennie Rd d b Fawn Rd n
R d o r d Rd m t r C
o R a F G g D
h l e n Glennie Rd LorenzRd e E
i r n d n d t
rd C
o Wi M 65 e R o t d d i a n F r e
o
Pine Rd r u d n a Pine Rd Pine Rd Pine L R n w R C o L H a u e R a
Wilber Rd Wilber Rd d e C k Indian Rd l ke d tt o McArdle Rd one e a
Cooke Biss Rd u D d n L
C Deer Rd ty r o M R R Dam F R o a R o d d e r e era a r d l Near Trl P d W t ! F e
e ts oa o Lenard Rd r F Winn R d d r i 4
r R 212 es m 1 3 t Dutcher T et Loud Dam m r Rd Small Rd d a l e D N r Pe Rd e R ri Winn k e d m
Lo o Cooke D a e Merton Rd Merton ! u o a Rd t d m r e Da C T r m r R l MackRd R d Wentworth 65 Rd Van Ettend M ! Rea Rd Arrow St Perimeter RdDam ! Five st Riv re er orest 5 Rd F Channels F o 8 8th St 0 l eral 1 Fed 2 dera Dam d F Foote F e 9 Slosser Rd Roa e 2 2 d ad e R o r Dam! a
R Kobs Rd Kobs l Rd Huron
L e F Wilber Rd o
o m r Greenwood Rd Greenwood e
r
e
p OatsRd s
d t F d n e R R oad W o
Kokosing Rd z r R M o o t F 4 rg e il
ff t R a a R 3 l I lls e
r 0 S o d g
st d 3 D t h e Rd o r o R a Britt Rd Britt F a
ral C r l ton Rd c m d
e 8 R s d i Kennedy e 20 4 Rd Alvin Rd
2
F d Rd d F oa B n R Sturk a M rg d o 3 Rd Mead o R 2 S
n t
Sand Lake Rd Lake Sand d S d I u R U a Rd Binder R
m e Allen Rd Allen r d m l t
g e O s o p n Austin Trl e e r
R t
Chambers Rd Chambers rt o d R d d F National City Rd City National R
t Iargo R d Cornett Rd s Rd rout R T e
n d
Webb Rd r
MeadRd
h 3 o
Pond Rd 4
d
g F
ond Rd R l m 5 Wilber Rd Wilber Es u d a 4 a Esmond Rd R 6 r
Rd 4 d V l e Esmond Rd l 5 d a e e o V l 4 e F R aug d n d hn r w a SAGINAW'S OFFICE
Rd o
A o
r 230 S Washington Ave c Curtis Rd t R B l Fores Saginaw, MI 48607 M Curtis Rd a T er Tel. 989-754-47 Curtis Rd ut d tle Fe www.SpicerGroup.com R d
Natural Features | 43 This page intentionally left blank.
44 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 6. EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
Existing Land Use Analysis | 45 One of the most important outcomes of There are eleven classifi cations of land a community’s Master Plan is creating uses located in the Township. This a Future Land Use Plan. Before the section describes all land uses, and Table Future Land Use Plan can be created, 11 shows acreage and percentage of the existing conditions and relations land cover for all the uses. between land uses must be examined and understood. This knowledge aids in SINGLE FAMILY the decision-making process concerning RESIDENTIAL future residential, commercial, industrial, and public land use activities. This category consists of areas of low intensity development. Single Family Existing land use is determined using Residential homes, and their accessory several techniques. In Oscoda Township, buildings are most commonly found given the large tracts of woodlands, the in this category. Within the Township planning consultants used aerial photos this land use is located adjacent to the and the National Land Cover Data Set shoreline of Lake Huron, surrounding to identify the inaccessible tracts of the Airport Authority property, and is land, verify bodies of water and verify found scattered throughout the rest of locations of roads. Also, there was also the Township along roadways. a driving land use survey conducted in critical sections of the Township MULTIPLE FAMILY which included the Downtown and surrounding area, US-23, and the RESIDENTIAL area surrounding the Wurtsmith This category consists of areas of higher Airport Authority. The consultants also intensity residential development. examined aspects that will infl uence the Multiple family homes, apartment future land use and planning process. buildings, or condos are some examples. These aspects may include unusual land Within the Township this land use is forms, nonconforming uses, nuisance located adjacent to the shoreline of features, road confi guration, or other Lake Huron, surrounding the Airport unique features in the Township. The Authority property, and is found Existing Land Use Map (Map 10 on page scattered throughout the rest of the 41), uses the National Land Cover Data Township along roadways. Single Set with slight modifi cations.
TABLE 11: EXISTING LAND USE CALCULATIONS
ELU Acreage Percent Single/Multiple Family Residential 721 0.86% Commercial/Industrial 1,000 1.19% Public/Semi-Public 22 0.03% Urban Land/Quarries/Mines 1,810 2.16% Agriculture 674 0.80% Urban Recreational Grasses 168 0.20% Woodlands 48,596 57.90% Grasslands 1,928 2.30% Wetlands 18,903 22.52% Transitional 3,499 4.17% Open Water 6,605 7.87% Total 83,926
46 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Family and Multiple Family Residential homes have been combined in the table previous because of data type and restrictions.
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL The category consists of medium and high intensity development and therefore includes all sections of land used for commercial and industrial facilities, and dense housing units (apartments). Industrial land is used for processing, manufacturing, fabricating, or assembling materials, or for the outside storage of equipment and materials. In Oscoda Township, this land use is found south along US-23 near downtown Oscoda, the area surrounding the Airport Authority property to the northwest, and the area within the Airport Authority property. It can also be found in small concentrations along the more well- traveled roads in the Township.
PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC Public and Semi-Public land uses that are spaces open to public use or are governmental in nature. They include but are not limited to, government Furtaw Field Paul Bunyon Memorial offi ces, churches, libraries, and schools. The bulk of this land use can be found in downtown Oscoda and in the Airport production or pasture, as well as all Authority property. orchard facilities. This also includes accessory buildings such as barns and URBAN LAND/QUARRIES/ elevators. There is a small percentage MINES of Agriculture land within Oscoda Township, with the vast majority located The Urban Land use category consists in the easternmost third surrounding of areas with impervious surfaces that County Road F-41, and a small area not necessarily covered by structures in the westernmost third, adjacent to and could even have a small percentage M-65. of vegetation. This land use can be found along the surface transportation URBAN RECREATIONAL routes throughout the Township, airport runways, areas surrounding an airport, GRASSES in mineral extraction areas, or in sandy The Urban Recreational Grasses land use areas. In the Township, this land is category consists of open spaces made found along roadways, near the airport, primarily of grasses in urban settings. and along the Lake Huron shoreline. Examples could include parks, golf courses, airport grasses, or industrial site AGRICULTURE grasses. This land use is found at the Township parks, and in the vacant land The Agriculture land areas are utilized on the Airport Authority property. for agricultural purposes such as crop Existing Land Use Analysis | 47 WETLANDS Wetlands are areas where the soil or substrate is periodically saturated with, or covered with water. Wetlands can be classifi ed as Scrub/Shrub, Forested, or Emergent. Wetlands are often important areas because they maintain the health of an environment. It is important to know where these are, and to protect them from development that is too intense. In Oscoda Township there are a high percentage of wetlands. The majority of them can be found surrounding the Au Sable River, and a large area northwest of the Airport Oscoda Township Park along Lake Huron Authority property, with various other wetlands scattered throughout the WOODLANDS northern portion of the Township. Wetlands are the second largest land The lands in this category are areas use in the Township. dominated by trees, including both deciduous and evergreen forests. In TRANSITIONAL Oscoda Township, this land is primarily owned by the State of Michigan or Transitional Land use refers to areas the United States for conservation and of land with sparse vegetation that research purposes. Both the Huron are dynamically changing from one National Forest and the Au Sable State land cover to another, often because Forest are located within the Township. of land use activities. Examples of this The land comprises more than 50% of land use could include forest logging, the jurisdiction, making it the largest or transitional phase between wooded land use, and is a very important natural land and agricultural land. In the resource to Oscoda Township. The vast Township, this land use is most common majority of this land is located west of north of the Au Sable River west of County Road F-41. County Road F41.
GRASSLAND OPEN WATER Grassland is an area that is dominated This land use refers to areas where there by herbaceous plants, that could also be is open or standing water, and is very used for grazing, but is subject to tilling. important to the Township, both for Within Oscoda Township there are recreation and energy. The Au Sable various patches of grassland throughout River fl ows through the entire Township, the entire Township. The largest Van Etten Lake is located in the east of concentration is found to the south, the Township, Cedar Lake is located on along the Au Sable River, south of the the eastern edge of the Township, and airport. Oftentimes these areas coincide Lake Huron borders Oscoda Township. with the state-owned land. There are various other small lakes, river, creeks, and drains located throughout the rest of the Township. Water is the third largest land use in the Township.
48 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 0DS Existing Land Use MAP 10: EXISTING LAND USE Oscoda Township, Michigan Source: Michigan Geographic Data Library
Loud Dr
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Ottawa Dr Linholm Dr Pride Rd Loud Dr FEET 03,700 7,400 14,800 Pride Rd
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Oscoda Township Beach Park and the Lake Huron Pier
Existing Land Use Analysis | 49 This page intentionally left blank.
50 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 7. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement | 51 To be effective, a Master Plan should which enabled respondents to scan the incorporate the input and ideas of the leafl ets and take the survey using mobile local population. By basing the Master devices. Plan on the goals and objectives of its residents, land use management SURVEY SUMMARY decisions become politically feasible and represent the intents and vision of During the public input period, the the community. In Oscoda Township, Township collected many insightful ideas citizens were given the opportunity and suggestions for land use, housing to participate in an online community improvements, economic development, input survey, hosted on fl uidsurveys. protection of natural features, and the com, which produced results from 930 overall quality of life. The following respondents. information is a summary of the major ideas the Township received from the ONLINE SURVEY online survey. Summaries of responses for each survey question are described in The online survey was made available the following sections. from June 2, 2016 through July 24, 2016, complete with 29 questions The Respondents which can be found in Appendix A. The intent of the survey was to establish an At the beginning of the survey the easy means of communication where respondents were asked several residents and stakeholders of the questions about themselves. The Township could provide input about questions included demographic the existing community condition, and information pertaining to age, residency the need for future improvements. The status, length of residency, and role survey was taken through the web in the community. The answers to domain www.oscodasurvey.com. On these questions were used to have a May 26, 2016, a press release was given strong understanding of the survey announcing the launch of the Oscoda participants. Below are some key Master Plan survey. The press release fi ndings from the information about the announced the web domain of the 930 survey respondents. survey, as well as information about the Master Plan update process. Additionally, » Of the 930 respondents, 66% leafl et fl yers were distributed to further indicated that they were a promote the survey. These fl yers were permanent resident of Oscoda printed on postcard paper in color, and Township. The majority of the included the web address and a QR code permanent residents (55%),
52 | Oscoda Township Master Plan indicated that they have been in the FIGURE 9: REASONS WHY RESPONDENTS LIVE IN community for more than 10 years, OSCODA TOWNSHIP with 40% of those respondents having been in the community for more than 20 years. » The remaining 34% of respondents indicated they were not permanent residents, 38% were seasonal residents, and 23% were occasional visitors. The seasonal residents have been in the Township just as long as the permanent ones, with 60% indicating more than 10 years of seasonal ownership. » The following statistics represent the age ranges of respondents: • 38% were between the ages of 45- 64 • 30% were between the ages of 25-44 • 16% were between the ages of 65-74 • 10% were between the ages of 18-24 • The remaining were under 18 (2.5%) and over 75 (3.8%) have changed in the past 5 years. The questions were specifi c to: road conditions, traffi c, natural environment, Overall, the majority of respondents blight, township services, recreational were older residents or seasonal visitors opportunities, and overall quality of who have lived in the community for life. Overall respondents think the more than 10 years. road conditions are the same or better, traffi c is the same or worse, the natural General Oscoda Questions environment is the same, blight is the same or worse, Township services are Respondents were asked all of the the same, recreational opportunities are reasons they choose to live in Oscoda the same or better, and overall quality of Township. Figure 9 illustrates graphically life is the same or better. the responses. The top three responses included: liked the lakes and recreational Overall, 59% of respondents believe opportunities (77%), like rural living that blight is an issue in the Township. (47%), and close to family and friends Respondents were also asked to respond (45%). Respondents also had the on how important several features of opportunity to choose “other” and the Township were to them. Figure 10 write in their own response. Nine on the following page depicts those percent of respondents chose this answers. The questions pertained to option. Some of the more popular preservation and protection of natural responses included: having a family or resources, preservation of scenic seasonal home in the Township, the character, access to water, revival of friendliness of the people, and the the Oscoda downtown, economic recreation opportunities. development, housing choices, and transportation choices. Respondents were also asked how certain aspects of the community
Community Engagement | 53 FIGURE 10: HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE FOLLOWING ISSUES TO YOU?
54 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Population and Development FIGURE 11: OPINION ON IF THE POPULATION IN OSCODA TOWNSHIP SHOULD GROW IN THE Respondents were asked if the COMING YEARS population in Oscoda Township should grow in the coming years. Figure 11 illustrates the response to this question, with the majority opinion being that the Township population should grow.
In the same light, respondents were asked if the Township should have more development in the coming years. Overall, respondents agree with more development, as depicted in Figure 12.
