City prompts residents to complete master plan survey

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights residents and stakeholders have a chance to serve the city and its future by filling out an online survey.

From now until the end of April, the city of Sterling Heights is looking for public feedback for its community survey regarding the updating of its master land use plan. The survey asks for input on topics such as commercial development, residential development, transportation, environmental sustainability and quality of life.

People who live, regularly visit, work or do business in Sterling Heights are encouraged to contribute, and the survey is estimated to take around 20-30 minutes to finish. Officials hope to get at least a few thousand responses, which will guide their approach to drafting an updated master plan by the end of this year.

“We are over halfway to our goal, but no number of responses is enough for a City that has as many residents and as many businesses as Sterling Heights. Community engagement is important and ensures that our Master Plan is reflective of the community’s long-term goals,” City Planner Jake Parcell said in an email.

“We also have an Art Contest underway we are looking for submissions for so that we can include the youth of our community equally as well.”

The art contest, open to creative young residents from 5 to 18 years old, encourages them to draw, paint, snap a photo or write poetry about someplace they find particularly special in Sterling Heights. The submission deadline is May 6, and winners will have their work featured in the master plan document.

In a statement, Mayor Michael Taylor said the master plan will be stronger and more effective with broad input from the community.

“We want to hear from everyone – families, young people, seniors, local businesses, community organizations — because everyone’s voice matters in shaping the future of our city,” Taylor said.

Fill out the survey by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/shmp24. Learn more about the master plan and how to apply for the related art contest by visiting engage.giffelswebster.com/sterling-heights-master-plan. For additional questions, send email to shplanning@sterling-heights.net or call (586) 446-2360.