Judy Nicholson

This five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Cannon Township guides the development of recreational resources, including park land, facilities, programs, and public open spaces. It is based on resident surveys and a strategic analysis of needs. The plan outlines six key goals: preserving open space and natural resources, ensuring quality recreational experiences, coordinating with other providers, improving information dissemination, enhancing year-round recreational opportunities for all, and strategically developing the multi-use trail system. It aims to meet the recreational needs of citizens and protect environmental features for future generations.

This five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Cannon Township serves as a guide for current and future recreational resource development, encompassing park land, facilities, programs, and public open spaces. Based on resident input and strategic analysis, the plan focuses on preserving open space, ensuring long-term quality recreational experiences, promoting coordination with other recreation providers, improving information dissemination, enhancing the availability of diverse year-round recreational facilities for all residents, and strategically developing the multi-use trail system. The plan aims to meet community recreational needs and protect environmental features.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. Key discussion points included a preliminary site condominium approval for Bella Woods, a review of wetland delineation and traffic studies, and consideration of an access management overlay district. There were questions raised regarding the impact of additional traffic from new housing developments on Belding Road. The Planning Commission also discussed street lighting and a resolution for recommendation of the preliminary plan to the township board.

The meeting included discussions regarding a connector trail from Canon Township to Rockford, with concerns raised about communication, fund allocation, neighborhood enhancement, and safety. An alternative route was proposed, utilizing existing sidewalks, but it was noted that easements under power lines are difficult to obtain. Residents voiced concerns about privacy, safety, and property values due to the trail's proximity to their homes and a school playground. There were also discussions about the level of community engagement and transparency in the planning process.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as sewer updates, a trail issue, and Consumers Energy's plan to remove trees for reliability improvements. A resident raised concerns about power outages and proposed pausing the tree removal plan. The board also addressed a cemetery issue, including environmental and groundwater studies, and discussed a potential bike park project.