Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission

Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission - May 14, 2026 Meeting

Updated 23 minutes ago

The Commission reviews zoning reform with representatives from Progressive AE and the Michigan Association of Planning, highlighting tools to increase housing diversity and affordability. The commission also reviews and adopts revisions to the Oshtemo Master Streets Plan and the Comprehensive Plan, with particular attention to consistency and historical accuracy. Additionally, public comments raise concerns about the impact of a proposed battery storage site on local rural character and safety. The commission emphasizes the importance of transparency and community input in planning decisions. This meeting is significant for its focus on aligning zoning practices with community needs and state guidelines.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:59)
The meeting was officially called to order at 6:00 PM.

The meeting was officially called to order at 6:00 PM by the chair.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:09)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

All attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:35)
The agenda was reviewed and approved without objections.

The agenda for the meeting was circulated and reviewed by attendees. A motion to approve the agenda was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:03)
Minutes from the last meeting were approved as presented.

The minutes from the last meeting held on April 10 were reviewed. No corrections were noted, and a motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:02:50)
Public comments were made regarding various local issues and concerns.

Members of the public were invited to comment on issues not on the agenda. Several residents expressed concerns about local development, planning processes, environmental protection, and a proposed battery storage project.
Workshop: Zoning Reform Toolkit (00:19:58)
A workshop was held to discuss the Zoning Reform Toolkit and its implications.

The workshop aimed to educate the planning commission on zoning reform and the Zoning Reform Toolkit developed by the Michigan Association of Planning. The toolkit is part of efforts to address housing supply and zoning issues.
Discussion on Housing Unit Size and Zoning (00:31:09)
The discussion focuses on the size of housing units, household sizes, and the implications for zoning and nature preservation in Oshtemo Township.

The speaker discusses the number of bedrooms in housing units in Oshtemo Township, noting that many have three or more bedrooms, while a significant portion have two. This is contrasted with statewide figures. The presentation highlights the mismatch between household sizes and housing structures, the importance of zoning in preserving nature, and the growing issue of housing affordability. Graphs illustrate the divergence between home prices and median incomes, and the need for public investment in housing.
Public Investment in Housing Affordability (00:36:07)
Public investment is crucial for maintaining housing affordability as home prices and median incomes diverge due to different growth rates.

The speaker emphasizes the role of public investment in housing, supported by graphs depicting the gap between home prices and incomes. As these diverge, more people find themselves unable to afford housing, which necessitates public investment. The current state of housing support is outlined, showing a continuum from no housing to being housed by choice, with public assistance being necessary at multiple levels due to affordability issues.
Local Action on Zoning for Housing Solutions (00:40:00)
Local communities have the flexibility to adapt zoning laws to address housing supply, choice, and affordability issues effectively.

The speaker discusses the importance of local action in adapting zoning laws to meet housing needs. Zoning changes can directly impact housing costs, supply, and choice, and local governments have the flexibility to implement these changes. The discussion includes the role of zoning in economic growth, property rights, and public health. Criticisms of zoning from both political sides are mentioned, highlighting its impact on affordability and market freedom.
Zoning and Housing Toolkit Introduction (00:49:00)
The toolkit is designed for planning and municipal professionals to help adapt zoning to improve housing supply, choice, and affordability.

The toolkit introduced is aimed at municipal professionals, offering guidance on how to adjust zoning for better housing outcomes. It assumes familiarity with zoning processes, housing assessments, and data analysis. The toolkit highlights the importance of understanding local housing situations and encourages a reframe of housing discussions to focus on community and livability.
Toolkit Strategies for Zoning Adjustments (00:55:00)
The toolkit provides strategies such as reducing minimum lot sizes and adjusting parking requirements to improve housing affordability.

Strategies from the toolkit are discussed, including reducing minimum lot size and dwelling unit size requirements to lower costs and improve housing affordability. The role of parking requirements in zoning is examined, with suggestions for reducing these to promote walkability and better land use. The toolkit encourages communities to consider the completeness of neighborhoods, allowing for mixed uses and greater housing diversity.
Discussion on Housing and Infrastructure (00:58:28)
The meeting covered a range of strategies for improving housing options, including accessory dwelling units, density bonuses, and zoning reforms to better match housing types with household needs.

