Oshtemo Township - September 23, 2025 Joint Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The joint board reviewed the draft Comprehensive Plan and the innovative Master Streets Plan. The meeting highlighted the integration of transportation with land use planning and the significance of community feedback in shaping township development. The Comprehensive Plan includes goals for housing, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship, while the Master Streets Plan emphasizes safety and connectivity. Public comments and a survey informed these plans, illustrating the township's commitment to balanced growth and community well-being.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:16)
The meeting of the Oshtemo Charter Township is officially called to order.

The meeting is called to order, establishing the official start of the proceedings for the Oshtemo Charter Township.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:26)
The agenda for the joint board meeting is approved by unanimous vote.

The meeting begins with a motion to approve the agenda for the joint board meeting. Trustee Chapman makes the motion, supported by Trustee Sakura. The motion passes unanimously with all members voting in favor.
Public Comment (00:00:55)
Members of the public, including county commissioner and local residents, provide comments on various issues.

The public comment section allows members of the public to address the board. County Commissioner Dale Gulu speaks about upcoming decisions affecting Oshtemo. Local resident Chris Scalp discusses concerns over agricultural zoning changes affecting his family's farm. Katie Schneider, also a resident and farmer, echoes concerns about the master plan's impact on farming.
Introductions (00:07:09)
Board members and officials introduce themselves and their affiliations.

A round table of introductions is conducted, where board members and officials state their names and roles within the Oshtemo Charter Township. This includes the Township attorney, clerk, trustees, planning commission members, and other officials.
Presentation of Draft Master Streets and Comprehensive Plan (00:08:31)
Planning Director Jodi Stefforia and consultants present the draft master streets and comprehensive plan.

Planning Director Jodi Stefforia introduces the presentation of the draft master streets and comprehensive plan. The presentation covers the purpose of the plan, focusing on transportation, land use, and community input. Consultants Suzanne Schultz and Sarah Moore-Hilt outline the process, community engagement, and the key components of the plan.
Community Engagement Summary (00:30:31)
Discussion of community engagement activities including events, focus groups, and surveys.

The meeting discussed various community engagement activities such as 'Shred Day', focus groups on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and larger community gatherings like ice cream socials. These activities helped gather insights and feedback to shape future plans for the community.
Draft Vision Statement and Goals (00:33:01)
Presentation of the draft vision statement and goals based on community input.

The draft vision statement for Oshtemo aims to create a connected and diverse community. Goals include fostering a sense of place, prioritizing housing, enhancing transportation, facilitating economic growth, safeguarding natural features, and enhancing public safety.
Place Types and Future Land Use (00:36:02)
Overview of future land use and place types to guide development.

The discussion outlined various place types such as regional corridors, neighborhood mixed-use areas, and innovation industry districts. These place types will guide future land use and development, focusing on creating walkable neighborhoods, preserving countryside character, and fostering economic vitality.
Quality of Life and Green Initiatives (00:51:03)
Incorporating green initiatives into the community plan to enhance quality of life.

This section focused on integrating the 'Go Green Oshtemo' plan into the community's overall strategy. Emphasis was placed on greening neighborhood areas, preserving countryside landscapes, and implementing low-impact development for stormwater management.
Master Streets Plan and Transportation (00:54:01)
Introduction of the Master Streets Plan to improve transportation and connectivity.

The Master Streets Plan aims to enhance transportation networks by considering street types and connectivity. It incorporates complete streets principles and focuses on safety, economic vitality, and reducing crash rates. The plan aligns with the transportation mobility ordinance to improve accessibility.
Discussion on Township Development Scenarios (00:59:49)
Discussion on development scenarios using current zoning and the Upjohn Institute's housing demand data.

The discussion focused on comparing different development scenarios for the Township using current zoning data and housing demand data from the Upjohn Institute. The goal is to develop in a way that minimizes land consumption and uses infrastructure efficiently. The scenarios consider neighborhood versus countryside development patterns and transit-oriented development.
Master Streets Plan Presentation (01:03:05)
Presentation on the Master Streets Plan, including street typologies and safety countermeasures.

The presentation covered the Master Streets Plan, detailing street typologies, connectivity, non-motorized decision matrices, and safety countermeasures. The plan includes design recommendations and discusses coordination with the county road commission. Prioritized projects based on connectivity, accessibility, safety, and funding were also discussed.
Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan (01:12:22)
Discussion on implementing the comprehensive plan and simplifying zoning.

The final chapter of the plan focuses on implementation strategies, including simplifying current zoning and modernizing industrial zoning. The discussion emphasized coordinating with the county, updating zoning ordinances, and considering community feedback during the review period.
Public Comments and Questions (01:13:52)
Public comments on the comprehensive plan and master streets plan.

Members of the community and board provided comments and questions on the presented plans. Discussion included feedback on emergency services, housing needs, and agricultural land use. Specific questions about housing types and zoning audits were addressed.
Acknowledgment and Accessibility of the Draft Plan (01:15:05)
Acknowledgment of community feedback and offer of printed copies of the draft plan.

The board acknowledged the community's contributions to the plan and offered to provide printed copies of the draft plan for those unable to access it online. This was to ensure accessibility for all residents, including those who prefer or require a physical copy.
Board Member Comments and Final Discussion (01:15:56)
Board members expressed appreciation and discussed community engagement.

Board members expressed appreciation for the work done on the plan and the community's involvement. They highlighted the importance of community feedback and discussed aspects like the Township hub concept and traffic safety statistics. Excitement for future developments was also noted.
Adjournment and Break (01:30:11)
Meeting adjournment followed by a scheduled break before the planning commission meeting.

The meeting was adjourned with a note of thanks to the participants. A five-minute break was announced before the planning commission chair would call the special meeting to order.