Sentencing has been handed down to a local woman charged with stealing from several vehicles in Brighton and Howell.
25-year-old Catherine Barrera is among four young adults from Howell who were charged with stealing items from multiple vehicles in Brighton and Oceola Township last July.
Barrera was recently sentenced to four days in jail, which she has already served, and one year of probation. Last month, she pleaded guilty as charged to a count of larceny from a motor vehicle and an added count of breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property between $200 -$1,000. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss five separate counts of larceny from a motor vehicle. The first charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor if Barrera successfully completes probation. She has also been ordered to pay just over $3,380 restitution.
Authorities say electronics, cash, purses, wallets, tools, gift cards and sunglasses were taken from vehicles outside residences on July 7th. The suspects were identified and arrested after a deputy discovered one of the stolen gift cards was used at a local Target store. 25-year-old James Juel, 27-year-old Adrian Ortega and 18-year-old Kendra Keranen have all been sentenced. (DK)
Local Woman Who Stole From Multiple Vehicles SentencedLocal Woman Who Stole From Multiple Vehicles Sentenced
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Northfield Township Considering Concept Plan For North VillageNorthfield Township Considering Concept Plan For North Village
A $47-million revitalization plan was presented to both the Northfield Township Board of Trustees and Planning Commission, Tuesday night.
Last September the township closed on 23-acres near Main Street and Barker Street in Whitmore Lake, known as the North Village. In October the Downtown Planning Group was created to help develop a vision of how to best use the land. After 5 months of gathering public input they presented their vision at a joint meeting. Planning Group Chair Barb Griffith told WHMI that the public meetings they have had thus far have been valuable to both her group and the residents attending. She said that many people came in wanting 100% of the land to be a park, but upon seeing and realizing that there was no way to finance that, went on to accepting that there could be some downtown development that would help pay for it.
The concept plan presented allowed for 60% of the land to be designated as public space, with the remainder being for housing and business opportunities. The large park proposed could have amenities like a picnic pavilion, community garden, or amphitheater. The public was most interested in having more beach access, as well as additional restaurants, a bakery, and a deli in the area, all of which are a distinct possibility. An urban planner estimated that 94% of the development costs would be returned through the private, on-site taxes, with opportunities for the township to feasibly make it profitable.
Supervisor Marlene Chockley loved the work done by the Planning Group and believes the development could be a boon to the area which could spread across Whitmore Lake. The Downtown Planning Group is now awaiting a resolution from the Board that would allow for the drafting and distribution of a Request for Proposal, or RFP, to be viewed by potential developers. (MK)
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1983 Murder Marks Another Cold Case Anniversary1983 Murder Marks Another Cold Case Anniversary
After more than three decades, a local cold case team continues to investigate the 1983 murder of a woman whose body was discovered near Cohoctah.
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the discovery of the body of 19-year-old Christina Castiglione. She was found near Fisher and Faussett Roads in the Oak Grove State Game Area and no arrests have ever been made. She was last seen alive in Redford in the Beech Daly and 5 Mile Road areas.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says this is one of those cases that never goes away and is always there but thereâs only so much that can be done and they run the leads they have. He says the frustrating part is the fact that they have not been able to solve this case, adding he understands the familyâs frustration as well in that there are always unanswered questions out there about what exactly happened. Murphy tells WHMI they have a cold case team established in 2009 that looks at this case and a couple others â noting itâs not easy for cold cases to get solved but they do. Murphy says often times one phone call, a piece of evidence they didnât have or someone saying something is what solves cold cases. He says they had a pretty good suspect at one time but DNA turned out negative a few years ago so that was disappointing.
Castiglione's body was originally discovered by Ron Latilla and the circumstances by which Latilla was in the area were deemed suspicious early on. Latilla's brother owned property near the place where Castiglione was last seen alive and although he said he found the body while fishing and shooting in the woods, he had neither a rifle nor a fishing rod.
The team has also examined the possibility that Castiglioneâs murder may have been the work of a serial killer. Itâs something investigators say they canât definitively rule out as one case of comparison is Kimberly Louiselle, who was 16-years old and was hitchhiking home from Redford when she disappeared in 1982. Her body was found on state land at the Island Lake Recreation Area in Green Oak Township and she had also been sexually assaulted and murdered.
