Township manager outlines streamlined land‑development procedures and deadlines

Angela Benner, the township manager, updated the commission on staff efforts to streamline the land‑development review process. Benner said staff created a revised application form, set explicit submission deadlines for inclusion on Planning Commission agendas, and will circulate the first review letter to applicants and reviewers to reduce back‑and‑forth. She said the township will offer 11x17 meeting materials on request to reduce excessive full‑size printing and that the office will hold partial submittals until a complete package is ready for distribution.

Benner also said staff will produce a project timeline that includes an 'act by' date column so commissioners can track statutory review deadlines and avoid inadvertent slips. She invited commissioners to request full‑size plans when needed and offered to collect preferences by email so staff can tailor meeting packets.

Commissioners welcomed the changes and suggested adding the act‑by date and clarifying submission language for months when calendar dates create conflicts. Benner said staff will follow up and that the goal is to make the process more efficient for both applicants and reviewers.