KALKASKA -- The Village of Kalkaska is creating a new Village Master Plan to serve as a guide for local land use, economic development, and other community decisions.
A new master plan will prepare the village for changing needs and allow for informed decisions about managing resources, building the economy, and directing growth.
The Master Plan is being created by and for the residents of the Village of Kalkaska.
Public input is a key component of the planning process. Surveys, workshops and committee meetings will allow the village to obtain meaningful input from the public on village issues including land use, the economy, transportation, housing, recreation, and quality of life.
The village’s Planning Commission and a newly-formed Master Plan Committee began work on the plan in September following receipt of a Community Growth grant award from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG).
The Master Plan Committee will guide the development of the plan with assistance from NWMCOG and Village staff.
The committee will coordinate public input opportunities, review draft documents, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission. Members include representatives from the Planning Commission, Village Council, Downtown Development Authority, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, Kalkaska County Planning Commission, Kalkaska County Economic Development Corporation, and Kalkaska Public Schools.
Residents received a written survey the first week of November, and are asked to return their completed surveys to the village office by December 6, 2010.
In addition to the survey, a public forum will be held on December 1, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kalkaska High School cafeteria.
At the forum, residents will hear a brief presentation on the basics of the master plan and process, as well as an introduction to new strategies for economic growth. Participants will also take part in small group discussions on their vision for the future and their opinions on village qualities and issues.
Throughout December, the Master Plan Committee will review public input obtained from the December 1st meeting and the written survey. Results will form the foundation of the plan, and will be used by the committee in the development of the plan content.
Additional public forums will be held in early 2011, to review the results of the survey and December 1st event, and to present early drafts of the plan and potential strategies for implementing residents’ vision for the future.
For those that would like to learn more about the Master Plan and the planning process, or would like to take part in the committee meetings, please contact Sarah Lucas at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments at 231-929-5034, or via email at: sarahlucas@nwm.cog.mi.us.
Information and updates are also available online by clicking on THIS LINK.
