In the July27th board meeting, the Supervisor and Treasurer led the vote to open the Master Plan with the intent to create 4 new miles of commercial zoning on VanDyke from 34 to 38 Mile Rd. There is talk of C3 zoning, the highest level of commercial zoning, which we do not have or want in Bruce. This will destroy the rural atmosphere our community. All of the residents I have spoken to are overwhelmingly opposed to this commercialization.
In addition, there is no plan to support development. We currently lack water and sewer infrastructure to the VanDyke corridor. Commercialization will lead to an increase in traffic that will overwhelm the current two lane road. Additional police and fire resources will be required for emergency support. The burden of these costs will fall predominantly on the residents in the form of increased property taxes.
A Controlled Development Plan
- Fill current vacant commercial property – Filling the vacant commercial zones before considering creating new ones.
- Enforce building codes and ordinances – Fixing up rundown commercial buildings to encourage new businesses to move in.
- Focus on beautification – Cleaning up our community and creating attractive public spaces to invite in the community, both residents and businesses.
- Follow the Master Plan – I will always stand against development that does not fit with our Master Plan and the interests of our community.
I am running along side Paul Okoniewski, running for Supervisor. He is a certified Planner with over 20 years on the Bruce Township Planning Commission. He played a significant role in creating our Master Plan. He has the qualification and the skills to get Bruce Township back on track. He is dedicated to keeping Bruce Rural.
Want to know more about what the Township is currently doing?
KeepBruceRural.org is posting Bruce Township Meeting videos and details some key moments in the video that reveal current leadership’s commercialization plan.
Quote from Bruce Twp Master Plan – Page 5-3 Master Plan Goals
- To preserve and protect the existing natural assets found within the Township. These include the extensive natural topography as well as the extensive woodlots, wetlands, open spaces, and farmland.
- To understand that Bruce Township will largely be a bedroom community where residents will primarily work, shop, and entertain outside of the Township in more densely developed communities.