114 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/10c41d1c8044a715a72240e95eb3ce3a.jpg 7b51b6f010a276499fdb15727409416a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_LS00174 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1918-1921 Title A name given to the resource Canal traffic at Chining low water Description An account of the resource Black and white lantern slide of boats traveling along the Grand Canal. Subject The topic of the resource Lantern slides China West Lake (China) Canals Boats Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/938cdf31c39dec2e0aa65da2fda9ad33.jpg 63131c875934c75759743c703af5aee9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_LS00172 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1918-1921 Title A name given to the resource Canal traffic at Tientsin Description An account of the resource Black and white lantern slide of heavily laden canal boats on the Grand Canal in Tientsin (Tianjin), China. Several large buildings are visible in the background. Subject The topic of the resource Lantern slides China Tianjin (China) Canals Bridges Boats Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/596de4c7595d3002ab5ed997a8ce1e4c.jpg 2baf9b9fe1ca881037265546999e0b7f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_LS00175 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1918-1921 Title A name given to the resource Canal traffic at West Lake Description An account of the resource Black and white lantern slide of canal traffic. A bridge with three arches spans the canal in the background Subject The topic of the resource Lantern slides China West Lake (China) Canals Boats Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6830eb6681033003c57548a99819f8fd.jpg 9bb702fef677652d2c59403301be04e3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_1009 Title A name given to the resource Canberra bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British RAF bomber, November 1, 1951. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Slides Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951-11-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d48c79c48d795206bd5ed76926330821.jpg 33745523cffe07f4d3c4f8b41fb0c9d0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_1010 Title A name given to the resource Canberra bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British RAF bomber, November 1, 1951. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Slides Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951-11-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/731e1d4e8a21d02ac321cb4bf2b791e2.jpg 86901cd9012de95413a51282d87f39ad Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_1011 Title A name given to the resource Canberra bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British RAF bomber, November 1, 1951. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Slides Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951-11-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/22f4d0807a1606e905af0de0460e0344.jpg e8e0755130c847e922c231a55727ac42 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_1012 Title A name given to the resource Canberra bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British RAF bomber, November 1, 1951. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Slides Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951-11-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/758938ad5dd0af7757066f0299609f4a.jpg 61ebcdb99e5ff1f6c1a9248113bc28e4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_1013 Title A name given to the resource Canberra bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British RAF bomber, November 1, 1951. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Slides Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951-11-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4d988f138a1460db627a2395b29e0086.jpg 877ee9a53617944697670cb2292c5b71 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_X1056 Title A name given to the resource Canberra British bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British bomber, March 1, 1954. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education World War, 1939-1945 Slides Airplanes, Military--Recognition Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1954-03-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/63b3ac358db82ec0436dc4b8cf62c2ff.jpg 4477d20338c6e44bc9be2c71c7b31fdf Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_X955 Title A name given to the resource Canberra British bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British bomber, September 1, 1953. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education World War, 1939-1945 Slides Airplanes, Military--Recognition Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1953-09-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/dde4a50afd2211b448fb97162c155c4c.jpg 1bf433fb88cbaa087e0591d84647ff54 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Naval Recognition Training Slides Subject The topic of the resource Slides Military education Airplanes, Military--Recognition Warships--Recognition World War, 1939-1945 Description An account of the resource Slides developed during World War II as a training tool, for top-side battle-station personnel on board ship and for all aircraft personnel, by the US Navy. In 1942 a Recognition School was established by the Navy at Ohio State University where the method of identification was developed. In 1943 the school was taken over by the US Navy. The importance of training in visual recognition of ships and aircraft became even more evident during World War II. Mistakes resulting in costly errors and loss of life led to an increased emphasis on recognition as a vital skill. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides (RHC-50)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-04-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1943-1953 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/477">Naval recognition slides, RHC-50</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-50_X956 Title A name given to the resource Canberra British bomber Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Canberra British bomber, September 1, 1953. Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Military education World War, 1939-1945 Slides Airplanes, Military--Recognition Great Britain Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Naval recognition slides (RHC-50) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1953-09-01 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/aa1ac36851f01ab0cc52addb1c6e1d55.mp3 4ff24cb2ae621f88dc5959ca4c94f31a https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/72b05b18043aaf63c8f5a071a33152b6.pdf bebb6e8c4b8b1e0108ad8f6676febbc4 PDF Text Text Candace Van Oss - Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 1 Nathan Neitering: This is Nathan Neitering, and I’m here today with Candace Van Oss at the old schoolhouse in Douglas, Michigan on July 21st 2018. This oral history is being collected as part of the Stories of Summer Project, which is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities Common Heritage Program. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today, I am interested to learn more about your family history, your family history and your experiences of summer in the Saugatuck Douglas area. Can you please share with me your full name and how to spell it? Candace Van Oss: My full name is Candace C A N D A C E Caye C A Y E and my maiden name is Cartwright C A R T W R I G H T NN: Okay, um and in your last name do you have a space? [Pause] I’m sorry between Van and Oss? CVO: Just, yeah. NN: Yeah, you do. Okay. V A N space O S S CVO: Yes. NN: Very good, um, so tell me a little bit about where you grew up. CVO: I grew up just down the street, on, um, it would be Chestnut and Main. My mother's, had a family home there that she was born, and my father and, when she and my father got married in 1948. They um, converted it into apartments because it was a big bed and breakfast at one time that my great grandmother had run. It was called the Fort Snelling [Laughs] and they, it had like seven bedrooms I guess, and you know, big house, and my father and mother converted it into two upper apartments and to two lower apartments and my mom's brother and his wife occupied one of the downstairs apartments. My Mom and Dad occupied the big upstairs apartment and then they each rented out, you know. And I was born at Kirby House in Douglas and uh, um I said the house went way way back to my mother’s father’s family and um, we we lived there until I was about seven or eight and my father had purchased the property adjoining it because the Catholic Church used to be across the street from that. The Catholic Church moved up here and my father got first dibs on the property where he built our house, our, you know a new house… NN: Right. CVO: …and his shop. He had a plumbing and electrical business and so, oh, we had, and he took a year, I mean it was just he had uh, different contractors friends you know like the painter, and the floor and the, you know the all different, the roofer you know, and since he did the plumbing and electric and all these other people came in, so took like a year, all together. But then one day we just moved across the lawn. NN: What was the address of that house? �Candace Van Oss - Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 2 CVO: Um, the um, big house was 11 Chestnut Street. NN: Okay, okay, um and so what were your parents’ names? CVO: Marjorie M A R J O R I E, her maiden name was Fisch F I S C H. NN: Okay. CVO: And my father’s name was Ralph R A L P H Cartwright. NN: Okay, alright, and um, what year were you born in? CVO: 1953 NN: Okay, alright, and you said that uh, when the Catholic Church moved from sort of downtown Douglas by the waterfront over to the Blue Star. That’s when your family acquired the land next door. Okay, alright. Just clarifying for the record. What’s a vivid memory that you remember from your childhood? Either back at the big house or the new house or both? CVO: [Laughs] The uh, biggest things was remembering that Dad was the Chief of Police. NN: Ah! CVO: And it was a time when you used your own phone, you didn't have a, you know private, you know what I mean, you used your home phone. He had a little, um, light, you know to put when he was, you know when he… NN: To put on his car? CVO: Yes, it went on his car and he had to use his own car. NN: Oh. CVO: And his job mostly just required summer. You know that's when he patrolled more weekends of course Saturday night, especially. We used to have down at the tennis courts in Douglas, every Saturday night they had square dancing believe it or not. This, uh group of square dancers from, around South Haven or something that would come every Saturday night and um, all the you know, adults and all the kids would go up to the square dances because it was like the Saturday night and at one point when they have a little rest because they had a band and a caller and then the square dancers, you know, and when they would rest, uh, then the band would, the announcer, whatever you want to call, the caller would announce the Mexican hat dance because all us kids would go and form a circle and you know, do the, [Mimics “Jarabe Tapatío”] every, every week. But that was a big thing, you know? And um, my Dad would have his, he’d be off uh, in his uniform you know, patrolling and it, it uh, took him to, he had to patrol the lakeshore of course, in Douglas and patrol here and if Saugatuck needed an assist with �Candace Van Oss - Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 3 something, which they did quite often, um, he, you know had to go to that and uh he did this for a long time. NN: Okay, yeah, I was going to ask do you remember how many years he was the Chief of Police? CVO: From about 1950 to about 1963. NN: Okay, alright. CVO: And then he wanted to um, you know, it was getting a little more complicated of course by that time and they made him Fire Chief [laughs] His uh, you know, Leader, his Leadership. NN: He was moving from one branch of the force to another, huh? CVO: Yes. NN: And so how long was he the Fire Chief then? CVO: Um, my son who is a fireman now, um, we were trying to think back. I think about ten years. NN: Okay. CVO: Maybe. NN: Alright. CVO: But, um, that was, wasn’t. We also had a, a, emergency phone though by that time, to the fire department and we also had a wall switch our on wall, you know it was just a regular, that, that uh, alarm put on the Fire siren which was located up at the ball park. NN: So was that ever tempting as a child? CVO: Oh yes! NN: As a child to hit the switch and sound the alarm? CVO: I put a, I put a note on it because we did, you know, you had people come over and just think it was just… NN: Just a light switch? CVO: Yeah! We never, we never tripped it up accidently. NN: Okay. �Candace Van Oss - Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 4 CVO: Luckily, but, you know, it was, if my mother had to do it, it was a scream because she would just kind of [imitates siren sound] you know. [NN laughs] CVO: But, that that's another vivid memory is, you know the phone ringing and then immediately you know, we’re turning on the siren. NN: So if the phone, if someone called you to say there is a fire, then it was whoever was in the houses’ responsibility to start the, sound the alarm even if your father was not at home at the time? CVO: Yeah, yeah. NN: Okay, alright. CVO: And then the Fire barn just used to be down below the Village Hall here. NN: Yes in the back of the [inaudible] right? CVO: Yes, it only held like 1 truck [laughs] you, you had to sort duck to even get in but that was where the fire barn was at that time. NN: Okay, alright. Do you remember how many fire? [00:08:41] � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Summers in Saugatuck-Douglas Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Kutsche Office of Local History Description An account of the resource Collection contains images and documents digitized and collected through the project "Stories of Summer," supported by a National Endowment for the Humanities Common Heritage Grant. The collection aims to document the twin lakeshore communities of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan, as they transformed through the state's bustling tourism industry and acceptance of minorities. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1910s-2010s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Various Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/">Copyright Undetermined</a> Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Douglas (Mich.) Michigan, Lake Allegan County (Mich.) Beaches Sand dunes Outdoor recreation Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Saugatuck-Douglas History Center Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Text Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-07_SD-VanOssC-20180721_p1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Van Oss, Candace Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-07-21 Title A name given to the resource Candace Van Oss (Audio interview and transcript, Part 1 of 2), 2018 Description An account of the resource Candace Van Oss grew up in Douglas, Michigan. She shares many memories of her father's career as Chief of Police. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Neitering, Nathan (Interviewer) Van Orsdol, Mollie (Transcriber) Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Allegan County (Mich.) Fire departments Oral history Audio recordings Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Stories of Summer project, Kutsche Office of Local History. Grand Valley State University Relation A related resource Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2b77af0c2089272ccbcfe17f12b5308d.mp3 33df03e046afacf2313d90ff5b75bf27 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4a37b40a9a15d2f8c5fc5d1a1146cf9a.pdf cf8f3de14d42f5e563848d51db3c594a PDF Text Text Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 1 Nathan Neitering: Alright, here we go. Okay, this is Nathan Neitering I’m here today with Candace Van Oss at the old schoolhouse in Douglas, Michigan on July 21st 2018. This oral history is being collected as part of the Stories of Summer Project, which is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities Common Heritage Program. Uh, this is a continuation of uh, part one that got cut off inadvertently. So we will pick up approximately where we left off. Thank you again for taking the time to talk with me today. Um, can you please say and then spell your full name? CVO: Candace, C A N D A C E Van Oss V as in Victor A N O S S NN: Very good, thank you, um and so we'll sort of pick up where we left off which was um, your school memories at Douglas Elementary. Four classrooms you said, uh and you still see many, some of your former classmates around town, is that, that’s correct? CVO: oh yes NN: Okay, uh, and you have any teachers particularly stick out in your mind? CVO: there was, well, the one that was my kindergarten and first grade teacher was a family friend so right there, you know it was like, um, I had to call her Mrs. Wicks even though [laughs] she was Natalie! NN: Okay, yeah CVO: But, one of my classmates who was also my best friend at the time, it was her nephew David Wicks and when he had to call her Mrs. Wicks, [laughing] it was, you know, that was, that was. And there were three Johns, I remember the, uh, 3 or 4? Oh, John Thomas, John Rich, John Drepeck, and uh John Build and uh, a couple of Nancy’s and, you now that kind of thing. But I was the only Candace, so! [Laughs] NN: You were the only Candace, alright. Very good, um, let me follow up with some of my questions here. [Pause] Were there are other places in town, besides at school obviously, during the school year and down by the Kalamazoo River in Douglas where you recall spending time, other businesses or churches or other places? CVO: oh yes! Um, we spent a lot of time in the ball park which, you know now it's got statues and, back. I was telling my son just the other day that they had done nothing to the park when we were kids. It was had, been left for years. we got like this broken drinking fountain, you know, we knew that if we turned it on it would just spray up in the trees and there was still shuffle board equipment, nobody played and there were shuffle board courts, yeah the shuffle board whatever were behind these benches and we’d get them out and of course, you know! And uh, they did not, uh really you know fix the park. NN: It was not maintained? �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 2 CVO: Right, for a long time and uh but we had fun just goofing off and you know chasing each other. Watching the um, the little league games we had friends that were you know, playing little league and we’d go up there to watch them and they were all, used to be at night. NN: Okay CVO: You know evening, and then we go across the road, there was the Dinette. Which is now the Everyday People… NN: Café. Yes. CVO: They had, they stayed open all day and till like eight o'clock or nine o'clock at night, and so we would go there to get ice cream after because it was right there and we ride our, you know, ride our bikes and us girls, sometimes we’d, I had one friend I remember his name was Paul and he was playing the [pause] the game, he's he's playing the game… NN: Okay. CVO: And these girls and I wanted to grab a bike and go bike riding. So we said, ‘Paul’, [laughs] I said, ‘Paul, can I use your bike uh, we’re going to go bike riding’ and he says ‘No!’ and then another gal that was with us said, ‘Paul she is going to take your bike, okay.’ And then [laughing] and we just, you know absconded with Paul’s bike! [NN laughs] But, everyone knew each other then, you know, it’s a different time. If your, if the neighbors or the towns people saw you out any later, you know. It was like ‘is she supposed to be?’ NN: Somebody might hear about, huh? Yes? CVO: Yes, and they would call your parents! I remember one man called one night and my dad answered the phone and he said, ‘she's standing right here’ and the man saw a girl that looked like me up, we had a telephone booth and it [inaudible] you know and he thought it was me, standing in this telephone booth you know after ten o'clock at night, and so he called my dad and dads like, no? [00:05:04] NN: Wasn’t you, huh? CVO: Wasn’t me! But you know we spent just a lot of time hanging around and there were two stores that are, of course, no longer. One was a bakery. NN: Okay �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 3 CVO: It was owned by my cousins when I was very young and they made wedding cakes and, you know whole, whole thing. NN: What was the name of that bakery? CVO: Just Douglas NN: Douglas Bakery? CVO: Bakery, yeah. And then down the street there was a store and it sold, it was a newsstand and it also sold candy, of course and uh, Knickknacks and this and that, and you went and got your paper there every day instead of, of, at time having this delivery or whatever. You went and picked up your Sentinel at the, and it was called Tyler's General Store, Tyler, but we always called it Neevas because the lady that owned it was Neeva Tyler and she was so wonderful and if, in the olden days, it was there when I was little, if you came in with a quarter, [inaudible] [laughs] you would usually get a bag full of stuff and still leave with your quarter because she would, [NN laughs] She was a wonderful, you know… NN: Very generous with the kids? CVO: Yes. NN: Okay. CVO: And her family was you know, well, well liked around her they just lived a couple blocks away from the store and… NN: So the store both of those, those two stores were both on Center Street? CVO: Right NN: In Douglas. CVO: Where the, yeah. Where Neeva’s store is where the um, coffee place is? NN: Oh, uh, Respite Cappuccino? CVO: Yes, yes. NN: Okay, yep. CVO: That was that. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 4 NN: Okay, okay um, and you said you used to go get ice cream at the dinette, what was your favorite flavor of ice-cream? CVO: Chocolate. NN: Excellent. Do you have any other memories of being in the dinette? CVO: Oh yes. NN: What was that venue like? CVO: My, well as usual, it was friends and my mother went there every morning of my schooling you know, and she said after she drop me off at Douglas Elementary she’d go down there for coffee and they had a coffee klatch, you know, and the lady that owned it was my friend David, the same David whose, [laughs] his, his other Aunt owned the, the dinette and so there were a lot of times when we would go in there so my mother could have coffee in the afternoon and chat with, you know, the post master. And David would be there because his mother was waitress. His Aunt owned and his Mother waitressed. So sometimes David and I would just sit in the booths in the, in the back and I remember we're just learning to read both of us and we were reading Doctor Seuss, the, like Cat in the Hat, [laughs] but to each other. But, you know, we, we, yeah, we hung out there a lot. NN: Okay alright. Um, and the ball fields for, the poorly maintained ball field is where Beery Field is now, right? CVO: Yes NN: Right, right down, in downtown Douglas. It is, it's very nicely maintained. Um, did you go to church at all at local church? CVO: Um, later on. Uh, the Catholic Church that I talked about that across the, right across the street from our home on Washington Street. That became the Community Church at first in about 1965, start like the very end of 1965, and my parents decided since we lived across the street [laughs] NN: Convenient CVO: My mother had been Catholic we, um, went to mass a couple times but when I reached like uh, if you were Catholic you usually went on to the Catholic School. The Catholics had their own elementary school which was situated in several different places. But, my mother put in kindergarten, of course in Douglas and then she knew I was, loved public school and uh, she didn't go to the Catholic church that much, anyway any more so, thank goodness I got to go public school because the Catholic school was all Nuns and they even lived Downtown here in… NN: Oh, right at their site there? �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 5 CVO: Yeah. NN: Okay, oh interesting. CVO: Yes and that used to be a school down there too. NN: Right, right. Saint Peters, right? CVO: Yes, yes. NN: Okay, yep. Um, did you have any summer jobs here in Douglas or in Saugatuck? CVO: Mostly babysitting. Which was kind of fun because, I loved to babysit in Saugatuck because I’d round up the kids and take them downtown with me, you know, when I was a teenager so I could still get out and about but have the kids with me. And uh, I had another boy that I used to babysit for quite often on Douglas Lakeshore and he was, sweet little boy and it was back in the Batman era, Batman and Robin were you know and so we have to play Batman and Robin when I babysat, we’d have to put on capes and leap about the house but, hey, you know, I got paid to do it! NN: And it’s memorable now, right? CVO: Yes! NN: Um, did you spend much time out by the lakeshore? CVO: Oh yes. NN: Yes. CVO: Yeah, my, my dad's um, ah, that was his big business, of course in the summer he had to open all the cottages, turn on the water uh, I met many of his customers and they’d say, ‘oh, you know, bring her down, you know, she can go to our beach’ or I made friends with people that had grand kids and stuff down there, and the grand kids would invite me over. NN: Oh! CVO: Yes! And you got to be, you know, you got to have your own little stretch of beach because it was private NN: Right. CVO: And so we had many fun hours, you know, down, right down at the beaches. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 6 NN: Um, you mentioned going to Saugatuck High School and the math in my head says that would’ve been probably in the late 60’s, early ‘70s? Okay? What can you tell me about Saugatuck... [CVO Laughs] In the ‘60s? CVO: My ex-husband said I should write a book. Um, because I remember more than, than he does. But, the school, when we got there in 7th grade, our class was so huge, by then, because they had you know, it was Saugatuck kids, Douglas kids, Pearl kids, Glenn kids, yes. We, we had the best biggest class ever to come to Saugatuck and the principal and the teachers were all, kind of shook up because there were so many of us they had to divide us into 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D. And, um, we, you know spent the next year from 7 to 12 there and the school got so crowded because it was a smaller high school it’s no longer there, you know but then they were going to build eventually that one [inaudible] CVO: the school that… NN: The current school, yeah. CVO: but we had an open campus policy because there were so many of us that if you didn't have a class and you weren't in any trouble for anything you could just go downtown and go to the drug store, go do the… I majored in drinking coffee my senior year because I had so many credits that I’d have a class and then I have a big hour off and then I have a, another class, and you know, and, and, my friends and I made many many trips to town and there are two different ways to go. NN: Okay CVO: There were the front steps...but we’d take the trail which was, went past uh, on uh, Lake Street. NN: Okay CVO: Or you would go the back and there were back stairs, that now they kind of run behind the, I, I think it’s a, that arts center, whatever? NN: Saugatuck Center for the Arts, yes. CVO: Yeah. NN: Yes there is a separate stairway back there CVO: yes. NN: Okay. CVO: and, but that was considered the smoker, [laughs] the smoking kids. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 7 NN: Oh! CVO: Steps, if you were going to the steps NN: Back steps CVO: Yes. NN: Interesting, I love it. So what was your coffee destination? Was it the drug store or somewhere else? CVO: No, it was a place called the Corner Cafe which now is a Mexican restaurant I believe, on the, um, on, when you come on Lake Street also but, and um the family owned it, at the time. The one waitress, especially my senior year like I said, my friend Bev and I were in and out and in and out all day and after a while she’d say ‘don't you kids ever go to school?’ [Laughing] ‘Don’t you have somewhere to be?’ [Laughs] and, but, like I said if you didn't have to be there, they didn't want you there wasn't the room. They even put, a, portable classrooms. NN: Oh CVO: It was like in a, [laughs] they put up about I think it was around six. NN: On the property of the main school? CVO: On the property, yes. NN: Okay, hm. And you said your friend Bev, what's her name? CVO: Her name was Beverly Simonson. NN: Okay. CVO: and then her, she um, passed away in 1986 very suddenly and her brother was, is Bruce Simonson who is the uh, up, up until last year or so he was the head of the Public Works Department NN: Yes, in Saugatuck CVO: Yes NN: The Public Works Director, that's right. CVO: Yes NN: Okay, um, and Bev was in the same grade as you? �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 8 CVO: oh yes we were only about, her birthday was December 30th and mine is December 8th and, and so we were together a great deal. [Laughs] A great deal at the time. NN: do you, um would you ever go anywhere else in downtown Saugatuck, even on the weekends or after school? CVO: Oh sure. NN: Yeah? CVO. Yeah. Um, Marro’s which, you know, was uh, the big pizza place and the time like, well now you can’t. [Laughs] But back then, [inaudible] it was called something else and I, but owners were named Roy and Rose Krawitz, and you would order your pizza and you could just go in the back door, and sit in the kitchen with them if you wanted and wait. If your pizza was to go. And when I was dating what turned out to be my husband, now he’s my ex-husband, later. We remember going there every Saturday night and back then you could just go in, get served, you know, get out! It wasn't like now with the with the reservations NN: Yes CVO: and the lines, and the… NN: It was just the neighborhood pizza place. CVO: Uh huh NN: Right? Okay. I know you would have been pretty young, do you remember ever going to the pavilion before it burned? CVO: No, I remember going past it, I remember thinking like I was in a foreign country a little kid, to see a building that big. NN: yeah. CVO: But no, at my mother, of course, and her brother and her friends always used it for a dance hall, and just um, previous to it burning down it had become a movie theater or a while and I remember my friend Jackie lived right over there [laughs] right next door from this place um, I remember Jackie and her mother were talking about going, they went to the movies and stuff, but, I, no, I never was inside. NN: Okay, okay. But, you, you said you watched it when it was on fire. CVO: Oh yeah NN: So you saw the end, unfortunately, right? �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 9 CVO: It was on the news that night and everything, I mean, you know, it’s like, it was the end of an era for many people. NN: For sure and, and I bet your Dad didn't get home till real late that night, as the Fire Chief, or as Police, Police Chief at the time. CVO: Yeah NN: Yes CVO: Um, he did manage to see it on the news when it, when it came on but, and all the adults I remember that, were familiar with it of course which was most of them, [laughs] you know, most of the population were all just sick, you know, that night, just, you know, beyond belief. NN: Um, when you were in high school, what was your favorite subject? CVO: History NN: Oh! You’re in the right place, I think. Anything particular any specific era or just history in general? CVO: just history in general. I had our wonderful teacher. He, a lot of the boys never liked him but his name was Richard McFall and I, I was always very interested in his class and kept, they kept my attention and, and uh I just really uh, enjoyed, uh, his classes a great deal and he was only like ten years older than us really but you know he tried to be this bossy, you know, scary guy and I just you know, right, you know but he was uh, one of my favorite, favorite teachers. When he, when uh, we graduated, that, on the night we graduated, people lined up. You, you, the seniors would line up in the hall and then people that were at the graduation, of course come and wish you well, and shake your hand and kiss you and hug you, and I put my arms around him and said ‘I’m going to miss you so much’. NN: And uh, what year did you graduate from high school? CVO: ‘72. NN: 1972. Okay, alright and you were living in Douglas. Was there a bus? How did you get to Saugatuck, to the high school? CVO: Um, in the earlier years, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th we had a bus that would uh, be picking up the elementary kids and when he’d, they drop the elementary kids off in the morning and the bus will come through Douglas and pick us up. At one time, the place used the post office and the post office got sick of us [laughs] and they made us go down to, like where the respite is now and pick, and catch the bus down there. NN: okay. Alright um, and then at the end of the day you take the bus back to Douglas as well? Okay. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 10 CVO: Mhm and it would let you off in a different place. It let you off on Main Street across from the dinette, you know. NN: Okay CVO: in that corner there NN: Um, so how would you, how is Douglas, how would you uh, explain how Douglas is changed from what you remember of the community when you were a child? You still live here now, how, how, what, how would you describe that change? CVO: it's gotten, you know, so built up. There used to be a time when uh, when you went to the store. DeMond’s which was called Taft's year ago. When that, that opened when I was in about 5th grade and you just knew everybody, you know, you’d go in and, and it was only open till six o'clock every night and you had to get your stuff you know, by a certain time, it was, and uh, you know, uh it was like unheard of, a store being open, and you know oh my goodness and uh, so over the years with um, more and more population more and more different stores and different things they even sell now. I tell you the truth I even don't know, you know, what a lot of them are, someone says to me have you been to the so-and-so, no. [Laughs] NN: No [laughs] and, let me see. But you still, you still do see many people who you grew up with or their siblings or something who are, who do still live in town, so there still is that, a portion of that home grown component that is still here. CVO: Oh yes. Oh yeah, we, uh, have a good time when we do get together. [Laughs] NN: I was going to say, do you get, do you have a little group that gets together and, reminisces? CVO: We have before, yes, we have but not of lately, but, we, yeah. [Laughs] You know, and um, and that's always fun and funny thing is you always care about each other, which, is another thing where a lot of people go to school and never really know who they went to school with and, did, yeah. And uh, where, if we see another person, from our you know, our old thing they’ll say, how’s so-and so, or, have you seen so-and-so, or, so it's like a little network. NN: It is, it’s a little family almost, right? A community family, sort of. Okay, um, uh, I know you said when you were younger, you would, you could go to the lakeshore uh, because of the people that your father was, was working with or doing business. Did you ever know anybody else who was out in the Lakeshore area? Even as you were getting older, becoming an adult? CVO: Oh, um, yes, my, we had real good family friend and um, her and her son, oh, uh, lived on Lakeshore all year round. She worked at the bank in Saugatuck and her name was Leigh Showers and her son was Kendall, who, Kendall was very well known around here for a long time because he was a disc jockey or radio announcer or whatever, in Holland at WHTC. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 11 NN: Okay CVO: And so, knowing them was, and we had a news man who I was just talking to someone about this too. A newsman from Channel 8, their, one of their news anchors at Channel 8 moved here when I was about 6 because his daughter came in the first grade with us and his name was Bill Alan and he lived on [starts Laughing] lake, on Lakeshore too and everybody was like, it was like the local celebrity. Bill Alan! NN: And what was his daughter's name? CVO: Nancy. NN: Who, one of the Nancy's who was in your class, okay. CVO: Yes, she, she was a very, she graduated way ahead, she knew she was away ahead of us as far as, and, but it was fun to see them and, right, I’ve seen him on TV, you know? Whoa! NN: Um, we've heard some stories from other people that the sort of late ‘60s were kind of a, uh, tumultuous time in the community? What do you recall about that? CVO: I know that in the early ‘60s, when Dad was on the patrol thing and my mother and I were at the square dance… NN: Yes CVO: and we came home that night and we could hear yelling and screaming and shouting in Saugatuck and they, at the time were saying that Saugatuck was having a riot. NN: Okay, yes. CVO: And I don’t really, you know, I don’t really know who was involved or what happened but you could… NN: …so you were in Douglas… CVO: …in my room… NN: …by, by Lake Kalamazoo… CVO: …Yes… NN: …And you could hear the sound… CVO: …Yes… �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 12 NN: … of people across the water from Saugatuck. Wow that’s amazing. Yes. Do you recall [pause] motorcycles? CVO: Oh yes. NN: Yes? CVO: Mhm NN: Buzzing about town? Tell me about that, what do you remember? CVO: Well, they were kind of, you know, they seemed so scary at the time, they were kind of, you know. But, one time I was walking through Douglas and this poor guy, you know the guy with the black leather [inaudible] on his motorcycle comes up to me about 12, and he says ‘um, is this Saugatuck?’ and he’s got this, you know, really worried, like, I bet he’s going to cry look on and I said ‘No, Saugatuck is across the river, you just get on the bridge’ and he was like ‘Oh! Thank goodness’ you know he had heard all about this wild Saugatuck town and he’s Douglas and he’s going ‘I’m lost!’ NN: Yep CVO: And people before did stop me even when I still lived in Douglas, um, I moved out of uh Douglas in about 19, uh, no, 2001 and but people still would stop me sometimes and say how do you get, this one lady went, ‘Well how do I get the Ferry over to Saugatuck?’ and I said ‘No, no, you can just go right up here, there’s a bridge.’ But she thought Saugatuck was the, that you had to get there by boat. NN: That was the only way to go, was the ferry! Okay, okay. Interesting. Um, uh, do you remember anything about uh, rock concerts in Saugatuck? Yes? CVO: Yes NN: Yes CVO: Another Dad story NN: Yep CVO: My father was Saugatuck Township Supervisor by that time. NN: okay CVO: Man was, and they had announced that this man, that was a promoter big promoter in um, Detroit. His name was Mike Quatro and he was going to have this big, you know, pop festival like, like Woodstock, you know [laughs] and it was going to out by Goshorn, but was it accessible, you know, just through Saugatuck. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 13 NN: Right. CVO: and it was about 1968 or 9. I, I think it had to be about I, I was about fifteen. And the couple nights before they had a big meeting at the Douglas Hall over here because back then Saugatuck Township did not have a meeting place. NN: Oh a, a, okay. CVO: and my father was on a, at desk and people were yelling, you know it was not a pleasant meeting getting in his face because they didn't want all these people of course. You know, those hippies, and, and, and, all that come in here and he could not get an injunction. He did not get an injunction for it. So it went on! NN: So the festival went forward, okay. CVO: Yes it did. There were many, um, Bob Seger was there at the time he was up, just new. Uh, Ted Nugent. He was in band called the Amboy Dukes and Muddy Waters and my father did have to promise the citizens that he would go there every day. Speak to Mike Quatro, and just make sure that everything was, because people, our phone rang constantly and people were like ‘Where’s your Father!’, I was, you know, like fifteen and they’re going ‘We’re going to get your Father for this’, and I'm like yeah and um, so it was a very, you know, difficult time but we went out there. I went out there with him but the last you want to do when you’re fifteen and you think you’re really cool is going to this thing with your dad. [Laughs] NN: Hang out with your father! CVO: Yeah! And he's going to Mister Quatro, he's going ‘Oh, um, Can here, she's there somebody she wants to meet.’ I wanted to meet Ted Nugent, I wanted to meet him. And, and he says ‘What's her name again?’ [Laughing, Inaudible] and I did Muddy Waters. NN: Okay. CVO: So I, I did not realize the significance of that later until I moved to Illinois for a while and then when he died, I mean Chicago was… NN: Yeah CVO: And I’m going ‘I met him’ at the pop festival and my brother in law still has a poster from it and I wish I would've saved, Mike Quatro had all this really cool stationary that he would, he would write to my father you know various times about stuff and I did keep it for years and years but, one of those things, don’t know what, always wished I still had it. NN: Well if you ever come across some, we would love to see it. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 14 CVO: Yes. NN: What, what, did you meet Mike Quatro? CVO: Yes I did. NN: Okay, what do you remember about him, anything? CVO: Just that he [inaudible] small town, you know, and people were just lined up all over the place and the cars out in Blue Star, it was, it was a mess. And motorcycles like you know, it was, and you know people calling saying people relieving themselves in their yards, and you know the cars, and this and this and this, you know very many many complaints. NN: So your family was personally impacted by the controversy of the concert or the festival, yes? Besides what you actually experienced yourself, the phone was ringing off the hook it sounds like. [sighs] And how much longer was your dad the Township Supervisor after that? CVO: He stayed until 1982 believe it or not. He stayed there 14 about 14-15 years. NN: So his whole career then, was pretty much for public service. CVO: Right NN: First as the Police Chief, then as the Fire Chief and then as the Township Supervisor. CVO: And when you were the Township Supervisor you had many duties that they now have with someone else. He was the Sexton of the cemetery, he when someone died you had to get the books out, find out where their burial place was. Even meet with the family to show them where it was. He had to do all that, get the, write all the information back in the books. Plus he was the SSR. Okay, and then there was, uh you know, different but different jobs now, they you know, divide them up. But, he was very busy. NN: It does sound busy, the whole thing. The thing sounds busy. Um, okay I have a note here that says we may have missed a couple of minutes about um, the period when your dad was the fire chief. So if we can just rehash just a little bit of that so I have the whole story. Um, uh, you said that he was the police chief from which years? CVO: About 1950 to about 1963. NN: Okay, and then how quickly was he nominated to the position of fire chief? CVO: Like the next week. [Both laugh] NN: Okay, okay um, and you said that uh, where was the Douglas fire truck kept? �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 15 CVO: Down below the Village Hall NN: Okay, in the level, right? CVO: Yes. NN: Okay, one engine right? Yep, and uh, your family was involved with activating the siren can you tell me that story one more time? CVO: It was just a regular wall, you know, the wall switch you flip. It was in my dad’s den or his office whatever you want to call it. But we did sometimes have, if we had overnight guests, uh, they slept in there and so we were always telling them if you gonna feel around in the dark, you know for a light, don't, don't, don't flip that switch. NN: Don’t sound the alarm, right? CVO: And like I said I put a sign over it that said, this is a fire alarm, but and like I told you before if there was, there were like about two or three other people that did have the fire phone at their homes. NN: Okay, okay. CVO: But, like I said depending on who is able to answer and then a lot of times when the guys got down there, there was a chalk board there too and when theyd get the truck out and go, they’d quick write where the fire was so everyone else could [laughs] NN: They would show up and say oh we have to go here, and know where to go! Right? CVO: Yes, right. NN: That makes a lot of sense. You have to think about what the destination is right? CVO: Watching my dad and my friend Jackie's dad uh, if there was an alarm and they're looking for their shoes, looking for their, you know. Oh! [laughs] NN: He kept his gear at home? The fire, the fire, some of his fire suit, or his? CVO: He didn't. They really didn't really have much in it, they, I think he had a hat maybe, but I cent even remember [inaudible] He had some sort of pin. NN: Oh! Yes. So everybody knew he was the… CVO: Yeah! NN: Okay, he was the chief [Laughs] okay. Thank you for revisiting that. Um, uh, let's think about the future just for a minute we've been talking a lot about the past and these wonderful memories that, �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 16 and, and you know obviously you remember a lot of the detail which is, which is fabulous. Um, what are your some of your hopes for the Saugatuck/Douglas of the future? CVO: That it can that um, attracts other people to want to at least come and visit to uh, experience. We have the river, the beach. Um, the, um, many different beautiful sites if you, you know if you think about them, Mount Baldhead still attracts people and just that hopefully that they can just continue to progress, in the, you know the, uh tourism and the friendliness, but you know, like I said it still can exert, or whatever you want to call it the, the uh meaning of being friendly and it, sometimes it all disappears now but we were always known as the “Village of Friendliness”. [Laughs] NN: Yes, yes, Douglas still tries to use that from time to time, right? That motto. Um, what do you think some of the greatest needs are that currently face the community? at this moment in time CVO: At this moment in time. Um, I'm really not sure, it, it because it varies from to time. Um, we they have so many things that they plan and so many things that they do. we have the socials, I attended a social here, just a while back. They had the, the parades, every memorial day is still a big day. come out, for the parade, yes.. and and uh, there, um, I, you know, just get a sense of pride just for the fact that you know it's still here after all these years. I don't know a lot of the people around me, I’ll go through the neighborhood going who lives there now, who lives there. but it, it is nice that it attracts uh, residents and they enjoy their children's going to the school and you know that life goes on and but it's going on very well. NN: okay. Alright. Um, remember, we said earlier that this interview will be safe for a long time and that's one of the wonderful things about the way that we're capturing these is we can be able to access them long into the future. If someone listens to this recording, fifty years in the future say, what would you most like them to know about your life? CVO: how much I enjoyed it, how much fun it was and how um living in a small town like this, you just knew everyone and you enjoyed day to day life it wasn't any kind of strife, you know. You know I mean everyone had their problems. But and if you did you would all join together if there was you know, a problem or something happens, someone um. I, I have a very tragic story if you want to hear it for a minute, but. I had uh, neighbors when I was in, um, growing up and when I was in sixth grade so I was 12 and the neighbors had six children and they didn't keep their house too well and the kids, you know, it, it was kind of. Their Dad drank, he worked but he, he drank a lot and the mom kind of, was kind of lackadaisical about where the, you know the kids went. You know, where are my kids? Well one day she went over to Saugatuck with some friends and her, the baby was 2, his name was Troy and he was a cutie but he was always wearing just like a T-shirt and diaper [pause] and the women, for some reason all went in the house at this place and somebody had a donkey. This is a true story, somebody had a donkey in this corral. NN: Okay �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 17 CVO: And so, one of, they left Troy out there instead of bringing in with them which I don't. [sighs] he was 2 and someone says ‘what’s the donkey got in it’s mouth?’ NN: Oh, no. CVO: And he had mauled, he picked Troy up the stomach, and Troy passed away the next day and the whole town was like, you know, back then agencies didn't get all involved, it was like well the kid died, you know but they really didn't go into, you know that I mean. NN: Right, it was a different era. CVO: Yes, big investigation or… NN: Right. CVO: it was a just tragedy. So they buried Troy and that was very sad, eight days later was our last day of sixth grade. Troy had a brother in my class named Howard, and his sister Jean was, was, my age but she was a year behind me and we were, Jean and I were very, very close and I remember walking home with Howard that day after, you know, last school and he was with his buddies and he's kind of laughing stuff that my girlfriends and I were doing. But I have, um, I had to go with my dad that day to Kalamazoo, of all places. We had to, he had business there and then we were picking up a graduation present for Kendall that guy I mentioned earlier. Kendall wass graduating from high school that night and we went to a jewelry store or something and we got Kendall a gift. When we got home mother was crying, shes waiting for the, us to get home, and my dad was, ‘what’s the matter?’ Howard drowned that afternoon he was fishing right near where the Keewatin eventually was… NN: Yeah CVO: And he had hip waiters on, and he was fishing with another kid and he got pulled under and he was only 13 and he died just 8 days after his little brother. So this whole community was, I mean everybody was those jars, you know to help, you know and it was, when I think back to it now, I go now they would have people investigating their, you know, the parents that, you know the this, the that, the home life, you know what I mean. But it was, it knocked you down. NN: well for a small town to have that tragedy twice… CVO: twice… NN: …a row. Uh, what was the last name? CVO: Edwards. NN: Edwards, okay. even as a young person I'm sure you could feel the sense of community in the tragedy that was happening, I would think. �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 18 CVO: well, to be there in the midst of it, like when after Troy died, I remember all us kids because I, like I said they had a lot of kids and there was Jean and Noel, and, and Howard and a little one named Sally and a older one named Ann, and Ann's boyfriend came over after, uh the afternoon after the baby had died, like a Saturday afternoon with a guitar and was trying to play and, you know, make us sing and trying to cheer us up and all that. To be with Jean through all that, now I look back and I think, oh my gosh, we were only twelve years old. I, I, you know you, Jean had said to me that second, when the second tragedy happened she was up at the store for her mother, she, she walked home, she went around the corner, she sees the state police at their house and she thinks, well now, now and when she got ,and she said as she went down the hill she thought, I hope it's not my precious Noel, that was her younger brother and when she got home [inaudible] so that was a very tragic time. NN: Absolutely, absolutely. Um, potentially on a happier note, are there are any other stories that I haven’t asked you about or places or people who, I mean, I'm sure there's so many things but are there or is anything else in your mind that you want to be sure to share with us? CVO: Well, it's like, I just, like when I go to town lots of time I go, that used to be, and they used to be there. which my son said, he's doing now, he's a fireman for, um Saugatuck and he has to deal a lot with the um, township. He, he, he goes to represent the fire department and he said he's feeling old now because he’ll go, this is to be, he's telling these people that are not familiar with the area and he's going, this is to here and that used to be there. Yeah, he and Mark Becken. I said Mark's got twenty some years on you, you know yet even Brent is now feeling like this is used to be here, this used to be there, that library, was, they opened it for wedding receptions and stuff I can remember it had a dance, where the library part is now, was the dance floor… NN: okay. CVO: …thing and down below was a basement where it like, I remember going to a big wedding reception there one night and the, the people were dancing up stairs and all that and then downstairs was your food and, and otherwise I don't ever remember being an Athletic building, which they said it was. NN: The Douglas Athletic Center or something for a while, right, I remember hearing that. Um, so your son Brent, you said he is, he is a firefighter. In Saugatuck? CVO: yes he is a, um, Captain. NN: okay, wonderful CVO: and currently he's down, he had a back injury. Fell off a ladder, imagine that [laughs] and he currently can’t, you know, work but he’s been on the fire department for many years and he just, you know he’s, he really likes it a lot. NN: Do you have any other kids? �Candace Van Oss Part 2- Interviewed by Nathan Neitering July 21 2018 19 CVO: yes I do. I have a son named Shannon, and Shannon is going to be 37. [Laughs] Brent’s going to be 45 in a couple of weeks. But, Shannon, uh, both boys started out, their father works, worked for years for the Public Works, he worked for 43 years for the Saugatuck Public Works so the kids start out their summer jobs working, both, at the public works and eventually they both, Brent first and Shannon later on for the Kalamazoo Lake and Sewer Authority. we work field technicians doing work for that for a long time and then press wanted to become a full time fire fighter and Shannon had enough of his water licenses you know you have to have these testing and spending water guy and public works guy he also said classes. we're just bothering here. so you know it's kinda funny how it worked out. the boys. you know place is my father and their father and it was kind of a tradition generation generation. so both of your kids are still close I there but yeah. okay. one was in Richmond. just this is a little ways should me inside or outside. okay. alright. and just for the record. their fathers name. this is me Blair. okay. his father was. I don't remember but it was rejected on the HTC. was talking to challenges and this is. staff. bye. okay. so if you used to be the mayor of Florida Tech. used to go. when Brent and his cousins were born to do your part. okay. your let sister and I had our babies up at the community. she was me. start time. my dad was in touch. okay. that would have been in the early seven early seventies. okay. small town like you said the whole time. yeah. yeah. wonderful. I was there anything else that we didn't discuss. no I'm not really. bye Campbell if this is not some people. well I think one of the most important things about this project. is that we are really trying to capture what everyday life with money and people may say I didn't do anything special or unique but it's still web stories that all come together about how this family relates to that when these people went to school together and you know and that's the fabric that in fifty years or even five euros will be able to look over and stitch that together and that's why why. we are very excited to see the storage summer project. talking about summer and all year round. so yeah. so on campus. thank you so much for sharing your time and sharing your memories with me. this will conclude our interview � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Summers in Saugatuck-Douglas Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Kutsche Office of Local History Description An account of the resource Collection contains images and documents digitized and collected through the project "Stories of Summer," supported by a National Endowment for the Humanities Common Heritage Grant. The collection aims to document the twin lakeshore communities of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan, as they transformed through the state's bustling tourism industry and acceptance of minorities. