COUNTY WIDE MASTER PLAN 2017

CONTENTS

01 | INTRODUCTION • Project Overview • Plan Elements • Planning Process • How to Use the Plan

02 | CONTEXT • Setting • Local Trends & Conditions • Larger Trends

03 | PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT • Meetings • Community Survey

04 | GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & STRATEGIES • Overview • Goal, Objectives & Strategies

05 | FUTURE LAND USE • Future Land Use • Future Zoning Plan

06 | IMPLEMENTATION • Implementation Matrix • Capital Improvements Plan • Review & Update Procedures

07 | APPENDIX • Gratiot County Collaboration • Gratiot County History • Community Survey Results • Jurisdiction Profi les 1 ARCADA TOWNSHIP ELBA TOWNSHIP HAMILTON TOWNSHIP LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP NEW HAVEN TOWNSHIP NORTH SHADE TOWNSHIP NORTH STAR TOWNSHIP VILLAGE OF PERRINTON SEVILLE TOWNSHIP SUMNER TOWNSHIP WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP WHEELER TOWNSHIP

is plan was developed by the jurisdictions of Gratiot County. Originally created in 2011 under a Partnerships for Change - Sustainable Communities grant, revised in 2017 with the assistance of OHM Advisors.

2 Dear citizens of Gratiot County,

A little over fi ve years ago, Gratiot County leaders applied for and received a Partnerships for Change grant to develop Master Plan that is written and adopted by all of the participating local jurisdictions of Gratiot County. is was a unique eff ort that had not been done before to this scale in Michigan. Working together on the Master Plan helped Gratiot County communities defi ne their collective vision while saving money.

Today, the collaborative eff ort continues with the Master Plan having been collectively reviewed and revised to meet the Michigan Planning Enabling Act’s (PA 33 of 2008) fi ve year plan review requirement. e review process has revealed that the 2011 Gratiot County-Wide Master Plan was defi nitely not a plan that sat on the shelf! Here is a sampling of achievements that resulted from the 2011 plan:

• Bi-county collaborative 10-year vocational education millage for Career & Technical Education

• Farmers markets in Alma, Breckenridge, Ithaca, and St. Louis

• Certifi cation of the Breckenridge Industrial, Technology, and Agribusiness Park—now 5 Certifi ed Parks in Gratiot County

• Completion of Gratiot Area Water Authority

• Contract between Ithaca and Gratiot County for Sheriff ’s Offi ce services

• Streetscaping eff orts in Alma, Ashley, Breckenridge, Ithaca and St. Louis

• Passed only millage in the state supporting agricultural and economic development for Greater Gratiot and MSU-Extension (including 4-H)

• Countywide library millage gives access to all libraries for all citizens

• Secured funding for US-127 bike path from Ithaca to Alma/St. Louis

• Leadership Gratiot program was successful in identifying community leaders (partnership with Chamber, GGDI, GCCF, MSU Extension, schools, etc.).

• Recent zoning ordinance changes in Gratiot County and Alma allow for more entrepreneurial businesses through home occupations.

• e County now has four scenic parks with multiple recreation opportunities. ese are highly utilized by citizens & tourists and are supported through a millage.

• Gratiot has the largest wind farm in the state and remains amenable to those looking to develop additional wind power as a way to expand the county tax base and create additional local wealth and employment.

With this revision of the Master Plan, we are continuing to collaboratively advance our community. ank you to all who contributed to the development of the 2011 version and this revision of the Gratiot Regional Excellent and Transformation Plan. We are truly making GREAT strides. Go, grow Gratiot!

Sincerely,

e leadership of Gratiot County’s 23 local units of government & Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

3 INTRODUCTION 01.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW 01.2 PLAN ELEMENTS 01.3 PLANNING PROCESS 01 01.4 HOW TO USE THE PLAN

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

e Partnerships for Change - descriptions and map set the direction of 1.1 PROJECT Sustainable Communities program was the zoning ordinance. e sixth chapter, managed by LIAA and sponsored by Implementation, provides the steps on OVERVIEW the Michigan Townships Association, how the plan will be realized, including Michigan Municipal League, Michigan how the plan will be collaboratively e Gratiot Regional Excellence and Association of Planning, and Michigan reviewed, amended, and updated. Transformation (GREAT) plan represents State University Extension. e local a unique collaborative eff ort between units of government of Gratiot County Plan Appendices provide additional all the local units of government in the received the grant because of their information in support of this plan county, originating from “the bottom up” longstanding collaborative spirit that along with individual fact sheets and rather than from the “top down.” resulted in other joint eff orts, including Future Land Use Maps for each of a countywide economic development the jurisdictions. In some cases, the e GREAT plan is a master plan agency, shared fi re and police services, individual fact sheets are paired with developed by the townships, villages, and a wind turbine ordinance (for a full supplementary materials that the and cities of Gratiot for countywide use. listing of collaborative activities, see jurisdiction developed to meet their Seldom, if ever, in Michigan’s history have Appendix I). Today, the high-level of particular planning purposes and needs. this many jurisdictions joined together collaboration continues with this revision to develop a shared master plan that has of the GREAT plan, which will work to been individually adopted by each local ensure community land use and policy unit of government. However, for years, coordination between jurisdictions. Gratiot County leaders have realized NATIONAL that the future of the community is in TRENDS & BEST their hands and that multi-jurisdictional PRACTICES cooperation is essential to sustain the 1.2 PLAN county as a whole. GOALS, ELEMENTS OBJECTIVES & Traffi c doesn’t stop at political STRATEGIES is plan is divided into six chapters. e boundaries, and shoppers and COMMUNITY EXISTING commuters cross township, city and next chapter provides an overview of the OPINIONS CONDITIONS village lines every day. Air, water and current conditions of the county, off ering wildlife also fl ow continuously past the background and data necessary these dividing lines. From farmlands for grounded decision-making. It also to downtown districts, shared cultural explores several key topics that are and natural resources need to be having, or are expected to have, an impact addressed from the perspective of the on communities. e third chapter, Public larger community. Engagement, reviews public feedback that was obtained through meetings and 1.3 PLANNING the pubic survey, which provides deeper e fi rst version of this plan was insight into the conditions, concerns, and PROCESS developed in 2011 under a Partnerships experiences of Gratiot County residents. for Change - Sustainable Communities e fourth chapter, Goals, Objectives, is planning process was led by grant. Partnerships for Change - and Strategies, integrates the information a Steering Committee comprised Sustainable Communities was a program presented in the previous chapters into of representatives from the local that provided grants of professional a set of values and action steps that jurisdictions and Greater Gratiot planning support and technical assistance help enhance and improve the Gratiot Development, Inc. In addition, the to townships, cities and villages for County Community. e fi * h chapter, Steering Committee engaged in a cooperative eff orts that contribute to Future Land Use, translates the goals, number of special outreach eff orts to help the preservation of cultural and natural objectives and strategies into a set of land gather input from local residents and resources. use descriptions and future land use map share information. ese special eff orts for each jurisdiction. e future land use included:

6 GRATIOT COUNTY

Project website Plan elements review

Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. hosted Several working sessions were held with the project’s website, which served as Steering Committee and local jurisdiction THE GREAT the community’s resource for the Master representatives to refi ne the plan’s goals, Plan development process. rough objectives, and strategies, the future land PLAN... this website, residents, business owners, use map, and implementation matrix. local offi cials, and all interested citizens had direct access to project updates and resources. e website address is: http:// www.gogrowgratiot.org/. 1.4 HOW TO USE STATES...

Public meetings THE PLAN ...a vision shared between During the last iteration of this plan, fi ve Overall, this plan is designed to serve as: the townships, villages and cities of Gratiot public meetings were held throughout the 1. A general statement of the County county to raise awareness of the plan and community’s policies and land shape the plan’s policies. e work of this use. e plan provides a single, original eff ort serves as the foundation comprehensive view of the COORDINATES... for this version of the plan. With this in community’s desire for the future. mind, the intention of public outreach during the plan’s revision process was 2. An aid in daily decision-making. ...community policies to “check-in” with the public to ensure e goals, objectives, and strategies and land uses between that the plan was continuing to move outlined in the plan will help jurisdictions in a direction that was supported by direct local jurisdictions in their Gratiot County’s residents. To accomplish deliberations on zoning, subdivision, this, two meetings were held to solicit capital improvements and other GUIDES... input on the plan’s goals, objectives, and matters. is document is intended strategies. e results of these meetings to provide a stable, long-term guide ...the community in are discussed in chapter three. for decision-making. evaluating proposed public, private, or joint Community survey 3. A statutory basis for zoning projects decisions. e Michigan Zoning An electronic survey, based on the survey Enabling Act (Act 110 of 2006), as used during the previous planning amended, requires that the zoning INFORMS... process, was administered to once again ordinance be in accordance with a “check-in” with public sentiment. A total master plan. ...current and prospective of 270 people responded to the survey. property owners as e results of the survey are discussed in 4. A growth management strategy. well as developers on chapter three. is plan will help coordinate public improvements and private desirable investments Special working sessions development through a well- managed and thoughtful growth Several jurisdictions requested a special strategy. working session to address specifi c issues ENSURES... or review plan materials in further detail. 5. An educational tool. e plan off ers In some instances, additional strategies citizens, property owners, developers, ...increased capacity for and materials were developed for these and adjacent communities a clear all through joint, mutually jurisdictions, which are included in the indication of the community’s benefi cial efforts Appendix associated with each respective direction for the future. jurisdiction.

7 CONTEXT 02.1 SETTING 02.2 LOCAL TRENDS & CONDITIONS 02 02.3 LARGER TRENDS

CONTEXT

Gratiot County is also becoming townships, villages, and cities of Gratiot 2.1SETTING increasingly known for its recreational County have worked together to ensure a opportunities. Recreational resources stronger community for all. Examples of Gratiot County is located at the center include a non-motorized pathway that collaborative entities in Gratiot County of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. ! e runs parallel to US Highway-127 that include: county is comprised of twenty-three local will eventually connect to the Pere • Brownfi eld Redevelopment Authority units of government, including sixteen Marquette Rail Trail in Clare and to the of the County of Gratiot townships, three villages, and three cities. Fred Meijer Railtrail in Alma. ! ere are Gratiot County has a rich history, which also three state game areas, a canoe trail, • Countywide Library Operating millage (supports six public libraries) can be found in Appendix II. As a whole, and multiple county and private parks Gratiot County is primarily rural with a off ering camping, swimming, and hiking • Economic Development Corporation very active agricultural community. ! e opportunities. of the County of Gratiot cities and villages serve as commercial, • Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce industrial, and residential hubs. For Above all, Gratiot County is recognized example, the City of Ithaca serves as for its sense of community. Still ringing • Gratiot Area Water Authority true today, the 2002 County Strategic the county seat and is recognized for • Gratiot County Community its historic courthouse, and the City of Plan states, Foundation Alma is home to Alma College, one of the state’s premier private colleges, and the Each year there are a number of • Gratiot County GIS Authority heartwarming stories about people Highland Festival, a nationally-known • Gratiot County Parks & Recreation annual celebration of Scottish arts, games, helping people. Many times a group and food. of farmers will band together to plant • Gratiot County Township Assoc. or harvest the crops of a neighbor • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. More recently, Gratiot County is known who is ill or injured and can’t do the for being a leader in wind energy. It is job himself. ! en there are those who • Hospital Finance Authority of the home to the state’s largest wind farm, initiate fund-raising campaigns to help County of Gratiot which was made possible by creating pay the medical bills for a child or • Vocational education services Michigan’s fi rst Countywide Wind Energy adult stricken with a life-threatening through a bi-county collaborative disease. Many of these good deeds eff ort administered through the Ordinance. ! ere are currently 188 wind Gratiot-Isabella RESD. turbines in the county and growing. occur without much publicity but they don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Another recent collaborative eff ort is ! e wind energy operations have A$ er all, that’s what a “community” is the Gratiot County Quilt Trail, which contributed to Gratiot’s already diverse all about. consists of unique quilt squares displayed economy, which has a mix of business, throughout Gratiot County. ! e Quilt Stemming from this strong sense of industry, healthcare and education. Trail encourages tourists to explore the community and willingness to help one Gratiot County has a particularly strong countywide trail and urban communities another, the local jurisdictions collaborate manufacturing base that produces and support local businesses along the at a level that is unprecedented in the products in the county’s fi ve Certifi ed way. Business Parks. state of Michigan. For decades, the

10 GRATIOT COUNTY

of the region, but more than Michigan, Age 2.2 LOCAL which had a gain of .3% during those years, as shown in Table 1. ! is is due, in ! e state of Michigan and the nation as TRENDS & large part, to more people moving out of a whole are generally experiencing an state or county than moving in. “aging population,” meaning that the CONDITIONS number of individuals in the older age Not surprisingly, the cities in the county groups is becoming proportionally larger ! e information on the county’s current have the highest number of people. than the number of individuals in the conditions presented in this chapter off ers Specifi cally, the City of Alma has the most younger age groups. insight into how things are now and how people in the county, followed by the future trends may be experienced by the City of St. Louis, and the City of Ithaca. According to the 2015 census estimate, county. ! e history, current conditions, However, some townships, like Pine the median age within Gratiot County is and expectations about the future were River, Seville, and Fulton have higher 38.9, which is similar to the state’s median taken into consideration during the populations. Of the incorporated units, age of 39.5 and only a slight uptick from development of the goals, objectives, and the Village of Perrinton has the lowest 2000. However, residents in the county’s two correctional facilities are included strategies included in this plan. population in the county, followed by Hamilton Township, and the Village of in this census data, which increases the Ashley. numbers of individuals generally between DEMOGRAPHICS 25 and 55 up to about 3,000. ! is remains In the coming years, Gratiot County is a caveat in considering age statistics. Population not expected to gain population. By the year 2040, the county is expected to be Households According the 2016 Comprehensive the same as 2010 Census levels, while Economic Development Strategy Data In 2010, the average household size the rest of the region is expected to lose that was produced by the East Michigan within the county was 2.48, which is population by 13.3% and the state is Council of Governments, Gratiot County slightly lower than the average household expected to gain population by 2.9%, as lost 1.9% of the population between 2010 size in 2000 of 2.57. Similarly, the shown in Table 2. and 2014. ! is is the same as the rest average family size in 2010 was 2.95 compared to 2000, which was 3.02. ! is TABLE 1: POPULATION CHANGE 2010!2014 follows national trends. In addition, the PERCENT percentage of married couple households AREA CENSUS 2010 ACS 2014 CHANGE 2010! has decreased from 58% to 53%, a trend 2014 that is also being experienced nation- wide. GRATIOT COUNTY 42,476 41,665 !1.9%

REGION 780,869 766,381 !1.9%

MICHIGAN 9,883,640 9,909,877 0.3%

Source: 2016 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; American Factfi nder, ACS, 2014 Population Estimates TABLE 2: POPULATION PROJECTIONS 2010!2040 CENSUS MDOT MDOT MDOT CHANGE PERCENT ANNUAL AREA 2010 2020 2030 2040 2010!2040 CHANGE GROWTH "1,000# "1,000# "1,000# "1,000# "1,000# 2010!2040 RATE 2010! 2040 GRATIOT 42.5 41.1 41.8 42.5 0.0 0.0% 0.0% REGION 780.9 764.7 768.0 767.6 !13.3 !1.7% !0.4% Source: 2016 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; MDOT estimates 2015

11 CONTEXT

CONTEXT

ECONOMY Agriculture the largest farm implement dealers in the state. Bader and Sons, selling the John Base By almost any standard, agriculture Deere brand, is located near St. Louis, continues to play a central role in Gratiot and Janson Equipment, one of the largest ! irty plus years of concerted multi- County’s economy, landscape, and way Case IH dealers in Michigan, is located in community, public-private economic of life. Active farms can be found in most Wheeler Township. In addition, Michigan development eff orts have successfully parts of the county, off ering a fairly broad Agricultural Commodities (MAC) diversifi ed the Gratiot area economy. ! e array of products, with an emphasis on has facilities in Breckenridge, Fulton larger tier one and tier two auto parts corn, beans, and sugar beets. Township, and Wheeler Township. ! e suppliers, mobile home manufacturers, Breckenridge facility is one of the largest and refi neries have been replaced by ! e U.S. Department of Agriculture’s elevators in the state. Zeeland Farm smaller and medium sized manufacturers (USDA) Census of Agriculture reported Services has also announced their intent as the norm. ! ese companies work in that there were 878 farms in 2012, which to build a soybean processing plan in a variety of materials from plastics to is down from 1,036 farms in Gratiot Ithaca. It will be the state’s largest and is all types of metals making products of County during 2007. However, the contemplated to open in 2018. a very diverse range and size. Products average size of acres per farm in 2012 manufactured in the county are used was 330 acres, which is an increase from Recently, the Gratiot County Quilt in the manufacturing of other parts or 277 acres in 2007. Typically, farms within Trail was established to help promote products including molds, dies, specialty Gratiot County are between 10 and 179 agritourism in the county. ! e Gratiot carbide cutting tools, and die sets. Most acres, though there are several 1,000+ County Quilt Trail currently includes manufactured parts become part of other large acre farms operating in the county. fi $ y completed quilt squares hung on fi nished assemblies including parts for In total, the number of acres used for local farms, homes, and businesses. Each automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, jet farming in 2012 was 289,376, which is square has its own design, history, and engines, agricultural, and construction an increase from 286,937 in 2007 and signifi cance to the owner. equipment. ! e county also has 288,932 acres in 2002. companies specializing in manufacturing Industrial Parks complex machinery for planting and In economic terms, according to the cleaning crops and manufacturing base Census of Agriculture, the market value A signifi cant part of the multi decade chemicals. Interestingly, while the county of products sold by Gratiot County farms diversifi cation eff ort included providing does not have any true natural lakes, the was $345,033,000 in 2012, compared to places for industrial businesses to county is now home to two high quality $189,913,000 in 2007. Of the total value locate. Gratiot County’s fi ve industrial pontoon boat manufacturing companies. of agriculture products sold by Gratiot parks are State of Michigan Certifi ed Additionally, the international import County in 2012, crop sales equaled 58% Business Parks (CBP). Located in Alma, and export of products is now normal and livestock sales equaled 42%. ! e Breckenridge, Ithaca (2), and St. Louis, business operations for many fi rms in average market value of products sold per the parks are active and have welcomed Gratiot County. farm in 2012 was $392,976, compared to several new businesses in recent years. $183,313 in 2007 and $112,697 in 2002. ! ere is still some room available in these parks for incoming businesses. Greater Gratiot County is also home to two of Gratiot Development, Inc. provides up to

12 GRATIOT COUNTY

date detail on Gratiot County’s industrial Once almost exclusive centers of local Alma, Ithaca, and St. Louis are working parks and other manufacturing/industrial and regional commercial activity, they are to maintain and expand core downtown areas at the following web address, www. increasingly challenged to compete with business districts. It is believed that gratiot.org changing shopping habits and corridor through the development of fl exible living commercial development. Customers’ spaces the increasing numbers of people Commercial ability and routine willingness to drive downtown will naturally lead to increased longer distances, utilize catalog and business activity. ! e commercial (retail, service, and online shopping options has pushed the fi nancial) business mix in Gratiot County transformation of the downtowns to be Given Gratiot’s signifi cant agricultural has undergone signifi cant change over places now centered more on businesses production based economy, the county the past several decades. ! e Gratiot off ering personal and professional supports and is experiencing growth in community, like many others, has services of all types, unique products, a variety of support businesses including experienced and is experiencing the small cafes and restaurants, specialty two large farm equipment dealerships, economics of changing markets and items requiring personal service, and signifi cant elevator storage and service, customer preferences. ! is has changed entertainment options including theaters, several seed and fertilizer dealers, how the county looks, how people pubs, and bars. animal feed stores, farm clothing and interact, and how individuals conduct supply stores, and more. ! e growing every aspect of their daily personal and ! roughout the county independently- addition of value added agricultural and business lives. owned, full-service hardware stores related businesses includes companies remain in most of the downtowns. engaged in genetics and hybrid research, Evolutionary retail market changes Grocery options, once a central part of manufacturing of agricultural equipment, have fostered the development of the downtowns, still exist in Breckenridge fi nancial services, insurance, professional “shopping corridor.” Shopping corridors and St. Louis but largely for space consulting as well as companies making in rural areas evolved in a regional considerations, have moved away from products from and off ering services for manner. Gratiot County’s primary the downtown in the balance of the production crops. Many of the offi ce shopping corridor has grown from county. Some of the unique “niche” businesses are in the downtowns while the north side of the City of Alma and commercial businesses that are recent the industrial-oriented businesses extends into Pine River Township. ! e additions to the county commercial are located in industrial parks or on corridor has a blend of both locally- mix include a winery/microbrewery, industrially-zoned property throughout owned and managed businesses, as well as candy confectioners, specialty bakeries, the county. national and international businesses. tattoo/body art, quilting, and antiques/ Five automobile dealerships representing As in all municipal areas, and very collectibles. the “Big ! ree” automakers – General noticeably in smaller communities, the Upper-story downtown living is Motors, Ford and Chrysler, remain in most signifi cant change has occurred becoming more of a trend but much the county, each with full service and in the traditional downtowns. ! e undeveloped vacant space remains. collision departments. Many independent Gratiot community’s downtown areas Eff ective utilization of this space used car establishments, as well as are in the cities of Alma, Ithaca, and provides both challenge and opportunity. small independent auto service and St. Louis and the Villages of Ashley, Downtown Development Authorities in repair facilities including tire and light Breckenridge, Middleton, and Riverdale.

