Q&A on the Save Open Space-- Elmwood Referendum

What is the referendum about?

The referendum will make it possible that certain actions taken by the Elmwood Township Board be brought before the citizens of the township for a vote.

Your local government is taking systematic action to dismantle controls endorsed by our community to preserve the rural character of Elmwood Township while allowing for reasonable residential development. At its June 2002 meeting, the Elmwood Board of Trustees took action to amend the Elmwood Zoning Ordinance to allow site condominium developments with densities of up to one unit per acre, instead of the one unit per ten acres currently allowed in the Agricultural/Openspace District -- an increase in density of 1000%. Our Township government is pursuing this amendment, along with other initiatives, after land use permits it has issued have been twice been ruled illegal by the Circuit Court.

What does that mean?

This amendment opens the AO-1 District of the Township, now mostly farm and vacant land, to cookie cutter, suburban-style development. This amendment will allow the the transformation of Elmwood Township into the kind of sprawling development that will result in higher taxes, crowding, and the destruction of a uniquely desirable place to live. One study from the authoritative Planning & Zoning News (Jan 93) cites a $48,000 per house sprawl 'premium' for providing services to a three unit per acre development located ten miles from central facilities and employment centers. Elmwood can expect comparable costs. Our township budget is already showing the effects of trying to provide urban services to far-flung development.

Why are there two petitions?

The June 2002 Board action had two parts. One details the conditions for approval of site condominiums and the other updates the definitions section of the Zoning Ordinance. State election law requires a separate petition for each amendment.

Hasn't this issue already been thoroughly aired at meetings of the Township government?

Not at all. The small minority of large land holders now in charge of the Township government has used every means at its disposal to thwart, avoid, and discourage discussion of this crucial issue, including limiting public comment at Board and Planning Commission meetings and passing a "disruptive behavior" policy (roundly condemned by local media) meant to intimidate critics of Board policies.

When will the referendum be held?

That's up to the Township. The referendum may be held in conjunction with the Nov. 6 general election.

What can I do?

Learn about the issues now before the Township and be ready to vote when the referendum election takes place.  You can also contact Elmwood Citizens for Sensible Growth for information about these and other Township issues.