Highland’s Planning Commission is encouraging residents, property owners and business owners to attend a special meeting on Thursday, May 18 to consider future land use in the community. The meeting will include a presentation of data and trends that have developed since the current Master Plan was created in 2000. The meeting, which will include breakout sessions, is a chance for the Township to hear from residents about their vision for the next 20 years.
According to Highland Township Planning Director, Beth Corwin, the Master Plan is a tool to determine where the community wants to be in 20 years.
“The meeting will include a 20-minute presentation to cover where we are right now in terms of population, age of the community and businesses that sort of information.”
Following the presentation, residents will rotate through break out groups that will address topics such as:
- Residential land
- Business growth
- Natural environment
- Utilities
- Water supply
“The Planning Commission will listen to ideas from the community and compare those with the results of the land use surveys conducted last year and in previous years,” said Corwin. “This leads to the development of the goals, policies and maps that comprise a new Master Plan. If any residents have thoughts and opinions about future growth in Highland, they should join this meeting.”
Corwin explained that the current and previous Master Plans have influenced development patterns. For instance, the current plan calls for preservation of “rural character.” As a result, development regulations have held new subdivisions back from M-59, tucked in behind green belts. Commercial development has been concentrated primarily along the major thoroughfares. “Vision is important—it makes a community unique.”
The May 18 Planning Commission meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Highland Township Hall auditorium, 205 N. John Street.