13 CONTEXT

CONTEXT

mechanical service dot the landscape. An ! e Gratiot community is the Strategy Data for Gratiot County Report, abundance of fueling stations are located headquarter location for Commercial Gratiot County’s unemployment rate at in the highly-populated areas, but are Bank with six local offi ces. Mercantile 8.1% was lower than the region and the somewhat scarce in the southern end of Bank has four locations, Isabella Bank same as the statewide rate, but the county, the county. has two locations, and Chemical Bank region, and state rates were all higher has two locations. Two credit unions than the national rate of 6.8%. ! is same ! ere are eight independent hotels and are headquartered in Gratiot County; report shows that the largest occupation motels and two bed & breakfasts. An Graco with one offi ce and the Gratiot growth sector for the state, region and abundance of fast food establishments Community Credit Union with two Gratiot County will be the service sector line heavily traveled commercial districts offi ces. Specifi cally addressing agriculture in each city, but “sit down” restaurants and land fi nancing is Greenstone Farm Income and Economic Stability are somewhat limited. Independent Credit Services with one offi ce in the family restaurants, cafes, and ethnic food county. ! e county also has a national ! e median household income for off erings are plentiful. banking presence through Huntington Gratiot County is $41,912, which is Bank with two offi ces. below the state average of $52,084. ! e Other retail and service sub sectors with Economic Development Strategy Data for a Gratiot presence include, but are not Employment Gratiot County Report shows that the per limited to, independent pharmacies, capita personal income (PCPI), which is a national chains, and in-store pharmacies. Table 3 shows the percentage of business measure derived from totaling all income Clothing off erings with general lines establishments by type in Gratiot County sources, wages, and salaries, asset income off ered at larger chains and smaller in 2013. ! e largest percentage of and transfer payments and dividing that selections available at the dollar stores business types are trade, transportation, by the total population number, is at now in the cities in the county. Home and utilities, followed by educational and 73.2% of the national average and is lower furnishing stores are limited to a few health services. Gratiot Medical Center, than the region at 75.9% and the state at independent furniture stores. ! ere are Masonic Pathways, Alma College, Alma 88.5%. a handful of home improvement supply Public Schools, and Ithaca Public Schools and lumber stores. Many businesses are among this category. Another measure used in the Economic off er therapeutic or cosmetic services Development Strategy Report is the such as massage, physical therapy, Overall, according to the 2016 Asset Limited Income Constrained chiropractics, hair care, tanning, etc. Comprehensive Economic Development Employed (ALICE), which is a measure Dental and optical clinics also meet the TABLE 3: BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN GRATIOT COUNTY BY TYPE specialized healthcare needs of residents. Dollar stores, in addition to the notation TYPE NUMBER PERCENT TOTAL above, off er many basic necessities that NATURAL RESOURCE & MINING 8 1.1% may otherwise be found only at the big box retailers. Real estate offi ces, both CONSTRUCTION 58 8.1% independent and with national affi liation, MANUFACTURING 52 7.3% serve the residential and commercial markets. TRADE, TRANSPORTATION & 200 27.9% UTILITIES INFORMATION 18 2.5% FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 66 9.2% PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS 32 4.5% SERVICES EDUCATIONAL & HEALTH SER! 109 15.2% VICES

Source: 2016 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; compiled for EMCOG from County Business Patterns, 2013

14 GRATIOT COUNTY

developed by United Way that provides and 26.3% were renter occupied. ! e vast as unaff ordable. In 2015, about 20% of a broader picture, beyond the poverty majority (76.1%) of all housing units were homeowner costs exceeded this level, line, of households who struggle with detached homes. At 10.5%, the next most suggesting that there is a need for more aff ording basic necessities, such as common type of housing structure were aff ordable housing options in the county. housing, food, child care, health care, and mobile homes. Multiple unit dwellings (2- transportation. 20 units) comprised 11.9% of all housing TRANSPORTATION structures. According to the 2015 ALICE measure, Airport about 50% of Gratiot County households It may be noteworthy that Gratiot County are struggling, with 18% of the total has a higher percentage of residents living ! e Gratiot County Airport is located households being below the poverty line in group quarters then to the national between the City of Alma and the City and 30% total households being above and state averages, both around. Alma of Ithaca. ! e Airport is governed by the the poverty line but below the ALICE College and Masonic Pathways, both Gratiot Community Airport Authority, threshold. ! is is above the state average, located in the City of Alma, and the consisting of the cities of Alma, Ithaca which had 15% of households in poverty Mid-Michigan Correctional Facilities and St. Louis, the townships of Arcada and 25% of households above poverty but account for this high percentage of group and Pine River, and Gratiot County. below the ALICE threshold in 2015. quarter residents. Alma College enrolls All entities contribute fi nancially to the about 1,400 students, Masonic Pathways Airport Authority. ! e Authority also has between 425 and 450 residents, and receives funding through hangar and land HOUSING the St. Louis Correctional Facility and lease rentals. Housing Central Michigan Correctional Facility can house up to 3,000 people. ! e Airport has a 5,000 foot east-west During the 2000 Census, Gratiot County primary runway and a 3,200 foot north- had 15,516 housing units, which grew to Aff ordability south cross wind runway. ! e runways 16,339 in 2010. ! e 2015 census estimates can handle commercial aircra$ and small that there were 16,258 housing units ! e median value for owner occupied jets. It also takes private charters. in that year. According to these same units according to the 2015 census estimates, the largest percentage (27.8%) estimates is $88,900, compare to 2000, ! ree Point Aviation LLC is the Fixed of these structures were built 1939 or which was $75,300. Forty percent of Base Operator at the Airport and handles earlier. Other decades that experienced houses fell in the range of $50,000 to the day-to-day operations. Self-serve fuel relatively higher percentages of residential $99,000, followed by houses between for Jet A 100LL is available at the airport, growth include 1950 - 1959 at 11.5%, $100,000 to $149, 000 at 20% and houses twenty-four hours a day, seven days a 1970 - 1979 at 13.3%, and 1990 - 1999 at less than $50,000 at 17%. week. Aircra$ rental and a courtesy car 13%. are also available. Of all the home owners, 53.4% mortgaged Of the total 16,258 estimated housing their homes. ! e median monthly cost Roads units in the county in 2015, 90.5% were of a mortgage across the county was Gratiot County has several signifi cant reported as occupied. Of these occupied $1,022. ! e U.S. Department of Housing corridors. US-127 moves north/south units, 73.7% units were owner occupied and Urban Development considers housing costs exceeding 30% of income automobile traffi c through the center

15 CONTEXT

CONTEXT

of the county while M-46 serves east/ City of Alma, City of St. Louis, and Pine of technical professional skills training west traffi c in the north, and M-57 River Township. Currently there is an for employers and their employees. serves east/west traffi c in the south. ! e eff ort to expand this service to other areas ! e Center off ers schools, industry and county’s urban hubs are situated along in the county. businesses targeted learning based upon these corridors. US-127, beginning client needs. south of Ithaca 16 miles to north of St. EDUCATION Johns, remains a divided highway. ! e Alma College is a four-year liberal arts completion of this 16-mile stretch as a private college also located in the City limited access highway is a primary local Attainment of Alma. Alma College was founded in and regional goal. 1886 by Presbyterians and maintains a According to 2015 census estimates, Scottish heritage. Among other Scottish In total, Gratiot County has 1,466 miles 88.9% of Gratiot County residents 25 expressions, the college has a kilted of roads. State and federal funds for these years and over had a high school diploma marching band, a Scottish dance troupe, roads are allocated through two diff erent or higher, comparable to the state’s and hosts the annual Alma Highland classifi cation systems. State funding is average of 86.7%. ! e rate for Gratiot Festival. ! e school enrolls about 1,400 provided through Michigan Public Act County residents 25 years and over who students each year. 51 of 1951 (Act 51) and Federal funding have attained a bachelor’s degree is 14.1%, is designated through the National which is lower than the state’s fi gure of Libraries Functional Classifi cation System. 29.8%. ! ere are six library locations in Gratiot Federal Aid eligible roads are rated for Schools County. Each of these locations off ers surface conditions under Michigan’s Asset book lending services along with a variety Most rural school districts consolidated Management Program. ! e process of of other services. with municipal schools in the 1950s and rating roads involves a windshield survey 1960s. Currently, there are six school performed by a team of representatives districts serving Gratiot County. ! ese NATURAL RESOURCES from MDOT, road commissions, include Alma Public Schools, Ashley municipalities, and regional council. Community Schools, Breckenridge Soils ! e rating a road receives sheds light Community Schools, Ithaca Public on possible improvement measures that Schools, Fulton Schools, and St. Louis 79.5% of land in Gratiot County is used might be required in the near future. Public Schools. Updated information on in agriculture, as cropland, woodland, Maps showing the most current road the schools can be found at: http://www. and pasture. Most of the soils of the ratings for Gratiot County can be found giresd.net/Page/1 county have a good or fair potential for at the Transportation Asset Management woodland, except in some areas where Council’s website: http://www.mcgi.state. Gratiot County is also home to a trees would not grow naturally or produce mi.us/MITRP/Data/paserMap.aspx. Michigan Works! Service Center poor wood crops. Commercially valuable serviced by the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Public Transportation trees are less common and generally do Education Service District. ! e Michigan not grow so rapidly on the wetter soils. ! e dial-a-ride transportation system Works! Service Center is located in the Many of the soils in the county have a (DART) located within Alma serves the City of Alma and provides a full range wetness limitation for urban development

16 GRATIOT COUNTY

and some have a poor potential for urban relatively large tracts of land.” High School swimming pools off er development because of the shrink-swell Among the contaminated sites, the opportunities for swimming, competitive potential. Velsicol Plant in St. Louis has presented and otherwise. ! e hilly portions of the county are the community with the most notable Gratiot County has many opportunities excellent for parks and extensive contamination issues. Contaminants for youth in the densely populated areas recreation areas, nature study areas, and have been released on that site since of the county. ! ere are four county wilderness uses. All of these areas provide the 1930s when the plant was owned by owned parks supported by a county habitat for many important species of Michigan Chemical Corporation. In the millage. ! ere are organized sports wildlife. 1970s, under Velsicol’s ownership, the groups such as soccer, football and plant was closed by the DNR a$ er the so$ ball leagues, as well as specialized Lakes and Rivers company accidently shipped PBB pellets, groups such as 4-H, sponsored by a fi re retardant, as cattle feed. Since the Michigan State University, and Boy Gratiot County has two natural lakes, closing of the plant, contaminants from Scouts and Girl Scouts. Playgrounds, Half Moon and Madison. ! ey are small the Velsicol site continue to be released winter sled hills and ice skating rinks are and privately owned and are in Seville into the community due to poor closing natural playgrounds for youth activities. Township. procedures, despite extensive clean-up ! ere are adult organized sports clubs eff orts by the EPA. ! e City of St. Louis as well, with golf courses catering to all Rainbow Lake, a human-made reservoir continues to work with the EPA to levels of golfi ng skills. Numerous parks on Pine Creek, is in Fulton Township. It is contain and remove the contaminants. are available for groups to meet for biking also privately owned and is a residential and hiking. community. RECREATION Parks ! ere are two major rivers in the County, the Pine River, in the northern part of the Fairs and Festivals ! e county maintains Reed Park county, which fl ows northeasterly, and the and Hubscher Park, both providing Maple River, in the southern part, which Gratiot County celebrates its community picnicking and swimming areas. Ball fl ows westerly. through a number of fairs and festivals. ! e most well-known of these fi elds encourage Little League play, Contamination celebrations is the Highland Festival, and school sporting events bring out where thousands of people from the many spectators. ! e County also off ers According to the County’s 2010 Hazard United States and Canada gather over Pompeii Park and Luneack Landing Mitigation Plan, “the Brownfi eld Memorial Weekend to enjoy Scottish Kayak Launch. Lumberjack Park in Redevelopment Authority of the County traditions. ! is and other fairs and western Gratiot County is the scene of of Gratiot has documented over 100 festivals are listed in Table 4. many family reunions and other activities. Brownfi eld sites, the vast majority ! is park was founded in the 1930s by related to underground storage tanks Sports former lumberjacks who built a replica (i.e. fueling/service stations). Some of lumber camp in a grove of old pines. the more serious sites are in the federal ! e W. T. Morris swimming pool in St. Local recreation plans provide Superfund program and/or encompass Louis and the Alma College and Alma

17 CONTEXT

CONTEXT

TABLE 4: FAIRS, FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN GRATIOT COUNTY current information and anticipated improvements to the community’s MONTH FAIR/FESTIVAL LOCATION recreational assets. YEAR!ROUND GRATIOT COUNTY PLAYERS ALMA Trails YEAR!ROUND GRATIOT COUNTY QUILT TRAIL COUNTYWIDE ! e most recent non-motorized pathway MARCH ST. LOUIS DUELING PIANOS ST. LOUIS installed runs parallel to US Highway-127 APRIL EASTER EGG HUNTS ALMA, ITHACA, from Ithaca, Michigan to Alma/St. Louis, ST. LOUIS Michigan; it will eventually connect to the Fred Meijer Rail Trail in Alma, Michigan MAY DUST OFF CAR SHOW ITHACA and the Pere Marquette Rail Trail in MAY HIGHLAND FESTIVAL & GAMES ALMA Clare, Michigan

MAY MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES ITHACA, ST. ! e Fred Meijer Hartland Trail is a LOUIS paved hiking/biking path that extends MAY!OCT. FARMER’S MARKETS ALMA, BRECK! approximately 30 miles along abandoned ENRIDGE, ITHA! CSX railroad right-of-way going east of CA, ST. LOUIS Elwell in Gratiot County, west through JUNE JOE SCHOLTZ MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY ST. LOUIS Riverdale, Vestaburg, Cedar Lake and Edmore. At Edmore, the trail turns JUNE ASHLEY TRADING DAYS ASHLEY south and runs through McBride, JUNE GRATIOT AG EXPO ITHACA Stanton, Sidney and ends at Lake Road in Montcalm Township just north of JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS BRECKEN! Greenville. RIDGE, ST. LOUIS ! e Pine River Canoe Trail is a 30-mile JULY RURAL URBAN DAY ALMA water trail that winds through the open fi elds and fl ood plain forests of Gratiot JULY GRATIOT COUNTY FAIR FOR YOUTH ALMA County. ! e Pine River Canoe Trail AUGUST PERRINTON SUMMERFEST PERRINTON takes travelers to Lumberjack Park, the AUGUST ST. LOUIS BLUES FESTIVAL ST. LOUIS Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, Sumner Centennial Park, and the Pine River Park. AUGUST BANNISTER CZECHOSLOVAK HARVEST BANNISTER FESTIVAL PUBLIC SERVICES AUGUST SUMNER DAZE SUMNER AUGUST OLD US!127 CAR CRUISE ALMA, ITHACA, Police ST. LOUIS SEPTEMBER LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK ST. LOUIS ! e Cities of Alma and St. Louis have SEPTEMBER LUCKY MACDUCK DAY ALMA SEPTEMBER FALL FESTIVAL ALMA, BRECK! ENRIDGE OCTOBER AGRI!FIT CHALLENGE OBSTACLE COURSE ITHACA

Source: Greater Gratiot Economic Development, Inc.; Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce

18 GRATIOT COUNTY

signed an inter-local agreement for their Fire Fulton Township, New Haven Township, police departments to support each other. Newark Township, and North Shade ! ese two police department work closely All the fi re departments within Gratiot Township. with the public schools. ! e departments County have mutual aid agreements to have each assigned school liaison offi cers provide back up. ! e departments work Two other fi re departments, not based to provide a regular police presence in very closely with each other to cover in Gratiot County, also provide fi re the schools to work on selected issues and multiple municipalities. protection services in Gratiot County. mentoring. ! ey are the Maple Rapids Fire ! e Alma Fire Department provides Department and the Carson City Fire ! e Gratiot County Sheriff ’s Offi ce fi re services for the City of Alma, and Department. provides road patrol law enforcement Arcada, Pine River, Seville, and Sumner for all of Gratiot County. ! eir townships. ! e costs are shared by a three Water and Sewer responsibilities are to enforce and part formula based on SEV, population investigate criminal law violations, and department runs. ! e cities of Alma, Ithaca, and St. Louis, monitor traffi c violations, investigate and the Villages of Breckenridge and ! e Ashley Fire Department provides motor vehicle crashes and provide Ashley provide water and sewer services. fi re services to the Village of Ashley, emergency and non-emergency assistance ! e Gratiot Area Water Authority is a Elba Township, Hamilton Township, and to persons in a variety of incidents regional water authority formed by the Washington Township. from domestic assaults and murders to Cities of Alma and St. Louis and provides wholesale water service to each of the delivering a death message and serving as ! e Village of Breckenridge/Wheeler member utilities. Updated profi les on the offi cers of the courts. ! e Sheriff ’s Offi ce Township Fire Department provides fi re municipal services are presented in the Road Patrol has responsibility for over services for the Village of Breckenridge, Gratiot County Community Economic 42,000 residents in an area covering over Bethany Township, Emerson Township, Profi le, which can be found on Greater 500 square miles. Because of the complex Lafayette Township, Wheeler Township, Gratiot Development’s website: www. changes in law enforcement through and Porter Township. the years, it has been found necessary to gratiot.org. provide many special services through ! e Ithaca Fire Department provides ! e City of Ithaca also recently released a road patrol. ! ese services include, fi re services to the City of Ithaca, Arcada wellhead protection policy statement and DARE, Marine Patrol, Secondary Road Township, Emerson Township, Lafayette instituted a Wellhead Protection Program Patrol, Handicap Enforcement Unit, the Township, New Haven Township, Newark to encourage protection of the public K-9 Program and Drug Enforcement. Township, and North Star Township. water supply wells. ! rough the zoning ! e City of Ithaca contracts police ! e St. Louis Community Fire ordinance, the City will limit land uses services with the Gratiot County Sheriff ’s Department provides fi re service for the and practices that degrade groundwater Offi ce. An “Ithaca Unit” of the Sheriff ’s City of St. Louis, Bethany Township, Pine quality within a wellhead protection area. Department has been formed, with 24/7, River Township, and Jasper Township. dedicated patrol and community policing services to the City of Ithaca. ! e Perrinton Fire Department provides services for the Village of Perrinton,

