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South Bloomfield reviews hypothetical growth plans; officials flag sewer, police and parks questions
Summary
At a May 6 special session, Mayor Aaron Thomas and Village Administrator Joe Allen presented conceptual layouts for undeveloped parcels including the sod farm and Crites farm. CFO Alisha Burke sketched possible revenue; Police Chief Michael Maynard outlined staffing implications. No approvals were requested.
Mayor Aaron Thomas and village staff presented conceptual growth scenarios and service implications to the Village of South Bloomfield Council at a special meeting on May 6.
The sketches, shown by Village Administrator Joe Allen, mapped undeveloped incorporated parcels and proposed one possible layout for residential and limited retail development on the sod farm and the Crites farm. Mayor Aaron Thomas and Allen emphasized the drawings were informal concepts rather than formal plans or applications.
Why it matters: If any of the conceptual layouts move toward development, the village would need to address infrastructure and service demands, including wastewater capacity, police staffing and parkland. Council heard that many of the parcels are not currently for sale, and officials did not present binding proposals.
CFO Alisha Burke described potential revenue streams that hypothetical development could generate but the meeting record does not include specific revenue figures tied to the concepts presented. Burke framed the numbers as illustrative revenue estimates associated with the conceptual layouts rather than committed revenues for the village.
Police Chief Michael Maynard summarized recent department statistics and explained the village’s method for estimating staff needs as population and calls for service grow. Maynard said the department reviews workload and staffing formulas to determine when additional officers or shifts would be required as development proceeds.
During public questions, resident Jeremy Newman asked whether projected revenue would cover the cost of an expanded sewer plant and how long build-out might take. Joe Allen replied the village does not know at this time, noting that not all properties shown are currently for sale and timelines depend on landowners and market conditions.
A separate question on the status of a proposed satellite fire and police station drew a response from Mayor Aaron Thomas, who said the state budget is due in July and the village expects to know around that time whether any funding will be awarded.
Andrew Roffe asked whether the village plans to expand or add parks. Allen described options including enlarging existing parks, creating smaller "pocket parks," and adding walking paths. Newman suggested staff discuss inclusion of small parks with future developers.
Council did not take any action on development or funding at the meeting. Administrative items announced included Memorial Day office closure (May 25), Mayor’s Court (May 26) and the next regular council meeting on June 1. Council member Tim Ooten moved to adjourn; Sean Shaw seconded. The recorded vote showed yes votes from Tim Ooten, Nicole Jenkins, Lisa McDorman, Sean Shaw and Amber Murphy. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
