The Sylvan Township Board met on Tuesday, July 7, with about two dozen people in attendance.
Sylvan Township is in the process of updating its master plan, and wants resident input. Through Sept. 1, there will be a survey available both online and available through the mail.
According to information from the township, “Sylvan Township will be looking for your input as we begin the process of planning for our future. Responses to the survey will help the Planning Commission and Township Board plan for land use, transportation needs, economic development, open space preservation, commercial and industrial development, quality housing and residential growth in Sylvan Township.”
Residents of the township can take the survey online here. There is also a link on the Sylvan Township home page. The township will also be happy to send a hard copy of the survey to residents who would rather respond that way. Call 475-8890 to receive a copy of the survey by mail. A stamped, addressed envelope will be included to return the survey.
Sylvan Township Zoning/Planning Officer Carol Konieczki appealed to residents to complete the survey. “The survey is really important, because we’re asking people ‘what direction do you see the township going in?’ Do we need more commercial? Do we need more affordable housing? A litany of things. We’re asking for your input.”
Konieczki said, “It’s really an opportunity to provide guidance for the elected officials about how you want to see them make decisions. Whether it’s inviting a big-box store in, whether it’s inviting nobody in. So you have to provide the information to the Township Board so they can make their decisions based on what you, as tax payers, are saying.”
During public comment, Lt. Kevin Caldwell introduced himself to the Board and the audience. Caldwell is the new Assistant Post Commander at the Michigan State Police Brighton Post, and lives right down the road from the Sylvan Township Hall.
In addition, Caldwell reminded people to be vigilant, and keep their doors locked. He also said “If you see something that just doesn’t look right, if someone’s on your property or coming around, call 911. We have a lot of people who work out in this area. We’re here, we’re invested in this township, myself, personally, right down the street.”
In other news, Chelsea District Library Board Trustee Jan Carr announced that the search for a new library director is underway. A search committee has been assembled, consisting of three library board members, two library staff members, and two members from the community. A recruiting firm has also been hired to assist with the search.
Carr also reminded people that there is a used book sale this Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library basement.
Trustee Roy Schmidt reminded residents that the next Sylvan Township Planning Commission meeting is July 23, and that there will be discussion of event facilities in the township. Schmidt said that the Planning Commission is beginning to look at the event facility ordinance language of surrounding townships to see how they are handling this issue.
Township Supervisor Scott Cooper reminded residents that there is a meeting concerning the possible roundabout project at the M-52, Werkner Road intersection. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 28 at the Sylvan Township Hall from 6-8 p.m. with representatives from MDOT on hand to answer questions about the project.
