Atlas Township-Petitions protesting the implementation of a five acre minimum in parts of the township are being circulated, with the goal of bringing the issue to the voters.
‘We’re trying to get 1,000 signatures,? said Atlas resident Susan Arnold, a supporter of the petition. ‘We’re trying to collect them because we believe this is an issue that will greatly impact the township and the residents, and the people in the township should have a right to at least vote on it.?
The five acre minimum was adopted last month, following months of heated discussion amongst residents.
Arnold said petitions are available to sign at Wilson’s Weenies, 8233 S. State Road, Last Chance Party Store, 5545 S. State Road, and John’s Steak House, 8038 S. State Road.
Township Supervisor Paul Amman said that in a manner of speaking, people already did vote once in favor of the larger lots, by way of who they voted for in past elections.
‘Some time ago, we had a pro-growth township board, zoning board of appeals and planning commission…the bottom line is, none of them are there any more,? said Amman.
Many of those in favor of the minimum say the design will help protect the rural landscape of the township. Those opposed have said the policy is exclusionary and unfair to landowners who purchased the parcels prior to the new minimum, and will need to contend with the decision when selling their property.
Rick Misek, vice-president of the township planning commission, told The Citizen in October of last year the change to a larger minimum lot size has been part of the township’s master plan since 1991.
Existing lots of less than five acres would be grandfathered in as ‘legally existing non-conforming.? The change would not affect property along the M-15 corridor.
Additionally, Amman, along with the board and members of the planning commission, said by raising the minimum size of lots in the rural estate zone, they hope to lessen the traffic burden put on already difficult-to-maintain roads, made worse when more families than planned for make a daily commute.
By changing the minimum lot size, Misek previously predicted a decrease of 67 percent in generated traffic, citing information that a single lot in the township generates about 15 trips down the road per day.
Arnold said she and other residents are concerned about the costs to taxpayers should the change result in lawsuits.
‘If those people win, the residents are the ones that will have to pay for lawsuit settlements,? said Arnold, adding, ‘Oakland Township was just sued by Moceri (Co., developers) …over a rezoning issue.? She said she fears a similar fate for the people of Atlas, thus spurring her forward with the signature drive.
Conversely, Amman said a petition of the opposite nature was circulated years ago, favoring larger lot minimums. Amman said the petition was not aimed at bringing the issue to a vote, as the new one is, but rather to get the attention of the local government.
Arnold said she hopes the issue will be on a ballot no later than the end of August.
Amman said he isn’t opposed to a vote on the matter.
‘I think this is what the people want, and if it comes to a vote, so be it,? said Amman. ‘Unfortunately… there’s a lot of misinformation out there. If (residents) have questions, before they sign a petition, they ought to call the township and be asking questions.?
‘I think before they sign anything, they ought to be sure what they’re signing and what they’re asking for,? said Amman. ‘Don’t believe everything you hear, or read.?