The following questions pertain to additional residential, commercial, and industrial growth in the Township. Given that the majority of respondents agree with an increase in population and increasing development, the following questions also support these positions. Respondents overwhelmingly stated there were not enough commercial businesses in the Township FIGURE 12: OPINION ON IF OSCODA TOWNSHIP (87%). Additionally, respondents SHOULD HAVE MORE DEVELOPMENT IN THE believe commercial development should be focused on the reuse and COMING YEARS redevelopment of existing buildings in the Oscoda downtown (82%), throughout the US-23 corridor (61%), and near the Oscoda-Wurtsmith airport area (50%). Fifty-three percent of respondents believe that the commercial development should focus on the seasonal and tourist industry, while 25% of the respondents don’t think that type of development should be the focus. Overall, the top three most desired commercial businesses are a full-service restaurant (67%), specialty stores or boutiques (63%), and a large retail or discount store (56%). Figure 13 on the following page represents all the possible answers and responses pertaining to the types of desired commercial development. Respondents also had the opportunity to type in a specifi c answer to this question. The top three trends were: a large retail store, casino, and an indoor recreation and entertainment center.
Community Engagement | 55 FIGURE 13: COMMERCIAL SERVICES OSCODA Further, 76% of respondents believe TOWNSHIP NEEDS industrial development in the Township should be encouraged. In addition to believing in more commercial and industrial development, 61% of respondents also think the Township should plan for more single-family homes. Respondents also believe the Township should plan for other housing types. Figure 14, depicts the desired housing types in the Township. It is clear there is not a singular desired choice for housing, but rather several different types seem appropriate to the respondents, allowing the Township several options in planning.
Recreation Several questions in the community input survey were specifi c to recreation, so the Township could use this public input for their recreation plan as well. Respondents were asked which of the Oscoda Township properties they had visited recently, and were encouraged to choose more than one answer. Figure 16 represents all the responses to this question. The top three most visited parks were Oscoda Township Beach Park, Foote Site Park, and Ken Ratliff Memorial Park. FIGURE 14: HOUSING CHOICES THE TOWNSHIP SHOULD PLAN FOR Respondents were asked if they supported the development of the Iron Belle Trail from River Bank Park along River Road to M-65 and Hale. Sixty-eight percent of respondents agreed with the project, while 26% had no opinion, and 14% disagreed.
Respondents were also asked why they visited public parks and recreation facilities in the Township. The top three responses included: enjoying nature (81%), beach access and swimming (67%), and river access (59%). Figure 17 depicts all the responses for this question.
Next, respondents were asked what kind of additional recreation and support facilities are needed in Oscoda Township. The top ten answers for this question included:
56 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 1. Paved multi-use paths FIGURE 16: OSCODA TOWNSHIP PROPERTIES 2. Access to Au Sable River RECENTLY VISITED 3. Access to Lake Huron 4. Restrooms 5. Picnic Pavilions 6. Dog Park 7. Biking (Biking/Mountain biking/Fat Tire biking) 8. Access to inland lakes 9. Playgrounds 10. Disc Golf
Figure 15 below illustrates the responses for additional facilities. Top responses included the desire for more paved multi-use trails, greater access to the AuSable River and Lake Huron, more picnic pavilions, and a dog park.
FIGURE 15: NEEDED ADDITIONAL RECREATION AND SUPPORT FACILITIES IN THE TOWNSHIP
FIGURE 17: REASONS WHY RESPONDENTS VISIT PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Community Engagement | 57 Respondents were also asked their opportunities, promote the shoreline opinion on future land use patterns as a destination for pedestrian along the Lake Huron shoreline. The connections, and preserve the series of charts in Figure 18 depicts view of the shoreline and minimize the various opinions on the land use development. Respondents were evenly patterns. Overall, respondents want split on allowing hotel and hospitality to continue to allow residential uses, accommodations along the shoreline. continue to improve the recreational
FIGURE 18: RESPONDENT OPINION ON FUTURE LAND USE PATTERNS ALONG THE LAKE HURON SHORELINE
58 | Oscoda Township Master Plan OSCODA TOWNSHIP 2019 FIGURE 19: TOP SWOT RESPONSES STRATEGIC PLAN The Board of Trustees for Oscoda Township contracted with Place + Main Advisors, LLC to perform strategic planning services for the community. As part of these services, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, six focus groups, and an online survey were undertaken.
Public Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis On the evening of Monday, October 29, 2019 the township hosted a public SWOT Analysis at the Warrior Pavilion in Ken Ratliff Memorial Park in the township. Approximately 50 stakeholders attended, including board members, resident, business owners and leaders, and neighboring township representatives. The SWOT was facilitated by Place + Main Advisors Principal Joe Borgstrom. Each topic was given between fi ve to seven minutes for the attendees to call out things they felt belonged in the respective categories. When input session was complete, attendees were asked to rank their top three in each category. The rankings were color coded and weighted based on importance. (Example - the most important strength was awarded a blue sticker and was worth three points. The Source: 2019 Strategic Plan; Place + Main second most important strength was given a yellow sticker and awarded two points, and the third was awarded a green sticker and awarded one point.) The point values were then tallied appear in parentheses in Table 12 on the following page.
Public SWOT analysis.
Community Engagement | 59 TABLE 12: SWOT ANALYSIS INTERNAL Strengths – Local Control Weaknesses – Local Control Environment/Natural Resources (93) Empty Storefronts (56) Kalitta Air, LLC Facility (27) Medical Facilities/Offerings (36) Airport (27) Lack of Affordable Long-Term & Short-Term Housing (24) Recreation Opportunities (22) Curb Appeal/Appearance (21) Tourism (19) Lack of Doctors (17) Beaches (15) Environmental Issues (15) Affordable Housing (7) Lack of Population Under 40 (15) Schools (Facilities/People) (7) Lack of Walkable Shopping (11) Hiking/Biking Trails (7) Lack of Business Diversity (10) Libraries (6) Loss of Skilled Workers (10) Broadband on Major Roads (6) ORV/Snowmobile (5) Declining Enrollment (10) Potential of Community Center (5) Lack of Quality Daycare (7) Reasonable Taxes (4) Public Perception (7) Community Colleges (4) Lack of Downtown Cohesion (6) Active Senior Community (3) Parking (6) Good Infrastructure (1) Roads (6) Public Safety (1) Marketing (3) Room for Growth (0) Lack of Overnight Accommodations (2) Slow Rail (2) Seasonality (1) Lack of Ethnic Diversity (0) EXTERNAL Opportunities – Leverage to Improve Threats – Factors to Watch Beachfront Business District (41) Contamination (44) Redevelop Air Base (39) Drugs (39) Marketing (28) Economy/Unemployment (37) Room to Grow (19) Aging Community (26) Arts/Artisans (16) Low Wages (21) Market Schools/Higher Ed (15) Apathy (20) Grants (12) Public Perception (16) Invest in Community Center (11) Online Shopping (15) Better Connect Businesses to Waterfront (11) Walkable Winter Unpredictability/Environmental Change (7) Housing (11) Department of Defense Decisions (4) Broadband to Underserved (10) Violence (4) Niche Retail (8) Location (2) Create Identity (7) Brain Drain (1) Further Develop Old Orchard (6) MicroBreweries/Distilleries (5) Passenger Rail (4) Robotics Team (3) Career Centers (3) Wi-Fi Throughout Community (3) More Restaurants (3) Industrial Parks (2) Water Trails (2) Volunteer/Partnership w Youth (1) Data Center (0)
60 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Focus Groups biggest issue. This includes short- and long-term housing. Five focus groups were convened » Lack of restaurants and lack representing government, education, of downtown business hurts major employers, Chamber of employment recruitment. Commerce, Conference Visitors Bureau, DDA, and downtown business owners. » More diverse retail base; need for Outcome from the focus groups outdoor outfi tters, butcher shop, reinforced information gleaned from the bike shop, and dry-cleaner. community SWOT session. Some of the » Need for trails and recreation issues that surfaced included: venues.
