[highland-conservancy]HC Enewsletter- Important Mtg tomorro

[highland-conservancy at hyrule.one-point.com]

Highland Conservancy E-Newsletter February 6, 2008
 
As I write this email newsletter, the roads are icy and snow is falling – beautiful but a bit treacherous.  I have been enjoying being able to jog around the lake on the ice though!
 
ZONING REVISIONS PUBLIC MEETING THIS THURSDAY
Highland Township is holding a public hearing tomorrow, Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Highland Township hall, next to the Senior Citizen center.  I hope you will stop by to voice your suggestions, comments or concerns on the newly revised proposed zoning ordinances.  An exciting addition (if zoning ordinances can ever be exciting) is the new Natural Features Ordinance that goes a long way toward protecting the beauty of our area.  This is the second such meeting and I urge you to speak your mind, even if just for a minute.  
 
KING PROPERTY REZONING REQUEST
Last Thursday, Mr. King presented a request to the Planning Commission asking to rezone his 125 acre parcel from its current zoning of single family homes to RM1.  If granted, this would allow up to 800 residential units on the property.  Since 2005 he has sought to build a senior citizen complex on the property located off Hickory Ridge north of M59.  The trouble is, if this new zoning request is granted, anything can go in on that parcel that falls within the RM1 high density zoning: from apartments to duplexes to quadplexes.  If granted, the density could increase from 2 residential units per 3 acres, to 24 residential units per 3 acres!

Highland citizens were invited to comment about this during the meeting last Thursday night and many turned out to convey their concerns.  The township previously sent out surveys and conducted polls to determine what people want for Highland.  Resoundingly the answer has been:  KEEP HIGHLAND RURAL.  This aligns with the purpose of the Highland Conservancy (to protect the natural resources and rural character of Highland).  We support a Master Plan that protects the beauty of our open spaces, our rolling horse pastures, our tree lined country roads, our wooded parks and trails.  I urge you to write the Planning Commission and Board and let them know what you think.  Or drop by at the public meeting on the zoning ordinances (Feb. 7) and share your views (see above).  The final decision on this zoning request will be made I believe by the end of February.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
For copies of all past newsletters, a link to the blog, and articles of interest, please visit our revamped website.  We think you will be pleased!  www.HighlandConservancy.org 
 
THE BLOG IS GROWING AND GROWING…
The Conservancy blog is gaining a wider audience daily.  I invite you to read and comment on local news, articles on the environment, some exciting projects going on in local schools, and other interesting articles such as the mega mall going in near us at M59 and US23…  
“It looks like the mega shopping mall at the corner of M59 and US23 in Hartland is moving through the final approval process.  Township officials there are examining different solutions to deal with the inevitable heavy traffic that such a massive development will bring.  I, for one, had hoped the 550,000 square foot shopping center would somehow fall through.  Not so!  Unfortunately…”   
To read the rest of this article and other articles of interest, AND HOPEFULLY TO COMMENT, check out our blog.  Just click on this link:   Highland Conservancy Blog 
 
TAX TIME-A GOOD TIME TO THINK OF DONATING
Congress extended the tax breaks for land conservation easements through 2008 (phew!).  If you are thinking, even in the long run, of protecting your land with a conservation easement, please contact us either by email artfingers at comcast.net or phone (Jim 248-887-3952) for more information.  You could leave a legacy to help protect this beautiful jewel that is Highland.
 
THANK YOU to those who have already sent in their membership donations.  A base yearly membership is $25 and with a donation of $50, $100 or $500 and up we will send you a sturdy canvas tote bag (great for groceries or school stuff).  WE GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!
 
Mail to:  Highland Conservancy, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland MI 48357
 
Our mission is to encourage and facilitate the conservation of land and natural resources to preserve the rural character of Highland Township.

Katheryn Krupa, Editor
Highland Conservancy
www.HighlandConservancy.org  website
www.highlandconservancy.typepad.com blog
artfingers at comcast.net 
248-887-4643
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