19 CONTEXT

CONTEXT

and then resolve the logistics of fi nding evolve over time, subsequent changes 2.3 LARGER employment and housing in their desired in housing needs become apparent. ! e location. People seek destinations average family size in the United States in TRENDS that off er a superior quality of life and 2010 was 2.39 individuals per household. ample amenities. ! is quality of life, or ! is number has steadily decreased ! e insight in this section is based on satisfaction with one’s health, community, from 3.33 in 1960 due to the Baby national and state trends that were employment, environment, and more, Boomer population living longer and considered when shaping the policies of can be met in the urban setting of Millennials having smaller families than this plan. downtown. ! ey have a preference for past generations. Many Baby Boomers in-town areas that feature diversity and no longer have dependents living with MILLENNIALS & BOOMERS walkability in close proximity to jobs and them, and many Millennials are delaying entertainment. ! is is drastically diff erent marriage and have not yet established Millennials, born 1980-1999, and Baby than past generations of people who families. ! is decrease in family size Boomers, born 1945-1964, make up the fi rst sought jobs and then moved to the subsequently decreases the desire for large largest share of the nation’s population location of their job. single-family homes, prevalent in suburbs at 53%. As a result, the trends for each where an abundance of land is available. of these generation groups have a large Whether in a downtown or elsewhere, ! ere is a need now for a variety of impact on the development and housing placemaking is becoming an increasingly housing sizes and types to accommodate markets. Baby Boomers value housing important tool to attract people. the new trends in household structure. that is close to entertainment, retail, and Placemaking is the process of creating medical services while Millennials look quality places where people want to live, TRANSPORTATION for locations that are diverse and off er work, play and visit. ! ey are choosing to plentiful entertainment and employment live in communities that off er resources, Changes in transportation include an opportunities. Both generations tend to amenities, social and professional increase in ride sharing, driverless cars, prefer housing that is lower maintenance networks, and opportunities to support electric or eco-effi cient cars, public and will sacrifi ce large living spaces for thriving lifestyles. People’s idea of their transportation and non-motorized better access to amenities. built environment is changing as they mobility. ! is shows a shi$ ing attitude in greatly value the emotion and feeling they which individuals view how they travel. In short, Millennials and Boomers are associate with their community. Positive impacts on communities are looking to relocate to more walkable expected from this shi$ in use as a variety communities. Generally, this entails Establishing community identity has of transportation modes off ers more the ability to walk to basic grocery and proven to help foster the connection aff ordable and o$ en more safe options. pharmacy needs, various restaurants and between people and place. It gives entertainment, ample jobs, and recreation residents a sense of belonging and In connection with evolving opportunities. Walkable neighborhoods stability, in turn improving quality of transportation modes, is the mindset are not only popular, but also stable. life. Art, culture and recreation can play about road design and infrastructure that During the recent national recession, a large factor in this. Public art forces supports our travel. Complete streets, for homes in walkable communities resisted interaction between the observer and example, are designed to accommodate the damaging eff ects of the housing their built environment while provoking all users, including multiple modes market collapse and largely retained their thought and emotion. ! e gathering of transportation, ages, and abilities. property values. With the percentage of spaces in which art is located and other Transportation planning with a complete Baby Boomers and Millennials growing public land also provides space where streets policy uses the entire right of way on a national scale, it is imperative to plan people can come together and engage to increase functionality, convenience, for them at the community scale. socially with one another. Meanwhile, and safety for users while maintaining recreation amenities provide active public traffi c capacity and fl ow. ! ey can include, PLACEMAKING spaces. but are not limited to, the following: bike lanes, wide sidewalks, bus lanes, street Current national trends indicate a HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURE trees, curb ramps, median islands, and swing in how individuals choose where roundabouts. ! e focus of complete to live. A growing number of people As household population and structure streets does not stop at providing choose where they want to live fi rst

20 GRATIOT COUNTY

alternate forms of transportation, but also continued in agricultural use. However, and technology are quickly occurring places importance on the creation and there are few younger farmers who can and a local government that does nothing enhancement of the public realm. aff ord to purchase the farm. In addition, or tries to apply old answers to the the most lucrative land sale may be to challenges ahead will not do well. To be HOUSING a developer. Yet, once agricultural land successful, local governments need to be is developed, it is unlikely that it will proactive in understanding what is likely Because the majority of individuals ever be farmed again. Furthermore, to come and carry out plans that meet the choose where to live based on location as rising transportation costs become anticipated challenges. Some of the main fi rst, and then resolve the logistics of a growing concern for the state and challenges include: fi nding employment and housing, there is nation, communities may need to rely more competition for jobs and housing in more heavily on local food sources in Climate: Temperatures are rising, snow popular urban areas that off er the desired the future. As local farms decrease, so and rainfall patterns are shi$ ing, and amenities. does the opportunity to access local food more extreme climate events, like heavy sources. rainstorms and record high temperatures, As housing needs and wants change are already happening. ! is is causing with the shi$ ing demographics, gaps in As one solution to this problem, wind unprecedented levels of fl ooding, fi res, aff ordability and availability also become turbine development is being encouraged and other issues that many communities apparent. Average-income earning in the county. Agritourism is another are not prepared to handle. individuals and families are struggling tool being widely discussed as playing to fi nd suitable, aff ordable housing. An an important role in Michigan’s new Economics: Funding opportunities for increasingly popular solution considers economy. Agritrourism can be defi ned as local governments are becoming more “Missing Middle Housing”. “Missing “the act of visiting a working farm or any limited and competitive. Meanwhile, Middle” Housing is a term referring to a agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness infrastructure systems in many range of multi-unit or clustered housing operation for the purpose of enjoyment, communities have aged to the point types with a range in aff ordability, education, or active involvement in of critically needing replacement. compatible in scale with single family the activities of the farm or operation” Creative fi nancing and more coordinated homes that help meet the growing (University of California). budgeting is therefore more important demand for walkable urban living. It than ever. addresses the desires of both Millennials Data on agritourism suggests that it and Baby Boomers while considering the has substantial economic impacts on At the personal level, many individuals available housing stock. As the emphasis local economies and has the potential and households struggle to aff ord basic on walkability and the diversifying to substantially strengthen the local household necessities. According to a of lifestyles, households and incomes agricultural industry. In Michigan, recent study, about 40% of Michigan increase, it is extremely important to agritourism is gaining. By strengthening households live on tight budgets. address the location and type of housing the economics of individual farms, Technology: Technological advances in the community. agritourism has the potential to help will off er many opportunities to increase maintain the viability of Michigan effi ciency and improve quality of life. AGRICULTURE agriculture, increase public understanding However, because technological advances of agriculture, create brand identity for Agriculture is a major component are happening so quickly, many of the Michigan agricultural products, and keep of Michigan’s identity, character and changes will be disruptive and confusing. land in agricultural use. economy. Unfortunately, the ability to Municipalities will fi nd it more and more keep farms economically viable is not important to stay attuned to technology, an easy task. Farmers face a diffi cult SUSTAINABILITY especially opportunities to benefi t from dilemma when it comes to retirement. Smart City technology applications Today’s quickly changing social, ! e fi nancial assets that would allow a and how these can be used to manage environmental, and economic conditions farmer to retire are typically tied up in assets, such as roads, sewer, and water require thoughtful and impactful the land that is being farmed. O$ en, infrastructure. responses from local governments the only option is to sell the land. Many to achieve a more sustainable future. farmers would like to see the land Specifi cally, shi$ s in climate, economics,

21 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 03.1 MEETINGS 03 03.2 COMMUNITY SURVEY

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

3.1EETINGS M meeting participants during the SWOT farming were among the most important analysis portion of the meeting. concepts in the goals, objectives and During the 2011 plan development, strategies. ! e input received at these During this revision of the plan, the fi ve public meetings were held and meetings was incorporated into another goals, objectives and strategies shaped by were located at Alma Middle School, revision of the goals, objectives and public input during the previous planning Sumner Township Community Center, strategies found in this plan. process served as the foundation for this Breckenridge High School, Fulton version of the plan. Building upon this Future Land Use maps were later updated Township Community Center, and Ashley work, the Steering Committee updated based on the revised goals, objectives and Community School. In total, about 130 these during a meeting which began with strategies. ! e Steering Committee met to community members participated in the a presentation on accomplishments made accomplish this, and participants worked meetings. Each participant was invited since the last plan. ! e second portion together to make revisions to their own to help edit and rank the goals, off er of this meeting involved breaking into jurisdictions while providing input to opinion on the community’s strengths, several groups and editing the goals, neighboring jurisdictions. weaknesses, opportunities, and threats objectives and strategies. Each group (SWOT analysis), and vote on ideas that added anything they believed to be would help implement the goals. relevant as well as removing any that no 3.2 COMMUNITY To rank the goals, participants were longer applied. SURVEY asked to vote on their top three goals Following this, two public meetings using orange sticky dots. At 25%, the were held. At these meetings, Steering ! e goal of this survey was to help shape goal to provide and sustain economic Committee members and the consultant recommendations and to determine the opportunities received the most votes, team were available for verbal comments direction of the County-wide Master followed by a tie between the goal to and questions, and the public was invited Plan. Around 270 individuals took the provide quality public services and to review and post written comments on survey with an average of fi ve per day. provide quality educational experiences, the revised set of goals, objectives, and which both received 18% of the total In order to determine the audience being strategies as well as place sticky dots on votes. reached, and to make sure the community their top priorities. as a whole is involved in the process, Once the goals were ranked, participants Many participants felt that preservation participant profi le questions were asked. were asked to vote on their top six of county-wide recreational resources and ! e fi ndings of these questions showed strategies, which were ideas generated by the protection of natural resources and that many of the respondents (41.8%)

24 GRATIOT COUNTY

were between the ages of 45 and 64, were most important and will help business, cleanliness, infrastructure, followed by those in the 20-44 age group shape the direction of the plan. ! e least growth, downtowns, and involvement. (39.2%). Most of the participants (63.3%) important, but still deemed moderately also have lived in Gratiot County for important topics, included expanding GENERAL DIRECTION more than 25 years, and 59.6% plan on industrial parks, collaborative marketing staying for at least 25 more. Additionally, eff orts, public transportation options, When asked if participants thought the most (52.8%) of the respondents work in entrepreneurship/business assistance, community has been heading in the Gratiot County, and 24% were retired. and a Gratiot County community college. right direction or gotten off track, most While these subjects were determined respondents said between neutral and IMPORTANT TOPICS moderately important and above, there heading in the right direction. While appeared to be a focus on care of natural the general response was positive, the A list of topics to address in the plan was resources and sustainability. majority of the answers leaned towards gathered from the previous planning neutral on the scale. process. ! e survey asked participants to ! e top two goals chosen by the majority indicate which topic they felt was most of respondents were to generate and ! e image below provides an indication important or was a relevant concern. sustain economic opportunities, and of the topics that respondents feel are ! e majority of the respondents felt that provide premier cultural and recreational most important. A full report and preservation of natural areas, a county- resources. Respondents also gave detailed comments on open ended wide recycling program, maintenance examples of actions that support these questions are included in the Appendix of and improvement of downtowns, and goals. Responses included mention of this plan. cleaning and protecting the Pine River the Pine River, people, community, local

25 GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES 04.1 OVERVIEW 04 04.2 GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

GOALS, OBJEC TIVES & STRATEGIES

4.1 OVERVIEW PRESERVE THE COUNTY’S RURAL CHARACTER is chapter is the heart of the plan 1 and presents the goals, objectives, and Keep productive farms, beautiful natural features, and a strategies. ey are derived from the healthy environment existing conditions analysis, larger trends, and community feedback gathered STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING throughout the planning process. e plan goals express overarching aspirations CITIES, VILLAGES AND that are valued and desired by the 2 HAMLETS community. “Placemake” Gratiot’s downtowns to ensure that they In essence, the plan goals, objectives and serve as quality community centers strategies represent the community’s intentions to drive progress in Gratiot County. e goals are presented here PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN with brief descriptions of each. e QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES following section presents the individual 3 objectives and strategies that fall within AND INFRASTRUCTURE each goal and activate the plan toward Carefully coordinate and plan services to ensure quality implementation. Finally, informational and cost eff ectiveness pieces are embedded throughout the chapter to further illustrate the intent of the plan and provide more detailed GENERATE AND SUSTAIN information. 4 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES Retain, attract and grow quality employers and workforce

PROVIDE PREMIER CULTURAL AND 5 RECREATIONAL RESOURCES Develop Gratiot as a cultural and recreational destination that serves people of all generations CONTINUE AND INCREASE 6 GOOD GOVERNANCE AND INTER-JURISDICTIONAL COLLABORATION Cultivate strong leadership and County-wide cooperation

28 GRATIOT COUNTY

4.2 GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

is section introduces the objectives and strategies, or action plan, for each of the six goals. For details regarding responsible parties and expected timelines for each strategy, please refer to the Implementation Matrix in Chapter Six.

GOAL 1: PRESERVE THE COUNTY’S RURAL CHARACTER

Objective 1.1: Direct growth towards existing urban areas • Strategy 1.1.1 - Apply and uphold agricultural preservation zoning by limiting non-farm uses in agricultural districts • Strategy 1.1.2 - Work multi-jurisdictionally to establish clear growth boundaries around existing urban areas Objective 1.2: Support the ability of farmers to continue to actively engage in farming and sustainable agricultural practices • Strategy 1.2.1 - Coordinate and market farmer’s markets throughout the County

THE ECONOMICS OF AGRICULTURE Benefi ts of an active agriculture community include food security and a strong local food supply, viable local agricultural economy, and the preservation of rural character. Agritoursim and wind turbines help to preserve an active agriculture community.

• Strategy 1.2.2 - Actively recruit agribusiness to do business in the County • Strategy 1.2.3 - Develop a local food-promotion program • Strategy 1.2.4 - Work with local offi cials to maintain and improve quality of primary roads used for agricultural transport and infrastructure needed to support farming practices • Strategy 1.2.5 - Address water quality issues including excess use and waste disposal • Strategy 1.2.6 -Update the zoning ordinance to allow for appropriate sized agricultural use in non-agricultural districts

29 PLAN PILLARS GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

Objective 1.3: Protect natural features and foster a healthier environment • Strategy 1.3.1 - Develop ordinances that protect the County’s key and unique natural features • Strategy 1.3.2 - Work to modify high intensity farming regulations to achieve a balance between successful operations and minimizing the negative impacts on the environment and people’s health • Strategy 1.3.3 – Continue special eff orts and utilize best practices to clean the Pine River, reservoirs, and other key natural assets • Strategy 1.3.4 - Clean contaminated sites through brownfi eld redevelopment and other programs • Strategy 1.3.5 - Develop a strategy to address problematic, unhealthy on-site sewage disposal systems, which includes an education program for property owners with on-site sewage system • Strategy 1.3.6 - Strengthen coordination between local and state environmental regulations • Strategy 1.3.7 - Pursue existing funding opportunities and create incentives for large farms to utilize, maintain, and create green energy • Strategy 1.3.8 - Provide adequate funds for county-wide soil conservation service

WHAT IS BIO-DIGESTION? A biodigester is fed with organic material, which is then broken down by micro-organisms in an oxygen free environment to produce renewable energy in the form of biogas. is product can than serve as a substitute for natural gas and fertilization.

• Strategy 1.3.9 - Consider piloting County-wide biodigestion or anaerobic digestion program to serve as a state-wide model • Strategy 1.3.10 - Address recycling program gaps by creating a county-wide recycling program • Strategy 1.3.11 - Address any ongoing contamination issues associated with the Gratiot County Landfi ll • Strategy 1.3.12 - Institute wellhead protection programs in applicable areas and utilize zoning to protect water through these programs

30 GRATIOT COUNTY

GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING CITIES, VILLAGES AND HAMLETS

Objective 2.1: Make Gratiot County’s downtowns destinations • Strategy 2.1.1 - Engage in a coordinated branding eff orts for the County’s downtowns, which can be applied to gateways, signage, and marketing materials • Strategy 2.1.2 - Develop or revise local downtown plans to identify key redevelopment areas and advertise/market to desired project types

PLACE BRANDING Creating a brand for areas in Gratiot County will increase community pride and recognition within the region. Branding can come in many forms such as gateways, benches, public art, and signage. With the community involved in the design process, creating an identity for each jurisdiction would promote Gratiot as a destination.

• Strategy 2.1.3 - Protect and enhance historic and unique downtown architecture through regulatory techniques, such as form-based codes • Strategy 2.1.4 - Actively engage with various downtown enhancement groups and programs, such as Michigan Main Street Program and the Michigan Downtown Association • Strategy 2.1.5 - Streetscape key downtown corridors • Strategy 2.1.6 - Form a committee to coordinate and promote local social events, such as festivals, fundraisers, and other community happenings • Strategy 2.1.7 - Work to attract quality business that encourages people to spend more time in the downtown, such as sit-down restaurants and entertainment venues • Strategy 2.1.8 - Install wayfi nding throughout the downtowns Objective 2.2: Stabilize and enhance existing neighbor- hoods in and around downtowns • Strategy 2.2.1 - Identify potential redevelopment areas for both multi- and single-family developments • Strategy 2.2.2 - Identify gaps in desired neighborhood amenities, such as sidewalks, parks, and parking, and develop plans to address these gaps • Strategy 2.2.3 - Form a land bank to manage vacant, foreclosed, and blighted properties across the County • Strategy 2.2.4 - Emphasize enforcing current ordinances and building codes

31 PLAN PILLARS GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

within the residential and business districts • Strategy 2.2.5 - Encourage the development of rental properties in and around downtowns • Strategy 2.2.6 - Address the need for housing for the County’s aging population • Strategy 2.2.7 - Continue the conversion of vacant space downtown to second and third story lo% s • Strategy 2.2.8 - Introduce municipal blight ordinances appropriate to each community and/or more strongly enforce existing ordinances

GOAL 3: PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Objective 3.1: Maintain existing infrastructure • Strategy 3.1.1 - Develop phased plans to repair and replace aging sewer, water, road, and non-motorized infrastructure • Strategy 3.1.2 - Establish urban service districts (i.e., growth boundaries, see strategy 1.1.2) to help direct growth towards existing infrastructure and reduce the need for expansion • Strategy 3.1.3 - Coordinate a strategy to obtain money in aiding maintenance and repair costs Objective 3.2: Provide high quality public health and safety services • Strategy 3.2.1 - Maintain and improve current mutual aid agreements for emergency, fi refi ghting and police services, and begin discussions of combining services into a countywide authority • Strategy 3.2.2 - Continuously upgrade emergency medical services • Strategy 3.2.3 - Evaluate Countywide Fire Department services and districts to determine necessary improvements or adjustments • Strategy 3.2.4 - Identify jurisdictional needs in terms of public safety and create service and infrastructure coverage agreements between jurisdictions • Strategy 3.2.5 - Work with the hospital and health department to strengthen mental health services Objective 3.3: Provide a variety of mobility options • Strategy 3.3.1 - Adopt and implement Complete Streets policies • Strategy 3.3.2 - Support eff orts to improve rail transportation service • Strategy 3.3.3 - Work with bus companies to increase service and connections between Gratiot County and Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, and other signifi cant hubs • Strategy 3.3.4 - Increase transit services within Gratiot County to help provide better access to necessary services and employment

32 GRATIOT COUNTY

• Strategy 3.3.5 - Expand on-street parking to adjacent neighborhood streets. • Strategy 3.3.6- Continue the development of non-motorized paths to increase connectivity between communities in the County • Strategy 3.3.6 - Expand membership and funding of the Airport Authority • Strategy 3.3.7 - Build a comprehensive senior transit program that serves the entire County • Strategy 3.3.8 - Complete US-127 as a limited access highway from Ithaca to St. Johns

GOAL 4: GENERATE AND SUSTAIN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Objective 4.1: Promote development and redevelopment of vacant commercial/industrial properties • Strategy 4.1.1 - Increase eff orts to work with eligible businesses to take advantage of available tax incentive/abatement programs • Strategy 4.1.2 - Identify sites, develop conceptual plans, and market key development/redevelopment areas • Strategy 4.1.3 - Expand existing industrial sites, as well as develop a County- wide industrial park suitable to include a dairy-processing plant • Strategy 4.1.4 - Develop or reinstate previous common zoning district terminology between jurisdictions within County • Strategy 4.1.5 - Enhance public utilities to support future industrial growth Objective 4.2: Help residents develop the skills necessary for employment opportunities • Strategy 4.2.1 – Support early childhood initiatives to build literacy and math skills • Strategy 4.2.2 - Develop a community college in Gratiot County • Strategy 4.2.3 - Continue and expand mentoring/leadership programs

ADAPTIVE REUSE Progress in the development world does not exclusively mean bulldozing the old and constructing the new. Adaptive reuse allows older buildings with historical signifi cance and architecture to be restored and outfi tted for a new tenant.