The Sheriffâs Office continues to work with other counties and cold case teams. Murphy says they ask that anyone with information pass it along to keep the case alive and Murphy says they remain hopeful that someone will eventually come forward and theyâll get the break theyâre looking for to solve the Castiglione case. Tips can be offered through the Sheriffâs Office or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)
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"Home Is The Key" Event To Benefit Livingston County Habitat For Humanity "Home Is The Key" Event To Benefit Livingston County Habitat For Humanity
A fundraiser is approaching to benefit a local non-profit with the mission of building safe, affordable housing for families in need in Livingston County. "Home is the Key" is the theme of Livingston County Habitat for Humanityâs signature event on Friday, April 21st. It will be held at Camp Chaldean's lakeside setting in Brighton on McClements Road and feature upscale strolling cuisine and entertainment.
Artists and refinishers are creating pieces of re-purposed and refinished items from the Habitat ReStore. Local experts will be judging repurposed and upcycled pieces with prizes to the best professional and best amateur contestants. Guests will also choose a "Peopleâs Choice" winner. All pieces will be auctioned at the end of the evening during a live and silent auction. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy will emcee the event and Frank Sternett will be performing as Barry Manilow.
Tickets are $65 per person and are available at the Habitat ReStore on Grand River in Brighton. They may also be purchased online through the link. All the proceeds from the event will go toward affordable housing for partner families. (JM)
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Two Residents & Business Being Honored By Michigan Works! SoutheastTwo Residents & Business Being Honored By Michigan Works! Southeast
A ceremony honoring local residents and businesses will be held in Ann Arbor next week.
Michigan Works! Southeast is a network of organizations that contributes to the economic prosperity of 5 neighboring counties by developing strong, talented workforces. They will recognize 16 award recipients who they believe have made extraordinary contributions to workforce development and have made the their communities a great place to work, live and prosper at event held on April 7th at Weberâs Inn. Two of those awards will be presented to Livingston County residents, with another going to a business. Carrie Wright and Brandy Burton will be given awards in the Outstanding Job Training Participant category.
William Sleight, Director for Michigan Works! Southeast said that he was excited to celebrate their success and accomplishments, noting that they have overcome remarkable obstacles to reach their goals. The business award is going to the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is being recognized for having an Outstanding Workforce Development Program. (MK)
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Warbirds of Glory Museum Offering Software Training To Create Aircraft PartsWarbirds of Glory Museum Offering Software Training To Create Aircraft Parts
A local museum dedicated to preserving historical aircraft will be holding computer program training classes for students interested in designing.
The Warbirds of Glory Museum in Brighton has long been dedicated to mentoring the communityâs youth to encourage those that are passionate about aviation. The museum is based around a WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber that was recovered in Fairbanks, Alaska by the museumâs leaders and brought back to Livingston County for restoration.
The museumâs youth mentorship program is looking to expand by offering computer CAD design training for the first time. Participants will be trained in SolidWorks CAD Essentials so that by the end of the course, they are able to examine a B-25 Mitchell Bomber factory drawing and design the same part in CAD. Museum Director Patrick Mihalek says there is a need for designers to recreate drawings in order to make replacement parts for the aircraft.
The CAD training course will be offered at the museum every Saturday from 9am-3pm beginning April 22nd and continuing through May 13th. Mihalek tells WHMI this kind of educational experience is invaluable and important for students pursuing a variety of careers linked to aviation.
The course is free and open to 10 students ages 14 to 23. Mihalek says spots are filling quickly and encourages interested students to apply online as the April 12th deadline is quickly approaching. Details and applications are available at the link below. (DK)
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Howell Police Department Starts Accreditation Process Howell Police Department Starts Accreditation Process
The Howell Police Department has begun the process of seeking accreditation.
Accreditation provides a method for law enforcement agencies to measure and improve their overall performance. The Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program aims to enhance the professionalism of police organizations in the state based on written directive and policy development.
The national accreditation process was said to be extremely expensive and geared toward larger departments. Thus the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police came together with other partner entities to develop a program specific to the state, which enables smaller departments to undertake the process in a cost effective manner but accomplish the same things the national program did.
At a meeting in mid-March, the Howell City Council authorized starting the accreditation process and approved a related training software update. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI as a professional police department, they are always looking for training opportunities to make sure theyâre doing the best they can.
