Sylvan Twp Board dealing with Land Use/Development Issues Again....

Hi Sylvan Township Neighbors,

We are in a critical period for land use and development decisions in Sylvan Township. The election and recent controversial rezoning debates have passed, for the moment. However, the process of township planning that affects all of us never stops. For example, decisions happening now regarding Westchester Farms (off Cavanaugh Lake Rd just west of Chelsea) will have tremendous ripple effects on local land use and use of our tax dollars (again) for years to come. Also, we are now in a Sylvan Township Master Plan review process that, depending on the outcome, will either protect the beauty of our area and allow for sensible growth or will open the door to high density housing and commercial development that will transform our neighborhoods into New Canton.

During their campaigns, our representatives who were up for re-election declared their commitment to “transparency” and protecting the “rural character” of Sylvan Township. This is their duty and what they are supposed to do in office. Now that the election is passed, we can hope they were being honest and sincere, but it’s critically important for all residents to ensure they follow through on these promises. We can do that by contributing our written and spoken opinions about the Master Plan, attending and speaking up at all Board and Planning Commission meetings, and ensuring that the personal agendas of our elected and employed officials do not interfere with their actual responsibilities. As we have seen in the past, poor decision making by the Board and Planning Commission leads to bad outcomes: wasteful spending, huge tax assessments, ill-conceived development, and a worse quality of life for all of us. These things will happen when residents do not pay attention or get involved. It’s natural to assume that our township committees will always make good choices and do the right things. I, personally, am guilty of that, but I will not be again.

For the benefit of your home, your neighborhood, appropriate use of your taxes, and your quality of life, please join the growing group who have become regular attendees at these meetings. You may have to record an episode of The Voice (😊), but it will be worth it. You will quickly get to know the key issues and the process. You will learn more about your elected officials and township employee and if they are representing your best interests. You can let your presence be felt. I have learned that this makes a huge impact on decisions. We have some excellent representatives on both the Board and the Planning Commission, but they need our support to ensure good outcomes.

The Board and Planning Commission have regular monthly meetings that are posted at sylvantwpmi.gov

The Board meetings are generally the first Tuesday of the month, and Planning Commission the fourth Thursday, unless otherwise posted or cancelled.

. Here are the dates for this month:

• Board Meeting, TOMORROW, Tuesday Dec. 6 at 7pm
• PC meeting December 22 (may change due to holidays)

Most meetings can be watched on zoom, link at website, but you cannot voice your concerns/opinions unless you attend in person. The agendas and Board packets can be found in the documents section of the website. Tomorrow’s agenda has some issues that may be voted on that sound like they could affect our taxes. Please attend if you are able to.

Kevin and Renee Townsend