33 PLAN PILLARS GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

• Strategy 4.2.4 - Address business trends along with generational changes in the downtown • Strategy 4.2.5 - Promote S.T.E.M. education and identify funding opportunities in order to strengthen these subjects • Strategy 4.2.6 - Develop business and school partnerships to provide trade school experience • Strategy 4.2.7 - Continue to expand on vocational and co-op opportunities • Strategy 4.2.8 - Work with hospital and health department to expand prevention eff orts to help support a healthy workforce Objective 4.3: Build and capitalize on Gratiot County’s assets to attract economic activity • Strategy 4.3.1 - Develop agri-tourism and recreation tourism marketing campaigns • Strategy 4.3.2 - Continue to pursue alternative energy companies, market the County as an alternative energy industry hub • Strategy 4.3.3 - Build on existing recreational assets and improve connectivity to cities and villages throughout the County • Strategy 4.3.4 - Expand and promote food trucks • Strategy 4.3.5 - Promote the existing urban farms and farmer’s markets • Strategy 4.3.6 - Enhance the county’s natural corridors, with special attention paid to the green corridors along the Pine River • Strategy 4.3.7 - Work with providers to expand wireless/internet services • Strategy 4.3.8 - Attract solar development

WHAT IS A TRAIL TOWN? A trail town is an economic development strategy that utilizes an area’s trail system to connect to downtowns or focal points with an emphasis on tourism. While the concept is geared toward cities and urban centers, it can also be applied on a larger scale, with a multi-jurisdictional trail system.

GOAL 5: PROVIDE PREMIER CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL RESOURCES

Objective 5.1: Provide more public access to the waterfront • Strategy 5.1.1 - Acquire additional land to expand the riverwalks and trails • Strategy 5.1.2 - rough easements, preserve areas for public access to the

34 GRATIOT COUNTY

river in future riverfront developments • Strategy 5.1.3 - Install signage to help direct people to public waterfront parks and trails • Strategy 5.1.4 - Continue eff orts to address downed trees in the Pine River to allow for use of canoes and kayaks • Strategy 5.1.5 - Connect and extend riverwalks throughout the County Objective 5.2: Provide a robust system of parks, trailways and other recreational opportunities • Strategy 5.2.1 - Create a County-wide recreation authority and community education program administrator, possibly through Gratiot-Isabella RESD • Strategy 5.2.2 - Coordinate recreation plans to complement and connect with one another and the Master Plan • Strategy 5.2.3 - Explore opportunities to increase the number of parks in northern part of County • Strategy 5.2.4 – Continue the expansion of the non-motorized trailway system, become a Michigan “Trail-Town” • Strategy 5.2.5 - Support the Healthy Pine River Group in their eff orts to develop a plan that comprehensively addresses contamination in the river • Strategy 5.2.6 - Enhance natural corridors, such as rivers and trails • Strategy 5.2.7 - Develop a strategy to encourage residents to spend recreation time and dollars locally • Strategy 5.2.8 - Expand fl exibility and use of County parks and recreation millage funds • Strategy 5.2.9 - Diversify public recreational opportunities, such as creating dog or water parks • Strategy 5.2.10 - Reduce current restrictions on off road vehicle (ORV) use and develop an ORV trail system to help direct this use to appropriate areas

GOAL 6: CONTINUE AND INCREASE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND INTER-JURISDICTIONAL COLLABORATION

Objective 6.1: Retain and attract quality local offi cials and committee members • Strategy 6.1.1 - Implement a public servant mentorship program • Strategy 6.1.2 - Engage in trainings provided by entities such as the Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, and MSU Extension Objective 6.2: Utilize the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to protect the residents, visitors, and property within the County • Strategy 6.2.1 - Identify projects from the Hazard Mitigation Plan that can be

35 PLAN PILLARS GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

initiated to mitigate damages from local hazards that negatively impact the County • Objective 6.2.2 - Seek funds to complete projects identifi ed above Objective 6.3: Engage in Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities Program • Strategy 6.3.1 - Collaboratively follow Redevelopment Ready Communities best practices to pursue certifi cation

36 GRATIOT COUNTY

37 FUTURE LAND USE 05.1 FUTURE LAND USE 05 05.2 FUTURE ZONING PLAN

FUTURE LAND USE

addition, cluster design is encouraged the campus category), cultural, 5.1 FUTURE to allow for the most cost eff ective government, religious, health, expansion of urban services if these correction, military, cemeteries, LAND USE services are deemed necessary within airports, senior care centers, utilities, a Rural Residential area. and public safety. e future land use categories for this Plan were originally developed by NEIGHBORHOOD CAMPUS compiling language from individual RESIDENTIAL e Campus land use category master plans and concepts presented e Neighborhood Residential includes campus style facilities, such in the Goals, Objectives, & Strategies category includes primarily single- as Alma College, the Masonic Home, chapter of this Plan. e Steering family residential developments that and the Sisters of Mercy. Residential Committee then refi ned the language generally have the characteristics of and commercial uses associated through a review process along with traditional urban neighborhoods, with the facility are permitted in the additional public feedback. e such as a grid street system, Campus land use area. Future Land Use Maps show where sidewalks, small lots, and shallow these land uses are preferred. DOWNTOWN /MIXED USE setbacks. In-fi ll housing and integrated expansion at the edges is e Downtown/Mixed Use category provides for areas where AGRICULTURE encouraged in existing Neighborhood Residential areas. In addition, a combinations of employment, e Agriculture category includes modest mix of non-residential uses is housing, shopping, and services are farming, livestock, farming related allowed in these areas to address the integrated in a compact, pedestrian business, wind farms, and related needs of neighborhood residents. oriented, urban form, which farmsteads. e County contemplates encourages community interaction. the development of commercial solar MULTI!FAMILY RESIDENTIAL Small shops, offi ces, restaurants, as appropriate for agricultural areas. e Multi-Family Residential entertainment establishments, second Residential development within this category provides for existing and story apartments and condominiums, category will be limited to preserve future duplexes, attached single- and public areas are characteristic the overall rural character and prevent family townhomes, and multi-family uses of this land use category. the fragmentation of farmland. apartments. In addition, a modest GENERAL MIXED USE RURAL RESIDENTIAL mix of non-residential uses is allowed in these areas to address the needs of e General Mixed Use category e Rural Residential category is neighborhood residents. provides for areas outside of the an intermediate land use between downtowns where combinations of agricultural and urban areas. In MANUFACTURED HOUSING employment, housing, shopping, and general, Rural Residential units are COMMUNITY services are integrated. In some cases, low-density residential developments. e Manufactured Housing these areas may serve as the basis of a However, cluster design is encouraged Community land use category hamlet-style hub. In these instances, as a design option in this category provides for existing and future compact, pedestrian oriented for the creation of common open manufactured housing communities. development is desired. space that helps preserve natural areas and agricultural lands. For PUBLIC/QUASI!PUBLIC GENERAL COMMERCIAL example, a clustered residential Public and Quasi-Public land uses e General Commercial land use development with committed open include facilities that are designed designation includes large-scale space for recreation, trails, or a to serve the public interest, such businesses that provide shopping unique environmental feature would as education (with the exception and services at a regional level. be compatible with this category. In of Alma College, which is under New and renovated buildings

40 GRATIOT COUNTY

within this district will be subject establishments; tool, die and machine RECREATION to standards that support current shops; manufacturing; and limited Neighborhood Park - is category access management techniques, processing of materials. Screening includes lands that provide environmentally sensitive of outside storage in these areas is recreational opportunities at the landscaping, and quality design encouraged. neighborhood level, as opposed to standards. HEAVY INDUSTRIAL large, more specialized parks meant for community-wide use. WATERFRONT DEVELOP! e Heavy Industrial category MENT provides for general or heavy Community Wide Park - is e Waterfront Development industrial activities such as those category includes lands that provide category provides for redevelopment which involve the use of heavy large-scale or specialized recreational opportunities along the Pine River. machinery, regular traffi c by larger opportunities designed for use by the is category allows for a mix trucks, extensive amounts of broader community. ese facilities of residential, commercial, and contiguous land, service by railroad may be either public or private. recreational land uses and emphasizes lines or major thoroughfares, pedestrian circulation, environmental processing of chemical or raw URBAN GROWTH AREAS protection, and both private and materials, assembly, and generation of e Urban Growth Area are not public waterfront access. industrial waste, noise, odor, or traffi c specifi cally a land use, but are areas problems. Given their potential where the community would like OFFICE/RESEARCH/TECH! environmental impacts, screening and to direct more intense development NICAL buff ering of heavy industrial uses is and where the potential extension e Offi ce/Research/Technical encouraged. of services, such as water and category provides for industrial uses sewer, would be the most cost oriented toward research, design, EXCAVATION eff ective. Urban Growth Areas prototype development, and technical e Excavation category provides for are determined by the aff ected training. Ideally, these areas will be lands that are or will be commercially jurisdictions and o% en involve a of a campus-style character, with excavated. written agreement to appropriately pedestrian amenities, attention to NATURAL & OPEN SPACE manage the expansion of services. landscaping, and environmental Typically, these agreements are “425” Forested - is category includes protection. agreements, based on Act 425 of lands that serve as wildlife habitat or 1984, which is also known by the that are used for timber harvesting. OFFICE PARK title Intergovernmental Conditional Other uses may include forest e Professional Offi ce Park provides Transfer of Property by Contract Act. for offi ce clusters that solely off er related recreational activities, such as professional services, including, hunting, fi shing, skiing and hiking. At the time of this Plan, all the cities but not limited to, executive, in Gratiot County have negotiated Conservation - is category includes administrative, clerical, accounting, 425 agreements with many of undeveloped land that contributes engineering, architecture and medical their neighboring townships. e ecological, scenic or recreational val- functions. agreements provide for the transfer of ue. Due to potential problems associ- land to the cities in turn for sharing ated with fl ooding and water quality, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL the increased tax revenue received lands adjacent to existing watercours- e Light Industrial category provides from intensive development of the es are particularly important. is for industrial activities that pose property. Alma has agreements category may also include open space minimal environmental impacts upon with Arcada Township, Pine River buff ers between various land uses. surrounding areas and uses, such as Township, and one with both the City warehousing and storage; wholesale

41 CPLANATALYSTPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTFUTURE PROJECTS LAND USE

of St. Louis and Pine River Township. in the jurisdiction’s physical Ithaca has 425 agreements with environment by providing for Newark Township and North Star appropriate land uses and lot Township. St. Louis has agreements regulations. with Bethany Township, Pine River Township, and the City of Alma. 3. To accommodate special, complex or unique uses through such mechanisms as planned unit 5.2 FUTURE developments, overlay districts, or ZONING PLAN special use permits. 4. To guide development in a e Zoning Plan portion of the way that helps prevent future Master Plan helps ensure the Plan’s confl icting land uses (e.g. eff ectiveness by linking the Plan to industrial uses adjacent to county and local zoning ordinances. residential areas). e Plan provides a documented statement of the community’s wishes 5. To preserve and protect existing while the zoning ordinance provides land uses until such time as they the regulatory tool to achieve these may change in accordance with wishes. the Master Plan.

e requirement for a zoning plan Aside from six townships, which has a long legal history in Michigan are under county zoning, each as the requirement has existed in jurisdiction has individual zoning every zoning-enabling act since the ordinances. erefore, these City-Village Zoning Act, PA 201 of jurisdictions and the county will 1921. e Michigan Zoning Enabling work together to develop any changes Act (MZEA), PA 110 of 2006 requires necessary to zoning to refl ect the in Sec. 203 (1) that zoning be based future land use goals as presented in on a plan and includes a long list of the future land use map. things that such a plan is designed to promote. e Michigan Planning Individual Future Land Use Maps Enabling Act, as amended in 2008 and proposed changes to local zoning (MPEA) includes specifi c zoning plan ordinances are presented in the requirements in Sec. 33 (2)(d). Appendix with each respective local unit of government. To the right is Originally, zoning was intended to the overall county Future Land Use promote harmonious uses within Map that was jointly developed by the surrounding areas. Today it also jurisdictions in Gratiot County. serves the following purposes:

1. To promote orderly growth in a manner consistent with land use policies and the Master Plan.

2. To promote attractiveness

42 FUTURE LAND USE MAPGRATIOT COUNTY

Isabella County Midland County

MontcalmCounty

ty

n

Saginaw Cou

Clinton County

Ionia County

ShiawasseeCounty

Larger Future Land Use Map available through the County GIS system See Appendix for individual jurisdiction Future Land Use Maps

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Gratiot County

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 6,750 13,500

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\GratiotOverallFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd 43 IMPLEMENTATION 06.1 IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX 06.2 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN 06 06.3 REVIEW & UPDATE PROCEDURES

IMPLEMENTATION

Short: 0-3 years

6.1 IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX Medium: 4-6 years

Long: 7+ years

GOAL 1: PRESERVE THE COUNTY’S RURAL CHARACTER

OBJECTIVE 1.1 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Direct growth towards existing urban areas FUNDING

• Michigan Department Strategy 1.1.1 • Townships SHORT of Agriculture & Rural Apply and uphold agricultural preservation zoning by limiting • County TERM Development Farmland • MSU Extension non-farm uses in agricultural districts Preservation Program

• Townships Strategy 1.1.2 • Tri-County Urban SHORT • Cities Work multi-jurisdictionally to establish clear growth boundaries Services Management TERM • Villages Study and group around existing urban areas • County

OBJECTIVE 1.2 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Support the ability of farmers to continue to actively FUNDING engage in farming and sustainable agricultural practices

• Chamber of • MSU Extension Commerce • USDA Farmers Market Strategy 1.2.1 SHORT • DDA Promotion Program Coordinate and market farmer’s markets throughout the County TERM • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. • Farmer’s Markets

• Greater Gratiot • Michigan Department Development, Inc. of Agriculture and • Chamber of Rural Development Commerce how to start a business Strategy 1.2.2 SHORT resources TERM Actively recruit agribusiness to do business in the County • Pure Michigan Business Connect • MEDC

Strategy 1.2.3 • Health Department • National Farm to Develop a local food-promotion program • School District School Network SHORT • Other large • US Department of TERM institutions Agriculture Local Food • Farms Promotion Program

46 GRATIOT COUNTY

Strategy 1.2.4 • Townships • Michigan Department Work with local offi cials to maintain and improve quality • County Road of Transportation Commission TEDF Program of primary roads used for agricultural transport and SHORT • Greater Gratiot infrastructure needed to support farming practices TERM Development, Inc.

Strategy 1.2.5 • Health Department • Michigan Department Address water quality issues including excess use and waste • Conservation of Environmental disposal District Quality • United State MID Geological Survey TERM Water Science Center • Michigan State University Extension Water Quality Strategy 1.2.6 • Townships • MSU Extension urban Update the zoning ordinance to allow for appropriate sized • Villages agriculture sample SHORT agricultural use in non-agricultural districts • Cities zoning text TERM • County

OBJECTIVE 1.3 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Protect natural features and foster a healthier FUNDING environment • Michigan Department • Townships of Natural Resources • Villages Natural Features Strategy 1.3.1 • Cities Inventory SHORT Develop ordinances that protect the County’s key and unique • County • Natural features TERM natural features • Health ordinances from Department other Michigan communities

• Health Department • US Department of Strategy 1.3.2 • Townships Agriculture Work to modify high intensity farming regulations to achieve MID • County • Michigan Department a balance between successful operations and minimizing the TERM • Conservation of Agriculture and negative impacts on the environment and people’s health District Rural Development • Farms • Gratiot County • Townships Community • Villages Strategy 1.3.3 Foundation SHORT • Cities Continue special efforts and utilize best practices to clean the • Michigan Department TERM • County of Environmental Pine River, reservoirs, and other key natural assets • Friends of the Quality Pine River

• Michigan Department • Brownfi eld Strategy 1.3.4 MID/ of Environmental Redevelopment Clean contaminated sites through brownfi eld redevelopment LONG Quality Brownfi eld Authority and other programs TERM Redevelopment Program 47 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

• MSU Extension Septic System Strategy 1.3.5 • Townships Education Program Develop a strategy to address problematic, unhealthy on- SHORT • Villages • US Environmental site sewage disposal systems, which includes an education TERM • County Protection Agency program for property owners with on-site sewage system • Health Department Septic System online educational resources • Townships • County Strategy 1.3.6 • Michigan Farm MID • Michigan Strengthen coordination between local and state Bureau Legislative TERM Department of Action Team environmental regulations Agriculture

• Michigan Agency for Energy Community Energy Manager Strategy 1.3.7 • Townships recommendations SHORT • County and best practices Pursue existing funding opportunities and create incentives TERM • Large Farm • Michigan Public for large farms to utilize, maintain, and create green energy Owners Services Commission renewable energy resources

• US Department of Strategy 1.3.8 • Conservation SHORT Agriculture Soils Provide adequate funds for countywide soil conservation District TERM Natural Resources • County service Conservation Service

• Gratiot County Community Foundation • Michigan Agency for Strategy 1.3.9 • City of St. Louis Energy MID Consider piloting Countywide biodigestion or anaerobic • Large Farm • Michigan Public TERM digestion program to serve as a state-wide model Owners Services Commission renewable energy resources • US Department of Agriculture • Michigan Department • Townships Strategy 1.3.10 of Environmental SHORT • Villages Address recycling program gaps by creating a countywide Quality Recycling TERM • Cities Program Contacts recycling program • County

Strategy 1.3.11 • Health • Michigan Department SHORT Address any ongoing contamination issues associated with Department of Environmental TERM the Gratiot County Landfi ll • County Quality

• Michigan Department Strategy 1.3.12 • Health Department SHORT of Environmental Institute wellhead protection program in applicable areas and • City of Ithaca TERM Quality Wellhead utilize zoning to protect water through these programs Protection Program

48 GRATIOT COUNTY

STRENGTHEN EXISTING CITIES, VILLAGES AND GOAL 2: HAMLETS

OBJECTIVE 2.1 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Make Gratiot County’s downtowns destinations FUNDING

• Cities • Villages Strategy 2.1.1 • County Engage in coordinated branding efforts for the County’s • DDA • Michigan Downtown MID TERM • Greater Gratiot Association downtowns, which can be applied to gateways, signage, and Development, Inc. marketing • Chamber of Commerce

Strategy 2.1.2 • Michigan Economic Develop or revise local downtown plans to identify key • Cities Development MID TERM • Villages Corporation redevelopment areas and advertise/market to desired project • DDA • Gratiot County types Community Foundation

• Form Based Code Institute Strategy 2.1.3 • Michigan State • Cities Protect and enhance historic and unique downtown LONG University Extension • Villages TERM Form Based Code architecture through regulatory techniques, such as form-based • DDA codes resources • State Historic Preservation Offi ce

Strategy 2.1.4 • Michigan Downtown • Cities Actively engage with various downtown enhancement groups LONG Association • Villages TERM • Michigan Main Street and programs, such as Michigan Main Street Program and the • DDA Michigan Downtown Association Program

• Cities • Michigan Department • Villages Strategy 2.1.5 of Transportation MID TERM • DDA Transportation Streetscape key downtown corridors • Applicable Road Alternatives Program Agencies

Strategy 2.1.6 • Community Service Form a committee to coordinate and promote local social SHORT • Michigan Downtown Organizations TERM Association events, such as festivals, fundraisers, and other community • DDA happenings