Once accreditation is achieved, itâs said to be an ongoing process and the department will need to be re-accredited every three years. Thatâs because requirements and laws change or new ones are enacted, thus policies must be reviewed, revised and updated. (JM)
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Former Fowlerville Officer Appeals Lawsuit To U.S. Supreme CourtFormer Fowlerville Officer Appeals Lawsuit To U.S. Supreme Court
A former Fowlerville Police officer is hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will take up his appeal of a lawsuit connected to a fatal motorcycle accident.
The lawsuit was filed by Mary Stamm on behalf of the estate of her son who died in 2011 after his motorcycle crashed into Fowlerville Police Officer Frederick Millerâs vehicle during a high speed chase. In December, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati made final its denial of an appeal by Officer Miller that he was immune from liability because he was acting in his role as a police officer. While a September trial date has been scheduled in Ann Arbor federal court, Millerâs attorney says they are taking their appeal to the next and final level. Marcie Stepanski with the Farmington Hills firm of Johnson, Rosati, Schultz & Joppich is representing Miller in his appeal and tells WHMI that they filed a petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court last week.
The lawsuit stems from a chase on May 17th, 2011 on westbound I-96 which police say began when 20-year-old Carl Albert Stamm IV failed to pull over for speeding. Video recordings from patrol cars indicated he was traveling at approximately 126 mph when he crashed into the back of Millerâs patrol car. The appeals court determined that the lower court correctly ruled there were disputes of material fact regarding whether Miller intended to block Stamm and whether Stammâs conduct posed an immediate threat to others. It said because the evidence is such that a jury could return a verdict in Mrs. Stammâs favor, the lawsuit against him could continue.
A response as to whether or not the nationâs highest court will hear Millerâs appeal is due by April 24th. (JK)
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Hearing Delayed for Man Charged in Home Depot Retail Fraud Incident Hearing Delayed for Man Charged in Home Depot Retail Fraud Incident
A man charged in a retail fraud incident that caused several area schools to go on lockdown has had his hearing adjourned.
27-year-old Andre Recardo Webb of Westland was charged last week with 1st Degree Retail Fraud. Webb appeared in 53rd District Court Tuesday for a probable cause conference. An exam conference had been scheduled for April 4th but has been adjourned to April 11th to allow the defense time for additional discovery materials.
Webb and another male suspect, who remains at large, entered the Brighton Home Depot store on the morning of March 20th and loaded up a cart with merchandise valued at over $2,000, and attempted to leave the store. Brighton Police referred to the two as "an organized retail fraud pair". Loss Prevention officers, who were aware of the two, stopped them outside the store. The suspects refused to go back inside and left the merchandise before getting into a vehicle and driving away.
When responding officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle, the passenger fled the scene, while Webb was taken into custody and his vehicle impounded. Local schools in the vicinity were placed on lockdown while Brighton Police and a K9 unit from the Fowlerville Police Department searched the area, though the search was ultimately unsuccessful. The case remains under investigation. (DK)
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Governor Appoints Area Residents To State Council & BoardGovernor Appoints Area Residents To State Council & Board
Three area residents have been appointed to educational and automobile theft prevention entities by Governor Rick Snyder.
On Wednesday the Governor made the announcement appointing Edward Silver of Dexter to the MiSTEM Advisory Council. This 11-member council was created to advise the Governor, Legislature, Department of Talent and Economic Development, and Department of Education. They will make recommendations designed to improve and promote innovation within STEM education, which prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Also on Wednesday he appointed both Michael Thompson of Mason, and Lori Davis of Wixom to the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Board of Directors. This 7-member board consists of law enforcement officials, automobile insurers, and consumers of auto insurance. They work together to find ways to reduce auto thefts across the state.
Silverâs term will expire at the pleasure of the Governor Snyder, while Thompson and Davis will serve the remainder of vacated 4-year terms ending in July of 2018. (MK)
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Livingston County Is Third Healthiest In StateLivingston County Is Third Healthiest In State
A recent report has Livingston County defending its position as one of the healthiest counties in the state.
The 2017 County Health Rankings were released this week and for the second straight year Livingston came in 3rd in Michigan. The Rankings are a tool to help counties understand what influences how healthy residents are and how long they can expect to live. Health Promotion Coordinator for the Health Department Chelsea Moxlow said this helps support the direction they are taking with their current Livingston County Community Health Improvement Plan. The Improvement Plan outlines plans to address many areas the county can improve upon, like substance abuse, chronic disease, healthcare integration, dental health, sexually transmitted diseases, and health education and promotion.