» The elimination by MDOT of on- street parking devastated businesses Online Survey along South State (US-23). An online survey was available to the » Lack of a health care facilities. community and 152 people participated » Lack of a fi xed route public in this engagement venue. The results transportation service. of the survey mirrored the community SWOT assessment and the focus » Appearance and curb appeal groups. Respondents noted additional lacking. opportunities focused on redevelopment » Need for a wayfi nding system since of the air base, more restaurants, the the Township is so large with a need to create a cohesive identity, variety of parks and public facilities. microbreweries/distilleries, water trails, arts/artisans, walkable housing, and » Employers expressed a concern broadband. regarding the lack of housing as the
FIGURE 20: SUMMARY OF ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS
Source: 2019 Strategic Plan; Place + Main
Community Engagement | 61 VISION + MISSION Strategic Goals STATEMENTS Strategic Goals are the overarching Vision goals that guide the specifi c objectives the Township will pursue. These goals By 2028, Oscoda Township will be may change over time, but largely a more thriving, safe, and energetic defi ne what the township’s purpose will community with an active inter- be for the next fi ve to ten years. These generational economy. It will fully use goals refl ect the input of the public, and modernize its infrastructure and focus groups, steering committees, and maximize its resources, both fi nancial Township Board of Trustees. and natural, to create a local economy that serves its residents. Oscoda 1. Create an environment where Township will be a preferred place for residents, development, and residents, businesses, and tourists to businesses can be successful. invest and be a part of. In partnership 2. Create more housing options for with neighboring communities, it will existing and prospective residents. work for the betterment of the region. 3. Preserve, integrate, and connect Vision and Mission Statements provide natural resources for residents and direction for the Township going tourists. forward. The Vision defi nes the end goal for the community, while the Mission 4. Market the community to defi nes the Township’s role in making prospective businesses, residents, the vision come to fruition. and tourists. 5. Further promote redevelopment of Mission airport and surrounding property. The Charter Township of Oscoda is 6. Grow the number of residents, the government entity responsible for businesses, tourists, and creating the environment to improve developers in the township. the quality of life for its residents 7. Maintain and improve township and opportunities for its businesses owned infrastructure. to thrive. It creates and maintains the organizational and physical infrastructure of the community to engage residents and help its businesses continually adjust to the everchanging economic climate. The Township is a steward of the public trust, administrator of responsive and effi cient government, and a champion of transparency that works to serve and protect its citizens.
62 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 8. GROWTH & INVESTMENT AREAS
Growth & Investment Areas | 63 Oscoda Township’s 83,926 acres » Local Zone – is generally the (131 square miles) can be generally remaining eastern portion of the segmented into three zones; Federal Township extending from County Zone, State Zone, and Local Zone and Road F-41 to Lake Huron. This described as follows: zone comprises approximately 16,200 acres and includes Van Etten » Federal Zone – generally extending Lake and Wurtsmith Airport. The from the west Township limits east Developed Zone comprises 24% of to Wilbur Road and comprising the Township. approximately 48,500 acres, or The geographic assessment of these 57% of the Township. This area three zones highlights the that includes a series of man-made lakes Township’s potential buildable and and tributaries resulting from the taxable valuation area is confi ned to 24% Loud Dam, Five Channels Dam, and of the land area, and all of this is within Cooke Dam. This zone contains vast 2 miles of Lake Huron. Further, the acreage of forest land, sporadically development potential is along the US-23 dotted with campgrounds, trails, corridor and northeast of Loud Drive. and public launch facilities. » State Zone – includes an area Within the Developed Zone there are generally bounded by the AuSable fi ve growth and investment areas. A River, Bissonette Road, and Rea growth and investment area are distinct Road to the south and county road geographic areas within a community F-41 on the east, and the northern that have similar land use characteristics Township limits, and include the and present a variety of development and Foote Dam site. The State Zone redevelopment opportunities all served comprises approximately 16,200 by public infrastructure. Understanding acres, or 19% of the Township. where growth and investment areas are helps guide planned growth and smart development, and these areas for Oscoda Township are described as follows:
SOUTH STATE BUSINESS 1 AND NEIGHBORHOOD
This area includes the historic downtown business district of the Charter Township of Oscoda and adjacent residential neighborhoods extending from Division Street to Evergreen Street. The neighborhood is walkable, contains small lots for commercial and residential development and is within easy walking distance to Lake Huron. Redevelopment opportunities include the rehabilitation of commercial structures, and the development of new commercial and mixed-use structures using the recently adopted SSBN form-based code.
64 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 23-41 BUSINESS AND 2 NEIGHBORHOOD
The highway network of US-23 and F-41 serve as the primary generators for growth in this area. One portion of the area extends from Evergreen Street north about a mile past the US-23 / F-41 intersection. Another portion extends from the US-23 / F-41 intersection along F-41 to the railroad tracks approximately 1 mile. Included in this area are the residential neighborhoods along Pine Street, Cedar Lake Street, and Hughes Street.
NORTH 3 NEIGHBORHOODS
This growth and investment area includes residential neighborhoods between Loud Drive and US-23 (Woodland Road East) and along Cedar Lake Road. Some of the residential areas are based on a grid pattern and others are based on a suburban road network. Within the area are buildable lots for additional residential development.
Growth & Investment Areas | 65 WURTSMITH AIRPORT 4
This growth and investment area comprises the airport and facilities that support air-related ventures. The recent selection of this growth and investment area as the Michigan site for the MAMA horizontal space launch facility opens greater opportunities for economic development.
WURTSMITH 5 AIRPORT MIXED-USE NEIGHBORHOOD
This area includes the former support facilities for the WAFB along Skeel, Arrow, Missile Street, and N. Huron Avenue, and the residential areas south of Perimeter Road. Within this area are undeveloped residential lots along Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Ohio, Utah and Vermont Streets, and commercial sites north of Perimeter and south of F-41. This undeveloped property, as described above, is owned by the Villages of Oscoda Home Owners Association (HOA).