• Cities Strategy 2.1.7 • DDA Work to attract quality business that encourages people SHORT • Chamber of to spend more time in the downtown, such as sit-down TERM Commerce restaurants and entertainment venues • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

49 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

• Cities • Michigan Economic Strategy 2.1.8 SHORT • Villages Development TERM Install wayfi nding throughout the downtowns • DDA Corporation MIPlace OBJECTIVE 2.2 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Stabilize and enhance existing neighborhoods in FUNDING and around downtowns

Strategy 2.2.1 • Townships • Michigan State Housing • Villages Development Authority Identify potential redevelopment areas for both multi- and MID TERM • Cities • Missing Middle Housing single-family developments • Developers - Opticos Design

Strategy 2.2.2 • Townships Identify gaps in desired neighborhood amenities, such as LONG • Villages sidewalks, parks, and parking, and develop plans to address TERM • Cities these gaps • County

• Townships Strategy 2.2.3 • Villages LONG • Cities • Statewide landbank Form a land bank to manage vacant, foreclosed, and blighted TERM • County examples properties across the County • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

• Townships • Michigan Municipal Strategy 2.2.4 • Villages League code resources SHORT Emphasize enforcing current ordinances and building codes • Cities • Michigan Townships TERM within the residential and business districts • County Association code resources

Strategy 2.2.5 • Townships • Michigan State Housing • Villages Development Authority Encourage the development of rental properties in and around MID TERM • Cities • Missing Middle Housing downtowns • Developers - Opticos Design

• National Age in Place • Townships Council Strategy 2.2.6 • Villages MID TERM • AARP • Cities Address the need for housing for the County’s aging population • Gratiot County • Developers Commission on Aging

• Michigan State Housing Strategy 2.2.7 • Villages Development Authority Continue the conversion of vacant space downtown to second MID TERM • Cities • Michigan Economic and third story lofts • Building Owners Development Authority Mainstreet Program

• Michigan Municipal • Townships Strategy 2.2.8 League blight resources SHORT • Villages Introduce municipal blight ordinances appropriate to each • Michigan Townships TERM • Cities community and/or more strongly enforce existing ordinances Association blight resources

50 GRATIOT COUNTY

PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN QUALITY PUBLIC GOAL 3: SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

OBJECTIVE 3.1 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Maintain existing infrastructure FUNDING

• User Fees • Townships • Millages Strategy 3.1.1 • Villages • Michigan Department of LONG Develop phased plans to repair and replace aging sewer, water, • Cities Transportation TERM road, and non-motorized infrastructure • County • Michigan Department of • Road Commission Environmental Quality

Strategy 3.1.2 • Townships • Tri-County Urban Establish urban service districts (i.e., growth boundaries, SHORT • Cities Services Management TERM • Villages see strategy 1.1.2) to help direct growth towards existing Study and group infrastructure and reduce the need for expansion • County

• Townships Strategy 3.1.3 • Cities • Villages Coordinate a strategy to obtain money in aiding maintenance MID TERM • County and repair costs • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

OBJECTIVE 3.2 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Provide high quality public health and safety FUNDING services

• Townships Strategy 3.2.1 • Cities • County Maintain and improve current mutual aid agreements for SHORT • Gratiot Emergency TERM emergency, fi refi ghting and police services, and begin Response Planning discussions of combining services into a countywide authority Group • Police and Fire

• Townships • Cities Strategy 3.2.2 • County ONGOING • Gratiot Emergency Continuously upgrade emergency medical services Response Planning Group • Hospital

Strategy 3.2.3 • Fire Board SHORT Evaluate Countywide Fire Department services and districts to • Fire Departments TERM determine necessary improvements or adjustments

Strategy 3.2.4 • Townships Identify jurisdictional needs in terms of public safety and create • Villages MID TERM service and infrastructure coverage agreements between • Cities jurisdictions • County

51 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

• Schools • Community Mental Strategy 3.2.5 Health SHORT Work with the hospital and health department to strengthen • Gratiot Physicians TERM mental health services Association • Hospital • Employers

POTENTIAL OBJECTIVE 3.3 TIME POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ FRAME PARTNERS Provide a variety of mobility options FUNDING

• Townships • Michigan Complete • Villages Strategy 3.3.1 SHORT Streets • Cities TERM • Michigan Department of Adopt and implement Complete Streets policies • County Transportation • Road Commission

• Michigan Association of • Cities Railroad Passengers Strategy 3.3.2 • Greater Gratiot MID TERM • Michigan by Rail Development, Inc. Support efforts to improve rail transportation service • Michigan Department of Transportation

Strategy 3.3.3 • Alma Transit Work with bus companies to increase service and connections LONG • Regional Hub Transit • Transit Millage TERM between Gratiot County and Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Agencies and other signifi cant hubs

• Alma Transit Strategy 3.3.4 • Townships Increase transit services within Gratiot County to help provide MID TERM • Cities • Transit Millage better access to necessary services and employment • Villages • County

• Michigan Trail Towns • Michigan Biking and • Townships Walking Coalition • Villages • Michigan Department of Strategy 3.3.5 • Cities Natural Resources Trust • County Fund Continue the development of non-motorized paths to increase MID TERM • Parks Departments • Michigan Department connectivity between communities in the County • Mid-Michigan of Transportation TAP Community Grants Pathways • Mid-Michigan Community Pathways

Strategy 3.3.6 MID • Airport Authority • Municipal Expand membership and funding of the Airport Authority TERM • Townships contributions

Strategy 3.3.7 • Alma Transit • Federal Transit Build a comprehensive senior transit program that serves the • Commission on Administration entire County MID Aging Enhanced Mobility TERM • Masonic Pathways of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program

52 GRATIOT COUNTY

Strategy 3.3.8 LONG • Greater Gratiot Complete US-127 as a limited access highway from Ithaca to TERM Development, Inc., St. Johns • Gratiot County • MDOT Sheriff’s Offi ce • City of Ithaca • MDOT • Gratiot County Road Commission

GENERATE AND SUSTAIN ECONOMIC GOAL 4: OPPORTUNITIES

OBJECTIVE 4.1 POTENTIAL TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Promote development and redevelopment of RESOURCES/FUNDING vacant commercial/industrial properties

• Townships • Villages Strategy 4.1.1 • Cities • DDA/TIF Districts Increase efforts to work with eligible businesses to take MID TERM • Greater Gratiot advantage of available tax incentive/abatement programs Development, Inc. • Chamber of Commerce

• Villages • Cities • Redevelopment Strategy 4.1.2 • DDA Ready Communities Identify sites, develop conceptual plans, and market key MID TERM • Greater Gratiot • Michigan Economic development/redevelopment areas Development, Inc. Development • Chamber of Corporation Commerce

• Ithaca • Alma • St. Louis Strategy 4.1.3 • Breckenridge • Michigan Economic Expand existing industrial sites, as well as develop a • Pine River Township MID TERM Development • County Countywide industrial park suitable to include a dairy- Corporation processing plant • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. • Chamber of Commerce

Strategy 4.1.4 • Townships • Villages Develop or reinstate previous common zoning district SHORT TERM • Cities terminology between jurisdictions within County • County

53 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

• Townships • Villages Strategy 4.1.5 • Cities MID TERM Enhance public utilities to support future industrial growth • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. • County

OBJECTIVE 4.2 POTENTIAL TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Help residents develop the skills necessary for RESOURCES/FUNDING employment opportunities

Strategy 4.2.1 • School District Support early childhood initiatives to build literacy and math SHORT TERM • Foundations • Alma College skills

Strategy 4.2.2 • School District LONG TERM Develop a community college in Gratiot County

• School District • Chamber of Strategy 4.2.3 Commerce SHORT TERM Continue and expand mentoring/leadership programs • Local Government Leadership • Employers

• Villages Strategy 4.2.4 • Cities Address business trends along with generational changes in the SHORT TERM • DDA downtown • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

• U.S. Department of Education S.T.E.A.M. • School District Programs: • Chamber of • Investing in Strategy 4.2.5 Commerce Innovation Promote S.T.E.A.M. education and identify funding MID TERM • Employers • Teachers for • Greater Gratiot opportunities in order to strengthen these subjects a competitive Development, Inc. tomorrow • Teacher quality partnerships

• School District Strategy 4.2.6 • Chamber of Commerce Develop business and school partnerships to provide trade MID TERM • Employers school experience • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc

54 GRATIOT COUNTY

• School District • Chamber of Strategy 4.2.7 Commerce SHORT TERM Continue to expand on vocational and co-op opportunities • Employers • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

Strategy 4.2.8 • Hospital Work with hospital and health department to expand prevention SHORT TERM • Health Department efforts to help support a healthy workforce

OBJECTIVE 4.3 POTENTIAL TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Build and capitalize on Gratiot County’s assets to RESOURCES/FUNDING attract economic activity

• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development • Chamber of • Michigan State Commerce University Extension Strategy 4.3.1 • Greater Gratiot • Michigan Department Develop agritourism and recreation tourism marketing SHORT TERM Development, Inc. of Natural Resources • Farmer’s Markets campaigns • United States • Farms Department of • Parks Departments Agriculture • Pure Michigan

• Townships • Villages • Cities Strategy 4.3.2 • Michigan Agency for • County Continue to pursue alternative energy companies, market the MID TERM Energy • Chamber of County as an alternative energy industry hub Commerce • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

• Townships • Michigan Department Strategy 4.3.3 • Villages of Natural Resources Build on existing recreational assets and improve connectivity SHORT TERM • Cities Trust Fund to cities and villages throughout the County • County • Michigan Trail Towns • Parks Departments

• Food truck ordinance Strategy 4.3.4 • Villages examples throughout SHORT TERM • Cities Michigan Expand and promote food trucks • DDA • Mark’s Carts example, Ann Arbor, MI

• Chamber of Commerce • MSU Extension Strategy 4.3.5 • DDA • USDA Farmers SHORT TERM Promote the existing urban farms and farmer’s markets • Greater Gratiot Market Promotion Development, Inc. Program • Farmer’s Markets

55 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

• Michigan Department of Environmental • Townships Quality Strategy 4.3.6 • Villages • Michigan Department Enhance the county’s natural corridors, with special attention SHORT TERM • Cities of Natural Resources • County paid to the green corridors along the Pine River • Trail Towns - water • Parks Departments trails

• Federal • Townships Communications • Villages Strategy 4.3.7 Commission SHORT TERM • Cities Funding for Rural Work with providers to expand wireless/internet services • County Communities • Providers • Providers

• A Guidebook for Community Solar Programs in Michigan • Greater Gratiot • Michigan Public Development, Inc. Strategy 4.3.8 Service Commission SHORT TERM • Gratiot County • Cherryland Electric Attract solar development Planning Commission Community Solar • Cities • US Department of Energy Solar Energy Resource Center PROVIDE PREMIER CULTURAL AND GOAL 5: RECREATIONAL RESOURCES

OBJECTIVE 5.1 POTENTIAL TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Provide more public access to the waterfront RESOURCES/FUNDING

• Townships • Villages • Michigan Department Strategy 5.1.1 LONG • Cities of Natural Resources TERM Acquire additional land to expand the riverwalks and trails • County Trust Fund • Parks Departments

Strategy 5.1.2 • Townships LONG Through easements, preserve areas for public access to the • Villages TERM river in future riverfront developments • Cities

• MiPlace Grant Programs Strategy 5.1.3 • Townships LONG • National Endowment Install signage to help direct people to public waterfront parks • Villages TERM for the Arts “Our • Cities and trails Town” Grant Program

Strategy 5.1.4 • Friends of the Pine SHORT Continue efforts to address downed trees in the Pine River to River TERM allow for use of canoes and kayaks • Parks Departments

56 GRATIOT COUNTY

• Michigan Department • Townships of Environmental • Villages • Michigan Department • Townships Strategy 5.1.5 LONG Quality • Cities of Natural Resources Strategy 4.3.6 • Villages TERM • Michigan Department Connect and extend riverwalks throughout the County • County Trust Fund Enhance the county’s natural corridors, with special attention SHORT TERM • Cities of Natural Resources • Parks Departments • County paid to the green corridors along the Pine River • Trail Towns - water • Parks Departments trails OBJECTIVE 5.2 POTENTIAL Provide a robust system of parks, trailways and TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS • Federal RESOURCES/FUNDING • Townships other recreational opportunities Communications • Villages Strategy 4.3.7 Commission SHORT TERM • Cities Funding for Rural Work with providers to expand wireless/internet services • County • Townships Communities Strategy 5.2.1 • Providers • Villages • Recreation • Providers Create a Countywide recreation authority and community MID TERM • Cities Authority examples education program administrator, possibly through Gratiot- • Gratiot-Isabella RESD throughout Michigan • A Guidebook for Isabella RESD Community Solar Programs in Michigan • Greater Gratiot • Townships • Michigan Public Development, Inc. Strategy 5.2.2 • Villages Strategy 4.3.8 Service Commission SHORT SHORT TERM • Gratiot County Coordinate recreation plans to complement and connect with • Cities • Cherryland Electric TERM Attract solar development Planning Commission • County Community Solar one another and the Master Plan • Cities • Parks Departments • US Department of Energy Solar Energy Resource Center • Townships • Michigan Strategy 5.2.3 • Villages Department of Explore opportunities to increase the number of parks in MID TERM • Cities Natural Resources • County northern part of County • Millage • Parks Departments

• Townships • National Greenway Strategy 5.2.4 • Villages Conservancy • Cities • Michigan State Continue the expansion of the non-motorized trailway system, SHORT TERM • County University Extension become a Michigan “Trail-Town” • Parks Departments • Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance • Michigan Trail Towns

• United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal • Townships Loan and Grant Program Strategy 5.2.5 • Villages • Cities • United States Support the Healthy Pine River Group in their efforts to develop Environmental SHORT TERM • County Protection Agency’s a plan that comprehensively addresses contamination in the • Health Department river Water Research Grants • Healthy Pine River • Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Various grants including Local Water Quality Monitoring Grants; Clean Water Revolving fund

57 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

• Michigan Department of Natural Resources • Townships programs, Strategy 5.2.6 • Villages • Waterways SHORT TERM • Cities Program Grants Enhance natural corridors, such as rivers and trails • County • Recreational Trail • Parks Departments Program Grants • Recreation Improvement Fund Grants

• Townships • Villages Strategy 5.2.7 • Cities Develop a strategy to encourage residents to spend recreation SHORT TERM • County time and dollars locally • Parks Departments • Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.

• Townships Strategy 5.2.8 • Villages Expand fl exibility and use of County parks and recreation SHORT TERM • Cities millage funds • County • Parks Departments

• Townships • Michigan Strategy 5.2.9 • Villages Department of Diversify public recreational opportunities, such as creating dog MID TERM • Cities Natural Resources • County or water parks Trust Fund • Parks Departments

• ORV Safety Education Grants • ORV Trail • Townships Strategy 5.2.10 Improvement • Villages Reduce current restrictions on off road vehicle (ORV) use SHORT Program • Cities TERM • Recreation and develop an ORV trail system to help direct this use to • County Improvement appropriate areas • Parks Departments Fund Grants (for restoration of lands damaged by ORVs)

58 GRATIOT COUNTY

CONTINUE AND INCREASE GOOD GOVERNANCE GOAL 6: AND INTER-JURISDICTIONAL COLLABORATION

OBJECTIVE 6.1 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Retain and attract quality local offi cials and FUNDING committee members

• Townships • Michigan Council • Villages for Arts and Cultural Strategy 6.1.1 SHORT • Cities Affairs’ Retention TERM • Chamber of Implement a public servant mentorship program and Engagement Commerce Grant Program

• MSU Extension Citizen Planner Strategy 6.1.2 • Townships Program Engage in trainings provided by entities such as the Michigan SHORT • Villages • Michigan Townships Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, and MSU TERM • Cities Association Extension. resources • Michigan Municipal League resources OBJECTIVE 6.2 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ Utilize the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan to TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS protect the residents, visitors, and property within FUNDING the County

• Local Governments Strategy 6.2.1 • Gratiot County Identify projects from the Hazard Mitigation Plan that can be SHORT Emergency • FEMA initiated to mitigate damages from local hazards that negatively TERM Management • State of Michigan impact the County • EMCOG • FEMA

• Local Governments • Gratiot County Strategy 6.2.2 SHORT Emergency • FEMA Seek funds to complete projects identifi ed above TERM Management • State of Michigan • EMCOG • FEMA

OBJECTIVE 6.3 POTENTIAL RESOURCES/ TIME FRAME POTENTIAL PARTNERS Engage in Michigan Redevelopment Ready FUNDING Communities Program

• Townships • MEDC’s Strategy 6.3.1 • Villages SHORT Redevelopment Collaboratively follow Redevelopment Ready Communities best • Cities TERM Ready Communities practices to pursue certifi cation Program

59 CATALYSTPLANPLAN PILLARS PILLARSPROJECTS

CATALYSTIMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

6.2 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN

A Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) is a tool to identify and prioritize the long‐term capital project requirements of a local unit of government. e CIP is a schedule of proposed improvements to a community’s public facilities that includes a prioritization of projects over a 6 year period. e fi rst year of the CIP is the capital budget and the CIP is annually updated. e CIP’s relationship to the master plan, as stated in the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (Act 33 of 2008), is “to further the desirable future development of the local unit of government under the master plan.” To accomplish this, the planning commission, legislative body, or chief administrative offi cial (depending on language in the charter), shall annually prepare the CIP to assist the planning commission and board or council in reviewing and approving public infrastructure projects, such as streets, parks, and utility infrastructure.

CIP PROCESS - Relationship to or coordination with other projects 03 IDENTIFY PROJECTS A process known to be successful in - Estimate of annual income from creating CIPs is as follows: projects • Complete asset inventory of - Estimate of annual operating existing capital investments, expenses which includes 01 DEFINE CIP PROCESS - Duration of project - Age, condition and AND ROLES - Sequencing replacement dates - Project mandated by the state - Status of projects currently • Appoint a CIP coordinator to and/or federal law underway lead the project - Projects essential to public • Develop a schedule • Identify participants and roles health or safety for replacement and for CIP preparation - Projects that save in improvement needs based on • Establish a CIP Review Team operating costs asset inventory • Review and update capital • Complete project application improvement polices forms of projects to be • Collect data to assist with 02 HOLD LAUNCH considered for CIP review, including budget MEETING projections, master plan amendments, policy changes • e CIP Review Team hosts 04 EVALUATE AND and new regulations launch meeting to explain SCORE PROJECTS • Defi ne cost threshold, lifespan purpose of CIP and roles in and types of projects to qualify the process • e CIP Review Team uses for CIP • Members of the public criteria established in Step 1 • Establish agreement on priority are encouraged to share to evaluate and score project system to evaluate projects. information about requests (scoring can be done Key considerations should infrastructure needs and individually or as a team) include: priorities • Project lead summarized - Is the project supported by the RANK PROJECTS Master Plan or other plan feedback from the public 05 AND DRAFT THE CIP - Is it legally required and provides to staff for - Is it fi scally responsible consideration in identifying • e CIP Review Team ranks - Is it a high priority for the project projects based on: community - Criteria established in Step 1 Other considerations include: - Available funding

60 GRATIOT COUNTY

- Capacity to complete APPROVE THE CIP projects 07 UPDATE THE CIP • e project lead organized • e CIP Review Team • For communities with two year the projects into a table, with provides dra% to the Planning budgets, the second year is a funding shown over 6 years Commission simple update (unfunded projects should also • Planning Commission reviews • Update costs, funding sources, be included and scheduled for and conducts public hearing and timing for a six-year later years or compiled in a • Planning Commission adopts system separate section) the CIP and forwards to Council or Board • Council or Board adopts CIP 06 REVIEW AND and uses for annual budget 6.3 REVIEW & UPDATE PROCEDURES

is Plan has been individually adopted by Gratiot County’s 02 Keep each other 07 Notify all other Gratiot local jurisdictions. erefore, informed on local news, such County jurisdictions and discuss, as each jurisdiction has the as economic development, necessary, signifi cant zoning changes. authority to amend and update land use development, capital the Plan on an independent improvements, concerns, basis. However, given the initiatives, and areas of pride. 08 Collaborate through the unique and collaborative eff orts County GIS Authority to develop and that went into developing this Identify a “keeper” of revise maps that they would like to Plan, it is a valuable measure for 03 include in future editions of the Plan. the participating jurisdictions relevant information to help keep to continue working together track of data and serve as a quick, for the implementation, easy resource. maintenance, and revision of 09 Maintain an ongoing this Plan. is section outlines communication mechanism, such as the steps that the Gratiot County 04 Determine where they can a website, to share information and Community intends to take to collaborate to accomplish the goals, updates. continue as a partnership. objectives, and strategies of this Plan.

