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| Secord Township Masterplan |
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Purpose
The
purpose
of
this
chapter
is
to
establish
the
goals,
objectives and
strategies
that
will
guide
future
growth
and
development
in a
manner
that
will
reflect the
community’s
unique
character.
In
developing
community
goals
and
objectives,
it
is
important
to
analyze
demographics,
housing,
economic
conditions,
services
and
facilities,
cultural
and
natural
resources
and
existing
land
use.
Preceding
chapters
of
this
master
plan
have
documented
the
above
characteristics.
An
equally
important
step
in developing
goals
is
community
input.
The
Planning
Commission
sponsored
a
community‐wide public input session
held
at
the
Secord
Township
Hall
on May 15, 2012 that
was
attended
by 20-24
people.
Participants
were first asked
to
state
their
vision
of
Secord
Township
in
20
years. Participants
were
then
asked
to
identify
assets
in
Secord
Township.
Each
participant
was
given
multiple
opportunities
to
state
assets
that
Secord
Township
should
strive
to
protect
or expand.
Next,
participants
were
asked
to
identity
negative
issues
about
Secord
Township.
They went through a SWOT Analysis for the
community talking about the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats as
they perceive for the Township. Each
asset
or
issue
was
recorded
on
flip
charts.
With
guidance
from
the
community
input
effort,
the
Planning
Commission
established
the
goals
and
objectives
identified
in
this
chapter.
Assets / Strengths
The
following
five assets
or strengths were the top most identified
by
participants
in
the
community
input
session:
1.
Rural Character/ Tranquility/Quiet
2.
Water related recreation activities
3.
Active Citizens/Strong Township Board
4.
Excellent Roads
5.
Environmentally sensitive population sensitive to preservation
The
people
living
in
Secord
Township
value
their
rural heritage
and
desire
to
preserve
the rural character
in
their
community.
The
premier
asset
of
the Secord Township is Secord Lake
with almost 60 miles of shoreline. More
than 80% of the township residents live on the Lake.
Township
residents
value
the
sense
of
community
that exists
and the
way
that
neighbors
and
community
members
in
general
work
together.
The Township Board and the Planning
Commission is very active and stays abreast all of the current matters.
The
tranquility
and
peace
of
living
in
a lakeshore
community
is
also
high
on
their
list
of
Secord Township
assets.
The
following
list
includes
all
assets
listed
at
the
community
input
session.
Issues
/ Weaknesses
The
following
seven issues or weaknesses were the top most identified
by
the participants
in
the
community
input session:
1.
Lack of Public Parks
2.
Crowding on Secord Lake
3.
Lack of businesses to support water activities
4.
Lack of cell phone service throughout the Township
5.
Aging Demographics
6.
Lack of high speed internet throughout the Township
7.
Lack of involvement by community businesses
Concerns
about
nuisance
created
by
too many tourists on Secord Lake
topped
the
list
of
issues
to
address
in
Secord
Township.
The
lack
of cell phone signals
and
high
speed
internet
throughout
the
Township
is
an
issue
for
residents
as
well.
This
lack
of technology
infrastructure
is
tied to
the
lack
of
quality
jobs
as
more
and
more
people
seek
out
self‐employment
via
home‐based
businesses
that
need
this
infrastructure.
Aging demographics was a big concern that is leading to lack of younger
staff to fill service vacancies.
Absence of any public park on the Lake or otherwise was another factor pointed
out by some of the citizens.
The
following
list
includes
all
the weaknesses issues
listed
at
the
community
input
session.
Opportunities
The
following
five opportunities were the top most as identified
by
participants
in
the
community
input
session:
1.
Restaurants
2.
Commercial
Development of all kinds
3.
Bringing
Broadband to Secord Township
4.
Better
Housing Choices
5.
Supporting existing businesses
The
people
living
in
Secord
Township
value
their
rural heritage
and
desire
to
preserve
the rural character
in
their
community.
They have a strong desire for additional choices of dining.
The township is open for commercial developments of many kinds, given
that not much of retail is present within the township limits.