66 | Oscoda Township Master Plan
MAP 11: GROWTH & INVESTMENT AREAS 1
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Growth & Investment Areas | 67 Growth and Investment strategies platted to include smaller lots which should focus on the following land use can accommodate “mom and pop” development and redevelopment within businesses within easy walking distance these areas as noted in Table 13 below. of adjacent single family neighborhoods. Conversely, Wurtsmith Airport Mix-Use Not all areas can, or should, Neighborhood will include single family accommodate the same type of land residential, multi-family residential use. An appropriate mix of land uses within walking and biking distance of helps generate a synergy between commercial and small industrial-related uses and helps establish a sense of businesses located on the former air place. For example, the South State base. Business Neighborhood has been
TABLE 13: LAND USES FOR GROWTH & INVESTMENT AREAS
Single- Multiple- Industrial / Family Family Mixed-Use Commercial Research Residential Residential South State Business Neighborhood
23-41 Business Neighborhood
North Neighborhood
Wurtsmith Airport
Wurtsmith Airport Mixed-Use Neighborhood
68 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 9. FUTURE LAND USE
Future Land Use | 69 The Future Land Use map lays the On the Future Land Use map, it foundation for the Action Program should be noted that Future Land Use described in the next section of this categories are slightly different from Master Plan, and depicts the desired the existing land use categories. This form and character for Oscoda Township difference is attributed to the fact that to take on over the next fi ve to twenty Future Land Use is developed with an years. The proposed future land uses eye toward the zoning classifi cation in Oscoda Township are divided into 15 that will be needed to actually move categories, see Table 14 on page 72. toward the implementation of this Plan. For example, while the Existing The Future Land Use map transforms Land Use map described wetlands or the goals into a graphic guide for semi-public uses, these uses are not land development and management described on the Future Land Use map. in Oscoda. The Future Land Use map These existing land uses are combined serves as a guide to decision making, into various other Future Land Use and does not specify how every lot, categories because the Future Land parcel, or site should be used or Use categories refl ect how these land zoned. While the Future Land Use map uses should be used in the future, and attempts to translate Future Land Use hence should be zoned. Ultimately, the categories to specifi c zoning districts, recommendations shown on the Future it is mostly intended to provide a Land Use maps are intended to help framework for future site-specifi c land Oscoda offi cials, property owners, and use or zoning decisions that are brought residents make zoning and development before the Planning Commission. For decisions that are in the best interest example, the Future Land Use map may of the community. The Future Land indicate a low-density single-family Use map seeks to guide residential, residential area, and yet it may not be commercial, and industrial development zoned for residential until a property into appropriate locations while owner requests that zoning change maintaining the overall character and and the Township adopts the rezoning appearance of Oscoda Township. request. Map 11-1: Future Land Use Map MAP 12.1: FUTURE LAND USE Oscoda Township, Michigan
Wissmiller Rd ie US 23 Bo lennie Rd Gl nn dy Glennie Rd G e Rd d R Andrews Rd ldRd Healey Rd Healey na o d D
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70 | Oscoda Township Master Plan Map 11-2: Future Land Use Map MAP 12.2: FUTURE LAND USE Oscoda Township, Michigan
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Map 11-3: Future Land Use Map MAP 12.3: FUTURE LAND USE Oscoda Township, Michigan
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d 2 d 040 Future Land Use | 71 TABLE 14: FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES
District Acreage Percent Low Density Residential 3,020.86 3.59% Medium Density Residential 311.25 0.37% Mixed Residential 3,477.00 4.14% High Density Residential 289.44 0.34% Mixed Mobile Home Residential 37.42 0.04% Mobile Home 50.19 0.06% Central Business 59.71 0.07% General Business 359.03 0.43% Residential Tourist 2,430.22 2.90% Recreational Vehicle 53.45 0.06% Waterfront Marina 8.69 0.01% Industrial 644.26 0.77% Agricultural 274.75 0.33% Wurtsmith Airport 2,121.83 2.53% Forestry 70,787.87 84.35% Total 83,926
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL » In the northeast corner, surrounding Cedar Lake This category covers approximately » North of downtown Oscoda 3,020 acres, or about 3.6%, of the Townships’ total land area and » At the currently empty, past base encompasses the following zoning housing area south of the airport districts: low density residential district, » Several other locations along the and Wurtsmith low density residential Lake Huron Shoreline and south of district. This category includes single- Van Etten Lake family detached structures and accessory structures, with a minimum lot area of 9,600 square feet. In addition to these MEDIUM DENSITY uses, family day care, adult foster home RESIDENTIAL and state licensed residential facilities are also allowed. This is the third This category covers approximately 311 largest land use in the Township, and acres, or about 0.3%, of the Townships’ is important to residents, who believe total land area and encompasses the there should be more single-family following zoning districts: medium development. Single-family residential density residential, and Wurtsmith structures are intended to provide medium density residential. This stability and protect and encourage the category includes single‐family detached residential character in the Township, structures and accessory structures, with a high-quality housing stock. In this with a minimum lot area of 9,600 Plan, the Township has indicated the square feet, and a minimum structure importance of a strong housing stock size of 750 square feet. In addition to and strong neighborhoods to improve these uses, family day care, adult foster the quality of life in Oscoda. This Future home and state licensed residential Land Use can be found in the following facilities are also allowed. This land use locations: is important to residents who believe 72 | Oscoda Township Master Plan there should be more single-family development. Single-family residential structures are intended to provide stability and protect and encourage the residential character in the Township, with a high‐quality housing stock. In this Plan, the Township has indicated the importance of a strong housing stock and strong neighborhoods to improve the quality of life in Oscoda. This Future Land Use can be found south of the Oscoda‐Wurtsmith Airport, and northeast of southern end of Van Etten Lake.