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1910s-2010s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Various Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/">Copyright Undetermined</a> Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Douglas (Mich.) Michigan, Lake Allegan County (Mich.) Beaches Sand dunes Outdoor recreation Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Saugatuck-Douglas History Center Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Text Language A language of the resource English Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-07_SD-VanOssC-20180721_p2 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Van Oss, Candace Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-07-21 Title A name given to the resource Candace Van Oss (Audio interview and transcript, Part 2 of 2), 2018 Description An account of the resource Candace Van Oss grew up in Douglas. She shares many memories of her father's career as Chief of Police. In the second part of the interivew, Candace continues with stories of her father's career as Fire Chief and later Saugatuck Township Supervisor. Her interview also includes a detailed descrition of the 1968 Rock Festival held in Douglas, Michigan. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Neitering, Nathan (Interviewer) Van Orsdol, Mollie (Transcriber) Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Douglas (Mich.) Allegan County (Mich.) Parks Outdoor recreation Music festivals Oral history Audio recordings Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Stories of Summer project, Kutsche Office of Local History. Grand Valley State University Relation A related resource Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2422458df3d84db2a63acb5058fe1e1b.jpg 9f5da7892944c029e16156a35eeb8f2f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Decorated Publishers' Bindings Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Description An account of the resource From the early 1870s to roughly 1930, many publishers issued their commercial book covers with a remarkable variety of graphic designs and illustrations. This sixty-year period saw many artists and designers contributing to this art form. While some can be identified from their style or initials, others remain unknown. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Michigan Novels Collection Regional Historical Collection Lincoln and the Civil War Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-08-30 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a>, <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source Lincoln and the Civil War. PS1556 .C2 1901 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-01_Bindings0213 Title A name given to the resource Candle-Lightin' Time Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Armstrong, Margaret (Designer) Description An account of the resource Binding of Candle-Lightin' Time, by Paul Laurence Dunbar, published by Dodd, Mead and Company, 1901. Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Pictorial bindings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1901 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d3b922b4e7c2fafd9089c35573954818.mp4 d8680cec09a83d2feb51ae6fb0bd6108 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6d0b4462b7556b5d0259f9a2a79cf90a.pdf 8a20d40af7db324671d7afad98ebe2a6 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans Histroy Project John Canepa (49:02) (00:01) Background Information • John was born in a small town in Massachusetts in 1930 • He went to Catholic elementary and high school for two years and then went to a secondary school at a private military academy • At the time he had been concerned with preparing for college and not the military • His father had been in the Navy during World War I • John was attending college at Harvard and near graduation when the draft went into effect • He decided to join the Navy based on his father’s experience; he would rather enlist in the Navy then be drafted into the Army (2:45) Navy Enlistment • John went through some physical testing in Boston and was accepted into the Navy one week later • He was not able to attend his graduation ceremony at Harvard and received his degree in the mail • He took a train to Rhode Island and arrived at an officer school base • The Navy Waves barracks were right across the street (5:25) Training • Training was a very big change for John; they had to get up every day at 6 am for attendance and march for one hour • They had classes all day long and then did more drilling afterwards • John went through technological training, navigation, and gunnery training • He received a demerit for not sitting up straight in class • John spent 90 days in officer school from May till September • His parents and girlfriend attended his graduation ceremony and he got married two days later (8:15) Selection of Assignment • After graduating, future assignments would be given based on specialties • John chose to join the Amphibious Force because he though it would be exciting working with the Navy, Marine Corps, and the underwater demolition teams • John then traveled to the Naval Amphibious base in San Diego for amphibious training • First he had training for survival at sea, where he trained in a swimming pool all day long, in a full uniform, for three weeks • John was then assigned to a ship in Long Beach • He had amphibious training on a landing ship, working with Marines • John was also working in an underwater demolition area �(13:40) USS Comstock • John was issued a room mate in the living quarters and began bunking with the ship’s physician • He was in charge of the Combat Information Center, or CIC • They were working on sea trials for four weeks and making necessary changes to the ship • John was in the lower part of the ship working with radar equipment • He traveled to Japan, when the Korean war had just ended • They spent two weeks in Japan and then visited Korea (20:05) French Indo-China • The French had just lost the battle at Dien Bien Phu and the Americans were helping to evacuate the French army, which took a very long time • They were also evacuating civilians that did not want to live under communist rule • Many of the French were covered with ringworm and many of them had scurvy • The Vietnamese refugees had been very oppressed and most of them were women and children • John returned to Japan again for six weeks and then traveled to Alaska to pick up some men from the Army (27:30) Transferred • John was transferred to work on a landing ship of Division 2 in the San Diego Station • He was second in command and in charge of eight ships for about six months • The Navy had been in the process of decommissioning many ships • He was transferred again to Virginia where he had a landing ship staff job • John worked with 2 divisions and 8 landing ships • He worked with the commanders of the division and traveled to Cuba (33:30) Discharged • John was discharged six weeks early and continued to work in the reserve for three years • He was promoted to the position of full lieutenant • John continued to grow in his banking position and no longer had time for the reserve • He had become a much more responsible and accountable person while in the service • John learned leadership skills and how to get along with a very diverse group of people � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Canepa, John (Interview outline and video), 2004 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Canepa, John Description An account of the resource John Canepa was born in Massachusetts in 1930. He attended Harvard University and enlisted in the Navy near graduation and just barely missed the Korean War. He attended officer school in Rhode Island and was later assigned to work in the Naval Amphibious Force. John traveled to Japan, Korea, and Cuba while in the Navy. After he was discharged he remained in the reserve for three years. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans United States. Navy Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Video recordings Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004-10-14 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CanepaJ Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0b0e1404e4caf392fd919d764124ac29.m4v 83451062e4469ba7a99cc21e852d6f44 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/323d5f01d45515310478fca54787f43e.pdf af2b90791f44a30bf67835f9114ea9f6 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans’ History Project Tom Cannan World War II 45 minutes 19 seconds (00:00:10) Early Life -Born in Eldorado, Illinois, in 1922 -In southern Illinois near the Kentucky border and the Ohio River -Grew up there -Mother died when he was four years old -Father worked as a car salesman, owned a hardware store, and some plumbing and heating work -Lost everything because of the Great Depression -Eventually found work as a night watchman at a coal mine -Graduated from high school in 1940 (00:01:36) Citizens’ Military Training Camp -Went to Citizens’ Military Training Camp at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin -Received some training with field artillery -One month of training -If you did a month a year, for four years, you were qualified to go to Officer Candidate School -Returned home after completing that -Did that training in 1940 (00:04:10) Start of the War & Enlisting in the Navy -He was in Missouri visiting family when he heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor -Joined the Naval Aviation Cadet School in 1942 -Had originally gone to Marion, Illinois, to try to join the Navy Seabees -Went back and forth for two or three months to get in -Told he didn’t have enough experience to work in construction -Did aptitude testing in Marion and in St. Louis -Needed two years of college to become a pilot, but the Navy had an alternate program -Three months of training, 35 hours of flight time, but no pay -Opted to do that program so he could become a pilot cadet (00:07:36) Training at St. Ambrose College -Sent to St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, for his pre-cadet training -Had a “ground school” -Learning about aircraft engines, meteorology, and civil air regulations -Got 35 hours of flight time -Upon completion of that course he had his pilot’s license -Learned to fly in a two-passenger, single engine plane -There were about a dozen men in his class -Some washed out, but the majority graduated -Sent home and told to wait to be called for service �(00:10:58) Navy Pre-Flight Training -Sworn in at St. Louis then told to wait for another call to report -Went to the University of Iowa for Navy Pre-Flight Training -Three months of training -Basic indoctrination, radio code training, more meteorology training, and more air regulations -Deeper training than at St. Ambrose (00:12:36) Navy Primary Flight Training -Sent to Naval Air Station Hutchinson, Kansas, for his Primary Flight Training -Worked with larger aircraft and received more detailed training -Flew the Stearman Model 75 biplane -Got 60 hours of flight time -Flew during the day and did two or three nights of night flying -Flew one hour at a time -Started with flying out of the base then returning to it -Moved on to flying from the base, to another base, back to home base -Spent most of his time on the base -One Sunday he went into town and a local family invited him to dinner -Stayed in touch with them (00:16:50) Navy Advanced Flight Training -Went to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, for Advanced Flight Training -Flew the SNJ (Navy’s version of the T-6) -250 horsepower single engine with retractable landing gear -Started learning how to take off and land on an aircraft carrier -Had the runway marked to be about the same size as a carrier’s flight deck -There were fatal accidents -Bruce Bradford, his former roommate during Pre-Flight Training, was killed in a crash (00:21:20) Discharged from Navy & Enlisting in the Army Air Force -Cadets without two years of college would be discharged or could enlist for six years -Decided to take the discharge -Went to the nearby Army airfield and enlisted in the Army Air Force (00:23:30) Instructing at Parks Air College -Assigned to Parks Air College in St. Louis to train Army pilot cadets -Given one month of instructor training -Served as an instructor for a year-and-a half -Used PT-19s -Low-wing aircraft with fixed landing gear -Taught the cadets maneuvers and basic acrobatics -Rolls, loops, and Immelmann maneuvers -Trained them how to do take offs and landings, and day and night flying -Enjoyed working as an instructor -No cadets were killed during his time as an instructor -Very safe because of strict testing for cadets -The college had been a civilian facility taken over by the Army Air Force �-Had some older civilian instructors -Did six months of instruction before he was sworn into the Army Air Force -Lived with a family in Sikeston, Missouri, near the college -Community had mixed feelings about the military presence -He lived with an elderly couple -Some of the instructors were respectable, and the others were wild -Army eventually closed the training field (00:29:19) Army Cadet Training -Placed into Army Cadet Training at Keesler Field, Mississippi -Did three months of Army basic training -Trained alongside fresh recruits and some instructors from Parks Air College -Basic military indoctrination, and a waste of time for him -Went on bivouacs, did drill, and discipline (00:31:41) Army Flight Training -Sent to various fields around San Antonio for the Army’s version of flight training -Proceeded to Lancaster, California, for more flight training -He had befriended a bomber pilot that led the raid on the Ploesti Oilfields -Helped get Tom into flight training at Lancaster -Did three check rides at Lancaster and was told he was already qualified (00:34:30) Instructing at Marana Army Air Field -Sent to Marana Army Air Field near Tucson, Arizona -Trained returning B-17 pilots how to become instructors in the T-6 -Mix of nice men and cocky men -Remembers a close call when the plane stalled, fortunately, the pilot got them out of it -Some of the men didn’t respect him because he’d never flown a bomber -One experienced pilot was killed when he crashed his plane into a mountain -Escorted the remains back to Atlantic City, New Jersey -Met the pilot’s family -Wife gave birth to a son the day he was killed -Spent two weeks with the family and attended the funeral -By then, Japan had surrendered and the war was over -He saw the Miss America competition (September 8, 1945) (00:41:15) End of Service -Sent to Williams Field, Arizona, for the last couple months of his enlistment -Discharged in late 1945 (00:42:06) Life after the War -Returned to Illinois, got married and lived in Illinois for 69 years -Worked in heating and air conditioning, and owned his own shop -Wife was the bookkeeper and helped at the shop -Consistently worked on the local hospital’s mechanicals (00:43:24) Reflections on Service -Taught him maturity and responsibility -Felt like he did a necessary job during the war, but felt the branch transfer wasted time � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27_CannanT2097V Title A name given to the resource Cannan, Thomas (Interview outline and video), 2017 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-01-24 Description An account of the resource Tom Cannan was born in Eldorado, Illinois, in 1922. Prior to military service, he went to the Citizens' Military Training Camp at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, for a month of training with field artillery in 1940. In 1942, he joined the Naval Aviation Cadet School after receiving three months of preliminary flight training at St. Ambrose College, Iowa. He went to the University of Iowa for Navy Pre-Flight Training, then on to Naval Air Station Hutchinson, Kansas, for Primary Flight Training. Tom then went to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, for Advanced Flight Training, but was discharged from the Naval Aviation Cadet program due to not having two years of college. He enlisted in the Army Air Force and became an instructor at Parks Air College in St. Louis, training Army pilot cadets. He served as an instructor there for a year-and-a half then went to Keesler Field, Mississippi, for three months of Army Cadet Training. After that training he did Army flight training at Army airfields around San Antonio, Texas, and at Lancaster, California. He was selected to be an instructor at Marana Army Air Field, Arizona, and for the last couple months of his enlistment was at Williams Field, Arizona. He was discharged in late 1945. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cannan, Thomas Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Veterans Video recordings World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American United States. Army United States. Navy Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/x-m4v application/pdf https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3e9f7adb52e545f2e56893c8f967fda8.pdf 619d893efdad97423af64845095dcd0c PDF Text Text �COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN CANNON TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN DECEMBER 6, 1978 PREIN . & NEWHOF. . ENGINEERS - PLANNERS �TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 1 OP INION SURVEY 7 BACKGROUND STUDIES The Environment Population Population Characteristics Existing Land Use Transportation Community Facilities Utilities Financial Resources ANALYSIS Cannon Township Planning Goals The Environment Population Land Use Transportation Community Facilities Multiple Family Housing Financial Resources 15 15 17 23 30 31 34 39 41 43 43 43 45 50 54 55 57 58 THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 59 IMPLEMENTATION 61 Zoning Ordinance Revisions Township Review Restrictive Covenants Review And Uodate The Plan Financial Assistance 61 61 61 61 62 �LIST OF TABLES PAGE 1. Population Growth Trends For Selected Geographical Areas 22 Number of Families By Family Income, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan 1970 23 Employed Persons, 16 Years Old And Over By Industry And Sex, Cannon Township, 1970 24 Years Of School Completed, 1970, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan 26 Percent Persons By Age Group And Sex, 1970, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan 26 Occupied And Vacant Year-Round Housing Units By Year Structure Built, 1970 27 Occupied And Vacant Year-Round Housing Units By Source Of Water, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan, 1970 27 Occupied And Vacant Year-Round Housing Units By Type Of Sewage Disposal, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan, 1970 28 Occupied Units By Number Of Automobiles Available, 1970, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan 28 10. Existing Land Use, Cannon Township, 1977 31 11. Summary Of Roads In Cannon Township, 1977 33 12. Area Schools And Their Capacities 37 13. Housings Units In Cannon Township, 1970, By Value 42 14. Payment From 1976 Tax Collections, Cannon Township, (Dec. l, 1976 - March l, 1977) . 