They are very much looking towards connecting their township to the
world-wide-web through improved broadband network.
Township has the strong desire to support its existing businesses.
Threats
The
following
five threats were the top most as identified
by
participants
in
the
community
input
session:
1.
Failing Wells or Septic
2.
Failure of Dam structure
3.
Fracking- Drilling for Natural Gas
4.
Dumping yard /Treatment Facility in the Area
5.
Marijuana Outlets
Secord Dam is one of the biggest man-made
structures in the township. Any kind
of failure on the dam will lead to serious flooding in the area immediately
downstream. Recent regulation
allowing drilling has also generated a lot of concerns over fracking for natural
gas. Similar issue is with Marijuana
outlets. Currently there are not
any, but township is concerned about the possible impact of these activities. Some of the other threats
identified were:
•
Blight
•
Wood Burning Stoves
•
Sedimentations into the Lake
•
Noise on the Lake Secord
Township in
the Year 2033
Visioning
is
a process
to
help
community
members
imagine,
describe
and
attain a
preferred future
for
their
community.
Participants
were
asked
respond to
the
following
visioning
exercise.
To encourage a
free
flow
of
ideas,
answers
were
not
constrained
by
present
situations.
Participants
had
opportunities
to
present
their
ideas
in
an
open,
informal
setting.
“Imagine
you
have
friends
or
relatives
visiting
in
the year
2033.
You
decide
to
take them
for a
tour
to show off
the
wonderful
community
in
which
you
live.
You
take
a
drive
through
the
Township; admire
the
beauty
of
the
landscape
and
marvel
at the
development;
you
stop
at a
park
for
a
picnic.
Much
of
what
you
see
and
hear
pleases
you,
and
some
activities
surprise
you.
Describe
the
2033 future
that
you
envision.
Consider
the
physical
environment (residential,
commercial
and
industrial development);
the
natural
resources
(forests,
water,
open space
and
farmlands);
and community facilities
and
services.”
The
following
list
includes
all
vision
items
listed
at
the
community
input
session:
•
Small Business Hubs
•
Retain rural Character
•
Farming – active base
•
Nothing changed
•
Prepare for future changes- Proactive
•
Broadband network
•
Middle class jobs manufacturing facilities
•
Better Cell phone signal
•
Interstate
•
Small population growth
•
No junk
•
Well‐kept homes
•
No property nuisance
•
Picnic areas
•
Self‐sustaining area
•
Younger population
•
Quality jobs for younger population
•
Growth in fire department
•
Growth in Health Services
•
Growth in Recreational Services
•
Public Parks
•
Historic Structure Preservation
•
More restaurant and stores
•
Better land use
•
Business/industrial development
•
Larger farms – more efficient
•
Pedestrian traffic (foot, bike)
•
Caring people, good neighbors
•
Middle class jobs
•
Less housing growth – use of current housing
•
Quality of Life
•
More activities for senior citizens
•
Balanced community with population and provisions
•
Environment friendly community
Goals
&
Objectives
Note:
Items
in
the
Goals
&
Objectives
tables
are
not
listed
in
order
of
importance.
A.
Planning and Community Development
GOAL:
Guide
future
development
in a
manner
that
will
protect
existing
development;
preserve community
character; and
conserve
natural
resources
and
environment, yet
will
meet
the
long‐term needs of
the
community.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Encourage
creative
design
and
planning
techniques
which
produce
visual
harmony
while
preserving
special features
and
protecting
vital
natural
resources.
2.
Encourage
planned
land
uses
in
coordination
with
public
utility,
facility,
and
service
improvement
programs.
3.
Require
planning
review
of
the
following
types
of
public
projects:
a.
The
acquisition
or
enlargement
of
any
park,
playground
or
public
open
space.
b.
The
construction,
acquisition,
or
authorization
of
public
buildings
or
structures.
4.
Site
Plan
Review:
a.
Revise
site
plan
review
process
which
takes
into
account
the
character
of
the
Township.
b.
Incorporate
standards
in
the
site
plan
review
process
to
encourage
development with
minimal
negative
environmental
impact
to
protect
land,
air,
and
water
resources.
c.
