“Our view is to keep it as natural as possible. We want to return the land to the way it was before.”
That promise from developer David Weine was an encouragement to the Springfield Township Board, but officials kept several conditions in their potential approval for a new residential project.
Huron Creek, a 22-unit single-family site condominium project, is proposed for the northwest corner of Shaffer and Hillsboro roads, on the south shore of Big Lake and surrounding a canal which runs from the lake.
Davisburg surveyor Grant Ward has served as a consultant to the developers and was present at the township board’s July 10 meeting to explain changes to the concept plan.
Responding to feedback from a June 19 township planning commission meeting, Ward said most of the concerns have been taken into account.
Several trustees thanked Ward for changes such as the change of a proposed new road from a public to a private road (to allow for better setback of properties and less intrusion to natural vegetation), allowance of an emergency access gate on Haylock at the north end of the property and a decision to eliminate a proposed beach area from the site plan.
Some concerns remained, however, including the proposed footprint of certain buildings, a plan for a common dock area and preservation of as much natural vegetation as possible.
“The amount of significant trees is considerable,” Trustee Dean Baker said.
Noting the significant number of wetlands represented on the property, Clerk Nancy Strole wanted to make sure future residents know of the restrictions.
“We’re going to encourage them to keep as much vegetation as possible,” Ward said, with stipulations in the community’s master agreement and bylaws.
Strole said it must be clear that the required vegetation “can’t be lawn” but must comply with state wetland regulations for a 20-foot minimum buffer.
“Around these areas…[vegetation] has to be undisturbed and protected.”
Supervisor Collin Walls noted the importance of the developers enforcing the master deed agreement.
“You guys have to be the heavy,” Walls said.
Although the idea of a neighborhood beach has been scrapped, the concept plan still includes a small park/playground area, but Ward said it would require minimal development.
“To develop the park to its maximum potential, it might have to be cleared 5 percent,” he said.
The plan includes two boat docks, one connected to an individual lot and a common dock intended for residents of the neighborhood. There was healthy debate about whether the common dock would do more harm than good.
“I believe that is going to initiate trouble down the road,” Treasurer Jaime Dubre said, with activities such as outside boaters using the dock at night.
Trustee Dennis Vallad said the dock could help protect the natural shoreline, however.
“My concern is that if the dock isn’t there, they’re going to have boaters there anyway” docking on shore, he said. “You may save more than you destroy.”
Ward also said the canal is “generally” navigable, and dredging should not be necessary. He suggested the developers could improve the situation simply by removing debris and joining the weed harvesting program already active on the main part of the lake.
Walls suggested a further reduction in the new road right-of-way to save natural vegetation, and urged developers to seek cooperation from utilities to “co-locate” their cables to minimize digging.
No formal vote was taken, but consensus supported another rewrite of the map before approval.