Moxlow says even though their ranking did not change, they need to be careful because some areas like sexually transmitted infections, diabetes monitoring and mammography screenings are trending in the wrong direction. The county also ranked 3rd in health outcomes and health factors. Health outcomes are based on equal weighting of length and quality of life, while health factors are based on weighted scores for health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment. A complete copy of the rankings can be found online through the link below. (MK)
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Council Discusses Deteriorating Brighton RoadsCouncil Discusses Deteriorating Brighton Roads
Brightonâs roads are deteriorating, and thereâs no easy solution in sight. At a study session Wednesday night, the City Council was administered a reality check by City Manager Nate Geinzer, who said the city would have to spend many millions of dollars to get its streets even up to âsatisfactoryâ condition.
Geinzer tells WHMI that a rating system used to determine the condition of city streets has shown their condition, overall, to be from âfairâ to âvery poorâ. In the rating system the cityâs streets scored only 52 on scale of 0-100. Mayor Jim Muzzin lamented the condition of the streets, saying that much to its chagrin, council has neglected them for the past eight years. But, as always, the problem has been one of money, since roads are very expensive to maintain, and the city has many other priorities, with a limited number of dollars, to spend on them.
Simply to maintain the 52 rating, council was told the city would have to pay $1.5 million a year. Even to get to an overall âsatisfactoryâ rating, the city would have to spend $3.7 million, according to current cost estimates.
Council Member Jim Bohn said that 73% of residential streets are in poor shape, or worse. The city was able to get funding from MDOT to make coming improvements on West Grand River and the Challis Road-Grand River intersection. But Geinzer said most state and federal funding sources are not available to improve local streets.
Council also discussed other infrastructure needs, including buildings, saying the main DPW building needs a new roof, the salt dome is âfailingâ and the deteriorating storage building may have to be torn down. And one council member said there are so many spending priorities that such items as making improvements to the Mill Pond area may have to be delayed. Council will continue the discussion at its next regular meeting on April 6. (TT)
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Final Weekend Of Howell's Got Art ExhibitFinal Weekend Of Howell's Got Art Exhibit
This is the final weekend of an exhibit that promotes the talents of art students throughout Livingston County.
The Livingston Arts Council is presenting its 18th annual county-wide student art exhibition titled âGot Artâ, which promotes and encourages the talents of art students. It will take place at the Howell Opera House from 4 to 8pm this Friday and then from noon to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Started in 1999 as a way to display Howell student art in the community, Got Art has since grown to include all of Livingston County's schools. Artwork from elementary students in grades K â 5 is on display through Sunday, April 2nd. Artwork from middle and high school students was displayed last week. The art show is open to the public and is free of charge. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Pinckney Looks To Fix Village Hall Parking LotPinckney Looks To Fix Village Hall Parking Lot
A local municipality is exploring designs for a parking lot that officials say has needed improvement for some time now.
Pinckneyâs Village Council met Monday night and discussed the state and possibilities of the parking lot that surround Village Hall. The existing parking lot is approximately 7 feet from the right-of-way line on Livingston Street and about 12 feet from the right-of-way on South Howell Street. The entranceâs location on South Howell Street, along with fixed elevation differences and other site constraints, will reportedly limit flexibility in site design.
Village President Linda Lavey says the initial construction of the parking lot pre-dates establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that the lot has never been compliant. Lavey says the municipality has the ambition to improve the lot so itâs more convenient and easier to use. However she tells WHMI the main obstacle is the cost. Lavey says just chipping and resurfacing the parking lot would be expensive, but remodeling it entirely would be âa big jumpâ from five to six figures.
Lavey says sheâs in favor of carrying out the project this year. That was the original plan because of work being done on Portage Street and conducting both projects at the same time could save the municipality some mobilization money.
Council considered a design at their meeting Monday night that would widen some of the parking spaces within the lot and adjust a slope at the entrance that is too drastic now to accommodate a sidewalk. Council approved contingency variances at their last meeting in the event they decide to move forward with the proposed design for the lot. However Lavey says if the new design is too expensive, the plan will be to chip and resurface the lot and âhold out until next timeâ.