Amend
the
site
plan
review
process
to
assure
consistent
application
of
the
zoning
ordinance.
d.
Follow-up procedures and inspections for improved accountability.
5.
Require
buffers
like
the
construction
of
berms
or
vegetative screening
to
shield
residential
properties
from
adjacent,
more
intense
non‐residential
development.
6.
Develop
open
space
design
standards
to
preserve
scenic
views,
rural
character,
farmland,
meadows,
woodlands,
and wetlands.
7.
Research
innovative
development
options
to
increase
the
tax
base
while
maintaining
the
essential
character
of
the
community.
8.
Revise
Zoning
Ordinance
to
be
easily
understandable, innovative,
and up‐to‐date
and
fit
the
Township
vision.
9.
Encourage
the
general
public,
civic
organizations
and
all
commissions
to
provide
input
for
Township
decisions.
10.
Control
the
location
of
new
development
by
designating
appropriate
areas
for
new
residential,
commercial,
light
industrial
and
recreational
land
uses.
11.
Improve regulations and standards to protect the community against high
noise levels and exterior lighting glare.
12.
Develop a nuisance ordinance and enforcement procedures to eliminate
issues of accumulating junk and abandoned vehicles thereby improving the quality
of housing and protecting property values.
13.
Develop
signage
standards
in
the
Zoning
Ordinance.
Increase
safety
and reduce
the
visual
impact
of signs
by
controlling
their
size,
number,
illumination,
and
configuration.
14.
Develop
innovative
zoning
techniques
that
allow
for
a
mix
of
residential
and
commercial
uses
as
well as
an
expansion
of
home‐based
business
and
cottage
industry.
15.
Enforce
all
Township
ordinances in
a
consistent
and fair
manner.
B.
Community Character
GOAL:
Maintain the quality of life and rural character in Secord Township
while adapting to the modern needs of residents.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Encourage
social,
governmental,
and
economic
practices
which
maintain
the
tranquil
community
character
of
Secord
Township.
2.
Diversify
employment
opportunities
for
all
age
groups
to
provide
opportunities
for
community
members
to
remain
in
Secord
Township.
3.
Utilize
the
existing
resources
of
Secord
Township
in
a
productive
manner
to
maintain
the
community
character
and
address
problems.
4.
Protect
and
preserve
the
historic
structures
in
Secord
Township.
5.
Work
with larger
communities
in
the
area
to
provide
them
with
a
stable
work
base
consisting
of
Secord Township
residents.
C.
Natural Environment
GOAL:
Protect and preserve natural resources.
OBJECTIVES
1.
Encourage a
land
use
pattern
that
is
oriented
to and
respects
the
natural
features
and
water
resources
of
the
area.
Evaluate
type
and
density
of proposed
developments
based
on
soil
suitability;
slope
of
land;
potential
for
ground
water
and
surface
water
degradation
and
contamination;
compatibility
with
adjacent
land
uses;
and
impacts
to
sensitive
natural
areas
like
wetlands,
greenways
and
wildlife
corridors.
2.
Protect
land
resources
and
water
quality
related
to
our
water
bodies
and
wetlands.
Limit
and
control the
density
and
type
of
development adjacent
to
water
areas.
3.
Encourage
the
continued
natural
use
of
wetlands
as
groundwater
recharge
and
storm
water
holding
areas.
4.
Develop
greenbelt
areas
adjacent
to
ponds,
streams,
and
wetlands
to
protect
water
quality
and
critical
wildlife
habitat.
5.
Establish
regulations
and
standards
necessary
to
protect
and
preserve
the
quality
of
the
air
from
degradation
due
to
fumes,
odors,
smoke,
dust
and
other
pollutants.
6.
Establish
regulations
and
standards
to
protect
the
community
against
high
noise
levels
and
exterior
lighting
glare.
7.
Encourage
the
use
of
native
plant
species
and
naturalized
landscape
designs,
where
appropriate,
to
enhance
the
Township’s
existing
character.
8.
