News from Elmwood

Your input as a resident of Elmwood township is extremely important, and could make a genuine difference to the outcome of events as this crucial question is taken up. Elmwood officials have consistently tended in the past to respond more responsibly when the wishes of residents are made clear to them. We urge you to attend this meeting, and just as importantly, we urge you to comment on the adoption of these significant new standards. If you can't attend the meeting, we urge you to comment in writing by sending a letter with your comments in time for Thursday's meeting to Connie Preston, Clerk, Elmwood Township 10090 E. Lincoln Rd. Traverse City, MI 49684.

The new standards for the district were rejected by the township board at its regular meeting in November. They are being reconsidered Thursday at the express request of the township attorney, Jim Young. Young called the zoning language currently in place a "recipe for a lawsuit". In &contrast, the proposed ordinance sections as composed by the township planning commission and LSL Associates of Grand Rapids, have been carefully crafted to follow as closely as possible provisions of Elmwood's master plan. The new language clears many grey areas, and creates specific standards that are clear and easy to understand, administer, and enforce.

If your comment on these proceedings simply states your wish for the board to consider first and foremost that the proposed amendment comply with the provisions of the Elmwood Master Plan (as mandated by state statute) you will be sending a loud, clear message to the board-no politics, no games with our township land-use standards.