If approved, the project would begin in June. Staying optimistic, Lavey says âone way or another, itâs going to get fixed.â (DK)
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Attorneys Plan To Appeal Judge's Decision In Marijuana CaseAttorneys Plan To Appeal Judge's Decision In Marijuana Case
A stay has been granted in the case against two local men charged in a marijuana growing operation, as attorneys look to appeal a judge's decision to not dismiss felony charges.
Darryl Berry of Howell and Jeffrey Michael of Fowlerville are among five men who were charged in 2015 following the investigation into an alleged marijuana growing and distributing operation. 15 pounds of marijuana, almost $200,000 in cash and around 550 plants were seized from the menâs homes. Before trial could commence for the suspects however, Michigan State Police destroyed over 500 marijuana plants without a judgeâs order.
Last year, 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader dismissed multiple marijuana-related charges against Berry and Michael due to the destruction of evidence. However she reversed that decision to dismiss earlier this month. Berry and Michaelâs attorneys presented their arguments and intentions to appeal Wednesday and the court subsequently granted a stay pending appeal in Circuit Court.
Berryâs attorney, Michael Komorn, says at an evidentiary hearing, he was âshockedâ to hear one of the detectives involved in the case claim he didnât know he was required to keep evidence until the time of trial. Komorn tells WHMI âit was overwhelmingly obvious the police had made tremendous mistakesâ and had âviolated Michiganâs statuteâ.
Authorities have previously said they believe those charged in the case carried out the operation under the pretense of use for medical marijuana. Kormorn says that is the case, and that his client was growing the plants as a caregiver and to provide for his patients. In fact, Komorn says âthereâs no disputeâ his client was within the framework of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.
If there were a question as to whether Berry was growing the plants in accordance with the law, Komorn says investigators could have easily counted and/or weighed the plants to settle that dispute. Because they were destroyed, Komorn says authorities are essentially telling the court to âtrust themâ about the number of plants that were actually confiscated. Komorn says their defense has been directly impacted by the loss of evidence.
A follow up hearing regarding the appeal has been tentatively scheduled for May. As for the others charged in the case, Dennis James of Howell and Joseph Zubor of Gregory were previously sentenced to two yearsâ probation. The case against Johnny Glen Cooper of Fenton was dismissed in July without prejudice, after a 67th District Court Judge granted a motion to suppress evidence due to spoilage. (DK)
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Boy Scout Embezzler Does Not Have To Pay Additional RestitutionBoy Scout Embezzler Does Not Have To Pay Additional Restitution
A Brighton woman who stole money from a local Boy Scout Troop does not have to pay further restitution.
57-year-old Kristine Vieau was originally charged with embezzlement by an agent or trustee of at least $20,000, but less than $50,000 from Boy Scout Troop 347 in Brighton. Due to a plea deal reached with the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office, Vieau pleaded guilty to one count of larceny under $200. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt recused his office because he knew many of the persons involved. Vieau was ordered to pay court fines and costs plus $10,335 in restitution at her sentencing in November 2015. The Genesee County Prosecutor's Office said proofs in the case only supported the restitution amount entered.
But the treasurer for the troop at the time, Todd Krebs, maintains Vieau stole 206 checks from the troop, totaling $13,777. He says she made 54 unauthorized ATM withdrawals from their bank account, totaling $7,720. Additionally, he says she wrote 11 unauthorized checks to herself totaling $2,163. Krebs says that in the end, the restitution amount was approximately $4,000 less than what they were owed, including about $1,700 in attorneyâs fees.
However, Magistrate Jerry Sherwood on Thursday said he did not believe the Boy Scouts had a civil claim and that Vieau had paid the restitution amount both parties agreed to. Krebs says they objected to the amount of restitution at the time of sentencing, but were told all along they could pursue a civil claim against Vieau by their attorney. And in fact court records show Krebs mentioned that to Judge Carol Sue Reader at the sentencing hearing, who did not dispute it. Despite that, Sherwood dismissed the civil claim against Vieau and the case is considered closed. (JM/JK)
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Vaupel Bill To Remove Icons From Ballots Approved By House CommitteeVaupel Bill To Remove Icons From Ballots Approved By House Committee
Political party icons on state ballots may soon become a thing of the past.
