Jeremiah Helenhouse

The Village of Shelby outlines its major projects for 2026, focusing on significant infrastructure improvements. Key initiatives include a downtown renovation, comprehensive road and water main replacements on South Michigan and Bennett, and the replacement of lead drinking water service lines in various village portions. Additional projects involve raising manholes to grade on State Street and chip sealing First Street. The plan aims to achieve a safe, well-maintained, and appealing community through these critical investments.

The Special Council Meeting included a Public Hearing regarding Blue Photon's application for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption for a new manufacturing facility, which involves a capital investment of $2,487,000.00 and the creation of seven new jobs. Following the hearing, the Council unanimously approved the Contract for Tax Abatement with Blue Photon Technology & Workholding Systems, L.L.C. for a period of 12 years.

The Planning Commission reviewed the goals from the last Master Plan Update in 2020, noting that a number of those goals have since been completed. The Planning Commission discussed new goals for the current update, including historic home improvements, reviewing property setbacks, and nonconforming properties.

The Planning Commission reviewed the future land use map and goals, discussing some minor changes. There was a discussion regarding the possibility of connecting to the Village water and potentially sewer services for a parcel of land purchased by a real estate development company.

The Planning Commission Meeting included discussion of the Master Plan Update, with a presentation by Hillary Taylor from McKenna on the results of the community survey mailed to Village residents. The survey, consisting of 32 questions, received 129 responses, highlighting key areas for improvement such as housing quality and availability, business opportunities, street improvements, enforcement, and sidewalks.