\Amid an unstable economy, Orion Township is hoping to set its future course with an overhaul of the master plan.
Township officials hope the plan, which perforce is reviewed every five or six years and usually costs around $5,000, will be a tool in revitalizing business interests in Orion.
According to Township Supervisor Matt Gibb, the master plan will cost around $12,500 this time around.
Or even a little more, he said, but the increased costs will be well worth it.
‘It’s going to cost us additional money, but it will shorten the time in which its done and be more comprehensive,? he said. ‘The quicker it’s done, the better.?
Gibb hopes the money spent on a bigger and better master plan will be made back, plus more, in reinvestment.
The master plan, which involves zoning issues township-wide, can be used as a tool to attract businesses, Gibb said.
The price tag consists mostly of consulting fees. Don Wortman of Carlisle/Wortman Associates is preparing the master plan for the township.
On Dec. 17, there was a special joint session of the township board of trustees and the planning commission.
Some of the broader topics discussed included current land, future land use possibilities, zoning and the philosophies that have guided the township thus far.
Gibb thinks the township needs to start thinking out of the box.
‘We need to think creatively about land use,? he said.
In the past, Gibb said people have been worried about the township losing its historical charm if too much business or development comes in.
‘We can do all of this and still be historic,? he said.
Some of the more specific issues discussed at the joint meeting included the Brown Road overlay district, a Jordan Road extension and the impact regarding the Detroit Water and Sewerage main coming through the township.
Gibb said with the way the economy is, it’s time to rethink everything conceptually, that the traditional ways need to be broken.
‘You can’t wait for [business] to come to you,? he said.
The process, though, is just beginning.
Township officials also discussed the need to have the community’s input regarding the master plan and, as an extension, the future of Orion Township.
There will be another joint session between the board and planning commission on Wednesday Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at township hall.
The township is also sending out flyers for an open house public meeting, set for Feb. 18.
Stakeholders in the community, which could be anyone from business owners to residents, are invited to attended to discuss what barriers exist that changes to the master plan might be able to remedy.