Encourage
the
integration
of
wetlands,
woodlands
and
meadows
into
site
development
as
aesthetic
and
functional
features.
9.
Preserve
topography
such
as
slopes,
valleys
and
hills
by
limiting
the
amount
of
cut
and
fill
during
site
development.
10.
Encourage
the
retention
of
agricultural
lands,
forest
lands
and
ecological corridors
through
available
mechanisms
such
as
open
space
and
farmland
agreements,
forest
stewardship
programs,
and
conservation
easements,
as
well
as
zoning
incentives
or
through
the
development
of
a
Purchase
of Development
Rights
and
Transfer
of
Development
Rights
program.
11.
Encourage
and
support
sound
wildlife
management
practices
at
the
local
and
State
level.
12.
Establish regulations and standards for sewer/septic maintenance to
preserve and maintain water quality.
D.
Agriculture
GOAL:
Recognize the importance of agricultural lands as an economic base,
heritage, and way of life in Secord Township.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Maintain
and
provide
for
the
preservation
of
farmland
and
woodlands
where
feasible.
2.
Discourage
the
conversion
of
farmland
into
other
more
intensive
uses.
Recognize
farmland
as
contributing
to
the
scenic
and
rural
character
of
the
Township.
3.
Encourage
the
use
of
“Purchase
of
Development
Rights”,
“Transfer
of
Development
Rights”,
Clustering,
and
Conservation
Easements
to
help
farmers
retain
their
agricultural
acreage.
4.
Encourage
farmland
to be a part
of
the
Township’s
active
economic
base
and
potential
source
of
jobs
for Township
residents.
5.
Recognize
the
importance
of
small
family
farms
in
Secord
Township.
6.
Maximize
the
most
beneficial
agricultural
use
of
agricultural
lands
in
Secord
Township,
while
encouraging
environmentally
sensitive
farming
practices
to
protect
local
surface
and
ground
water
quality
without
unnecessarily limiting
the
economic
rights
of
agricultural
landowners.
7.
Encourage
agricultural
landowners
to
work
cooperatively
with
supportive
public
agencies,
such
as the
local
Michigan
State
University
Extension,
USDA,
and
National
Resource Conservation
District
offices.
8.
Allow
farmers
to
produce,
process,
and
market
at
wholesale
and
retail
the
products
grown
on
their property.
9.
Amend
Zoning
Ordinance
to
include
regulations
which
encourage
agricultural
tourism
activities,
as needed in the future.
10.
Educate
residents
and
local
officials
on
Michigan’s Right
to
Farm
Act.
11.
Encourage
the
use
of
Generally
Accepted
Agricultural
Management Practices
(GAAMPs)
through
local
zoning.
E.
Recreation, Public Lands and Open Space
GOAL:
Preserve open space, preserve and improve access to public lands and
Secord Lake waters, expand and improve recreational trails and public parks for
the enjoyment of residents, visitors and future generations, and engage in
community beautification.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Maintain
an
updated
Secord
Township
Recreation
Plan
that
identifies
and
prioritizes
needed
recreational
facilities.
2.
Implement
the
improvements
proposed
in
the
Secord
Township
Recreation
Plan.
3.
Support
cooperative
recreational
planning
and
development
with
Gladwin County
and
the
Michigan DNR.
4.
Support
the
continued
existence
of
and
access
to public
lands
in
the
Township.
5.
Preserve
and
maintain
public
recreation
areas
and
access
sites.
6.
Continue
the
preservation and development
of
Secord Lake shoreline
according
to
the
Recreation
Plan.
7.
Encourage
the
preservation
of
open
spaces
in
the
Township.
8.
Identify
and
protect
key
scenic
vistas.
9.
Pursue
outside
funding
sources,
such
as
grants,
for
land
acquisition
and
recreational
development.
10.
Preserve
prime
hunting
lands
as
a
recreational
asset
in
the
Township.
11.
Encourage a controlled
expansion
of
snowmobile
trails
in
the
Township.
12.
Encourage a controlled expansion
of
ORV/ATV
trails
in
the
Township.
13.