42 15. Population Projections For Cannon Township Using Selected Forecasting Methods 49 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. '· 9. �LIST OF FIGURES PAGE 1. Regional Location 2 2. Erosion Potential 16 3. Aquatic Systems 18 4. Generalized Soils 19 5. Prime Woodlands 20 6. Population Growth 1960-1970 For Cannon Township And Neighboring Townships 22 7. Persons By Age And Sex, 1970, Cannon Township, Kent County, Michigan 25 8. Existing Land Use 32 9. Road System 35 10. Community Facilities 36 11. School Districts 38 12. Existing And Proposed Sanitary Sewer System 40 13. Residential Suitability 46 14. Agricultural Suitability 47 15. Comprehensive Development Plan 60 �INTRODUCTION �INTRODUCTION Cannon Township, located in northeastern Kent County, is situated northeast of the City of Grand Rapids in west central Michigan. The rolling topography of the Township is characterized by the excellent loamy soils so well suited to grazing and farming. This quiet rural Township is jeweled with nine named lakes and numerous small streams, including Bear Creek, ribbon the rolling hills. The first entree of land in the Township was made in 1835, by James F. Potter, . for Sections 30 and 31. The settling of the Township started shortly there- . after with the first settlers arriving in the Township area in 1840. These first inhabitants located on Zebulon and Mariette Roads. ·~ Activities in the Township are recorded beginning on April 6, 1846. The legislature organized the town under the name of Cirktown in the spring of 1846. At the time of this reorganization, the population of the Township had grown to 290. Actually, Cannon Township was originally a part of Plainfield Township which lies immediately to the west. Cannonsburg was platted on December 1, 1848, for LeGrande Cannon of Troy, New York. B. B. Bostwick was commissioned to purchase land in the Township for Mr. Cannon, thereby establishing the Village of Cannonsburg. The rolling terrain, soils, and the Grand River combined to guide the Township's destiny in the early years. The rolling hills and fertile l �, . -c -. I c) D 9 COURTLAND SPARTA co 0 ~~ OAKFIELD cc0 J> __I ·· "\ . ✓ 0 C) 0 S3 ~ C::::::S GRATTAN o!J O ALPINE o VERGENNES FIGURE LOCATION CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE KENT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN MAP MILES ~ 0 ll'lltt"'•"'WMOI' I 2 ] t ..... [ltS .,.A--« .. �soils combined to create a situation highly conducive to agriculture. The Grand River presented a barrier between the Township and the developing industrial area of Grand Rapids further shaping the community as agriculturally dependent. In the southwestern portion of the Township, the Grand River also provided rich flood plain soils for the agricultural community. Because of the strong agricultural development, Cannon Township has continued to rely on agriculture as its primary activity until recently. Affluence and the automobile have provided the impetus behind the modern trend of a rural residence and urban employment community referred to as 11 bedroom communities 11 • A 11 bedroom community 11 is one in which the residents are employed and do their major purchasing in a different geographic location. The 11 bedroom community 11 is typified by a move to a quiet rural area to live while still working and shopping in the City. Cannon Township is a prime target for this activity due to its close proximity to the cities of Grand Rapids and Rockford. Although still predominantly agricultural in land use, Cannon Township has grown 46.l percent from a population of 2,525 in 1960 to 3,690 in 1970. · Estimates for the 1977 population (~ased on the 1977 land use survey and building permits since 1970) show the population in excess of 4600. In addition to the general exodus to the rural areas of the county, affluence has allowed families to purchase second homes. Thus, we see the rapid development of Silver Lake and Bostwick Lake. tinued affluence combined with the improved transportation routes and 3 Con- �increasing attraction of rural lakeside living has caused many of the second home residents to remodel or rebuild and become permanent residents. Thus, we see the presently increasing development of Lake Bella Vista. Planning Process Every individual or group plans their future to some extent, some more extensively than others. Individuals plan their budgets, insurance programs, education goals, retirement, and daily activities. their vacations, or whether to add a room to the house. Families plan Businesses plan their inventories, sales promotions, and investments. Communities must plan their future also. Planning is necessary to deter- mine the wisest use of the community resources, both physical and human, in order to reach established goals and objectives. Comprehensive plan- ning is a process which considers a broad range of community characteristics in establishing a strategy for future development. One of the primary objectives of this plan is the attainment and maintenance of a quiet, rural, efficient, and safe living environment for the residents of Cannon Township. To be efficient and effective, the Township needs a guide for growth and development. The plan will provide the framework for many daily decisions on zoning, public services, residential development, and human needs. 4 �This comprehensive land use, or development plan is designed to promote the public health and safety of Cannon Township residents as well as promote the quiet rural character of the Township. The further purposes of the plan are:. • To encourge the use of lands in accordance with their natural characteristics and capabilities and to limit the improper usage of land to prevent the destruction or loss of the valuable character of the Township; • To provide adequate open space; • To provide adequate recreational opportunities for the Township residents; o To avoid increased traffic congestion or major alteration of traffic patterns; • To avoid hazards to health and property; • To facilitate future provisions for a system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, education, recreation, fire protection, and other public requirements; • To conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous · uses of land, reso~rces and properties; • To conserve property values and natural resources; and, • To insure a desirable trend and character of the land, resources, and population development of the Township. Planning is a continuing dynamic process. The Cannon Township Comprehensive Development Plan is the result of a planning process involving five basic steps: (1) an opinion survey to develop the problems, trends, and potential 5 �of the Township and its residents; (2) a series of background studies to develop a firm foundation of background informational data to determine the existing situati.on; (.3} analysis of the opinion survey and background studies to formulate short and long term goals, and policies of the community; (4) a plan, which is a written and graphic presentation of the scope and direction of future development designed to achieve the goals and sustain the policies stated; and (5} implementation of the plan proposals and periodic updating and re-evaluation. The chart which follows, illustrates the process. PROFILE OF PLANNING PROCESS - __Qpi ni on Survey Background Studies Public Opinion Problems & Needs Goals The Plan Implementation Existing Environment Objectives Graphic Methods History of Community Policies Written Financing Potential Capabilities of the land Principles The ongoing nature of the planning process should be emphasized, as should the active participation of community residents. After completion of the initial plan, public hearings, acceptance and adoption; there is a need for constant review and, when necessary, modification of the plan to reflect changing community desires and needs. 6 �OPINION SURVEY �OPINION SURVEY A Community Opinion Survey was conducted during the months of November and December of 1976. A total of 662 questionnaires were returned. number, 639 were answered, most of them completely. Of that With approximately 1230 households in Cannon Township, there was a return from this survey of about 52 percent. The following is a summary of the survey results: Characteristics Of The Population o The survey showed a very young population in the Township. Approximately 56 percent of the population is 30 years old and under. Another 26 percent of the population is in the age group of 31-50. • Income levels in Cannon Township indicate a typical middle income community with 77 percent of the residents earning an income in excess of $10,000. Twenty-nine percent of the population has an income above $20,000, while 48 percent of the population has an income between $10,000 and $20,000. o The survey showed that 86 percent of those responding were married couples while other minor categories included divorced, single, or widowed. • In addition to the population being quite young, the survey found that 43 percent of the residents have been living in Cannon Township for less than five years, and 59 percent less than ten years. Forty-one percent of the residents have been living in the Township over ten years. In addition, it was found that only 13 percent of the residents were born and raised in Cannon Township. The survey found further that 67 percent of the residents had previously lived in western Michigan with 49 percent actually coming from the Grand Rapids area. This would indicate less mobility and more stability of the residents. • The survey found that 95 percent .of the residents are homeowners with 81 percent living in single family homes and 17 percent in farm residences. Reasons For Moving To Cannon Township The residents of the Township feel very strongly about maintaining the rural atmosphere. In fact, 45 percent of the people responding to the questionnaire indicated the rural atmosphere as the primary reason for locating in the 7 �Township. However, other significant reasons were the need for more land, and the pleasantness of the neighborhoods. The residents placed the appear- ance of the ne i ghborhood, rural surroundings, and nearness to schools as the three major factors in selecting a home in the area. Other significant factors, but less important, were the availability of recreational facilities, the closeness to work and shopping, closeness to friends and family, and close proximity to their place of worship. Seventy-six percent of the residents answering the questionnaire felt that it would be desirable to be within walking distance of nature areas. Shopping • Convenience Goods - It was found that about 48 percent of the residents use Rockford for the purchase of convenience goods, while 26 percent use the North Kent Mall area as well as the general Plainfield Avenue area. • Comparison Goods - There was a wider spread of areas shopped for comparison goods. Many of the residents said that they would shop most anywhere in the area for the best price. However, 30 percent of the residents indicated the North Kent Ma11, 20 percent Woodland Mall, 17 percent downtown Grand Rapids, and 16 percent, City of Rockford for the purchase of comparison goods. Transportation • Survey results show that 76 percent of the residents have two or more automobiles licensed at their place of residence. Approximately 22 percent have one car registered. • Eighty-seven percent of the residents had two or more licensed drivers per household. The survey shows further that the majority of residents do not travel more than 30 minutes by car to work (64 percent). In addition, it was found that 15 percent of the residents travel between 31 and 45 minutes and 12 percent travel less than ten minutes to work. Most residents (79 percent) drive by themselves to work with only 13 percent having one passenger. 8 �• A substantial number of miles are driven by households in Cannon Township. Approximately one third of the residents drive over 25,000 miles per year, while 49 percent drive between 12,000 and 25,000 miles per year. These figures are not surprising because of the rural atmosphere of Cannon Township and the distances required to shopping areas and places of work from the Township area. Opinions From The Residents • Residents expressed strong opposition to any public transportation in the area (78 percent), while 73 percent of the population would not consider using public transportation even if it was available. • The population expressed strong satisfaction with the appearance of Cannon Township, as well as the schools, police, and fire protection, recreational facilities, sewage system,' and refuse collection. In addition, over half of the residents responding to the questionnaire were satisfied with water, street conditions, and street lighting. Almost 70 percent of the residents felt that the local township government was responsive to th~ir needs. . • While 94 percent of the residents felt agricultural land should be preserved, almost 40 percent felt the township should encourage new development. • For those who responded to the type of residential development desired, 63 percent favored single family development. In addition, 70 percent of the residents would not encourage industrial development, and 62 percent were against any new commercial development. • The residents of Cannon Township do not feel the need for sewer and water facilities. In fact, 44 percent of the residents placed the availability of utilities as a very low priority in selecting a home site. • Forty-two percent of the residents felt that recreation was lacking in the northeast portion of the Township. '-- Boating and fishing were the most popular recreational activities with nature areas, swimming and hunting as the next most important. Skiing was not a strong element in the Township even with Cannonsburg and Pando located in the area. · • The residents expressed very decisive opinions on mobile homes. Seventy-six percent of the residents feel that mobile homes should be located in mobile home parks, while 90 percent feel there should be restrictions on mobile homes as to location. 9 �Cone l us i ans: The following is a list of general conclusions which can be used as a basis for planning in Cannon Township: • The residents feel that the Township should remain a rural Township. Most people move to Cannon Township because of the rural environment. • Many of the residents expressed a strong desire to have the Township cleaned up of litter-junk cars, trash, garbage, etc. • Many commented on high taxes. But at the same time, they do not want any new development and they desire a high level of services. This presents a potential conflict in priorities. • The residents want the roads paved and/or improved. Some mentiooQe--s-t.-~ghting as a need. The extensive use of autos in the Township points oat ttfe need for these ·mp-re¥ements. • Most of the people who commented, felt that some industry and commercial development was desirable if done on a controlled basis. These people realized the necessity for broadening the tax base in order to keep taxes at moderate levels. • Many residents .commented on the need for r bi eye) e tra i l..s..-and some suggested setting aside land for snowmobile trails. • Boating and fishing were listed as the most desirable type of recreation activity with nature areas and hunting also considered important. In addition, other recreational activities such as picnicing, camping, swimming, and bicycling were all considered as important activities to residents. Therefore, in planning for the community's recreational needs, consideration should be given for these recreational uses. 10 �FINAL COMPOSITE TALLY COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY For Residents of Cannon Township Kent County, Michigan PLEASE CHECK APPROPRIATE ANSWER AND FILL IN BLANKS WHERE REQUIRED: 1. On what street do you live? 2. How long have you lived there? Less than two years 114 3 - 5 years 145 6 - 10 years 102 More than 10 years 249 . 3. ' .. . , •'' ------------------- ' What. are the ages of those in your family? Ages 0-18 19-30 3]-40 41-50 5]-64 Males 1120 193 . 152 136 138 Females418 187 16 3 109 110 65 & 61 over 68 4. Before you lived in Cannon Township, where did you live? Out of S t a t e ~ Western Michigan__lli_ Born & raised in Cannon Townshipfil_ Elsewhere in Grand Rapids--3l.2 Michigan-81._ 5. How long did you liv~ there? Less than two years-5.5..__ 3 - 5 years .ll.9_ 6 - 10 years J5Q_ Over 10 years L12 Do you Own your home Rent your home 6. 7. 8. NOTE: Do you live in A farm residence 1lQ_ A single family home 5.J.L A duplex _]_ An apartment __ 1_ A mobile home_]_ Choose the most appropriate reason why you moved to your pre~ent location. Lower taxes _i_ Changed jobs -5lL_ Better schoolslill_ Wanted more land -92._· Closer to work.2..6__ Liked the rural atmosphere3..6J_ Like the neighborhood 1Q2._ .Other 1~0~2- 662 Forms were returned 639 Forms were answered completely or ·in part Therefore, with 1230 households in the township, there was a return of about 52 percent. 11 �COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY - continued 9. Are you satisfied with the following in your area-Overall appearance School system Police protection Fire protection Water supply (if applicable) Sewage system Condition of streets Street ligl}ting Recreation facilities Refuse disposal Responsive Township Government Yes 552 Yes~ Yes"T;f6 Yes7.i68 No 62 No 73 No 6 0 No 57 No No No No Opinion ·17 Opinion -- 29 Opinion 35 Opinion 28 Yes 224 Yes~ Yes43]°" YesTsz Yes~ Y·es 447 No 61 No 54 No145 No 766 No 54 No _.2L No No No No No No Opinion 46 Opinion38 Opinion_1_4_ Opinion4) Opinion2] Opinion 30 Yes~ No No Opinion ~ 88 ·10. Do you feel that agriculture will continue to play an important role in Cannon Township in the next twenty years? Yes.!J]j___ N o ~ 11. Do you feel that agricultural lands should be preserved? Y e s ~ No_]]__ 12. Should the Township encourage new development? 13. If your answer to the above question was yes, should the Township encourage the following: Apartments .!