To help continue the 10 Meet regularly, at least once collaborative nature of this Plan, 05 Record and share all a year, to review information and Gratiot County jurisdictions accomplishments, especially when ideas pertinent to the Plan. intend to: completing the goals, objectives, and strategies of this Plan. Identify a committee that Research, record, and 11 01 will collaboratively update the Plan to share additional information satisfy the statutory fi ve year review that they would like included Notify all other Gratiot 06 requirement outline in Michigan’s in future editions of the Plan. County jurisdictions and discuss, as necessary, amendments that you Planning Enabling Act (Act 33 of would like to make to the Plan. 2008).

61 APPENDIX 07.1 GRATIOT COUNTY COLLABORATION 07.2 GRATIOT COUNTY HISTORY 07.3 COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS 07 07.4 JURISDICTION PROFILES 07.5 MASTER PLAN RESOLUTIONS GRATIOT COUNTY

APPENDIX GRATIOT COUNTY COLLABORATION GRATIOT COUNTY HISTORY COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS JURISDICTION PROFILES MASTER PLAN RESOLUTIONS APPENDIX I: GRATIOT COUNTY COLLABORATIONS

1. Brownfi eld Redevelopment Authority of the County of • Training- Countywide Gratiot 18. Sewage Treatment 2. Countywide Library Operating millage (supports six public libraries) • Alma with Pine River and Arcada Townships

3. Economic Development Corporation of the County of • St. Louis with Pine River Township Gratiot 19. Dial-A-Ride Transportation - Alma, St. Louis, Ithaca, 4. Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce Breckenridge

5. Gratiot Area Solid Waste Authority 20. Negotiated conditional land transfers- 425 agreements

6. Gratiot County Community Foundation 21. Surplus Equipment Auctions - All cities and villages in county 7. Gratiot County GIS Authority 22. Rails to Trails - City, two townships and road commission 8. Gratiot County Parks & Recreation 23. GIS System- # ree Cities, one village, two townships, 9. Gratiot County Township Association county, dispatch, public health, drain commission, road commission, Greater Gratiot 10. Hospital Finance Authority of the County of Gratiot 24. Strategic Planning- Countywide eff ort includes more than 11. Vocational education services through a bi-county government collaborative eff ort administered through the Gratiot- Isabella RESD. 25. Equipment sharing- All Cities

12. Greater Gratiot Development, Inc.- Countywide economic 26. Gratiot Area Water Authority development

13. Mid-Michigan Area Cable Communications Consortium- three county cable consortium includes fi ve cities, two villages, and three townships

14. Gratiot Central Dispatch Authority- countywide dispatch

15. Gratiot Community Airport

16. Fire Departments

• Alma Rural Urban Fire Board- City and four townships

• St. Louis Area Fire Department- City and four townships

• Ithaca Fire Department- City and seven townships

• Mutual Aid agreements

17. Police

• Drug Enforcement- # ree cities and two counties

• Hazmat- Countywide

• CERT- Alma and Ashley applied for grant jointly

64 GRATIOT COUNTY

( is page intentionally le" blank) 65 APPENDIX II: GRATIOT COUNTY HISTORY

SETTLEMENT Gratiot County, Michigan, with several other counties, was formed by the state legislature in 1831. It was named for General Charles Gratiot, a hero of the War of 1812. In the mid-1830s, surveyors tramped into the wilderness and laid out the county in square miles. # e earliest white settlement occurred in the 1840s in the southern tier of townships adjoining Clinton County. Although located in Clinton County, the frontier settlement of Maple Rapids served as the supply post and portal into Gratiot County for the earliest settlers. Mass settlement in other townships did not occur until the government began selling land at $1.25 per acre or less in 1854. A fl ood of settlers arrived in the mid-1850s as land-hungry pioneers infi ltrated the heavily-forested county and bought acreage. Settlement of Gratiot County had begun.

Two Chippewa tribe communities lived in Gratiot County during this early settlement time—one at the south side of the county on the Maple River and one at the north side of the county on the Pine River. In addition, early settlers found burial mounds and other evidence of Native-American societies that had previously existed in the county. By the 1850s, local tribes had entered into land treaties and by 1860, most of the local tribal members were living on the reservation near Mt. Pleasant.

In 1856 unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances plunged the several hundred pioneering families into the “Starving Time,” which lasted for three years. Many settlers were ill-prepared for the demands of the pioneering life, and without needed skills, money, or food. With unfavorable weather for farming, they suddenly found themselves destitute and on the verge of starvation. Charitable contributions from Detroit and other cities staved off disaster in “Starving Gratiot.”

Following the Starving Time, the optimism prompted by good harvests in 1859 and 1860 was dampened when the Civil War erupted, and two companies of men and youths went off to fi ght for the Union in 1861 and 1862, bringing pioneering progress in the county to a halt. Upon the end of the war, the returning men took up their work with enthusiasm, and the county experienced a time of great development during the 1870s. Farms expanded, settlements grew, and industry began. Gratiot County took on a personality of its own.

Townships were organized as soon as their populations grew to meet state requirements. # e southern townships, until they held enough settlers to organize, were under the jurisdiction of Clinton County townships. # e same held true for eastern townships, which were controlled by neighboring townships in Saginaw County. By 1861, all of the county’s sixteen townships had been organized and named.

Locating the county seat was a contentious process, as the villages of St. Louis, Alma, and Ithaca all jockeyed for position to win the coveted designation which would guarantee a degree of prosperity. Finally, a* er much political maneuvering, Ithaca, advantageously located at the county’s center, was chosen in 1856.

In the earliest days, several settlements requested to be incorporated as villages: St. Louis in 1853, Ithaca in 1855, and Alma in 1856. Elm Hall was one of the fi rst settlements in the county, dating from the 1850s. Breckenridge was started on the Saginaw Valley and St. Louis Railroad in 1872. Wheeler had been started before the arrival of the railroad, but, upon the railroad’s arrival, clustered its buildings near the railroad station. Elwell and Riverdale formed with arrival of the Chicago, Saginaw, and Canada Railroad in 1874. Bannister, Ashley, and North Star were established when the Ann Arbor Railroad arrived in the mid-1880s. Pompeii, Perrinton, and Middleton came into being because of the Toledo, Saginaw, and Muskegon Railroad in the late 1880s. Forest Hill, while located on the Ann Arbor Railroad, had been established before those rails arrived. Located on the Pine River, Sumner, known variously as Belltown, Stoverville, and Estella, was a center of lumbering activity. Many other small settlements with general stores, blacksmith shops, churches, and post offi ces were scattered throughout the county, and most have vanished.

# e following list provides an overview of the settlement and/or general character of Gratiot County’s local jurisdictions (from the 2010 Gratiot County Hazard Mitigation Plan):

• Arcada Township: Includes parts of Alma - the airport and the Old Mill Pond behind the Alma dam.

• Bethany Township: Bethany was named a* er a Lutheran Mission in 1874.

66 GRATIOT COUNTY

• Elba Township: First settled in 1856, the village of Ashley was formed in 1887.

• Emerson Township: Organized in 1855, Emerson is home to a circa 1879 Methodist Church.

• Fulton Township: Fulton is part of the Maple River State Game Area.

• Hamilton Township: Hamilton is part of the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area.

• Lafayette Township: A highly rural, fertile agricultural area.

• New Haven Township: Organized in 1863, Joseph Wiles was its fi rst postmaster.

• Newark Township: Organized in 1857, it contains a fourth of the city of Ithaca.

• North Shade Township: An entirely agricultural area near Carson City.

• North Star Township: Originally called Douglas the name was changed to North Star in 1884.

• Pine River Township: # e area was fi rst settled in 1855 by Joseph Clapp.

• Seville Township: Organized in 1856 as a station of the Pere Marquette RR.

• Sumner Township: Settlers arrived in the fall of 1854 due to the township’s lumber supply.

• Washington Township: Began in 1854 with the formation of the village of Pompeii.

• Wheeler Township: separated from Lafayette Township in 1861.

• City of Alma: Established in 1872 as a village, Alma is the largest city in Gratiot County with a population of 9,275. It is the home of Alma College, Gratiot Medical Center, and Masonic Pathways Home.

• City of Ithaca: Established in1855, Ithaca has a population of 3,098. It is the county seat with a State Historic Courthouse.

• City of St. Louis: Established in 1853. St Louis is the geographic center of Lower Michigan.

• Village of Breckenridge: Incorporated in 1908, it is the fourth largest community in Gratiot County.

• Village of Perrinton: A substantial Mennonite community molds the character of Perrinton.

• Village of Ashley: Establish in 1887, Ashely was named a* er railroad owner John Ashley. LUMBERING # e earliest settlers were greeted by a goldmine of timber of many varieties. # ere were beech, maple, birch, several types of oaks and ash trees and stands of cedar in the swamps and matchless pines on the sand hills. Lumbering by outside interests occurred mainly in the 1870s, for the timber was needed by a growing nation for homes and other buildings, mine sha* supports, railroad ties, and multitude of other uses. # e settlers themselves used the lumber for homes, furniture, fences, heating and cooking, and plank roads. Sawmills were established across the county, and factories that specialized in items such as barrel staves, shingles, and oars later came into being. Once the timber was harvested, the pioneers rejoiced in the rich soil which would become the basis of the agricultural community that was emerging.

AGRICULTURE By 1880, agriculture had replaced lumbering as the major occupation of the pioneers. # ey cleared the land and changed the landscape from forests to fi elds. # e early farmers plowed and planted around stumps, but later removed the stumps by hard labor, utilizing

67 APPENDIX II: GRATIOT COUNTY HISTORY

digging, stump pullers, and dynamite. Trenches and tile were used to drain the wet areas and make them tillable, and horses began working larger areas of farmland.

Horses pulling one-bottom plows would eventually give way to various kinds of tractors pulling two or three-bottom plows which in turn would be replaced by huge tractors pulling eight or ten-bottom plows. # e 40 or 80-acre family homestead farmed by one man evolved into 800 to 1,000 acres or more farmed by one man using large equipment. Neighborhoods have changed from a situation where everyone had a small farm and shared the work, to a dynamic one where most people who live “in the country” do not farm. However, agriculture attracted the pioneers to the county, and it remains the central focus of the county’s economic base. INDUSTRY AND FARMING Sawmills, blacksmith shops, gristmills, and foundries were among the earliest manufacturers in the county. Buggies, sleighs, and a variety of wood products were needed by Gratiot citizens. Flour and corn meal, ground locally, were staples in the kitchen. Once local markets were satisfi ed, some surplus products, such as fl our, were shipped and sold beyond the county. Once rail transportation became available, such shipments became commonplace.

Before 1900 manufacturing was not a major part of the county’s economy. # at changed with the development of the Republic Truck Company in Alma. From 1913 to 1920 the company mushroomed into the largest exclusive manufacturer of motor trucks in the nation and employed more than 2,000 workers. It fulfi lled government contracts for thousands of “Liberty Trucks” during World War I. Because of competition and poor business practices, the company went into a long, slow decline during the ‘20s, and through consolidations ceased to exist in the ‘30s.

# e Central Michigan Produce Company of Alma provided a market for cream from area farms as it became a major producer of butter—churning thousands of pounds each week. Later, as Swi* and Company, it raised and marketed thousands of ducklings annually.

To encourage farmers to grow sugar beets, investors built the Alma Sugar Company in 1899. It ran each fall for more than 50 years, producing beet sugar and providing seasonal employment to area men. St. Louis also built and ran a sugar plant. Today, many Gratiot County farmers are members of the Michigan Sugar Company Co-op, which processes beet sugar and operates piling grounds in Wheeler Township.

# e Lobdell-Emery Company came to Alma in 1926 manufacturing bicycle rims and wooden steering wheels. It functioned for 70 years turning out a variety of wood products and metal stampings for the auto industry.

68 GRATIOT COUNTY

# e discovery of oil in the Porter and Crystal fi elds in the ‘30s was a stroke of good fortune for Alma and St. Louis. Because of advantageous rail and highway connections, the two cities saw the development of several oil refi neries. # e McClanahan Refi nery in St. Louis, and the Midwest and Leonard Refi neries in Alma produced a variety of petroleum products which were shipped by underground pipeline along with tanker trucks or rail tank cars. McClanahan Midwest was consolidated with the Leonard Refi nery which was bought by Total Petroleum. # is refi nery was later bought by UltraMar Diamond Shamrock and was closed and dismantled in 1999.

Alma Piston Company was started in 1943 to manufacture service parts for the Ford Motor Company. Changing its name to Alma Products Company, it continues to produce a variety of manufactured and remanufactured parts for the auto industry.

House trailers made their appearance in the early ‘30s when the Redman Brothers and Alan Hathaway began building small trailers in Alma. # e Silver Moon Trailer was very successful. A change in management resulted in the Redmans moving to a new location to build the New Moon trailer. Both companies fl ourished. # e U.S. government purchased large numbers of mobile homes to meet housing needs at military installations during World War II. A* er the war, mobile homes proved to be useful as long-term living quarters for many baby-boomers. Detroiter Coach of Wayne, Michigan, relocated to St. Louis and began manufacturing mobile homes. # e mobile home industry in the area peaked in the late ‘50s as the companies began moving their operations into areas of the nation closer to the major markets. ROADS # e early settlers traveled on narrow Native-American trails, enlarged to accommodate ox-drawn wagons. As settlers bought more land, circuitous trails were moved to section lines to become roads. Most were muddy and very rough for travel. Even in the villages, the streets were o* en full of ruts.

State-fi nanced roads were established off ering better roadbeds and bridges. # ese encouraged travel and trade. Stagecoaches traveled into Gratiot County from St. Johns and Saginaw. Trails became dirt roads, and some of these became plank or corduroy roads, a defi nite improvement over the typical rough thoroughfares. Gravel roads gradually developed across the county. With the advent of the gasoline-powered vehicle, there was a push for further improvements, and several state highways were designated. Paving these roads proved to be a milestone in convenient travel. US-127 was completed as a divided highway from St. Johns to south of Ithaca in 1957. From Ithaca north it became a limited-access freeway in the early 1960s. M-46 and M-57 are major east-west highways that touch a number of villages. RIVERS Rivers off ered transportation, especially the Pine River in the northern part of the county. Simple barges and various dug-out canoes

69 APPENDIX II: GRATIOT COUNTY HISTORY

moved up and down the river carrying settlers and supplies. Villages sprang up along the Pine: St. Louis, Alma, Sumner, and Elm Hall. RAILROAD When railroads arrived in the 1870s and 1880s, commerce and travel to and from the county increased. One east/west railroad traversed the northern part of the county. A north/south railroad allowed a greater choice of connections. Finally, in the southern part of the county, a line ran from Ashley to Carson City en route to Muskegon. ESTABLISHING SCHOOLS From the days when the county was fi rst settled, parents had a deep concern for the education of their children. # e Payne school near the southern edge of the county was the fi rst “country” school and many of the students were from the Payne family. In both village and country families established ways to educate their children. Most areas built one-room schools of logs or framing until more than 100 rural schools were dotted across the county.

Looking beyond the typical “eighth-grade” education, provided by country schools, some municipalities provided high schools. In 1886, Alma businessman Ammi Wright established the Central Michigan Normal School. # is teacher-training school transitioned into Alma College the following year, giving the county a true four-year liberal arts college. In 1890, Charles Yerington founded Yerington’s College in the old Disciples of Christ school building in St. Louis. He off ered courses in business, music, and foreign language until his death in 1932.

Northwood Institute had its beginnings in Alma in 1959 in the old Ammi Wright mansion. Started by Art Turner and R. Gary Stauff er, it helped students prepare for the world of business. Later it became Northwood University and moved its campus to Midland, Michigan. MISSIONARY SETTLEMENT In 1848 German Lutheran missionaries from Frankenmuth, Michigan, began the Bethany Lutheran Mission at the Chippewa settlement on the Pine River in the northern part of the county. # is mission was a pioneering eff ort to bring Christianity to the Native Americans. Once the Native Americans moved to the reservation, the mission was closed offi cially in 1869. Several Lutheran churches resulted from this mission.

# e white settlers brought their religious beliefs with them. # e earliest congregations were Baptist and Methodist, and they met in homes. # e fi rst church buildings were not built until the 1870s because the parishioners were so poor. # e Seventh- Day Adventists were another early denomination in the county as were the Disciples of Christ.

70 GRATIOT COUNTY

Congregationalists and Presbyterians established congregations in the 1870s and 1880s. # e founding of Alma College, a Presbyterian school, sparked growth in that denomination in Alma. Episcopalian churches were built in Alma and St. Louis. # e Catholic Church had a late start in the county primarily because few early settlers were of that faith.

Many of the earliest clergymen were self-trained, and most had other regular employment such as Rev. Lafayette Church, who was a farmer and a Baptist minister, and Elias Sowers, whose dual occupations included being a physician and Methodist pastor. Some early ministers traveled the circuit, caring for several small fl ocks of followers.

Sunday Schools were o* en the foundation in establishing a church. Sunday School picnics, revivals, and camp meetings provided opportunities for religious involvement beyond the regular services, and these meetings off ered social events, attracting neighbors from various religious persuasions. HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

# e pioneers were a fairly healthy lot when families lived in isolation in the forest. As more people arrived, so did more diseases. Some early settlers were also physicians and traveled through the woods ministering to the ill. Little could be done to treat most diseases, and epidemics of measles or diphtheria in a community could result in numerous fatalities, especially among children.

Establishment of the County Poor Farm in Newark Township, a facility for the ill and indigent, was a major concern of the County Supervisors from the earliest days of settlement. Funding it and seeing that it provided needed services occupied a great deal of the supervisors’ time. Development of a more generous welfare system eventually eliminated need for the County Poor Farm.

Discovery of the Magnetic Mineral Springs in St. Louis in 1869 opened a new chapter in health care as hundreds of sick folks descended upon the village to seek help from the waters that supposedly cured many diseases. A spa developed, and in a few years, a competing spa, the Alma Springs Sanitarium, was established in Alma. It also promoted the “mineral water” cure. By 1900 newly discovered treatments diminished the claims of the mineral water. # e Alma spa was donated to the Masonic Lodge in 1911 and became the Michigan Masonic Home for the elderly. In its present facility, it is now a sprawling health-care institution serving around 450 residents. # e McLachlan Sanitarium in Elwell fl ourished for a number of years serving the rural community. Nearly every small town or settlement had its own physician who o* en visited patients at home because at that time there were few doctors’ offi ces and no hospitals.

# e fi rst true hospital in the county was built over many years by Dr. Ira Brainerd in Alma. He did much of the framing and brick-laying himself. He was despised by other Alma physicians for his scientifi c rather than traditional approach to medicine. Carney-Wilcox Hospital and R. B. Smith Memorial Hospital, located in Alma, provided health care from the 1930s to the 1950s. # eir successor, Gratiot Community Hospital, opened in 1956. It has become a major health provider in the area and is known as Gratiot Medical Center, an

71 APPENDIX II: GRATIOT COUNTY HISTORY

affi liate of the University of Michigan Healthy System. # e Carson City Hospital in Carson City, near the southwest area of the county, has provided health care in that region of Gratiot County for many years. For specialized treatment, Gratiot residents are generally referred to larger hospitals in Midland, Lansing, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, or Ann Arbor. POLICE SERVICES # e earliest crimes in the county were handled by the sheriff , the justices of the peace, and the county prosecutor. # e court house was located in Ithaca, fi rst in a log building, then in a two-story frame building. # e current splendid court house was opened in 1902. Early judges usually handled several jurisdictions and traveled the circuit. # ievery was one of the most common early crimes. For more serious crimes, Gratiot criminals were sent to the Detroit House of Correction or the state penitentiary in Jackson. When the need fi nally arose, villages built jails to house criminals until their court dates. Eventually, the county jail housed criminals serving shorter sentences.