Work
cooperatively
with
agencies,
organizations
and
neighboring
communities
to
expand
non‐motorized
trails,
which
link
attractions
and
communities.
14.
Preserve
and
protect
all
healthy
trees
growing
on
public
property
or
public
rights‐of‐way
and
replace
or
add
to
the
stock
when
needed.
15.
Market
the
recreational
amenities
in
and
around
Secord
Township
to
residents
and
visitors
16.
Develop a
signage or way
finding program
for
recreational
facilities.
17.
Retain
and
improve
public
water
access
sites for
residents, seasonal
residents
and
visitors.
18.
Encourage
proposed
subdivisions,
site
condominiums,
planned
unit
developments,
and
commercial
and
light
industrial
to
provide
or
participate
in
the
development
of
recreational
facilities
and
the
preservation
of
open
space
through
zoning
and
review
procedures.
F. Government
GOAL:
Provide services in an efficient and caring manner to meet the needs of
the residents, property owners, business people and visitors.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Promote
intergovernmental and
regional
cooperation
on
issues
of
mutual
concern.
2.
Work
cooperatively
with
neighboring
townships
to coordinate
planning
and
zoning
decisions.
3.
Ensure a
responsible
fiscal
policy
and
budget
process
to
finance
the
Township
government.
4.
Promote
the
involvement
of
volunteers
in
the
government
process.
5.
Engage
in
public
input
regularly
to
ensure
government
is
responsible
to
the
people.
6.
Utilize
the
proactive
master
planning
process
as a
check
and
balance
on
decision
making.
7.
Maintain communication with the Department of Natural Resources to
provide input into the usage and
management
of
the
public
lands
in
the
Township.
8.
Keep the citizens informed by regularly updating the
Township
government
website.
9.
Continue
to
work
with
adjacent
communities
to
provide
emergency
services
to Township
residents.
10.
Research
grant
funding
opportunities
in
order
to
provide
a
higher
level
of
service
to
Township
residents.
11.
Investigate
the
feasibility
of
funding
staff
positions
to
better
address
the
needs
of
the
Township
government
and
the
public.
12.
Work
cooperatively
with
community
service
organizations.
G.
Infrastructure, Community Facilities and Community Services
GOAL:
Improve and maintain the Township’s
vehicular and pedestrian circulation routes, community facilities, programs,
services and public utilities to accommodate the needs of residents and
visitors.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Encourage
the
efficient
use
of
existing
roadways
and
infrastructure.
2.
Work
with the
Gladwin County
Road
Commission
to
plan
for
upgrading
of
roads,
maintenance
of existing
roads,
and
vehicular
and
pedestrian
safety
at
intersections
and
on
roadways.
3.
Support
the
development
of
bicycle
paths
and
pedestrian walkways.
4.
Develop a
capital
improvements
plan
to
address
the
long
term
needs
for
road
improvements,
Fire
Department
needs,
recreational
facilities,
and
a
community
center.
5.
Support
the
development
of
an
interstate
highway
to
increase
the
economic
viability
of
the
region.
6.
Direct
development
to
areas
with
existing
infrastructure
and
where
infrastructure
is
not
adequate
require
developers
to
fund
the
upgrading
of
infrastructure
to
support
proposed
new
development.
7.
Consider
the
placement
of utilities
underground.
8.
Encourage
utility
companies
to provide
affordable
options
for
fuel,
electric,
cable,
and
telecommunications service
to
township
residents.
9.
Plan
utility
improvements
to
coincide
with
development,
where
possible.
10.
Support
the
expansion
of
public
transportation.
11.
Encourage
development
of
corridor
plans
for
all
primary
transportation
routes.
12.
Improve
fire
protection
services.
13.
Improve
access
to
health
services
for
Township
residentsCONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
H.
Economic Development
GOAL:
Develop and promote the growth of a diverse economic base to serve the
employment needs of the Township and Region.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Seek
out
and
encourage
the
establishment
of
businesses
that
serve
to
fill
gaps
in
the
services
needed
in
the
Township.
2.
Continue
to
improve
recreational facilities
within
the
Township.
3.