MIXED RESIDENTIAL This category covers approximately Oscoda Township along Lake Street 3,477 acres or 4.1% of the Township’s land use, which is the second largest HIGH DENSITY land use category in the Township. This RESIDENTIAL land use comprises the mixed density residential district and the Wurtsmith This category covers approximately mixed density residential district. These 289 acres, or 0.3% of land in the uses in these districts include one or Township, and encompasses the high two-family homes or multiple-family density residential zoning district. Some homes in the Wurtsmith district, uses allowed by right in this district and their accessory structures with a include: one and two family homes, minimum 6,000 square foot lot. This nursing homes, day care homes, and land use provides opportunity for a state licensed residential facilities. This variety of housing options in a variety land use also allows for the necessary of settings, and is fi tting because the accessory structures. Multiple-family Township residents believe there should dwelling units are also permitted in this be an expansion of housing types in district. This is another example of a the Township. Therefore, the mixed land use that is important as Township residential district which allows several residents have indicated it is important types of housing options is important to to provide for a variety of different residents. In this Plan, the Township has housing options. In this plan, the also indicated the need to expand the Township has also indicated the need housing options available to residents to expand the housing options available to provide more choices, and to also to residents to provide more choices, provide more options of affordable and to also provide more options of living and the mixed residential land use affordable housing. The high density is one way to achieve those goals. The residential land use is one way to land use is in the following areas of the achieve those goals. This land use has a Township: minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet, and can be found in the following areas » East of Cedar Lake in the Township: » Surrounding Van Etten Lake » In the residential area, directly west » At the multi-family base housing of the downtown » Southeast of the base housing » Along the western edge of Cedar » Several areas in the western two- Lake thirds of the Township including » Scattered throughout several other along Bissonette Road, Wentworth locations along County Road F41 Road, and River Road and US-23
Future Land Use | 73 MIXED MOBILE HOME CENTRAL BUSINESS RESIDENTIAL The central business use corresponds The mixed mobile home use to the central business zoning district, corresponds to the mixed mobile which is approximately 60 acres, or home zoning district, and equates to 0.06% of land in the Township. This approximately 37 acres of Township land use is in downtown Oscoda, land or 0.04%. This land use allows and is intended to encourage the for one and two family dwelling units, redevelopment of downtown. The use and mobile homes, as well as any aims to provide for a variety of retail accessory uses. Future mixed mobile stores and related activities, while home residential should be appropriately promoting a convenient pedestrian sited in locations suitable to this type environment which does not include of development. The development automobile related services, that should not adversely affect surrounding disrupt the continuous retail frontage residential areas, and to ensure essential in a downtown. As indicated adequate connection to transportation by residents and Township offi cials, the and utilities. This land use can be majority of people would like to focus found at Forest Drive off Bissonette the development in the Township into Drive southeast of the airport, and two this land use area. They would prefer locations off M-65 in the western third to revitalize the existing infrastructure of the Township off Winn Road and and bring life to the downtown as Carter Road. compared to encouraging new sprawl development, which would encroach MOBILE HOME on existing residential neighborhoods and the natural beauty of the Township. The mobile home use corresponds to Commercial development in this district the mobile home zoning district, and includes uses that promote walkability equates to approximately 50 acres of and do not center on the automobile, Township land or 0.06%. This land use which breaks up the commercial allows for mobile homes, as well as any corridor. accessory uses. Future mobile home residential should be appropriately GENERAL BUSINESS sited in locations suitable to this type of development, to not adversely The general business use corresponds to affect surrounding residential areas, the general business zoning district and and to ensure adequate connection to the Wurtsmith Business zoning district. transportation and utilities. This land use It comprises approximately 359 acres or can be found on Bisonette Road, and 0.4% of the Township. on the north end of Van Etten Lake off Colbath Road, adjacent to Alexander This land use is much less restrictive Road and F-41 near Jeanette Drive. than the central business district described above. It intends to provide convenient day-to-day shopping and services with minimum impact on community members. The allowed uses are much more fl exible and there is a 5,000-minimum square foot lot size. Residents have indicated they would prefer to see this type of commercial development along the US-23 corridor, which is where the majority of this Future Land Use is located, and along County Road F41 south of the Oscoda- Wurtsmith Airport.
Existing streetscape along US-23.
74 | Oscoda Township Master Plan The general business use located at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport is intended to provide space for the adaptive reuse of existing structures within the former Air Force Base area. It includes not only commercial uses, but also governmental, institutional, medical, educational, housing, and entertainment. This district allows for a much larger group of uses, to be more fl exible for redevelopment in the area. The residents indicated they would also like to see commercial development here, so this use allows for not only commercial, but many other services as well. This is an example of a land use that is unique to Oscoda, and as such An Oscoda Township Park may provide opportunities to specialty businesses that may not be available in other communities. The Township has » Selected locations along the Au worked hard to reinvigorate this area Sable River, including sites near and be open to many potential options Cooke Dam Pond and Foote Dam in the future. Pond » Areas along M-65 north of the Au RESIDENTIAL TOURIST Sable River The residential tourist use corresponds with the residential tourist zoning RECREATIONAL VEHICLE district. This use comprises approximately 2,430 acres of land, or This land use corresponds to the 2.9% of the Township. It is intended recreational vehicle zoning district, it to meet the unique needs of an area makes up approximately 53 acres, or ranging from tourist related commercial 0.06% of the Township land, and is facilities to natural waterfront areas, intended for parks which cater to the and to family cottages or residential camping needs of the general public. homes. The district allows a variety It includes spaces for both tents and of uses, which includes restaurants, motorhomes. As the recreation industry lodging establishments, convenience and tourism are so important to the stores, one or two family dwelling units, Township, this land use is as well. It antique shops, bait shops, and public provides visitors with a short or long outdoor recreation space. The Township term place to stay. This use is currently residents have stated they would like off Perimeter Road and Mission Drive to support the growth of the economy, south of the airport. Recently, part of more residential housing, and protection the area was rezoned to Wurtsmith of natural resources. This zoning district Industrial, meaning the future of this assists the Township in achieving those land use may be changing. While it is three goals by creating spaces where important to recreational visitors, there commercial and residential uses can are other camping options available in interact for convenience of residents the Township. and visitors alike. This land use can be found in the following locations: WATERFRONT MARINA
» Along the Township shoreline on This land use corresponds to the both sides of US-23 waterfront marina zoning district and makes up approximately 9 acres » Selected locations around Van Etten or 0.01% of the Township land. It Lake is intended for bait shops or fi sh
Future Land Use | 75 INDUSTRIAL This land use corresponds with the industrial zoning district and the Wurtsmith Industrial zoning district. It encompasses approximately 644 acres or 0.7% of the Township.
This district is intended to provide a location for wholesale, warehousing, and manufacturing operations in new locations and as adaptive reuses within the old Wurtsmith Airforce Base. The use requires a minimum lot size of Private Recreation Business along the AuSable River 30,000 square feet. The Township residents have indicated they believe industry is important to the Township and the economy. They have also indicated they would like to see more industrial job opportunities in the Township. This is one of the districts which would assist with those goals. The siting of any industrial land in the future should ensure the development will have adequate transportation, utility access and will have a limited adverse impact on any surrounding residential uses, and will not be intrusive on other existing uses. This use is located in the northwest corner and southeast corner of the Airport Authority. Local Oscoda Township Business AGRICULTURAL cleaning, watercraft dockage or storage, watercraft rentals or excursions, and This land use corresponds to the outdoor recreation facilities. The use agricultural zoning district, it makes requires a minimum of 12,000 square up approximately 275 acres or 0.3% feet. The Township residents have of land in the Township. This land use expressed how much they value the is intended to promote and protect recreation opportunities available to areas of agricultural lands and to them in the Township, and have also preserve the natural features. Township expressed a desire to grow business and residents have indicated they believe tourism in the Township. This land use agriculture is an important feature in creates a unique opportunity to allow the Township and is important to the businesses to take advantage of the Township economy. Common farming wonderful recreational opportunities practices are allowed uses in this district. available and create activities and jobs. Additionally, other related agricultural However, because of the nature of practices such as tree farms, horse these businesses, they require land that farms, kennels, or fi sh hatcheries are is often along the water and at a high also compatible. In the Township, the premium. It will be important in the agricultural land is in the northeastern future to balance all of the Township’s third of the Township between Loud needs while also protecting the natural Drive and Lenard Road. environment. Currently, the only location of this land use is directly west of downtown Oscoda.