State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township introduced legislation to remove the icons, or vignettes, that was approved Thursday by the House Elections and Ethics Committee. The current law, which was passed in 1891, mandates that they go above the line of the party they are for and be up to 1-inch square. With more parties, issues, and hence columns on the ballot, Vaupel believes they only serve to clutter the page and confuse voters. He said the biggest reason the change is needed is because some people have checked or circled the icons mistakenly thinking they were voting straight-ticket, when they were not. Vaupel said this mistake makes it so that, without even knowing, the residentâs vote doesnât count, and that everybodyâs vote should.
He added that when the 1891 law passed, not as many people could read, and the vignettes were a helpful too. Today every precinct is required to have somebody to help or an alternative way for voters to who canât or donât read English to cast a ballot. Joining Vaupel to testify before the Elections and Ethics Committee was Livingston County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley, who helped work on the bill. The legislation will now go before the full House for consideration. (MK)
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Local Elementary Students Figure Out Fundraiser For Kids With CancerLocal Elementary Students Figure Out Fundraiser For Kids With Cancer
Local elementary school students recently calculated a way to help children fighting cancer.
Navigator Upper Elementary School in Pinckney recently hosted its 8th annual Math-a-thon to raise money for children with cancer. All of nearly 600 fourth, fifth and sixth grade Navigator students had the opportunity to complete pages from Math-a-thon workbooks provided by St. Jude Childrenâs Research Hospital and learn about the life saving efforts that take place for sick children at the facility.
During the month-long program, administered by sixth grade teacher Angela Kanerva, students raised money by obtaining pledges for each page they completed in the workbook and by collecting outright donations. Students were motivated to work hard and excited to raise money to benefit sick children they learned about through a series of videos from St. Jude. Kanerva said that the âkids learn to feel empathy for other students when they hear about what their lives are like battling cancer,â which made them really want to help.
Altogether they were able to raise $1,743, which will be used to purchase fun wagons for children to ride in instead of wheelchairs, and to provide airline tickets for parents and their sick children who need to go to St. Jude for treatment. Kanerva said over the eight years the school has been donating to St. Jude, theyâve raised almost $20,000. (JK)
Pictured: First Row, L to R, is Corbin Gibson, Alexa Butler, Kyla Sullivan, Emma Byrne, Natalie Holmberg, Katie Tayon; Second Row is Ella Reynolds, Ben Ratliff, Julia McGee, Ava Mueller, Alexie Hawker
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Ukulele Lending Available At Hamburg Township Library Ukulele Lending Available At Hamburg Township Library
Music lovers or those looking to try something new are able to check out ukuleles from a local library.
The Hamburg Township Library recently added two ukuleles to their collection based on current trends and the popularity of ukuleles among local teens. Officials say there is a new trend for libraries to lend out other tools, instruments, and objects that their patrons find useful, educational or entertaining.
Library Director Holly Hentz says their music collection has always been very popular with patrons, so offering musical instruments for check-out was a fun and unique way to expand offerings. She says ukuleles were a budget-conscious way to bring something extra to the music collection that appeals to all ages.
The ukulele kits come stocked with a pick, tuner and carrying case. Hentz says the response has been enthusiastic and if patrons continue to be interested in these types of library services, theyâll look into expanding offerings to other musical instruments in the future. (JM)
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Handy Township Planning Commission Amends Master PlanHandy Township Planning Commission Amends Master Plan
The Handy Township Planning Commission has amended their master plan.
The master plan is the roadmap a township uses as a guide for how they wish to steer future developments. Townships are required to look at or update it every 5 years. At Thursday nightâs regular meeting, the planning commissioners completed this task, by passing the amended document unanimously. Commission chairman Larry Hummel said there werenât a lot of wholesale changes and that most of the work done was simply better organizing the plan.
Hummel said the biggest challenge he found while looking at the plan was trying to predict and anticipate what is coming in the next 5 years. He said the goal was to look at the current zoning map and see what might be coming in, with the purpose of trying to avoid spot zoning, which they canât have. Hummel said the plan would protect the rural character of the community, though he personally wouldnât mind seeing some of the development from eastern Livingston County move more their way to the west.
Zoning Administrator Bill Call said that the commission mustâve done a great job on the document because it came back from all the required entities that reviewed it without any comment. The Handy Township Master Plan, which the commission worked on for 6 months, is now available for public inspection. (MK)
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