Work
with
neighboring
communities
to
promote
year‐round
sustained
tourism,
i.e.
spring,
summer,
fall
and
winter
festivals
and
activities
that
will
draw
people
to the
region.
4.
Form
public‐private
partnerships
to
improve
the
local
economy.
5.
Strive
to
attract
young
people
and
young
families
to
Secord
Township
and
develop
the
goods,
services,
recreation
and
employment
opportunities
needed
to
retain
them.
6.
Encourage
home‐based
businesses
and
cottage
industry
in
Secord
Township.
7.
Encourage
the
expansion
of
the
infrastructure
required
to
make
Secord
Township
attractive
to
commercial,
industrial,
and
home‐based
business.
8.
Investigate
tax
incentive
programs
for business development.
9.
Research
methods
of
using
available
local
resources
to
create
a
self‐sustaining
community.
10.
Work towards total connectivity in Secord Township with Broadband.
11.
Work towards total connectivity in Secord Township with cell phone
towers.
I.
Residential Land Use/ Housing
GOAL:
Provide for suitable housing opportunities for all income levels and age
groups and preserve and enhance existing rural residential character.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Utilize
current
housing
structures,
where
possible,
to
meet
the
needs
of
all
household
types
(rental, seasonal)
and all
income
groups.
2.
Designate
areas
appropriate
for
all
types
of
residential
development
including
single
family,
multi‐family,
elderly
housing,
condominium
and
extended
care
facilities.
3.
Encourage
new
residential
development
to
be
sited
in
a
manner
that
protects
the
rural
character
and scenic
views
by
maintaining
proper
setbacks
and
providing
landscaping
screening
as
appropriate.
4.
Encourage
the
maintenance
of
the
existing
housing
structures
in good
repair,
appearance,
usefulness
and
safety.
5.
Protect
the
residential
areas
from
intrusion
of
incompatible
uses.
6.
Plan
medium‐
and
high‐density
residential development
only
in
those
areas
that
are suitable
for
such
use
in
order
to
preserve
open
space
and
natural
resources.
J.
Commercial Area and Activities
GOAL:
Promote a varied business environment
and foster growth and cooperation among area businesses to meet the needs of
residents and tourists while preserving the natural environment and rural
character of Secord Township.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Promote
a
varied
business
environment,
which
meets
both
seasonal
and
year
round
needs.
2.
Support
the
existing
commercial
establishments.
Guide
new
commercial
development
into appropriate
and
desirable
areas
through
the
master
plan
and
zoning
ordinance.
3.
Encourage
the
development
of
small
business
hubs
throughout
the
Township
to
serve
local
needs.
4.
Through
the
Zoning
Ordinance,
establish
and
enforce
standards
to
require
businesses
to
maintain
an aesthetically
desirable
appearance.
5.
Develop
and
utilize
innovative
planning
and zoning
techniques,
such
as
clustering,
shared
parking,
access
management,
and
landscaping
to
regulate
commercial
development
along
primary
county
roads
6.
Regulate
home
occupations
and
home
based
businesses
to
assure
compatibility
with existing
residential
areas.
7.
Require
landscape
buffers
where
commercial
uses
are
adjacent
to
residential
uses.
8.
Encourage
entrepreneurial
training
programs
to
assist
residents
in
starting
and
maintaining
their
own
small
businesses.
K.
Industrial Land Uses
GOAL:
Encourage the retention of existing
industries and establishment of new light industries to diversify the local
economy.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
Ensure
that
industrial
developments
take
place
in
an
environmentally
sensitive
manner
and
are
harmonious
with
the
existing
community.
2.
Encourage
light
factory
industries
and
high
tech
industries
that
do
not
pollute
the
air,
soil
or
water
nor
offend
because
of
noise,
odor,
or
visual
impact,
to
locate
in
the
designated
industrial
areas.
3.
Require
adequate
buffering
and screening
through
appropriate
landscaping
and
site
design
to
minimize
land
use
conflicts.
4.
Amend the
Zoning
Ordinance
to
facilitate
light
industrial
development
at
appropriate locations. |