76 | Oscoda Township Master Plan AIRPORT This land use encompasses the Wurtsmith Airport Authority Overlay District and the four airport protection zones outlined in the zoning ordinance. These land uses apply to airport zoning regulations and the outlined prohibited uses for land surrounding the airport. Overall, the airport land use is approximately 2,122 acres, or 2.5% of the Township land, which makes this the fi fth largest land use in the Township. In the past, the airport was a military base, and now it operates as a public airport and hangar for several specialty businesses involved in the airplane Kalitta Air; a large Township employer industry. The past military airport and associated uses presents the Township with many unique opportunities for ZONING PLAN specialty businesses. The Township has recognized this fact, and has taken The Township recently revised the B-1 advantage of their unique situation. This (Central Business) and portions of the land use will continue to be important R-T (Residential-Tourist) districts into and a key feature to promote in the the South State Business Neighborhood future. district which utilizes the form based code as the foundation. Efforts are FORESTRY underway in 2020 to revise the B-2 (General Busines) district into a form The forest land use includes the forestry based code, as well. zoning district and the natural river district. It is the largest land use by far, The cuurent ordinance has fi ve different consisting of 70,788 acres or 84% of zoning classifi cations for the former land in the Township. These districts are Wurtsmith Aire Base and these include: intended to protect the natural features that the Township treasures, while still » WB-3 Wurtsmith Business allowing some compatible development. » WR-1 Wurtsmith Low Density Some uses allowed include outdoor Residential recreation space, campgrounds, golf courses, greenhouses, single family » WR-2 Wurtsmith Medium Density homes, fi sh hatcheries, and forestry Residential services and industries. These districts » WR-3 Wurtsmith Mixed Residential are used to protect the natural features » WA Wurtsmith Airport of the Township which are so valued by resident and visitors alike. Please note that not all the land in the forestry These fi ve zoning districts could be district is open for development. In fact, incorporated into one overall district the majority is owned by the State or with fi ve separate sub-zones which Federal Government and is protected would help integrate the development as open public land. The Township has together. no jurisdiction over this land and what happens to it in the future. Other zoning revisions should be made to align the zoning ordinance with RRC best practices, and streamline review processes.
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78 | Oscoda Township Master Plan 10. ACTION PLAN
Action Plan | 79 ACTION PLAN priority, and anticipated funding source. Under the direction of the planning In August 2020, the Planning commission, with citizen and Commission rated each of the Action stakeholder input, Oscoda Township Plan task items using a fi ve-year has identifi ed seven overarching goals, timeframe (2021 - 2025) as a way to each with a series of actions. Although establish priorities. The year identifi ed the recommendations embodied in the in the schedule should be referred to as Future Land Use map may take twenty the probable “kick-off” date when the to thirty years to achieve, the Action work will begin. Several of the tasks are Plan is focused on short-term attainable recurring and the term “Annual” is used actions that Township can take to bring to denote their timing. about noticeable change. The fi ve-year timeframe is used to correspond to The Action Plan schedule should be the planning commission’s role to re- used by the Planning Commission to evaluate the Master Plan every fi ve years prepare their Annual Report (MCL under the Michigan Planning Enabling 125.3819 (2)) to the Board of Trustees Act (PA 33 of 2008). The Action Plan outlining their annual work effort and table outlines a planned implementation budget. This process also helps to schedule for each action and includes a establish a realistic measure of Planning general timeframe for implementation, Commission performance. the party responsible for implementing,
80 | Oscoda Township Master Plan GOAL 1: THE ECONOMICS OF PLACE
HOW: Create an environment where residents, development, and businesses can be successful.
WHY: Since the Great Recession, a variety of economic assessments have concluded that communities that have a strong sense of place fare well economically. This sense of place, referred to as the economics of place, is achieved through a variety of elements, including having a vibrant business district, a range of housing types, access to recreation and open space, walkable and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and streets, and attractive public areas. When you create a community where people want to live and visit, invest; jobs follow.
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party Include an Administrative Review provision to accelerate site plan reviews for Uses 2021 Planning Permitted by Right in Section 7.3. Revise Commission Zoning Incorporate into the Zoning Ordinance with assistance 2021 Ordinance provisions from the “Guide to Development.” from a consultant Expand Section 7.3 to address what 2021 elements are needed in a site plan. Prepare a Physical Design Plan for the Planning business district along US-23 between Commission, 2022 Division and Evergreen in alignment with with assistance RRC Best Practices. Downtown from the Plan Incorporate into the Plan provisions from the Economic 2022 “Guide to Development.” Improvement Committee and Use the SSBN Form Based Code as the MDOT 2022 foundation for the Plan. Prepare a Physical Design Plan for the US-23 2023 Corridor north of Evergreen. Incorporate in the Physical Design Plan an Planning 2024 intersection design for US-23 and F-41. Commission, with assistance Incorporate pedestrian elements and US-23 North from the 2023 crossings. Corridor Economic 2021, Evaluate feasibility for a Corridor Improvement and then Improvement Authority (CIA). Committee and MDOT annually Prepare a Form Based Code to replace the 2021 B-2 Zoning District. Defi ne Growth & Investment Areas (GIA) Economic Improvement Growth & based on availability of infrastructure, and 2024 Committee with Investment proximity to US-23 and F-41. assistance from Area Evaluate and select sites within the GIA areas the Planning 2024 that are redevelopment ready. Commission Action Plan | 81 GOAL 2: TELLING OUR STORY
HOW: Market the community to prospective businesses, residents, and tourists.
WHY: Oscoda Township is blessed with a variety of natural resources and open spaces; places where people like to visit and vacation. In addition, during the focus group with major employers they indicated jobs, but fall short on recruiting talented help. Oscoda Township needs to tell its story outside of Iosco County. In response to this information the Township engaged PlaceLeap, a team of consultants, to develop a brand and message for the Township and “Oscoda – Take Flight” emerged from this process.
