Judy Janda

This Master Plan provides a thoughtful framework for Almena Township's growth and change over the next 20 years, prioritizing the preservation of its rural character, natural resources, and quality of life. The plan focuses on strategic pillars including guiding housing development to align with rural character and infrastructure, protecting natural landscapes and agricultural heritage, maintaining and enhancing community facilities and public services, and fostering a locally-oriented economy with compatible small-scale businesses. It aims to ensure careful land use decisions that protect sensitive areas while supporting residents and future generations.

The Almena Township Master Plan provides a comprehensive framework for guiding growth and change while preserving the Township's rural character, natural resources, and quality of life. It outlines goals and actions across several key areas, including housing and neighborhoods, environmental protection, infrastructure and services, businesses and the economy, and land use. The plan aims to support thoughtful development, maintain essential services, protect agricultural heritage and natural landscapes, and foster a strong, connected community for future generations.

This document is the second draft of the Almena Township Master Plan Update, presented for review and consideration by the Planning Commission. Key changes include a revised Future Land Use Map, a detailed explanation of the relationship between various land use tools, and the integration of new chapters on Implementation and Appendix. The update outlines a realistic and achievable work plan, and subsequent steps involve final formatting and potential submission to the Township Board of Trustees for statutory review.

The Almena Township Master Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide growth and development, protecting the Township's rural character, natural resources, and quality of life over the next 20 years. It outlines goals and actions across several key areas: housing, environmental and rural character preservation, community facilities, infrastructure, public services, businesses, economic development, and future land use. The plan emphasizes thoughtful growth, balancing housing choices and local business support with the preservation of natural landscapes, agricultural heritage, and community connections, while addressing practical needs like roads and utilities.

This document summarizes roundtable discussions and presents a working outline for the Almena Township Master Plan. Key priorities derived from community input include enhancing infrastructure, ensuring public safety, preserving natural resources and rural character, creating community gathering spaces, addressing diverse housing needs, guiding compatible commercial development, and improving public services and communication. The Master Plan outline details chapters focusing on balancing housing options with rural character, environmental protection, community facilities, economic development, and a comprehensive land use plan.