Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission - October 23, 2025 Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Planning Commission considers battery storage facilities and the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Draft. Residents, many attending their first meeting, express significant concerns about the safety and environmental impact of the proposed battery storage facility, which is planned near residential areas. They fear potential fires and devaluation of their properties. The board also reviews the Master Plan, emphasizing future zoning considerations and community engagement strategies. Discussions touch on balancing development with preserving agricultural lands and integrating green energy solutions. The meeting provides a platform for public comment, highlighting resident apprehensions and the board's commitment to addressing these issues.

Chapters

Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:13)
The meeting began with a greeting and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting clerk welcomed everyone and attendees were asked to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:41)
The agenda was approved as presented without any changes.

The chair asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. Hearing none, a motion to approve the agenda as submitted was made, supported, and passed.
Public Comment Period for Non-Agenda Items (00:01:08)
Residents expressed concerns over a proposed battery energy storage system near residential areas.

Numerous residents spoke during the public comment period, expressing their opposition to a proposed utility scale battery energy storage system (BESS) near their homes. Concerns included safety issues, environmental impact, property value depreciation, and lack of transparency from developers. Many urged the board to draft and enforce ordinances to restrict such developments to industrial zones.
Approval of Minutes (00:35:49)
Minutes from previous meetings were approved without changes.

The board reviewed minutes from the last three meetings. There were no suggested changes or comments. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Discussion on Plan Draft (00:36:27)
An introduction to the commissioners regarding the plan draft was given.

Commissioners were addressed about the current status of the plan draft. Jody and Suzanne had a meeting to discuss further steps.
Discussion on Draft Plan Review Process (00:36:51)
The meeting discussed the plan to review the draft chapter by chapter, inviting commissioners to comment and discuss before moving to the next.

The meeting began with a discussion on the process for reviewing the draft plan. It was decided that a representative would introduce each chapter of the plan, after which commissioners would be invited to comment and discuss before moving on to the next chapter.
Technical Difficulties and Presentation Setup (00:38:02)
The meeting experienced some technical difficulties with the presentation setup, delaying the start of the presentation.

Before the presentation could begin, there were technical difficulties with setting up the presentation. The laptop was restarting and there was some discussion about the 'blue circle of death'. Eventually, the presentation was set up in a non-optimal mode.
Comprehensive Plan Overview (00:39:46)
An overview of the comprehensive plan was provided, highlighting the chapters that would be discussed in the meeting.

The comprehensive plan consists of seven chapters. Chapters one and two are introductory, chapters three and four contain the plan's main recommendations, chapter five reflects past planning efforts, chapter six discusses the master streets plan, and chapter seven covers plan implementation.
Motivations for Planning Effort (00:45:00)
The motivations for the planning effort were outlined, including community connection, housing, future commercial plans, and transportation.

The motivations for the planning effort included creating a connected community, addressing housing needs, planning for future commercial development, ensuring safe transportation, and integrating past planning efforts. These motivations guide the comprehensive plan's recommendations.
Community Engagement and Data Collection (00:48:01)
Community engagement activities and data collection efforts were summarized, highlighting the methods used to gather input.

The community engagement process included thought leader meetings, community popups, focus group sessions, community gatherings like breakfast for dinner and ice cream social, and surveys. This engagement informed the plan's development and ensured it reflects community needs.
Discussion on Vision and Goals (00:50:58)
The meeting discussed the vision and goals of the comprehensive plan, emphasizing community design, connectivity, and environmental health.

The comprehensive plan's vision is for a community designed for everyone, fostering shared experiences and recreation. Goals include cultivating a strong sense of place, prioritizing housing for all, creating a resilient transportation system, facilitating balanced growth, safeguarding natural features, and enhancing community wellbeing.
Future Land Use and Place Types (01:06:08)
Discussion on future land use and place types, including residential and mixed-use areas, based on existing infrastructure and development.

The future land use map outlines different place types such as regional corridors, neighborhood mixed-use areas, and residential categories. It guides development based on current infrastructure and anticipated growth, allowing for a range of housing types and uses.
Discussion on Chapter Four: Place Types (01:07:22)
The board discusses future place types and the comprehensive plan's guidance on zoning decisions.