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party Economic Improvement Committee with Develop and implement an external market assistance from 2021 and advertising plan. the Chamber of Commerce and Convention Visitors Bureau Township, and Marketing Revise website and social media to Chamber of Campaign incorporate the same brand information and Commerce and 2021 messaging. Convention Visitors Bureau Planning Undertake an inventory of underutilized/ Commission vacant sites that would be acceptable for with assistance redevelopment and business occupancy. from the 2024 This can be in conjunction with, or Economic supplement to GIA site assessment. Improvement Committee
82 | Oscoda Township Master Plan GOAL 3: PROTECTING WHO WE ARE
HOW: Preserve, integrate, and connect natural resources for residents and tourists.
WHY: Oscoda Township is synonymous with the outdoors. The federal government alone owns a vast and variable amount of resources within Oscoda Township, which includes: The Huron-Manistee National Forest, River Road: National Forest Scenic Byway, Lumberman’s Monument Visitors Center, Canoe Memorial Overlook, largo Springs Interpretative Site, and Foote Pond Overlook. There is also an extensive network of trails within the Township including non-motorized paths such as the Michigan’s Shore-to-Shore Riding/ Hiking Trail and the Eagle Run Cross Country Ski and Nature Trail, along with 25 miles of snowmobile trails and about 200 miles of ORV trails within the National Forest. Within Oscoda Township there are extensive opportunities for camping in almost all areas of the National Forest. Similarly, the State of Michigan is another entity that offers numerous recreation opportunities within the Township. These include the Au Sable State Forest, two fi shing access sites, two boat launches, camping within the State Forest and a campground at Van Etten Lake that offers 62 primitive camping sites, Three Mile Park, the Old State House ORV Trail, and Seven Mile Hill snowmobile trail. Additionally, the Old Orchard Campground on the Au Sable River offers 525 licensed campsites along the waterfront that are either modern or primitive.
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party Include non-motorized standards in the 2021 Zoning Ordinance
Compile on GIS all known non-motorized, Planning snowmobile, and ORV trails throughout the Commission 2022 Township. with assistance Non- from a Motorized Prepare a Township pathway, trail and sidewalk master plan that connects Consultant, Plan 2022 recreation resources with residential and and assistance commercial areas. from MDNR and MDOT Revise zoning ordinance to require sidewalks in commercial and residential developments 2023 incorporating Complete Streets ideology.
Action Plan | 83 GOAL 4: DIVERSITY FOR LIVING
HOW: Create more housing options for existing and prospective residents.
WHY: There is not much diversity in Oscoda Township’s housing stock. in 2018, 88% of the Oscoda Township housing stock was comprised of single- family residential homes. The remaining 12% included a mix of apartments, townhomes, and mobile homes. According to several housing models and national trends, the mix of housing will shift more toward apartments, townhomes, and other non-owner-occupied housing types. In many markets, baby boomers and millennials are competing for the same housing type. Baby boomers want to discard the responsibilities for home maintenance and upkeep, and millennials do not want to get tied down with home ownership. In addition, as employment opportunities become more fl uid and transient more demand is placed to fi nd quality rental properties.
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party
Conduct a Housing Study that forecasts Economic future housing demand and identifi es Improvement 2021 housing typology. Committee
Housing Based on the Housing Study align the Zoning Strategy Ordinance to accommodate the housing mix 2022 recommended. Planning Commission Encourage residential development in 2023 walkable proximity to business districts.
84 | Oscoda Township Master Plan GOAL 5: INCREASING OUR NUMBERS
HOW: Grow the number of residents, businesses, tourists, and developers in the township.
WHY: William S. Burroughs is credited with the quote, “When you stop growing you start dying.” Lou Holtz said. “In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.” Planned growth is good for a community. Planned growth brings new residents, additional jobs, increased wealth, and more disposable income to support the local business community. The key word is “planned growth.” So, what is planned growth? Planned growth is a community strategy of knowing what you need, where to get it, and how to accommodate it. It’s achieved by having your ducks in order.
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party
Coordinate with Chamber, Economic Economic Development Commission an external Improvement 2021 market and advertising plan. Committee
Continue “stakeholders and major Township Annual employers” meetings, like the annual Administration Event Downtown Summit. Economic Marketing Improvement Host a developer open house to introduce 2021 and Committee with them to the Oscoda Township community then support from and real estate opportunities. Annual the Chamber of Commerce
Convene and implement a Calendar of Township and 2021 and Community Events focused on bringing Chamber of then people to the community. Commerce Annual
Action Plan | 85 GOAL 6: LEVERAGE OUR OPPORTUNITY
HOW: Further promote redevelopment of airport and surrounding property.
WHY: The former Wurtsmith Air Force Base covers approximately 2,000 acres plus all the infrastructure needed to support an operational military base. In 1994, when the Wurtsmith Base Conversion Authority was terminated, Oscoda Township took over as redevelopment authority under PA 206 of 1957. The size of this facility would be hard, if not impossible, for a municipality to duplicate. On February 18, 2020, the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) announced its fi ndings from an initial site-selection process for a potential horizontal space launch site. At this meeting, the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport was selected as Michigan’s horizontal space launch facility. According to MAMA, “The Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport received the highest ranking because of its runway infrastructure, business capacity, operational strength, and safety track record.”
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party
Design a special zoning district that encourages mixed use development with 2023 Align appropriate design standards for the facility. Planning Zoning and Commission Planning Determine areas within the overall property that could accommodate a walkway mixed 2024 use neighborhood.
86 | Oscoda Township Master Plan GOAL 7: REINVEST IN OURSELVES
HOW: Maintain and improve township owned infrastructure.
WHY: Remember the discussion on the Economics of Place. A key element of that strategy is having access to reliable, sustainable, and quality infrastructure. This includes water, sewer, streets, streetscape, municipal lighting, public facilities, and parks. Not only do these municipal assets support development and redevelopment, if done with an eye toward quality in design, they act to attract residents, businesses, developers, and tourists. As a result, it is incumbent on the municipality to actively evaluate and plan for these facilities and services.
Responsible Task Actions Schedule Party Planning Prepare a Capital Improvements Program Commission 2022 and Municipal Asset once the infrastructure assessment with assistance then Management for the Wurtsmith Airport Mixed Use- from Township Annual Neighborhood properties is completed. Administration
Identify projects from the County’s Planning Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to Commission 2021 mitigate damages from local hazards that and Emergency Iosco County negatively impact the Township. Management Hazard Planning Mitigation Plan Commission Seek funds to implement projects from with assistance 2022 the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. from Township Administration
Ensure all shoreline development and 2021 and Coastal infrastructure is appropriately designed Planning then Resilience and protected to be resilient in the face Commission Annual of changing climate.
Gather community input for future vision Township of a replacement community center. Board with Community assistance from Conduct a cost feasibility study. 2022 Center the Planning Incorporate into the Township Park & Commission and Recreation Plan. a Consultant
Action Plan | 87 FIGURE 21: OSCODA TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION
88 | Oscoda Township Master Plan FIGURE 22: OSCODA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION
Action Plan | 89