Villages appointed offi cers or constables to deal with criminal acts, and these were supplanted by policemen who may have walked a beat or watchmen who checked doors at night. Villages added policemen until full departments resulted. As needed, the sheriff ’s department through the years added numbers of deputies, and fi nally the Michigan State Police post was established. FIRE SERVICES Fire protection was non-existent in pioneer times. If a building caught fi re, whether private home or business house, it usually was completely destroyed. Ithaca, St. Louis, and Alma all suff ered major downtown fi res that burned several businesses or entire areas of the village. Volunteer fi re fi ghters, with their primitive fi re engines could do little but try to save neighboring buildings. # ese “fi re companies” were virtual brotherhoods, and the fi remen enthusiastically did their best with the equipment they had. Once water systems were installed in towns, fi re protection improved. Horse-drawn fi re engines were replaced by fi re trucks, and a* er telephones allowed help to be summoned, the townships made agreements with the cities to provide fi re protection. # ese agreements remain today. Volunteer rescue or fi rst responder units also aid residents in health and safety areas, providing emergency care alongside fi re departments. NEWSPAPERS When scattered pioneer families gathered at someone’s log cabin, their thirst for news was evident. Any word from the outside world was demanded and shared. # is desire for news prompted the establishment of newspapers from the earliest days of the county. # e Gratiot News, the fi rst newspaper in the county was established in Ithaca in 1858, only four years a* er the fi rst infl ux of settlers. Over the years, there have been a multitude of local newspapers with a multitude of names in each small town reporting on births, deaths, tragedies, and mundane news such as who visited who on such and such a day,

72 GRATIOT COUNTY

or who was starring in the local school play. RADIO # e fi rst county radio station, WFYC, opened in Alma in the late 1940s. It was an AM station broadcasting during daytime hours only. Local entertainers were brought in to perform live when the station fi rst opened. When FM was developed, WFYC added an FM band with the new call letters WQBX. Later another FM station, WMLM, came into being in St. Louis. Offi ces and towers for both stations now are located on State Road between St. Louis and Ithaca. FAIRS & FESTIVALS Getting together for games and conversation was a reward for the pioneers of Gratiot County. # e Fourth of July was the banner holiday of the year, and everyone from country and village alike gathered in the villages to celebrate.

# e County Fair, which was started in 1866 in Ithaca, was an annual major event in the social lives of many county residents. Besides the fi rst County Fair, another was started in St. Louis in 1875. Horse racing was a staple of both fairs, with a well-attended track in St. Louis drawing horses from neighboring counties. SPORTS Playing baseball, roller-skating at the rink, enjoying picnics in pleasant groves, and taking an occasional excursion by train to parks in Wenona (Bay City) or Petoskey, as well as trips to Detroit to attend ball games were among the choices Gratiot folks had for fun. Sometimes they went to Bass Lake, a few miles west of Gratiot County, for a pleasant day’s excursion. # e train dropped them off right at the lake. Sometimes they took excursions by horse and buggy to Crystal Lake, regarded from the start as a very beautiful place to spend a day or two. Village and area parks provided opportunities for eating, socializing, playing ball, and participating in contests. GEOLOGY Gratiot County was completely covered by giant ice sheets during the Pleistocene Epoch. # e series of glaciers in this period le* deposits of 50 to 500 feet thick on the original bedrock of limestone and sandstone. # e present topography and soil material resulted mainly from glacial deposits and lake formations of the Wisconsin Glacier, which was the last glacier to cover this area and which melted 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

As a result of glaciations, two general physiographic areas are in the county. # e western half of the county consists of a series of glacial moraines, till and outwash plains, and channels. # ese were formed directly by glacial action and deposition. # e eastern half of the county is a level lake plain that was formed by and at one time covered by the waters of Lake Saginaw, a glacial lake.

73 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

             

!
 

    

  

   

     

  

"! #    $ % $&

)

(

'

 %

"



 " '' '()' )(*'

74 GRATIOT COUNTY

   
 

"'' *!+ '

'()' ()!+ "

)(*' (!'+ "

!#   &

(

'

 % "





!! !!! !! !!! !! ! ! !  ! %  # # -    - - -#    -!!!    !!     , $   /  -#   -# !!! 1    -4 #   3  $  .%!!! / ,%  -#    
  # . 0  1 2-  # -# !!!



75 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

   
 

,%  -#  ! + 

.#  -#  "!*+

  , '!"+ )

  /# % (!'+ "

0  -#  "!*+

1  -#  "!*+

2- 1  -#  "!*+

 
 -#  !(+ (

  -#  "!*+

3  $  .%4 $ "!*+

 # $ -#  "!*+

# -#  (!'+ "

/-4     5 6   # ! + 

'!1-$ #        &



76 GRATIOT COUNTY

*

)

(

'

% 

"



 7   (  )   "(  # "( 2  % 6 !!!

   
 

7   "!+

(   !8+ (

)    (!)+ "

"(   (!)+ "

 #  "(   )!8+ "

2  % 6 !+ 

(!1-$    %    $     &



77 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

)

(

'

 %

"



 (  )   "(  # "(!!! 2  % 6

   
 

(   !(+ (

)    "!*+

"(   " !)+ 

 #  "(   ('! + "

2  % 6 ! + 

)! / -#    # $    &



78 GRATIOT COUNTY

 



) % '

"

 ,    $ 9  1!!! :#    /!!!

   
 

,   (!*+ "

 $ 9  1  8 !'+ "

:#    / "!8+

  
 

,  

 

*!   -4     &



79 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

 



) % '

"

 ; 2
 

   
 

; )! + 

2 ! + '

  "!+

! /   -4     5 -#     -4 &



80 GRATIOT COUNTY

'

(



"(

" % (



(



    % # : < 

0%    $ % 1 #%  , # 
   :

   
 

1 #%  8! + 

0%   (!"+ (

 <  )! + "

,$ % !+

:#  % "! + '

  )!'+ "

:# !"+ )

8!  $ #     $ %5   %    # - $     %   =    %  >  # # #  #  %  #  !  -  4  4-#-%%     6  %# #  %!   %  #-     %# #   $ # - $ % ? @ 2 /   "@  $# /   @   /   '@ 3 /   (@ 0A  /  



81 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

      !"          

  $  % $ #      "
 "!+ !+ !+ ""!"+ (!+

 4 $ %    $   ( ( (   6   !+ "!+ !8+ ' !*+ ' !*+

.  #  %  " ( 8 8 %  % (!)+ "!+ ' !*+ "(!+ "(!+

0A  $    4   " 8 !)+ !+  !'+ '!+ "(!*+

   $   $  " (  -- "!+ !+ (!)+ ' !*+ (!+

 % $ 5 %#    8  $%%   !+ !+ "(!+ !)+ )! +

 6   4 $  " " ' ' ' (!)+ (!)+ !8+ !8+ ! +

 6 %       ' (  * ) !'+ '!+ *! + "!+ *! +

0# <6  " ( '  (  $ $  (!)+ !8+ !8+ "*!+ !8+

, %
-  %% $ $ ' "  ! + (!)+ !)+ !)+ ""!"+

 %
-  %    "   "    "!+ (!)+ )! + ""!"+ !+

 %  B    %  "  ( ( $ %   (!)+ !+ !)+ ' !*+ !8+

/   -
  " '   % "!+ "!+ (!)+ !8+ (!+

 $      =!$!   8  -  C - > !+ !+ "(!+ !)+ )! +

 $  % =!$! " ' * "     C  > (!)+ ! + 8!'+ !+ !)+

7  B $    $ % " ' ) ( 8 (!)+ ! + )!*+ ' !*+ "(!+

  $ 7
"* "   ( (!)+ ""!"+ "*!+ !)+ !8+

82 GRATIOT COUNTY

      !"          

 $   " ( 8  * (!)+ !8+ "(!+ )! + 8!'+

 $ 
 B 8 *  (  #-  "!8+ "(!*+ "!+ *! + '!+

 $     " ' " 8 %     !+ (!)+ ! + (!+ "(!+

0A   % " * )   (!)+ 8!'+ )!*+ )! + ""!"+

,    %    (  ( ) %$ "*!+ !8+ "*!+ !8+ )!*+

! .   #      #      #  - #  %    5#  $   #   # - $     $ !   4 # # $  #   # 4  #        !

 



) % '

"

 # !!! $##!!!    !!!       !!! !!!

83 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

   
 

# D   %#  %EF%    # #    '!"+ )

$# # A  $ %  5   $5  #   G % 4H   D --   #  *!+ ") #    %  %

     6 %  %   % E  %       %   ( !'+ 8     %% 

     % %    E
 5  %  $-     8 !8+ ' -4%

   %   %   %      %   %    '!(+ (     #     $  

!#  %   # 4 -  #  # $ &

 6  %

% 

6  %%        %   

84 GRATIOT COUNTY

  # #

,#$   %  6- % $ !

    -4 $ $#!

    

   %   -   #    $ %      $ - #  # %! , %     B # $ 6<6 $ # #  6 %  6- # <6  %    # %  %#  %!

  4 $<%  %   #       $  %   5 -4 C    !

 $ %  %$

9    6     
 -      /%      %      # I %  6    %   %  $  % $ 6   - #   #  

1 $-!

/#   $ %  %  %  A%  6 $  A  $ 6   % -6     !

/- 4      #  %      % 6   %J %#  4 ,  ! K  #   - # #  -  6  # ! #  -     %     % - #  #    %!

6 %    #  6%  4  6  %# - 5 -  %   5    %   !

 $ %  % #%# 6 4  -    ! #%# 6 %     # %    -#  $$! /I  5 6#  6     #   !

%$ B#%  6     A6  6#  %% $!  6  $-5 5   5 L %L# $! /  %$ B# #  M%      6$  6#  % % 6 $  %     %   -  $ 5

%# 5     #   M%!  4 %  B5 %%      A  A  $  %!  4   $ $ -  % $  6  %      -  - $  - - ! 0 #% #  6# -  = ?>  6 %%   # 4 $  5  A  6  %   !

 %# #  #  ! #6 #   4     6 6 -# #   ! # -  4 #   # 6 $    #    $ #           %!

"!    4 $5   # 4 # %   #  6 #  $  #  $#  % $  %4&



85 APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

(

'

 % "



  "  ' (

!   4 $5# 4#%  # 6#  $ #  $# % $ %4&% 



86 GRATIOT COUNTY

  # #

, %  B   #  "(  5  #6   /#  -  -4    , 5 /      $-#!

0 %#   -     %        %  M%J -     -

9#  /6 # -# $  6#  6 L 4 $L  %# % !

6 6% #% %% 6$ #  $ # % /# 4   5 -# %#    %$ %   6  %#       $    !

   %6 $ $ 6 #  %$$!- #$ #    %   $    # $  %#  #   %   6  -# #  %%    # 6 $$%  ! - #$     -# #66 $$#     A # #    # %   !##   M6 # $ #  5 # %    $   !

/#  6   - # #  %    #     # %     # 8   /#    #!

 #  . $$4#%  6  % 5  6# 6 %4   !

#   B      $  % %  $ %   $    #  $- 6 # %  %   #    - -   #  !

'!   #       %  #   -  4  &

6   %#  6   I  6 $ %

 

  % 



87 %



APPENDIX APPENDIX III: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

  # #

, %$ -  1 $#  9    % 6 $   , I %  5   %#  - # - #   - %#     =,65 %!>! :%    45 6/6  #   %    6 $ - #     !       6   ! /-     %  $ ! #    # $ #  % %  # ! $$ -6  %#  #     %   5 1!  # $   - %  #!/I   #  -## --  J  $  #  6    4  #  ! /# 4   #%4  # 6  # 5  %#  -6 $ !

,%#  % #%# -5  %  %     %  !

/   #6$ ?#6 $  # #6#7 "*   /# % ! #   $ #  # 6- K  $  !   ! #  - 6 $    #  # -#-   /# % ! #        5 6# -# %# - #   # /# % <,  !

/$-  - # M4  $ # 6      , !       $!    # K 
%4 /I      #  %# $ %#! # #6 !

/-% # #%# 6% %  -  % $ # %# %   % # %% $  $ % %     ! #  -     6!

/-6 % %   % 6M6 $% %   !

/-6 %     A  I      # #% % % %     %    4!

2  L% L #     , ! /     %     $      # % ! 7 $ 9 4 #   A 5   6     $  # %     % ! # %   /# %  %# 6 M6  4 $  %     % !

I $ $   $   !% $ 6 % -# %# -  % #   # 6  # % %  !





88 GRATIOT COUNTY

89 APPENDIX IV: CITY OF ALMA JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Founded in 1854, Alma encompasses 6.05 square miles. Home to Alma College and Masonic Pathways, Alma is the largest city in Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 9,387 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 9,327 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 32.6 yrs. Below are the top three industries in which the City of Alma’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 15 ! 24 yrs. are employed in. The percentages below come from the context of 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $34,946 3,841 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $77,139 SERVICES

2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 51.6% 59.4% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 40.0% 11.8% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 90.4% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 9.6% 10.6%

Source: ESRI BAO

90 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community City of Alma

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 1,800

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17_Update.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 91 City Boundary Alma Zoning BMR: Business/Multi-Residential City of Alma Zoning Township Boundary R-1: Single Family Residential SR: Storage Restricted County Boundary R-1a: Single Family Residential OS: Office Services Gratiot County LI: Limited Industrial Railroads R-2: Two-Family Residential R-3: Multiple Family Residential GI: General Industrial Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not MPH: Mobile Home Park C: Campus warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the B-1: Central Business WF: Waterfront approximate spatial location of the mapped B-2: General Business Township Zone features within the Community and all use is strictly at the user’s own risk. 0 1,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\ALMA_Zoning_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Zoning Maps are available through the County GIS system 92 GRATIOT COUNTY

93 94 95 APPENDIX IV: ARCADA TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Located in the northwest quadrant of Gratiot County, Arcada Township spans 32.7 square miles in area, with 0.2 miles consisting of water.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 1,610 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 1,572 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 44.2 Below are the top three industries in which Arcada Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 were employed. The percentages below come from the context of 506 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $54,515 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $118,684 SERVICES

2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 76.4% 42.9% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 13.4% 18.0% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 94.4% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 5.6% 8.7%

Source: ESRI BAO

96 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Arcada Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 97 APPENDIX IV: VILLAGE OF ASHLEY JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Located in the northwest corner of Elba Township, the Village of Ashley spans a total of 0.64 square miles in area.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 543 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 532 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 44.0 Below are the top three industries in which the Village of Ashley’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 35 - 44 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $40,484 the context of 235 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $93,750 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 68.8% 43.8% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 17.6% MANUFACTURING 17.9% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 90% TRANSPORTATION / UTILITIES 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 10% 10.0% Source: ESRI BAO

98 GRATIOT COUNTY

Village of Ashley

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Village of Ashley

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 1,000

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 99 BETHANY TOWNSHIP APPENDIX IV: JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Organized in 1858, Bethany Township spans a total of 35.2 square miles in area.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 1,420 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 1,415 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 43.0 Below are the top three industries in which the Bethany Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 -54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $56,200 the context of 621 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $104,605 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 79.5% 37.4% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 15.2% MANUFACTURING 19.5% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 96.0% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 4.0% 10.8% Source: ESRI BAO

100 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Bethany Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17_Update.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 101 APPENDIX IV: VILLAGE OF BRECKENRIDGE JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT The Village of Breckenridge was incorporated in 1908 and spans 1.07 square miles in area. Located in the northeast region of Gratiot County, it lies near the border of Wheeler Township and Bethany Township.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 1,310 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 1,294 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 38.5 Below are the top three industries in which the Village of Breckenridge’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $35,827 the context of 507 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $80,282 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 59.5% 45.0% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 29.4% MANUFACTURING 20.5% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 90.9% CONSTRUCTION 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 9.1% 7.1% Source: ESRI BAO

102 GRATIOT COUNTY

Village of Breckenridge

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Village of Breckenridge

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 900 1,800

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 103 APPENDIX IV: ELBA TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Elba Township was established in 1856 and spans 35.1 square miles in area. The township forms the southeast corner of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 1,412 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 1,408 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 42.8 Below are the top three industries in which Elba Township’s residents are 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 employed. The percentages below come from the context of 570 total 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $43,356 employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $108,333 SERVICES 44.3% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 76.3% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 15.2% 19.4%

2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 90.9% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 9.1% 8.8%

Source: ESRI BAO

104 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Elba Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 105 APPENDIX IV: EMERSON TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Organized in 1855, Emerson Township spans 35.2 square miles in area. Located in the central region of Gratiot County, it is a major agricultural area.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 937 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 923 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 42.6 Below are the top three industries in which Emerson Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 464 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $50,559 total employed civilians.

2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $94,604 SERVICES 40.1% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 75.9% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 15.5% 15.9% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 94.9% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 5.1% 10.8%

Source: ESRI BAO

106 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Emerson Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 107 APPENDIX IV: FULTON TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Fulton Township spans a total of 35.8 square miles, with .06 square miles of water. The township is located in the southwest region of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 2,484 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 2,456 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 44.0 Below are the top three industries in which Fulton Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $50,448 1,136 total employed civilians.

2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $115,719 SERVICES 40.3% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 73.3% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 17.8% 17.6% PUBLIC ADMINSTRATION 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 95.9% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 4.1% 9.2%

Source: ESRI BAO

108 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Fulton Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 109 e following is additional information and strategies developed by Fulton Township for their community. ese supplement the strategies listed in the main portion of the plan.

Summary

Representatives of Fulton Township would like to preserve the community’s small town feel and rural character. is includes helping local business, such as the bakery, diner, and antique shop sustain, while retaining the natural and agricultural aspects of the community to be able to farm, hunt, and enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Meanwhile, representatives of Fulton Township also see room for some growth and improvement to the community. Desired growth includes convenient shopping and services, such as a grocery store, hardware store, auto parts store, gas station, outdoor sporting goods store, restaurants, and a medical clinic. Representatives would also like to see more businesses that provide good paying jobs and opportunities for entertainment, recreation, and education such as a public pool, auditorium, shooting range, camping, improved DNR sites, and industrial arts training. Other desired improvements include reducing blight and fi nding ways to attract more families to the area. With this in mind, the vision for the community is as follows.

Dra# Vision Statement

Fulton Township will be a key Gratiot County destination that off ers a family oriented small-town atmosphere that is welcoming to both residents and visitors. Fulton will be known as a beautiful place that is progressive, yet honors tradition, which allows the community to grow in a fashion that equally supports the economic, social, and environ- mental well-being of the community.

GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING CITIES, VILLAGES, AND HAMLETS

Objective 2.1: Make Gratiot County’s downtowns destinations • Strategy: Work to attract quality business that encourage people to spend more time in the downtown, such as sit-down restaurants and entertainment venues. Specifi cally, Fulton would like to attract: Grocery store Hardware store Sporting goods store Video game store Objective 2.2: Stabilize and enhance existing neighborhoods in and around downtowns • Strategy : Complete a Housing Market Analysis to understand local needs and potential for development

GOAL 4: STABILIZE AND ENHANCE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS IN AND AROUND DOWNTOWNS

Objective 4.1: Promote development and redevelopment of vacant commercial/industrial properties • Strategy: Identify areas appropriate for more commercial and industrial development Objective 4.2: Help residents develop the skills necessary for employment opportunities • Strategy: Develop business and school partnerships to provide trade school experience Off er industrial arts training in schools, such as trades, agriculture, and welding Objective 4.3: Build and capitalize on Gratiot County’s assets to attract economic activity

• Strategy: Build on existing recreational assets and improve connectivity to cities and villages throughout the County

Create pathways between parks and key community features

110 GOAL 5: PROVIDE PREMIER CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL RESOURCES

Objective 5.1: Provide a robust system of parks, trailways, and other recreational opportunities

• Strategy: Diversify public recreational opportunities, such as creating dog or water parks. Specifi cally, Fulton would like to:

Open a public pool

Work to attract a sports fi tness complex and shooting range

Install baseball diamonds and soccer fi elds

Increase the number of parks

Increase camping opportunities

Improve DNR sites

111 APPENDIX IV: HAMILTON TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Organized in 1855, Hamilton Township spans 34.8 square miles in area. It is located along the eastern border of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 450 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 441 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 44.0 Below are the top three industries in which Hamilton Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $40,457 the context of 195 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $93,617 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 69.0% 43.3% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 17.8% MANUFACTURING 18.0% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 90.3% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 9.7% 10.3% Source: ESRI BAO

112 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Hamilton Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 113 APPENDIX IV: CITY OF ITHACA JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT The City of Ithaca was incorporated as a village in 1869 and became a city in 1961. It spans 5.28 square miles in area and serves as the county seat of Gratiot.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 2,853 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 2,816 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 40.3 Below are the top three industries in which the City of Ithaca’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 15 - 24 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $42,228 1,386 total employed civilians.

2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $83,213 SERVICES 46.6% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 64.3% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 26.8% 21.8% PUBLIC ADMINSTRATION 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 96.1% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 3.9% 10.70%

Source: ESRI BAO

114 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community City of Ithaca

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 1,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 115 APPENDIX IV: LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Layfayette Township spans a total of 36 square miles in area. It is located on the eastern border of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 582 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 574 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 44.1 Below are the top three industries in which Lafayette Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $60,090 the context of 276 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $132,143 SERVICES

2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 73.3% 27.2%

2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 9.9% MANUFACTURING 19.2% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 95.8% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 4.2% 11.6%

Source: ESRI BAO

116 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Lafayette Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 117 APPENDIX IV: NEWARK TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Spanning a total of 34.4 square miles in area, Newark Township is host to many Historical Family Farms. It was organized in 1857.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 1,095 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 1,089 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 42.1 Below are the top three industries in which Newark Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 571 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $48,592 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $115,938 SERVICES 43.1% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 73.7% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 18.6% 19.0% AGRICULTURE / MINING 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 98.6% 11.6% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 1.4%

Source: ESRI BAO

118 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Newark Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 119 APPENDIX IV: NEW HAVEN TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT New Haven Township spans a total of 35.6 square miles in area, with 0.1 square mile of water. It is located along the western border of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 974 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 957 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 42.7 Below are the top three industries in which New Haven Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $43,093 the context of 444 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $110,887 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 73.8% 36.0% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 15.2% AGRICULTURE/MINING 16.2% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 95.1% MANUFACTURING 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 4.9% 14.4% Source: ESRI BAO

120 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community New Haven Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 121 APPENDIX IV: NORTH SHADE TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT North Shade Township spans a total of 35.6 square miles, of which .03 square miles is water. It is located in the southwest corner of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 616 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 593 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 38.9 Below are the top three industries in which North Shade Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $54,504 the context of 246 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $119,615 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 72.0% 35.8% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 12.2% AGRICULTURE / MINING 26.8 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 93.5% MANUFACTURING 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 6.5% 11.4% Source: ESRI BAO

122 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community North Shade Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 123 APPENDIX IV: NORTH STAR TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT North Star Township spans a total of 34.6 square miles, of which 0.12 square miles is water. It is located in the central region of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 873 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 859 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 43.8 Below are the top three industries in which North Star Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $48,459 the context of 399 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $115,909 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 77.6% 38.3% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 9.8% MANUFACTURING 20.8% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 95.5% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 4.5% 10.8% Source: ESRI BAO

124 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community North Star Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 125 APPENDIX IV: VILLAGE OF PERRINTON JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT The Village of Perrinton spans a total of 0.64 square miles in area, with 0.03 square mile of water. It is located in Fulton Township.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 450 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 441 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 44.0 Below are the top three industries in which the Village of Perrinton’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 55 - 64 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $40,457 the context of 195 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $93,617

SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 69.0% 43.3% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 17.8% MANUFACTURING

2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 90.3% 18.0% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 9.7% RETAIL/ TRADE 10.3% Source: ESRI BAO

126 GRATIOT COUNTY

Village of Perrinton

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Village of Perrinton

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 900 1,800

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 127 APPENDIX IV: PINE RIVER TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Pine River Township spans a total of 30.8 square miles in area, of which 0.29 square miles is water. It is located along the northern border of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 2,305 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 2,298 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 43.5 Below are the top three industries in which Pine River Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from the 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $45,993 context of 1,077 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $92,488 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 73.8% 54.6% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 20.9% MANUFACTURING 16.2% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 92.8% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 7.2% 8.0% Source: ESRI BAO

128 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Pine River Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17_Update.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 129 e following are additional strategies developed by Pine River Township for their community. ese supplement the strategies listed in the main portion of the plan.

GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING CITIES, VILLAGES, AND HAMLETS

Objective 2.1: Make Gratiot County’s downtowns destinations and coordinate with neighboring townships to increase economic activity for all • Strategy: Install wayfi nding signage throughout the downtowns and adjacent townships to direct people to key community features and shopping opportunities

GOAL 3: PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Objective 3.1: Maintain and Improve existing infrastructure • Strategy: Develop phased plans to expand water services as necessary • Strategy: Re-engineer the 127 Interchange to meet current and anticipated traffi c demands

130 ( is page intentionally le" blank) 131 APPENDIX IV: CITY OF ST. LOUIS JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT The City of St. Louis spans a total of 3.34 square miles of land and 0.49 square miles of water. Identifi ed as the “Geographic Center of the Lower Peninsula,” the city has a history of being home to the Magnetic Mineral Springs and bath house.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 7,361 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 7,333 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 36.8 Below are the top three industries in which the City of St. Louis’ 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 25 - 34 residents are employed. The percentages below come from the 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $32,835 context of 1,759 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $76,563 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 63.1% 41.3% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 28.4% MANUFACTURING 27.5% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 92.5% PUBLIC ADMINSTRATION 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 7.5% 8.1% Source: ESRI BAO

132 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community City of St. Louis

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 1,800

Feet ³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17_Update.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 133 e following are additional strategies developed by the City of St. Louis for their community. ese supplement the strategies listed in the main portion of the plan.

GOAL 1: PRESERVE THE COUNTY’S RURAL CHARACTER

Objective 1.3: Protect natural features and foster a healthier environment • Strategy: Continue eff orts to clean up the former Velsicol Site

GOAL 2: STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING CITIES, VILLAGES, AND HAMLETS

Objective 2.1: Make Gratiot County’s downtowns destinations • Strategy: Work with potential developers and property owners to explore programs, incentives, and resources to revitalize key downtown buildings, such as the Old Bank Objective 2.2: Stabilize and enhance existing neighborhoods in and around downtowns • Strategy : Complete a Housing Market Analysis to understand local needs and potential for development

GOAL 4: GENERATE AND SUSTAIN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES Objective 4.1: Promote development and redevelopment of vacant commercial/industrial properties • Strategy: Obtain the necessary information to develop a feasible, long-range plan for the former Velsicol site to integrate this site back into the fabric of the community and serve as an asset • Strategy: Ready sites and the workforce to attract medical industry economic development opportunities

GOAL 5: PROVIDE PREMIER CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL RESOURCES

Objective 5.1: Provide more public access to the waterfront

• Strategy: Develop additional boat launch facilities along the Pine River Objective 5.2: Preserve and enhance historically signifi cant attractions in the community

• Strategy: Expand the City’s Heritage zoning to include the Historical Society along S. Main Street

134 ( is page intentionally le" blank) 135 APPENDIX IV: SEVILLE TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Spanning 35.9 square miles in area, Seville Township is located in the northwest corner of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 2,079 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 2,030 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 45.1 Below are the top three industries in which Seville Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 927 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $40,874 total employed civilians.

2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $81,811 SERVICES 43.5% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 72.9% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 13.5% 24.2% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 96.4% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 3.6% 8.4%

Source: ESRI BAO

136 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Seville Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 137 APPENDIX IV: SUMNER TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Organized in 1868, Sumner Township spans a total of 35.9 square miles in area, with .04 square miles of water.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 1,925 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 1,912 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 42.9 Below are the top three industries in which Sumner Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 769 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $43,704 total employed civilians.

2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $99,462 SERVICES 45.4% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 73.7% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 17.0% 19.6% CONSTRUCTION 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 93.1% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 6.9% 7.0%

Source: ESRI BAO

138 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Sumner Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 139 APPENDIX IV: WHEELER TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Spanning a total of 35.8 square miles in area, Wheeler Township is located in the northeast corner of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 2,786 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 2,769 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 41.3 Below are the top three industries in which Wheeler Township’s residents 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 are employed. The percentages below come from the context of 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $39,534 1,167 total employed civilians.

2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $90,797 SERVICES 40.3% 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 69.3% MANUFACTURING 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 21.0% 17.6% RETAIL TRADE 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 93.4% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 6.6% 9.2%

Source: ESRI BAO

140 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Wheeler Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 141 APPENDIX IV: WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION PROFILES

ABOUT Washington Township spans a total of 35.4 square miles in area and is located in the southeast region of Gratiot County.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

2016 TOTAL POPULATION 868 2016 EMPLOYED 2021 TOTAL POPULATION PROJECTION 864 POPULATION BY INDUSTRY 2016 MEDIAN AGE 43.8 Below are the top three industries in which Washington Township’s 2016 LARGEST AGE GROUP 45 - 54 residents are employed. The percentages below come from 2016 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME $56,113 the context of 419 total employed civilians. 2016 MEDIAN HOME VALUE $150,229 SERVICES 2016 OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 77.7% 45.2% 2016 RENTER OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 13.9% MANUFACTURING 15.3% 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED 94.6% PUBLIC ADMINSTRATION 2016 CIVILIAN "16+# LABOR FORCE UNEMPLOYED 5.4% 9.1% Source: ESRI BAO

142 GRATIOT COUNTY

County Boundary Future Land Use Multi-Family Residential Gratiot County Future Land Use City Boundary Downtown/Mixed Use Neighborhood Residential Township Boundary Office/Technology Manufactured Housing Community Washington Township

Railroads General Commercial Rural Residential Source: Data provided by Gratiot County, LIAA, and Bing Maps. OHM Advisors does not General Mixed Use Public/Quasi-Public warrant the accuracy of the data and/or the map. This document is intended to depict the Heavy Industrial Natural and Open Space approximate spatial location of the mapped features within the Community and all use is Light Industrial Recreation strictly at the user’s own risk. Agriculture 0 3,800

Feet

³ 888.522.6711 | ohm-advisors.com

Path: P:\6101_6500\6495160010_Gratiot_Community_Master_Plan\_GIS\ArcLayouts\Final_20171101\CVT_GratiotFLU_Portrait_11x17.mxd Larger Future Land Use Maps are available through the County GIS system 143 APPENDIX APPENDIX V: MASTER PLAN RESOLUTIONS

The following pages contain resolutions from all participating municipalities to adopt the County-wide Master Plan.

144 GRATIOT COUNTY

( is page intentionally le" blank) 145

Village of Ashley Planning Commission May 22, 2018

Minutes:

Chairman Keck called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm with the following members present:

Roger Keck, chairman Dee Denniston Bob Studt Dave Foote

Dr. Roger Morris, absent

Roger explained the purpose of the meeting which was to review and approve the Gratiot County Master Plan.

Members reviewed the major goals of the master plan. After a brief discussion, motion by Bob Studt, supported by Dee Denniston to approve the county master plan.

All yeas, no nays. Motion approved.

Adjourn

Gratiot County

Resolution No. 18-234

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT REVISED MASTER PLAN

WHEREAS, Act 33 of 2008, as amended, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA) authorizes the Planning Commission to prepare a Master Plan for the use, development and preservation of land in the County of Gratiot; and

WHEREAS, the representatives from the Greater Gratiot Group prepared an updated Master Plan and Future Land Use Map and submitted the plan to the Gratiot Countv Planning Commission for review and comment; and

WHEREAS, on Mav 9, 2018, the Gratiot Countv Plannin~Commission received and reviewed the proposed Master Plan prepared by the Planning Commission and authorized distribution of the Master Plan to the Notice Group entities identified in the MPEA; and

WHEREAS, notice was provided to the Notice Group entities as provided in the MPEA; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on Mav 9, 2018 to consider public comment on the proposed updated Master Plan, and to further review and comment on the proposed updated Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, the (board/council) finds that the proposed updated Master Plan is desirable represents the goals, objectives and strategies of the Countv of Gratiot;

THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Adoption of 2017 Master Plan. The Gratiot Countv Board of Commissioners hereby approves and adopts the proposed Master Plan, including all of the chapters, figures, maps and tables, and the Future Land Use Map as revised, contained therein.

2. Effective Date. The Master Plan shall be effective as of the date of adoption of this resolution.

Motion by La# br@ t-L? secondby bufi+;fl~ to approve the 2017 Master Plan. fl c+:~A czctr:d 5-0 . Rewall: Ym5: w: A&?#%

Resolution declared passed by Chair Bailey A

9. 9. V Chair, ~eor$eBa Certification

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting on June 19, 2018, in the Commissioners' meeting room in the Gratiot County Courthouse, pursuant to the required statutory procedures.

Respectfully submitted,

Angie Thompson, Gratiot County Clerk CITY OF ITHACA RESOLUTION No. 2018-02

ADOPTION OF THE GRATIOT COUNTY-WIDE MASTER PLAN

At the regular City of Ithaca, City Council meeting on April 17, 2018, for the City of Ithaca, County of Gratiot, State of Michigan, held in the City of Ithaca Council Chambers at 7:00 o’clock, p.m. PRESENT: Andrew, Baublitz, Gray, Gruesbeck, Hubbard, Koppleberger, Schafer ABSENT: None PUBLIC PRESENT: Jim Wheeler, Ron Lane, Rob & Lex Endter, Nelda Akers, Marla Macha, Glenn Unruh, Kristyn Jerome, Brian Terborg, Bob Garland, Brian Kench, George Bailey, Tracey Cordes, Dave Nelson, Roy McCollum, Bernard DeVuyst. The following Resolution was offered by Councilperson Gray and seconded by Councilperson Hubbard to adopt: WHEREAS, the Gratiot County-Wide Master Plan (“Master Plan”) represents the collaborative efforts of all the local units of government in Gratiot County by joining together to develop a shared master plan; and WHEREAS, the Master Plan, including its maps and other descriptive materials, is to be individually adopted by each local unit of government; and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Planning Commission received and reviewed the final draft of the Master Plan at its regular meeting on August 15, 2017 and voted to submit the final draft to the Ithaca City Council for review and comment; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Act 33 of 2008 (“the Act”), the Master Plan received the required approval by the City Council for the distribution of the proposed plan at its regular meeting held August 22, 2017; and WHEREAS, the plan was distributed to the planning commission or local legislative body, as applicable, of all townships contiguous to the City of Ithaca, the County Planning Commission, the County Zoning Administrator, the East Michigan Council of Governments, and area railroads and public utilities; was posted on the City of Ithaca website and made accessible to the public free of charge for a comment period of sixty- three days, said period ending March 16, 2018; and WHEREAS, notice of the required Ithaca Planning Commission Public Hearing held on April 10, 2018 was published in the local newspaper, and also sent to the entities that received the proposed Master Plan for comment; and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Planning Commission, following the Public Hearing, approved the Master Plan; and WHEREAS, approval of the proposed Master Plan by the Ithaca Planning Commission under Section 43(2) of the Act is the final step for adoption of the master plan, unless the City Council, by resolution has asserted its right to approve or reject the Master Plan. In that case, after approval of the proposed Master Plan by the Planning Commission, the City Council shall approve or reject the proposed Master Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ithaca City Council, which believes it important that the City’s elected body endorse the importance of and formally approve the Master Plan, hereby asserts its right to approve or reject the Master Plan, as permitted under Section 43(3) of the Act. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ithaca City Council hereby adopts said Master Plan as presented and recommended by the Ithaca Planning Commission.

Page 1 of 2 Resolution 2018-02 Adoption of the County-Wide Master Plan

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 43(3) of the Act, a statement recording the City Council’s approval of the Master Plan, signed by the City Clerk, shall be included on the inside of the front or back cover of the Master Plan and, if the future land use map is a separate document from the text of the Master Plan, on the future land use map. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of the Ithaca Planning Commission shall submit, in the manner provided in Section 39(3) of the Act, copies of the adopted Master Plan to the same entities to which copies of the proposed Master Plan were required to be submitted under Section 41(2) of the Act. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Ithaca City Council extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the Ithaca Planning Commission, City staff, and the staff of Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. for their hard work and dedication in preparing the Master Plan. Ayes: (7) Koppleberger, Andrew, Baublitz, Gray, Gruesbeck, Hubbard Nays: (0) None Absent: (0) None Abstain: (0) None Resolution declared adopted on April 17, 2018.

/s/ Barbara Fandell . Barbara Fandell, Clerk-Treasurer

Page 2 of 2

SEVILLE TOWNSHIP, GRATIOT COUNTY, MICHIGAN

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT REVISED MASTER PLAN Resolution No 2018-0510

WHEREAS, Act 33 of 2008, as amended, the Michigan Planning enabling Act (MPEA) authorizes the Planning Commission to prepare a Master Plan for the use, development and preservation of land in the Seville Township, Gratiot County, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the representatives from the Gratiot County Master Plan Steering Committee prepared and updated the Master Plan and Future Land Use Map and submitted the plan to the Seville Township Planning Commission for review and comment; and

WHEREAS, on May 10, 2018, the Seville Township Planning Commission received and reviewed the proposed Master Plan prepared by the Planning Commission and authorized distribution of the Master Plan to the Notice Group entities identified in the MPEA; and

WHEREAS, notice was provided to the Notice Group entities as provided in the MPEA; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 10, 2018, to consider public comment on the proposed updated Master Plan, and to further review and comment on the proposed updated Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Seville Township Planning Commission finds that the proposed updated Master Plan is desirable represents the goals, objectives and strategies of the Seville Township, Gratiot County, Michigan.

THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Adoption of 2017 Master Plan. The Seville Township Planning Commission hereby approves and adopts the proposed Master Plan, including all of the chapters, figures, maps and tables, and the Future Land Use Map as revised, contained therein.

2. Effective Date. The Master Plan shall be effective as of the date of adoption of this resolution.

Yeas: William Conn, Tish Mallory, Burt Henry and Jeremy Fish Nays: None Absent: Paul Lux

The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted.

Terresa Frisbie Seville Township Clerk

Washington Township risdiction)

Resolution No. 2018-001

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT REVISED MASTER PIAN

WHEREAS, Act 33 of 2008, as amended, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MpEA) authorizes the Planning Commission to prepare a Master Plan for the use, development and preservation of land in the Township; and

WHEREAS, the representatives from the Planning Commission prepare

WHEREAS, on May 17,20'J.8, the board received and reviewed the proposed Master plan prepared by the Planning Commission and authorized distribution of the Master Plan to the Notice Group entities identified in the MPEA; and

WHEREAS, notice was provided to the Notice Group entities as provided in the MpEA; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 17,2Ot8 to consider public comment on the proposed updated Master Plan, and to further review and comrnent on the proposed updated Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, the board finds that the proposed updated Master Plan is desirable represents the goals, objectives and strategies of the Township;

THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

L. Adoption of 2Ot7 Master Plan. The board hereby approves and adopts the proposed Master plan, including allof the chapters, figures, maps and tables, and the Future Land Use Map as revised, contained therein.

2. Effective Date. The Master Plan shall be effective as of the date of adrcption of this resolution.

Yeas: Cook, Crocker, K Whaley, H Whaley, Stoll Nays: none Absent: none

The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted.