Dawn M. Kuhns

The Acme Township Community Master Plan is a comprehensive planning document that outlines goals, policies, and strategies to guide future land use decisions and sustainable development, informed by extensive community engagement. Key strategic areas include preserving natural and cultural resources, enhancing community services and facilities, developing parks and recreation, fostering economic growth, addressing housing needs (with a focus on affordability and diverse options), and improving transportation infrastructure, particularly non-motorized alternatives. The plan aims to balance development with the preservation of the township's rural character and address community priorities such as water quality, traffic, and cost of living through its future land use and zoning framework.

The commission held a public hearing regarding the Taco Bell development, discussing traffic safety, queuing concerns on US-31, and intersection safety. The commission ultimately recommended approval of the project subject to various conditions including traffic and circulation improvements, stormwater management, operational limits, and sidewalk reconstruction. Additionally, the commission held a public hearing on the Draft Master Plan, addressing feedback regarding residential zoning, traffic, and land use. Finally, the commission approved a minor amendment to the Special Use Permit for the New Hope Church site plan.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the township's general appropriations act and annual budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, with associated resolutions regarding salaries for the Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, and Trustees. The board discussed new business items including a restaurant application, budget amendments, trail maintenance, and Public Act 58. Old business topics included a franchise resolution, sidewalk repair, and portico entrance proposals. Additionally, the board reviewed numerous correspondences and reports from various departments, including planning and zoning.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the implementation of a temporary moratorium on the review and approval of new computing and data processing centers within the township. Additionally, the agenda featured discussions on the treasurer's office transition to online payments, the status of sidewalk repairs, a portico entrance project, the Cherryland Electric Franchise agreement, ongoing issues regarding unpaid personal property taxes from 2007-2020, and considerations related to the 2026-2027 fiscal budget.

The Commission conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed Taco Bell redevelopment project, focusing on site plan details, traffic impact assessments, and public safety concerns. Representatives from the project team addressed queuing space and access routes. Additionally, the Commission discussed a proposed moratorium on data centers and scheduled a future public hearing for that topic. Reports were received from the Planning and Zoning Administrator and the Township Board regarding various community and land use matters.