±.L_ Condominiums 22._ Yes...12l_ No___lfilL · Mobile homes 45 Single family homes 258 14. Should all mobile homes be located in mobile home parks? Yes 480 No 148 15·. Should there be restrictions on mobile home parks as t"o location? Yes 569 No 61 16. Would you consider your place of residence to be - Urban 112 Rural 459 17. Indicate in the spaces below the level of importance which you place on the following items in selecting a home: Nearness to good schools Availability of recreational facilities Closeness to work Closeness to shopping area Closeness to friends and family Rural surroundings Closeness to church Availability of Utilities (water & sewer) Appearance of neighborhood 12 Medium 186 Low 269 164 l.7_Q_ ill_ ~ 287 343 ~ 283 137 282 148 246 138 .lL -1L ill_ �COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY - continued 19. Would you desire to be within walking distanct to (answer only~): School_JJ_ Shopping _2.L Church 20 Natural areas 440 Work ...12_ Playground _1_6_ 20. Where do you shop for convenience goods (groceries, drugs, etc.)? Woodland Mall _1L_ Eastbrook Mall 22 Rockford 406 Grattan 7 North Kent Mall 217 Downtown Grand Rapids 40 Other 123--- 21. Where do you shop for comparison goods (furniture, autorr_tobiles, clothing, etc.)? Woodland Mall 180 Eastbrook Mall 71 Rockford 140 6 North Kent Mall 270 Downtown Grand Rapids 154 Grattan Other 80-- 22. If you were to divide the Township into four areas, where do you feel there is the greatest need for recreational facilities? . Northeast 124 Northwest 86 Southeast 46 Southwest 42 23. What types of recreation does your family prefer? listed 1 - 5) See attached sheet. 24. Check the number of minutes you presently spend traveling to work each day. Less than 10 minutes 72 11 to 20 minutes 173 2l·to 30 minutes ___!_2§_ 31.to 45 minutes~ 46 to 60 minutes 30 more than 1 hour 18 25. Check the appropriate box indicating how you travel to work. Drive by yourself fil_ Drive ·w ith one passenger 75 Go to work as a passenger 10 I am in .a car pool2T Public transportation (Bus~c.) :.:__ Other 12 - 26. Should there· be public transportation in Cannon Township? Yes_~UL No__ltl.J_ 27. If adequate public transportation were available, would you use it? Yes -16..L No_lli 28. How many licensed cars and trucks are owned or leased by members of your family living at home? One _ill_ Two .3.5._5_ Three or more J...!!.L_ None 11 13 (rate those �COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY - continued 29. How many members of your family living at home are licensed drivers? One 79 Two 419 Three or more 16 7 None 8 30. What is the approximate total number of mi1es driven by members of your family each year? Less than 12,000 miles 114 12,000 to 25,000 miles 316 Over 25,000 miles 214-- 31. What is the type of occupation for the primary wage earned in the family? Farming 15 Trucking & Transportation 39 Construction & Building 60 Operator or Assembler for Industry 103 Professional · 142 Business & Clerical _____!lZ Teacher-Educational 44 Retired 100 32. What is your approximate annual family income? Less than $5,000 43 $5,000 to $10,000 68 $10,000 to $15,000 122 $15,ooo"to $20,000 106 $20,000 to $25,000 63 Over $25,000 -1!!_ 33. Marital Status: Single _1_9_ Married .~ Widowed~ 34. Would you encourage the development of industry in Cannon Township? Y e s ~ No _lli_ 35. Should we encourage the development of commercial enterprises in Cannon Township? Yes --11§_ No 3-85 36. Do you believe a public sanitary sewage system is needed in your area? Yes .!1L_ No ~ 37. Do you believe a storm sewer system is needed in your area? Yes -2.L No __5.!i5__ 38. Do you believe public water service is needed in your area? Yes _El_ No _5-5.1... 39. Are there some ~dditional comments you wish to make concerning the Township and/or your neighborhood? (If more space is needed, please use the back of the sheet.) 14 . Separated or Divorced 26 �BACKGROUND STUDIES �BACKGROUND STUDIES The Environment Topography - The general rolling topography of Cannon Township is typical of the moraihic glacial deposits Qf northern Kent County. There are extensive areas of steep slopes naturally associated with these deposits and these steep slopes are highly susceptible to erosion. There are slight and moderate slope areas in Sections 30 and 31 in the southwestern corner of the Township on the Grand River flood plain and in Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 36 adjacent to the lakes. The topography is one of the major controlling factors involved with the land use characteristics of the lands of Cannon Township, mandating construction and farming techniques as well as drainage. Figure 2 shows erosion potential, which will be discussed in a later section, based on slope. Aquatic Systems - Cannon Township is blessed with an abundance of water courses and lakes. The existing land use survey shows 766 acres in lakes within the Township. In addition to the main lakes (Bostwick, Silver, and Bella Vista), and minor lakes of Sunfish, Pickerel, and Ratigan, the most significant aquatic system within Cannon Township is Bear Creek. Bear Creek (and its tribu- taries) is a beautiful spring fed stream which runs through 23 .sections of Cannon Township. Much discussion and concern has been expressed for this unique stream regarding its preservation. 15 �N A D D TOWNSHIP TOWNSHIP A FIGURE t:2J LESS THAN 3 PERCENT SLOPE EJ:[J 3 mm 8 c=J - SLIGHT 8 MODERATE 13 SEVERE MORE THAN 13 PERCENT 2 VERY EROSION POTENTIAL SEVERE SOURCE: WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION CANNON TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN PAEIN 8 NEWt+OF ENGINEERS · PUNNffll �As a result of the availability of this unique natural resource, care should be given in the planning for the future growth and development of the area. Other areas within the Township which affect growth are the low lying wetlands. Most of these areas are located at the headwaters of Bear Creek and adjacent to other less significant water courses in the Township. Figure 3 shows the aquatic systems of Cannon Township. Soils Characteristics - The predominate soils in Cannon Township consist of sand and sandy loam (a mixture of sand and clay, but a high sand content). Loam soils (primarily moistened clay with varying amounts of sand) are found mainly in the southwest (Sections 23, 30, 31, 32), southeast (Sections 35 and 36) and the north central portions (Sections 9, 10, 16, and 17). Figure 4 shows a generalized soils map for Cannon Township. Prime Woodland Areas Prime woodland areas in Cannon Township are widely scattered throughout the area. However, major concentrations are found in the south central area, western and eastern portion of the Township, but mainly in Sections 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 23. are noted in Figure 5: Two categories Prime woodland that must be protected and good woodland which should be protected. Population Population trends and the characteristics of population are two important ingredients in any planning program. It is vital that we look at an area 17 �'N D N S H I P 4\ I .. '\ -P' ,/ - , L_ I . ~!!! - 21 7 J ' ,~: . I •' ,; I I ~ I j _J i A D A T O W N S H I P F : GURE ,.......,. I LAKES ~ STREAMS - CREE:t<s · c:::;;;:] WETLANDS CANNON AQUATIC TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN SYSTEMS q,,, 1111 ,..,._.,.,.,__ ti PflE IH a NEWHOfl' - I CNOINHNI • 1'1.ANNIM �FIGURE SANDY 4 LOAM [=:l LOAM (:-:-:-::::] SAND Im ORGANIC CANNON GENERALIZED SOILS TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 'fY•,__; - = MICHIGAN PREIN ft NEWKOF Jill I ENGINEERS · PLANNUtl �L_> l I D A 0 W N S GOOD WOODLAND AREA, MUST BE PROTECTED WOODLAND AREA, SHOULD BE \ > H FIGURE PRIME \ 5 PRIME PROTECTED WOODLAND AREAS CANNON TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN PREIN 8N£WHOfl' ENIINEUII · ,u.101u11 �in terms of its changing character. Failure to assess the impact of changing conditions will mean inadequate solutions to existing and future problems both in terms of supplying services and the provision for proper land development. Trends - The population in Cannon Township has grown substantially since 1940. The residents in the Township have increased 239 percent from 1940 to 1970. In addition, the period of 1970 to 1977, is once again a signi- ficant growth period for the area. Based on building permit information from 1970 through July of 1977, 310 building permits have been issued for new housing construction. This would suggest a continuation of the population growth trends in the area. In comparing the growth of other related geographical areas, Cannon Township continued to grow at a rate far in excess of the City of Rockford, City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and the State of Michigan. the growth of these areas: Table 1 compares (See next page) From 1960 to 1970, Cannon Township was one of the fastest growing areas in Kent County. Ada, Alpine, Cascade, Oakfield, and Vergennes Townships were the only areas exceeding Cannon Township's rate of growth. the areas adjacent to Cannon Township, Figure 6 In comparing shows also the rapid growth experienceq by each of the Township areas between 1960-1970. 21 �TABLE 1 POPULATION GROWTH TRENDS FOR SELECTED GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS 1940 State of Michigan 1950 %Ch. 5,256,106 %Ch. 1960 %Ch. 246,338 288,292 17.0 363,187 City of Grand Rapids 164,292 176,515 177,313 7.4 City of Rockford 1,088 411,044 13 . .2 0.5 197,649 l l.5 . 1,600 2,428 17. 1 2,525 47 58 3,690 46 us Census of Populatio~ FIGURE 6 POPULATION GROWTH 1960-1970 FOR CANNON TOWNSHIP AND NEIGHBORING TOWNSHIPS ALGOMA +24.3% OAKFIELD COURTLAND +46.8% +41 .2% .. PLAINFIELD +45.0% GRAND RAPIDS -59.2% - ------·--. -- --- +40.6% +46.1% - - - -- ·- --·--··· VERGENNES ADA +55. 1% US Census of Population, 1970 22 --- -- GRATTAN CANNON -· Source: 26 2,074 Cannon Twp. %Ch. 6,371,766 21. 2 7,823,194 22.8 8,875,083 13.4 Kent County Source: 1970 +48.1% -· . �Population Characteristics In addition to the previous information from the opinion survey, the following tables are shown and provide important characteristics of the population in Cannon Township: Additional socio economic data is presented in the following Tables and Figures: TABLE 2 NUMBER OF FAMILIES BY FAMILY INCOME CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN, 1970 Earnings Number of Families Under $1,000 17 $1,000-$1,999 7 $2,000-$2,999 21 $3,000-$3,999 25 $4,000-$4,999 13 $5,000-$5,999 37 $6,000-$6,999 15 $7_,000-$7, 999 62 $8,000-$8,999 72 $9,000-$9,999 85 $10,000-$11,999 143 $12,000-$14,999 157 $15,000-$24,999 190 $25,000-$49,999 35 $50,000 and over Source 9 U.S. Census, 1970 23 �TABLE 3 EMPLOYED PERSONS 16 YEARS OLD &OVER BY INDUSTRY &SEX, CANNON TOWNSHIP, 1970 TOTAL Agriculture, Forestry, & Fisheries Mining Construction Furniture & Lumber &Wood Products Primary Metal Industries Fabricated Metal Industries Machinery, Except Electrical Electrical Machinery, Equip. & Supplies Motor Vehicles &Other Transportation Equip. Other Durable Goods Food & Kindred Products Textil e Mill & Other Fabricated Textile Prod. Printing, Publishing, &Allied Industries Chemical &Allied Products Other Nondurable Goods Railroads & Railway Express Service Trucking Service & Warehousing Other Transportation Communications Utilities &Sanitary Services Wholesale Trade Food, Bakery, & Dairy Stores Eating & Drinking Places General Merchandise Retailing Motor Vehicles Retailing &Service Stations Other Retail Trade Banking & Credit Agencies Insurance, Real Estate, & Other Finance Business Services Repair Services Private Households Other Personal Services Entertainment & Recreation Services Hospitals Medical & Other Health Service Except Hosp. Elementary &Secondary Schools & Colleges Government Private Other Education & Kindred Services Welfare, Religious, & Nonprofit Membership Organizations Legal, Engineering, &Misc. Professional Serv. Public Administration 0 TOTALS MALE FEMALE 41 31 10 5 5 71 31 71 14 50 46 37 63 25 17 27 14 4 31 19 41 27 5 10 51 25 12 24 17 14 10 28 17 11 17 80 29 8 9 50 30 29 28 28 19 13 8 18 66 61 34 25 17 47 5 64 6 8 18 57 27 19 9 34 15 18 17 22 7 13 26 13 18 15 9 25 5 38 3 9 9 9 18 9 50 10 40 18 96 43 53 20 11 9 3 3 14 9 6 4 54 50 10 4 1,310 885 425 27 18 3 ----------------------------- Source: US Census Of Population, 1970 24 �FIGURE 7 PERSONS BY AGE AND SEX, 1970, CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN MALE I I I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I 400 Source: I I FEMALE I UndE r 5 I I I II l .I I I I I ·I I I I I I 200 I I I I I ·1 5 - 13 I 14 18 19 29 I . l I I I I I I I I I 30 49 50 59 I I 6+ I I I 60 I I I 200 400 fiS I I I nvPr ~ 0 U.S. Census, 1970 25 I I I I �TABLE 4 YEARS OF SCHOOL COMPLETED, 1970, CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN Males Age 20-49 Less than High School Females Age 15-44 Total 80 79 159 High School 1-3 years 4 years 120 223 238 361 358 584 College (1 year or more) 196 95 291 TOTALS Source: 1,392 U.S. Census of Population, 1970 TABLE 5 PERCENT PERSONS BY AGE GROUP AND SEX, 1970 CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT _COUNTY, MICHIGAN Age Groups Under 5 Male Female 8 8 5 - 13 24 23 14 - 18 13 14 19 - 29 10 11 30 - 49 26 25 50 - 59 10 11 60 - 64 4 2 65 and over 5 6 Source: U.S. Census, 1970 26 �TABLE 6 OCCUPIED AND VACANT YEAR-ROUND HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT, 1970 Renter Owner Total Occupied & Total Occupied Occupied Occupied Vacant Year-Round 1969 - 1970 11 11 11 0 1965 - 1968 113 108 96 12 1960 - 1964 236 225 207 18 1950 - 1959 152 152 152 0 1940 - 1949 139 135 118 17 1939 or earlier 376 355 315 40 Source: US Census of Housing, 1970 TABLE 7 1. OCCUPIED AND VACANT YEAR-ROUND HOUSING UNITS BY SOURCE OF WATER, CANNON TO\•INSH IP, KENT COUNTY, MI CHI GAN, 1970 Total Occupied & Total Owner Renter Vacant Year-Round Occupied Occupied Occupied Public System Or Private Campany 136 129 120 9 Individual Well 878 851 773 78 6 6 6 0 l, 020 986 899 87 Other Sources (Spring, Creek, etc.) TOTALS Source: US Census of Housing, 1970 27 �TABLE 8 OCCUPIED AND VACANT YEAR-ROUND HOUSING UNITS BY TYPE OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL, CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN Owner Renter Total Occupied & Total Occupied Occupied Occupied Vacant Year-Round Public Sewer 131 124 115 9 Septic Tank Or Cesspool 875 848 770 78 14 14 14 0 OthP.r Means Source: us Census of Housing, 1970 TABLE 9 . OCCUPIED UNITS BY NUMBER OF AUTOMOBILES AVAILABLE, 1970, CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN Owner Occupied Total Occupied Renter Occupied 20 20 0 l Automobile 343 299 44 2 Automobiles 535 492 43 88 88 0 None 3 Automobiles or more Source: US Census of Housing, 1970 Tables 2 through 9 provide the following information about Cannon Township's population for planning purposes: Education--1970 11 percent of the males (20-40) and females (15-44) have less than a high school education. 26 percent have one to three years of high school. 42 percent have four years of high school. 21 pertent have one year or more of college. 28 �Incomes--1970 40 percent of wage earners earned less than $10,000/year. 55 percent earned between $10,000 and $24,999. 5 percent earned $25,000 and over. Employment--1970 20 percent of the work force in Cannon Township are professionals, managers, and admini~trators. 52 percent of work force are engaged primarily in clerical, operatives, and craftsmen. 1 percent are farmers and farm managers. 2 percent are farm laborers and foremen. Age Of Population 55 percent of the male population is under 30 years of age. 56 percent of the female population is under 30 years of age. 5 percent of the male population is over 65 years of age. 6 percent of the female population is over 65 years of age. Housing--1970 13 percent of occupied and vacant units had water service from a public a~d/or private source. 13 percent of all occupied and vacant units had public sewer service. 35 percent of all housing units have been constructed since 1960. 37 percent of all housing units were constructed since 1939 or earlier. 96 percent of all housing units were occupied. 91 percent of all occupied housing units were owned uni ts. 63 percent of all occupied housing units maintained one or more autos. 29 �Existing Land Use A land use survey was conducted in the summer of 1977. In addition to deter- mining a more accurate count of residents in Cannon Township, the survey has determined the general distribution of existing land use that is vital in planning for future growth. Existing land use categories are broken down as follows: • • • • • Residential - Single family residential, two family Multiple family residential Mobile home parks Commercial - Business (retail and wholesale), selected services Services - Includes muhicipal facilities (other. than parks), public utility lands, churches, and schools • • • Recreation - Public and private recreation facilities Roads - All paved and unpaved dedicated roads I Agriculture - Farming, orchards, nurserys, and pasture 0 Open Space - All land which is undeveloped, open and/or wooded • Water Areas - All lakes and pohds The land use survey has shown the following: • Total land area in Cannon Township is approximately 23,482 acres or 36.7 square miles. • Only 22 percent of the township land is developed. • Of the developed land, 57 percent is devoted to residential use, 26 percent for recreation, 14 percent for roads and minor amounts for commercial, public, and semi-public uses. • Of the total land area, 13 percent is residential, 6 percent recreation, 3 percent is roads, 31 percent is farming, 2 percent is productive orchards, 3 percent is water areas and 42 percent is unproductive land or open space. 30 �The survey points out quite clearly, the rur~l character of the . Township as well as the vast areas of undeveloped land -- 78 percent of all Township land or 18,233 areas (28.5 square miles). Figure 8 shows existing land use in Cannon Township. Table 10 summarizes existing land use characteristics: TABLE 10 EXISTING LAND USE, CANNON TOWNSHIP, 1977 Land Use Category Acres % Developed Land % Total Land Area. Residential 3,011 57 13 Commercial 47 1 Less than 1% Services {publicsemi-public) 97 2 Less than 1% l, 352 26 6 742 14 3 5,249 100~; 22% Recreation Roads TOTAL Developed Agriculture Farming Orchards Nurserys Land 31 · 2 Less than 1% 7,269 539 75 766 3 9,584 42 TOTAL Undeveloped Land 18,233 78% TOTAL LAND AREA 23,482 100% Water Areas Open Space SOURCE: Prein & Newhof, Land Use Survey, Summer, 1977 Transportation Cannon To\'mship's road system consists of the Kent County Primary Road System made up of Ten Mile Road, Belding Road (M-44), Cannonsburg Road in an east- 31 �/· ."' .,' . l . 0 • >-..: -.., _, .'-~r,:r~r:~~ 1----il..._.J I---'...... .. ·.•·~j ·t, .. ~··~:!:-t:·".\ - - -- J A O r A O WNSH / P FIGURE RESIDENTIAL MOBILE HOME 8 AGRICULTURE PARK OPEN PUBLIC COMMERCIAL EXISTING SPACE ANO SEMI LANO PUBLIC USE RECREATION CANNON TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN ,._.._.,- . . . 