The board discusses the future place types outlined in Chapter Four, including revisions made based on public comments, particularly regarding agricultural areas. They examine how the comprehensive plan guides future zoning decisions and the balance between suggestions and requirements. Key topics include residential developments in regional corridors and the flexibility needed in the innovation and industry place types.
Discussion on Agricultural Preservation (01:17:00)
The importance of preserving agricultural heritage in the community is discussed.

A board member raises the importance of preserving agricultural land and heritage within the community. The discussion touches on the challenges of balancing agricultural preservation with property rights and development pressures. Suggestions include working with park advisory committees and exploring programs similar to those in Kent County to support agricultural landowners.
Discussion on Chapter Five: Go Green Oshtemo (01:25:00)
The board reviews the incorporation of Go Green Oshtemo into the master plan, focusing on parks, green spaces, and stormwater practices.

Chapter Five incorporates the Go Green Oshtemo plan into the master plan, highlighting the importance of parks, green spaces, and sustainable practices. Key areas of focus include celebrating parks and recreation opportunities, greening areas of Oshtemo, preserving countryside landscapes, and implementing resilient stormwater practices. The board appreciates the emphasis on sustainable stormwater management.
Discussion on Chapter Six: Master Streets Plan (01:28:00)
The Master Streets Plan is discussed as a bridge between the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.

Chapter Six serves as a bridge between the comprehensive plan and the Master Streets Plan, summarizing the latter's contents. The board discusses the importance of aligning street design with land use to improve safety and accommodate different contexts within the township. The plan addresses the need for tailored street design in urban, suburban, and rural areas and outlines the challenges of working with the road commission.
Discussion on Sustainable Development and Growth (01:37:18)
Discussion on how suburban developments are subsidized by public resources and how to manage growth sustainably.

The meeting discussed the challenges of suburban-style development being subsidized by public infrastructure such as streets and water systems, leading to hidden costs for taxpayers. The need for compact development patterns that pay for themselves was emphasized, alongside the importance of maintaining infrastructure over time. The conversation highlighted the importance of aligning growth with sustainable practices and ensuring that infrastructure investments are financially sustainable.
Presentation on Master Plan and Zoning (01:41:07)
Presentation on the master plan, zoning governance, and the role of comprehensive planning.

The presentation covered the elements of the comprehensive plan and how they integrate with zoning governance to form a regulatory framework. The role of a place types map in informing zoning maps was discussed, alongside how different place types categories guide zoning district decisions.
Recommendations for Housing and Zoning Amendments (01:42:07)
Recommendations for simplifying residential zoning districts and addressing missing middle housing needs.

The recommendations included simplifying the many residential zoning districts to make them more manageable and considering missing middle housing types as a focus for future development. The discussion acknowledged demographic changes and the necessity for diverse housing types, particularly those that fit between single-family homes and high-density apartments.
Implementation Chapter Overview (01:48:00)
Overview of the implementation chapter focusing on zoning and development priorities.

The chapter outlines the implementation strategies for the master plan, focusing on zoning and development priorities. It includes priority ratings for projects and policies, and emphasizes a connected community with a shared sense of belonging. The need for placemaking, signage, and inclusivity was discussed, as well as a Township hub plan to enhance community spaces.
Public Comments on Master Plan (02:06:20)
Public comments expressing concerns about the master plan, particularly regarding agricultural land and proposed road connections.

Several members of the public expressed concerns about the master plan, particularly the lack of provisions for future agriculture and the proposed road connections that could disrupt existing agricultural land and rural landscapes. There were also questions about green energy policies and the absence of solar farms and battery storage in the plan.
Chair's Additional Board Responsibilities (02:13:37)
Chair discusses his new board responsibilities and its impact on his availability for meetings.

The chair discussed his new responsibilities on another board, which may impact his availability for meetings. The commission considered whether he should continue serving as chair given his commitments, ultimately deciding he should remain until the end of his term in January.

Oshtemo Charter Township (32 Episodes)

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Gavel to Gavel coverage of the Board meetings for Oshtemo Charter Township