The discussion focused on the need for housing that matches the changing demographics and household sizes. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) were highlighted as a flexible option, although their implementation is slow due to dependence on individual homeowners. The conversation also touched on the importance of design over density and the role of zoning in facilitating diverse housing types. There were considerations of density and height bonuses in areas under development pressure, and the value of form-based regulations to ensure appropriate scaling of higher density uses. The discussion emphasized that local government is not responsible for guaranteeing parking and should prioritize planning for community needs.
Discussion on Zoning Ordinance and Planning Tools (01:25:57)
The planning commission discusses zoning ordinance updates to align with the master plan, reviewing tools for zoning districts, mixed-use rezoning, and performance standards.

The planning commission discusses the importance of updating the zoning ordinance to align with the master plan. They review tools such as zoning district collapses, mixed-use rezoning, and expanding allowable uses. An interactive survey is conducted to gauge commissioners' opinions on the appropriateness of these tools for Oshtemo Township. The discussion also covers the need for flexibility in zoning to support community needs and addresses specific zoning tools related to form, context, and process improvements.
Public Hearing on Master Streets Plan and Comprehensive Plan (01:47:44)
A public hearing is held to discuss amendments to the Master Streets Plan and Comprehensive Plan, including minor edits and historical inclusions, before adoption by the Township Board.

A public hearing is conducted to consider amendments to the Master Streets Plan and Comprehensive Plan. The amendments include minor edits for consistency and the addition of historical references. The Township Board needs to adopt these plans to apply for grants, necessitating a special meeting. Comments from the public highlight concerns about preserving rural character amidst development and the challenges of infrastructure expansion.
Approval of Minutes (01:54:15)
The minutes were already approved earlier in the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were previously approved, so there was no further discussion necessary on this item.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (01:54:20)
Concerns about a proposed cell tower and administrative approvals were raised.

A member of the public raised concerns about a proposed cell tower mentioned in the public comments of non-agenda items. It was questioned whether the cell tower was administratively approved and if the minutes need correction. There was also mention of ongoing work related to the cell tower.
Comprehensive Plan Revisions Discussion (01:54:51)
Discussion on removing 'Township' from documents as the area considers changing to a city.

The discussion focused on the comprehensive plan revisions, particularly the removal of the word 'Township' from documents. There was debate on whether the area should change from a township to a city due to its size and density. Concerns were raised about the implications of such changes on tax payments and governance.
Sound and Nuisance Issues (01:55:51)
Brief mention of sound issues and the need for tools to address known nuisances.

Sound was briefly discussed as a nuisance issue, with the need for tools to address it. There was emphasis on respecting residents' plans to stay and concerns about the impact of sound on the community.
Master Plan and Development Concerns (01:56:21)
Discussion on development, community impact, and the need for public input.

There was a discussion about the development plans, including concerns from the public about battery units and alarms. The importance of public input and the need to learn from other communities were highlighted.
Public Comment Closure (01:58:58)
The public comment section was officially closed after additional comments.

The chair officially closed the public comment section after ensuring no further comments were forthcoming. This marked the end of the public's opportunity to address the meeting.
Resolution on Comprehensive Plan (02:00:06)
A resolution was proposed and adopted to move forward with the comprehensive plan.

The planning commission discussed and voted on a resolution to adopt the Oshtemo master streets plan. The resolution was proposed, seconded, and passed with a roll call vote.
New Business - Ordinance Discussion (02:01:57)
Discussion on the timeline and process for a proposed ordinance.

The planning commission discussed the timeline for a proposed ordinance, mentioning that it was sent to an expert for review. The goal is to have a completed draft by June, incorporating public input and best practices.
Final Public Comment Period (02:03:28)
Final opportunity for public comment on the meeting's proceedings.

The chair opened the floor for a final period of public comment, allowing residents to express concerns about transparency, housing development, and environmental impacts. Various opinions were shared, emphasizing the need for thorough impact studies and consideration of long-term community effects.