Below you will find the Planner’s report to the Marquette Township Business Association from the Marquette Township Planner & Zoning Administrator.
2011 was another busy year for the Planning & Zoning Department. Between revamping the department to be more user-friendly and technologically up-to-date, we also administered a season of new development:
West Town Center is a commercial retail and service development along Wright Street and adjacent to Super One Foods features the new Arby’s restaurant. Wild Birds Unlimited and The Safety Store will also be located with in the development this year.
Cedarville Apartments added a new multi-family residential development in 2011 that included sixteen (16) two-bedroom units and 24 one-bedroom units. Our department has recently received a Site Plan Application for another building to be constructed in
2012.
Grandchamp, McBride & Prophet relocated from Ishpeming to Marquette Township and developed an 8,000 SF Accounting Office in the Cornerstone Office Park off of Commerce Drive.
Dr. Jeffrey Karr, MD is leasing space in a new medical office for family practice on Wright Street (just north of Target) and adjacent to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife building.
Our department also approved Zoning Compliance applications for improvements and/or renovations to Fox Motors, Kohl’s, 906 Technologies & Target.
2012 has already seen newly proposed development including the commercial construction of T.J. Maxx and Pet Smart stores that will be located immediately West of the Lowe’s store.
The Planning Commission has been busy and working diligently to complete necessary projects:
The Marquette Township Master Plan Update will be completed this summer and the document will provide a “road map” for the community regarding future growth and development for the next 5 – 10 years.
The Planning Commission along with staff assistance has also been addressing the results of the Community Survey that was completed towards the end of 2011.
Roads and road maintenance continue to be a major concern of residents and the Planning Commission is actively pursuing potential zoning text amendments that may influence how our roads are built and maintained as well as making it easier to navigate the Township without having to use the highway corridor all of the time.
To this end, the Township Board (based on the Planning Commission’s
recommendation) has approved a new Sign Ordinance and more recently, a Complete Streets Ordinance. Our new and improved sign ordinance is more user- friendly and it is easier to administer. One of the key provisions is the requirement for all signs to be professionally designed and installed.
The Complete Streets Ordinance is a work-in-progress which aims to provide better pedestrian access within existing and future rights-of-way in Township. The Planning Commission is also actively looking at ways to improve access to local businesses as well as better circulation along the corridor. We will continue to keep residents and businesses in the community ‘in the loop” with regard to proposed changes to the zoning ordinance or Master Plan.
If you have questions, please call Jason at 228.6220 x105.
Jason McCarthy
Planner/Zoning Administrator
Marquette Charter Township
161 County Road 492
Marquette, Michigan 49855
Ph 906.228.6220 x105
Fx 906.228.7337
www.marquettetownship.org