111 1 0 PREIN 8 NEWHOf' I l':00 ENGINEERS · PI..ANNEfll �west direction, and Pettis Avenue, Meyers Lake Avenue, Honey Creek Avenue, and Ramsdell Drive in a north-south direction. The remaining road system in Cannon Township, while maintained by the Kent County Road Commission, is primarily the financial responsibility of the Township. The physical differences which generate the road classification within the Township are primarily of pavement and/or grade types. fication is self-explanatory. The unpaved classi- The county primary roads, including State highway M-44, are primarily all weather roads consisting of an asphalt base with an all weather asphalt surface while the secondary roads can consist of a gravel base with an asphalt surface. The prime physical difference is in traffic volumes with the primary system carrying the main traffic load. stems from financial responsibility. The primary difference in classification Kent County is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the primary roads while Cannon Township is financially responsible for the secondary and unpaved road system. Kent County does the maintenance and improvements on the secondary and unpaved roads and is reimbursed by the Township. Estimates show Cannon Township with 93.6 miles of road. This is broken down as follows: TABLE 11 SUMMARY OF ROADS IN CANNON TOWNSHIP, 1977 County Primary Roads (Paved) 30.9 Miles County Secondary Roads Paved · Unpaved 37.1 Miles 25.6 Miles TOTAL ROADS 96.6 Miles Source: Prein &Newhof 33 �Figure 9 entitled 11 Road System indicates primary and secondary roads as 11 well as unpaved roads throughout the Township. Because of the connection of the primary roads and their collectors with Northland Drive (old US-131), the major shopping area on Plainfield Avenue is less than 30 minutes from the residential areas of the Township. primary and collector systems The also enhance the close proximity of the metro Grand Rapids and Rockford industrial and commercial areas. Community Facilities Community facilities in Cannon Township consist of recreational facilities and service-type public facilities. The recreational facilities consist of public recreation, private recreation, and commercial recreation facilities. Service functions include churches, schools, and utilities. In Cannon Township, recreational facilities include the massive area of the Cannonsburg State Game Area, and Townsend Park. Private recreational ·facilities include the Sportsman Club and the Silver Lake Country Club. Commercial recreation facilities include the Cannonsburg and Pando Ski Areas, and religious, utility, and public facilities. (See Figure 12, Community Facilities). In addition to the recreation facilities already mentioned, Cannon Township benefits from Egypt Valley Trail, which is a winter hiking, and cross country skiing trail. This trail ties in Townsend Park, Cannonsburg State Game Area, and Seidman Park in Ada Township, providing for an unusual winter sports activity. Cannon Township is serviced by three school districts; Rockford Community Schools, Lowell Community Schools, and Forest Hills School System . . (See 34 �_,. N 0 ~ r owN S HIP 7 I ...:xa~' ...........,.--------------. _ ~ ----• 347 A O A TO WN S H IP FIGURE COUNTY PRIMARY COUNTY MAINTAINED UNPAVED ROADS* AVERAGE DAILY 111. FINANCIAL CANNON 9 ROADS SECONDARY TRAFFIC RESPONSIBILITY IS ROADS* ROAD SYSTEM VOLUME PR I MARILY TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ,., ,...... ,..,..., ~Yw ,u i I MICHIGAN PREIN 8 NEWHOF ENGINEERS • PLANNERS �--- -- - ' - 7 r' ) ( I \ A D TOWNSHIP A FIGURE EGYPT VALLEY ~ PUBLIC ~ PRIVATE ~ COMMERCIAL (==:J SERVICES TRAIL (WINTER 10 HIKING ANO CROSS COUNTRY SKIING) RECREATION COMMUNITY RECREATION CANNON FACILITIES RECREATION TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE KENT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 MICHIGAN a - """ ,._•••-- itll PREIN a NEWMOfl' ,oe,o I ENGINEERS· PLANN[JIS �Figure 11 School Districts). Rockford Community Schools encompass the vast majority of the Township along with the major residential areas. Lowell and Forest Hills schools serves a small portion of the southern portion of the Township. The entire Rockford School System is at, near, or over capacity including the schools which serve Cannon Township. The Forest Hills and Lowell systems are under capacity and can accommodate approximately 100 new students each. (See Table 12 Area Schools And Their Capacities). TABLE 12 AREA SCHOOLS AND THEIR CAPACITIES, CANNON TOWNSHIP 1976-77 Present Enrollment Capacity Enrollment Lakes (K-5) Crestwood (K-5) Moffit Hills (K-2) Cannonsburg (3-5) 394 209 30 48 400 225 50 75 Rockford Secondary Rockford HS (9-12) 1479 1200 Lmvell Elementary Bushnell (K-6) 564 650 Lowell Secondary Lowell Middle &HS (7-12) Forest Hills Elem. Ada (K-5) Forest Hills Sec. Northern Hills (6-8) Northern HS (9-12) School System School Rockford Elementary Source: Under Capacity 540 640 Under Capacity Under Capacity Area School Systems Cannon Township is served by a volunteer fire department with the equipment house located next to the Township Hall on Cannonsburg Road. Police protection is provided by the Kent County Sheriff's Department located in northeastern Grand Rapids and the Michigan State Police Department located in Rockford. Because of the primary county roads, the Cannon Township roads are patrolled regularly by both enforcement agencies. 37 �f 5 H I P .~· I ,r• I ~ A 1 O A ro W NSHIP FIGURE (23 FOREST HILLS COMMUNI TY LOWELL COMMUN IT Y II SCHOOLS SCHOOL SCHOOL S DISTRICTS ROCKFORD COMMUNITY CANNON SCH OOLS TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE OEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN 0 IOO 000 ~y~ PREIN Ill N[WHOf" hi$ - I - - ·l'UIIWM ' �Utilities Presently, Cannon Township is being served by sanitary sewer facilities on Belding Road (M-44) which connects with the North Kent Sewage System in Plainfield Township. This service extends to Lake Bella Vista, Silver Lake, and Bostwick Lake. In 1976, a Facility Plan (provided by Section 201 of the Federal Water Pollution Act) was prepared which analyzed the sanitary sewer and related facility needs for Cannon Township during the next twenty years. In that plan, the engineers recommended a trunk sewer line generally following Bear Creek from west to east. If and when development demands sanitary sewer facilities along Cannonsburg Road, this appears to be the most likely method for servicing the area. At public hearings, residents expressed a desire to discourage growth in the aren. Thus, a 11 no action 11 alternate was recommended in the plan. Figure 12 shows existing sewers and proposed sewer improvements when and if development is warranted. The geologic forces that created the many lakes and the rolling terrain of Cannon Township also created many varying groundwater supplies. The avail- ability of fresh natural water is one of the attractive features of the Township. The residents expressed this view in the preliminary opinion survey questionnaire. The residents feel that the natural water supply enhances the rural natural setting of the Township. 39 �./- - - -...... .,,,J . ', j C TOWNSHIP 0 \ ' ~j ...,, I~ , Q A PROPOSED SANITARY ••••••• • ·FORCE CANNON rQWNSHIP A EXISTING SANITARY SEWER ................ MAIN PUMPING O • STATION TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE FORCE FIGURE SEWER EXISTING a PROPOSED SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM MAIN PUMPING •'. STATION KENT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT 12 PLAN MICHIGAN ,v••-- II PREIN Ii NEWHO, - """ 1111 lallll I ENGINEERS · PLANNvtl ' ; �The Township is served by private wells and there are no plans for a community water system in the future. The people of the Township take pride in their pure natural tasting water. Many of the private wells in the Township are relatively shallow (less than 40 feet deep). Any high density development in the future could lead to contamination of these shallow wells. High density development not only represents a hazard to the rural character of the Township, but to the health of the residents and the quality of their water supply. Financial Resources Due to the very small percentage of commercial and industrial land use and the large percentage of agricultural and vacant land, the Township relies almost entirely on residential land use for its tax base. This discontinuity in tax base distribution puts a burden on both the Township and the individual homeowner. distribution for the Township. Table 13 shows the 1970 housing value Many homes in the upper categories have been built since then and the existing home values have been increasing due to the high inflation factor in the housing market. The Township relies heavily on the County and area school systems for services. Therefore, a major portion of the revenue collected goes to Kent County, Rockford Public Schools, Lowell. area Schools, Forest Hills Public Schools, and Intermediate/Special Education. Of the small per- centage, the Township receives, the majority goes to highway use and fire protection; essential services provided by the Township. Table 14 is the expenditures from 1976 tax collections for a three month period. 41 �TABLE 13 HOUSING UNITS IN CANNON TOWNSHIP, BY VALUE, 1970 Less than $5,000 26 5,000 - 7,499 28 7,500 - 9,999 30 10,000 - 12,499 61 12,500 - 19,999 64 15,000 - 17,499 60 17,499 - 19,999 54 20,000 - 24,999 154 25,000 - 34,999 143 35,000 - 49,999 15 50,000 - or more 0 Source: US Census of Housing, 1970 TABLE 14 PAYMENT FROM 1976 TAX COLLECTIONS (Dec. 1, 1976 - Mar. 1, 1977) Schools Rockford Public Schools . Lowell Area Schools Forest Hills Public Schools Intermediate/Special Education $621,751.78 21,033.69 3,293.75 52,432.11 Kent County $ 99,672.26 856.00 5,507.40 County County (Dog Licenses) Drain Commission (Silver lake Drain) $ 43,821.35 Cannon Township Collection Fee Street Lights Debt Retirement Fund (Delinquent Installments) Maintenance & Operation (Delinquent Charges) Refunds $864,119.69 TOTAL PAYMENTS Source: 8,527.17 2,127.38 4,427.81 . 293.92 375.07 Township Treasurers Office 42 �ANALYSIS �ANALYSIS Cannon Township Planning Goals • Protection of prime agricultural lands to the greatest extent possible. • Protect and enhance the rural atmosphere of the Township. • Minimize commercial and industrial development except where concentrations exist. • Encourage residential development but of low density character. • Protect and enhance the natural and recreational areas of the Township through restricting development in these areas. The Environment Land use planning is more than merely locating various new developments in compatibility with each other. If the plan is to be truly rational, it should _first recognize the physical capability of the land to accept development. The constraints placed upon development by the environment are real and can become a key for decision making and land use location judgments. It is presumed that certain lands have higher environmental and economic costs if developed. To the extent that these can be mapped, the remaining lands available for development will become known. 1. Areas to avoid include: Lands with severe or very severe erosion potential, which may suffer erosion problems if developed. 2. Wetlands and marshes, which aid in the recharge and purification of groundwater, and which are often wildlife habitat areas. 43 �3. Woodlands, which if developed, should be carefully managed to protect their aesthetic, as well as drainage characteristics. 4. Lands with poorly drained soils, which are not conducive to development without public sewers; which may be costly to construct, yet without sewers could pollute surface or subsurface waters. 5. La.nds with high agricultural suitability, which should be protected from development and preserved for agricultural use. Erosion Potential - Due to the extensive areas of steep slope, the erosion potential for much of the Township is very high. (See Figure 2) ~Jhile much of the area shown as moderate requires special construction technique for development, those areas with severe or very severe erosion potential should not be developed. Generally, the economics of developing such steeply sloped -areas precludes their development. Wetlands - The many wetlands and marshes (See Figure 3) in the Township are essential to the inhabitants as there is no water supply system. The wetlands and marshes are essential to the recharge and purification of the various community water sources. Woodlands - The wooded area of the Township is fairly extensive. 5). These areas should be protected from development. (See Figure They usually fall within the severe or very severe erosion potential categories and therefore are doubly important. · 44 �Septic Suitability - The drainage of the soil, when combined with slope, produces the septic system suitability of the soil. Because of the con- tamination of surface and subsurface waters that could occur, the drainage property is the predominant controlling factor. Figure 13 shows the septic system suitability of the lands in Cannon Township. Agricultural Suitability - The agricultural land should be preserved to protect the resource as well as to continue the quiet rural setting of the Township. Figure 14 shows the agricultural suitability of the lands in the Township. Most of the areas considered suitable to agriculture are presently being used as such. Residential Suitability - The residential suitability (See Figure 13) of the land is based on the erosion potential, the septic system suitability, · and agricultural suitability of the land. In essence, the residential suitability pinpoints those areas where development would be environmentally sound. The residential suitability is combined with the socio-economic and land use factors to create the development plan. Population By using the past population trends, we can project the future population of the Township. There are a variety of methods for projecting population as follows: • Population as a percent of Kent County - Using reliable projections for Kent County, the population can be projected as a constant percent of the County population. 45 �0 W N S <--------.-J - - ~"":' ~-; I' ,, ' al ' . ,t I - 32 I -, I It' N S H FIGURE ~ INTENSIVE CJ HOUSING PERMITTED WITH SEWER ONLY, SEPTIC (:!::::::::j HOUSING PERMITTED WITH SEPTIC, E::::::::::{:'j HOUSING PERMITTED, SLIGHT PROBLEMS IZ::) WETLANDS, DEVELOPMENT 13 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT NOT RECOMMENDED CANNON MODERATE NOT RECOMMENDED PROBLEMS RESIDENTIAL SUITABILITY NOT AECOM MENDED TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN ~ - """" fY••--- iifl PRtlN a NtWHOfl' """'I tNCNNE[ftS · ,LANN[ft:I �C 0 • 0 I ' .) 0 • If N S H FIGURE PRIME AGRICULTURAL LANO I 14 AGRICULTURAL SUITABILITY CANNON TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN ENQINEUII • ~AMNUtl �• Population projections - Using the 1940-1970 period as typical growth rate. • Geometric projections - Using the 1950-1970 average population change per year, projections are made into the future. • Building Permits or Land Use Survey Data - This data can update earlier census counts, thereby establishing more realistic trends and current years. Straightline projection or a projection based on percent increase per decade is used to project base population data. • Averaging high and low figures - Once various methods have been used, an average between the high and low figures can be established. • Utilization of projections - Prepared by other agencies such as the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission, and the Michigan Department of Commerce. Tablel5 shows the results of these projections: Perhaps the most realistic projection for the short term (5 to 10 years) would be the use of building permits. In addition, we have established growth trends 48 �TABLE 15 POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR CANNON TOWNSHIP USING SELECTED FORECASTING METHODS 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 Percent of Kent County 3,990 4,145 4,303 4,457 4,607 1940-70 Growth Rate 4,887 5,742 6,597 7,452 8,307 . 1950-70 Geometric Projection 5,367 6,566 7,766' 9,589 12,344 Bldg. Permits (1970-77) 1950-70 trends 4,655 5,289 5,989 6,692 7,397 Average of High & Low Figures 4,679 5,355 6,035 7,023 8,476 Forecasting Methods SOURCE: Prein & Newhof of 47 percent from 1940 to 1950; 58 percent from 1950 to 1960; and 46 percent from 1960 to 1970. Assuming 3.73 persons per unit (the average occupancy per unit in Cannon Townshi-p in 1970), and using the vacancy rate of 15 percent (also 1970 figure), the population has grown by 965 persons from 1970 to the middle of 1977 for a total of 4,655. If this trend continues to 1980, the population will be slightly over 5,000 or an increase of approximately 36 percent. This is a decreasing rate of increase since 1950 and should be taken into consideration when projecting the population figures. · Important economic factors will influence the way in which people choose housing locations in the future. Certainly, the energy problems and the in- creasing cost of virtually everything as a result of inflation will influence housing locations of the future. The question of how long the era of affluence will last before taxes and the cost of living can catch up, is a difficult question to answer. 