Utilities + Infrastructure
Action #1
83% of survey respondents indicated that they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” with ground water quality.
Permit intense or dense development only in areas which are currently served or planned to be served by public water and sanitary sewer.
Action #2
Efficiencies in solar energy collector technology and a reduction in prices have made commercial and private solar energy installations viable in West Michigan as an alternative energy source.
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow for utility scale installations as well as building mounted and ground mounted private systems.
Action #3
82% of survey respondents indicated that they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” with Thornapple River water quality.
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to offer incentives for green stormwater infrastructure.
Preserve + Protect
Action #1
58% of survey respondents indicated that they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” with the loss of farmland to residential development.
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to reflect the increases in density prescribed in the future land use plan.
Action #2
69% of survey respondents indicated that they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” with the loss of open space/natural areas to development.
Utilize topographic, wetland, and hydrographic data and a community survey to determine significant or prized natural features in the Township. Amend the Zoning Ordinance as an overlay to protect these features through buffering or incentives.