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WEST BLOOMFIELD — Information gathered from a master plan survey was presented to the West Bloomfield Planning Commission at a meeting Feb. 11.
A master plan serves as a “road map” for future growth, development, and sustainability of a community by establishing clear goals, strategies and policies, according to the township’s website.
Brian Keesey, who is the senior principal planner for McKenna, a city planning firm, presented the findings of the master plan survey.
According to Keesey, 335 people responded to the survey, with 2,000 people viewing it. Some of the commissioners questioned the vast difference in numbers.
“It is kind of characteristic,” Keesey said at the meeting.
Keesey referred to respondents as a “healthy mix” of residents, businesses, property owners and people who visit the township.
The majority of those who responded were over the age of 50.
“You have a lot of people responding — 50-plus or retirees,” Keesey said.
Some of the issues of concern from respondents were preservation of natural resources, traffic volumes, cost of living, and the ability to commute via nonmotorized transportation.
From an environment and sustainability perspective, the survey showed that reducing waste, protecting the natural environment, reducing water usage, carbon emissions and addressing climate change were all significant issues.
The survey also addressed factors that are considered when individuals are thinking about buying or renting in the township.
Affordability of housing and proximity to run errands were on the top of the list. In addition, increased availability of small and medium-size homes and accessory dwellings were also a factor.
“We don’t have the affordability to bring in the young families,” Keeley said.
Respondents to the survey would like to see more food businesses in West Bloomfield, including coffee shops, fast-casual restaurants, unique dining, and various options for grocery stores.
Natural preservation of lakes and wetlands, trails and parks connections, community events, and a high level of diversity were among the favorite things about West Bloomfield, according to Keesey.
The West Bloomfield Public Township Library and the comfort and quiet of the area also ranked high on the list.
“Cutting the fat” on the development and entitlement process is something developers would like to see, according to Keesey. They would also like a lower parking requirement.
Planning Commission Chairwoman Karmen Santourian discussed “One Stop Ready” at the meeting,
The One Stop Ready program is a community-focused economic development program in Oakland County that develops strategies to promote economic growth, according to the Oakland County website.
“We try to implement that (cutting the fat),” Santourian said.
In order to have more affordable housing, developers increase density in a development, according to Keesey.
He explained that some parking areas could be turned into storefronts, and with ordinance changes, business owners could have affordable housing options above their respective places of business.
Santourian wondered if changes in parking would be addressed in an ordinance or as part of the master plan.
“The level of detail is addressed in the ordinance,” Keesey said. “The concept should come out of your master plan. Your master plan goals should be very broad.”
