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Commission discusses state zoning push, stormwater costs and a subdivision extension
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposed state-level effort by developers to override local zoning, constraints from on-site water and septic requirements, the township's lack of a sewer plant, stormwater/culvert responsibilities, and an extension for a JBI subdivision review through February.
Commissioners spent part of the meeting on policy and infrastructure topics, focusing on concerns about a recurring state-level proposal and local constraints on development.
Unidentified Speaker 3 described a push by some large developers "that would allow them to petition to overcome local zoning," saying the measure was defeated previously but might return. Commissioners responded by noting technical limits on increasing housing density. They highlighted percolation and septic requirements (about 1.5 acres for on-site water and sewer in many parts of the township, with a quarter-acre exception in Long Spring), geology and nitrate issues that can increase required lot sizes, and the absence of a township sewer plant as key constraints to the kinds of higher-density development that some developers seek.
The group also discussed stormwater management and culvert responsibilities. Speakers observed that under current practice, developers initially install storm infrastructure but absent formal maintenance agreements, long-term replacement and failure repairs often fall to the township. Unidentified Speaker 3 warned that the state may require townships to carry permitting responsibility for culverts under state roads and that replacing major stormwater features (for example those in front of shopping centers) can cost a quarter-million dollars or more.
On subdivision review, Unidentified Speaker 3 said JBI has an extension with the township until February and that staff had received a memo from Dave Abowski requesting tabling a submitted plan until further testing is completed. Commissioners confirmed the delay stemmed from geotechnical/boring issues. Unidentified Speaker 2 reported infrastructure projects: Green Rider Road is under construction, a Myers County Road permit application has an anticipated bid date in March 2025, and paving and final grading are expected to wait until spring; most work will be usable in five to six weeks.
Commissioners asked staff to track pending extensions and report back at December and January meetings. No formal policy action or ordinance change occurred during this session.
