Pam Bratschi

The update for December 2022 covered several community events, including participation in the Romeo Christmas parade and two tree lighting ceremonies at Village Park and Washington Township Municipal Hall, where the key to the township was given to Santa Claus. Activities at Municipal Park featured magicians, ice sculptors, and character appearances. The update also featured a promotion by the county prosecutor for senior scam prevention seminars, with materials available at township locations. The Romeo Washington Chamber of Commerce held its 20th annual awards ceremony, where Clara Russell received the leadership award and Romeo Family Restaurant received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Significant governance actions included board support for the design process of resurfacing West Road and correcting the intersection of Campground and Van Dyk, slated for 2023 with a 50/50 cost share. The board finalized capital spending for remaining 2019 bond funds, implemented a Compensation Board to study municipal worker rates for upcoming union negotiations, and approved the purchase of a new fire department vehicle and self-contained breathing apparatuses using ARPA funds. Additionally, the board approved the First Amendment to the consent judgment for Willow Ridge North subdivision, reducing units from 170 to 100 and releasing the Township from future sewer extension costs. The extension of planning services with Gifles Webster for another year was also approved.

The Washington Township Master Plan provides a guiding framework for future development, aiming to accommodate projected growth up to 2045 while preserving the community's historical, natural, and rural character. The plan's strategic pillars focus on economic development, access to services, diverse housing options, environmental quality, transportation, community facilities, unique place recognition, and harmonious development, all contributing to a high quality of life and well-managed growth.

This Master Plan for Washington Township serves as a guiding document for the community's future development over a 20-year period, beginning in 2023. It outlines a vision to foster well-managed growth that respects the Township's history, natural environment, rural character, and agricultural uses, while building a strong and diverse economy, providing varied housing opportunities, and ensuring a high quality of life. Key strategic pillars include economic development, access to services, housing, environmental quality, transportation, community facilities and services, unique places, and harmonious development.

This Master Plan serves as a guiding document for the future development of Washington Township, addressing future land uses, community development, and other features in a coordinated manner. The plan aims to achieve a future built on a strong, diverse economy, diverse housing opportunities, a high quality of life, and well-managed growth, while respecting the community's history, natural environment, and rural character. Key strategic pillars include economic development, access to services, housing, environmental quality, transportation, community facilities and services, preservation of unique places, and harmonious development.

This Master Plan Study Session for Washington Township focuses on commercial/office/industrial areas and the village district. Key goals for commercial and industrial zones include promoting economic development, ensuring access to services, preserving unique areas, and fostering harmonious development, alongside attracting cutting-edge industries. For the Village District, the session addresses redevelopment challenges, historical preservation, access management, traffic safety, and the potential establishment of a Downtown Development Authority.