49 �The idea of self sufficiency on a large piece of land could also be an important factor to protect in Cannon Township. If we look at the trends in strict terms, the population will increase by 28 percent from 1980 to 1990 leaving a population of 6,413 by 1990. Land Use The primary future need of land in Cannon Township is for residential development. At the present ratio of 3.73 persons per housing unit, the 1,334 additional population of the Township by 1987 will need 357 additional housing units. A density of one unit per two acres should be used in planning low density residential development to protect the groundwater from pollution and allow for on site placement based on suitability. At two acres per unit, the 357 units would require 714 acres for new residential development. Al- though a two acre area may be generally unsuited due to slope, drainage, or woodland suitability, a suitable housing site may be found within the larger land area. Commercial - With the relatively close proximity of major comparison goods commercial centers in metropolitan Grand Rapids and Rockford, there is no potential for compari?on commercial development in Cannon Township at present or in the future. There is a need and future potential for convenience com- mercial development, however. The major residential development area is the lakes area. lacking in convenience goods commercial service. This area is New development will increase the need for these types of commercial facilities. The Lake Bella Vista development has designated a small commercial area. 50 Additional �commercial development will be of the convenience type; fast food resturants, grocery stores, .service stations, and commercial recreation facilities. These should be promoted in the area between Lake Bella Vista and Myers Lake Avenue north of M-44. The residential demand necessitates development of convenience commercial services in close proximity to the major residential concentrations. The proposed commercial development area, as well as being adjacent to the density populated lakes area, is centrally located in the Township with easy access via primary connector roads. As well as convenience development potential, there exists a pressing need for youth oriented commercial development. Other than the existing ski facilities, the nearest youth recreational areas are located on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids and in Rockford. This lack of centrally located youth facilities creates a safety hazard as the young people of the community utilize the roadways to walk from one area to another within the Township. A disproportionate pedestrian accident rate has resulted. The promotion of youth oriented development in the designated area will alleviate some of the safety hazards. Industrial - Although some small light industry presently exists in Cannon Township, there is essentially no attraction for industrial interests to develop. If any future need for industrial development arises, the area immediately adjacent to the existing industrial establishments is most suitable. Residential - Utilizing the suitability maps, a number of areas are shown to be suitable for potential development: 51 �Cannonsburg Road Area - The area along Seven Mile Road and along Blakely between Seven Mile and Cannonsburg Road combines with the area along Cannonsburg Road from the western boundary of the Township east to Myers Lake Avenue to form one area suitable for potential development. There is a minimum of prime agricultural land in the area although substantial prime woodland area lies to the north of Cannonsburg Road. There are extensive areas of very severe erosion potential, however, these areas coincide with the prime woodland areas. however. Individual housing sites may exist in these areas, There is a small segment of soil unsuitable for septic systems in the south western corner of the area. Myers Lake Avenue Area - The area along Myers Lake Avenue from M-44 north to 10 Mile Road will increase in development potential when the Courtland Township sewer connector is completed. Many of the soils along Myers Lake Avenue are unsuited to septic systems and, therefore, were not developable. With the availability of sewer service, this area will become highly attractive to residential development. The easy access and close proximity to major transportation corridors (Myers Lake Road, 10 Mile Road, and M-44) will •induce a very high residential development potential. Honey Creek - Sunfish Lake Area - The area along Sunfish Lake Avenue between Sunfish Lake and Cannonsburg Road and along Honey Creek Avenue south from Cannonsburg Road to just south of Five Mile Road comprises another potential development area. There is a minimum of prime agricultural land in the area primarily west of Sunfish Lake Avenue, south of Sunfish Lake, and east of Honey Creek Avenue near Five Mile Road. There are some severe slope areas. 52 �The severe slope areas are already somewhat developed, however. some prime woodland areas. There are In addition, some of the area north of Cannonsburg Road is not recommended for septic systems. Bostwick Lake Area - The area surrounding Bostwick Lake is already highly residential with moderate to high density. There is some prime woodland south of M-44 south of Bostwick Lake and west of Ramsdell Road. agricul_tural land exists north of the lake. Some prime The slopes in the area range from slight to severe with the severe slopes in the prime woodland areas. Except for the wetland areas, the area around Bostwick Lake is suitable for septic systems. Silver Lake - Lake Bella Vista Area - Because the area around Silver Lake and Lake Bella Vista is not recommended for septic systems although already residentially developed, a sewage disposal system serves the area. There is an extensive area of prime agricultural land north and east of Lake Bella Vista. There is a minimum of prime woodlands, however. When combined with the Bostwick Lake area, the lake areas are the largest residential area of the Township. Lake Bella Vista is a planned residential community that is slowly developing . . With the future development of Lake Bella Vista and the present residential character of the area, any future commercial development in the Township is recommended in the area north of M-44 between Lake Bella Vista and Myers Lake Avenue. Access to the commercial area should be off Myers Lake Avenue to prevent' the increased traffic and safety problems associated with "strip development''. Because of the intense traffic associated with convenience commercial development, access through the Lake Bella Vista road system would create a hazardous situation for the residents, children in particular. 53 �Ramsdell Road And Ten Mile Road Area - The area around Ten Mile Road and Ramsdell Road is suitable for septic systems although many severe slope areas exist. While some prime agricultural land exists west of Ramsdell Road, over half of the are~ is prime woodland. There is some potential for residential development, however. Ten Mile Road, Bush Drive, And Young Avenue Area - The area along Ten Mile Road, between Bush Drive and Young Avenue, and the areas along Bush Drive and Young Avenue are somewhat developed at present. Although the southern half of the area is prime agricultural land and the northern half is prime woodland area, there · are some individual potential residential development sites. Care must be taken in development as there are many wetlands and areas not recommended for septic systems north of Nine Mile Road and east of Young Avenue. Courtland And Ten Mile Road Area - In the area around Ten Mile Road and Courtland Drive, there is only a small area of prime agricultural land and no prime woodland area. However, the slopes are steep and there is an area around Kies where septic systems are not recommended. Again, there are individual potential development sites that are suitable. Transportation Although there is the extensive county primary road system discussed earlier, the Township is responsible for the secondary paved and unpaved 54 �collectors to the primary system. In the 1976 fiscal year, the Township ~llocated 1.1 mils ($22,954.00) to highway maintenance and improvements. There are still many unsurfaced roads in the Township. At a projected cost of $60,000 - $80,000 per mile to surface the roads, the Township allocation goes primarily to maintenance of existing roads. Since the potential development areas are all on or very near the county primary roads, there should be no additional burden to the Township from the projected growth. The primary system is quite capable of servicing the increase in traffic associated with the projected growth. Some im- provements may become necessary with increased population such as pavement widening. However, these imprqvements would be the financial responsibility of the County. With the energy situation as it is, it is recommended that a car pool parking area be established near the commercial area at M-44 and Myers Lake Avenue. This type of area is easily incorporated with commercial development. Community Facilities Service - The increase in population and the distance between the development areas and the present fire equipment facility may necessitate a second site located in or near the lakes area. The 1976 l mil allocation to the fire department amounted to $20,867.30. Although new development will broaden the tax base, an additional millage allocation may be necessary to continue adequate fire protection in the future. 55 �No change in police protection is foreseen as this protection is provided by the County and State. The Township population will remain in roughly the same proportion to the County population as it is now. The increase of 357 households projected will mean an increase to the education systems serving the Township. Thirty-seven percent of the population are school age children, on the average. Using this figure, there will be 493 additional school age children in the Township by 1987. Of these 493 children, 313 will be in the 5-13 age group and 180 will be in the 14-18 age group. Although the Lowell and Forest Hills School Systems are under capacity, they do not serve the potential development areas. The Rockford Community Schools, which serve the potential develop- ment areas, will receive the major burden of the projected growth. Already over capacity-, the Rockford School System will have to expand to adequately accommodate the increased enrollment. Recreation - The previously mentioned recreational areas are an integral factor in the rural character of the Township. To continue this attractive feature of the Township, these areas must be protected and preserved. It has been found that recreational opportunities are a necessity to a healthy, human environment. The recreational facilities present significantly contribute to the environment of Cannon Township. As much as financially possible, care should be taken to preserve the .existing facilities and provide additional facilities for future generations of Cannon Township residents. 56 �Pickerel Lake and the surrounding property is one of the last natural undeveloped areas in the Township. As the property is entirely under single ownership, it presents an ideal opportunity for the Township to set aside and preserve a unique natural setting for present and future enjoyment of the Township residents. Pickerel Lake may well be the last opportunity for many Township residents to enjoy the pristine setting of an undeveloped lake. If possible, the Township should acquire the land and designate it as a Township wildlife sanctuary or natural area to be used for passive recreation. Although many recreational opportunities, both commercial and public, exist in the Township, there are no areas designated exclusively for passive recreation. In light of the recent user conflicts between passive and active recreation in the Cannonsburg State Game Area, it is in the best interests of the residents for the Township to establish the Pickerel Lake Natural Area . . (See Figure 14 for Community Facilities) Multiple Family Housing With todays economy, many present and future township residents cannot affort the purchase of single family housing. Multiple family units are a viable alternative to the traditional, but increasingly expensive, single family residence. There are potentially, some major disadvantages to multiple family housing. They are not generally compatible with single family housing when immediately adjacent to lower density residential unless buffered or of a more compatible density themselves; septic systems are generally not acceptable for waste disposal for multiple family housing, and generally, the occupants are transient. However, some areas should be allocated for this type of housing to provide a proper housing mix in the Township. In addition, Cannon Township can realize tax revenue in excess of the costs to service these areas. 57 �Lake Bella Vista has designated multiple family housing along the eastern portion of the development. Because of the isolation from single family development areas and sewage disposal availability, the area east of Lake Bella Vista and north of the commercial development area along M-44 has been designated as a multiple family development area. This by no means limits the use of this area to multiple family housing; however, it does control the multiple housing development in the Township by promoting development in those areas best suited for multiple family housing. Proper screening together with carefully planned densities will minimize any negative impact imposed by multiple family housing in these areas. Financial Resources The tax base generated by residential development does not keep up with the increased financial burden generated by these same developments. As the Township has very little potential for major industrial development, care should be taken to control the residential growth. Uncontrolled development would necessitate increased tax millage to sustain the Township services .. By utilizing planned land use and development, the Township can hold tax millage to a minimum. The major area of financial burden will be in education. Some small industrial development in the existing industrial area would broaden the tax base and ease some of the financial burden of the projected growth. A monitored and controlled encouragement of development in that area is recommended. In addition, commercial uses as previously discussed should· be encouraged to develop along planned development guidelines. 58 �THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN �THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Figure 15, the Comprehensive Development Plan, is a graphical presentation generated from the analysis of the previously presented goals and resources of Cannon Township. The residential development areas are basically extentions of the existing residential areas based on the land capabilities. The potential development areas far exceed the 714 acres projected to accommodate the population growth. This will help to insure the low density residential character of the Township. Those areas of prime woodland, and recreational lands have been protected and discouraged from development. By restricting development to those areas suitable for development, the Development Plan protects and enhances the quiet rural character of the Township. The possibility of commercial and industrial development has been recognized and adequate areas have been provided as suitable for this development. Because any successful commercial de- velopment will be convenience oriented, the designated development area is centrally located in the extensive residential area of Bostwick Lqke, Silver Lake, and Lake Bella Vista. The designated industrial development area is situated on a major transportation corridor (M-44) while it is kept isolated from major residential areas. 59 �; c o uil_' L A N r 0 O II w N S II .•• •• I • ~ :• ! .: .• ... ~ • ,--! • I 1...! .... ...... " \ - COUNTY t::::::::::=::::I MUL T 11-Lt. f:- ::::::::::1 ~ ii ii , SINGLE PRIMARY RO A DS FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 0 , T O WN SHI P CO. MAINTAINED SECONDARY ROAD S 111111 UNPAVED ROADS PUBLIC 6 AGRICULTURE SEMI-PUBLIC 1.¥ ~•!.f,; l RECREAT ION tNDUSTRIAL MOBILE HOME PARk. ~ WILDLIFE OPEN SPACE COMMERCIAL ~ SCHOOL F.:.MIL) RESIDENTIAL CANNON TOWNSHIP REFUGE KENT COUNTY C·. MPREH EI\JSIVE DE:. VELOPMENT PLAN FIG . 15 COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN MICHIGAN PREIN 8 NEWHOf' ENGINEERS · PLANNERS �IMPLEMENTATION �IMPLEMENTATION After the initial steps of acceptance and adoption, there are various measures available to implement the Development Plan and maintain its functional nature: Zoning Ordinance Revision The ordinance should be revised to incorporate the development areas delineated in the Comprehensive Plan. Township Review A review of development by the Township should be included in the Zoning Ordinance. This individual site review as to compliance with the Development Plan can be financed by a review fee charged to the developer. Restrictive Covenants Along with the restrictions imposed by the land capabilities, a subdivision code and building code revision should be adopted pertinent to density, privacy considerations, site compatibility, and adjacent architectural compatibility. Review And Update The Plan The Development Plan is designed to be an ongoing dynamic working tool and, in that respect, needs ·continuous update and review to reflect changing needs and desires. By reviewing the land capabilities as well as the com- munity needs; individual development areas can be expanded or restricted without jeopardizing the overall integrity of the Development Plan. 61 �Financial Assistance Financial assistance is available from many areas. As well as the previously mentioned review fee, development and construction fees can be levied. Various areas of State and Federal governmental funding are available. There is Federal and State funding for park and recreational land development. pool parking area funding is available from the State. Car If the proposed land use bill is passed and adopted by the State of Michigan, there will be State funding available for review and update of the Plan. The Plan itself allows the Township to apply for some Federal funding where a development plan is required for application. There may be some financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture for agricultural land preservation. In addition, the Economic Development Administration, Farmers Home Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have ongoing programs which may provide sources for funding of important development projects. The Township must recognize its role in the region and Kent County and with the Cities of Rockford and Grand Rapids, and continue to cooperate with oth~r governments conducting programs affecting Township residents. To this end, these governments and agencies should be provided with copies of the Plan. Perhaps the greatest _potential short coming in Cannon Township will be its ability to deal ·with urban problems which will continue to plague the Township as it develops. The Township's statuary limitations concerning taxation immediately pose a critical problem as far as obtaining the necessary funds to deal with these problems. It is for this reason, that the development plan and resultant policies must be proposed with care and discression. The Township cannot afford to grow at an accelerated rate without first determining its ability to service this growth. 62 �Fortunately, major development will not occur unless basic utilities are provided. This will be a controlling factor to some extent. But Cannon Township is a beautiful area and will feel pressures for expansion. If the Township officials and its residents are sincere in achieving the objective of maintaining a rural atmosphere, development proposals must be dealt with in a restrained manner. 63 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wyckoff Planning and Zoning Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Planning & Zoning Center (Lansing, Mich.) (Organization) Wyckoff, Mark A. Description An account of the resource Municipal master plans and zoning ordinances from across the state of Michigan, spanning from the 1960s to the early 2020s. The bulk of the collection was compiled by urban planner Mark Wyckoff over the course of his career as the founder and principal planner of the Planning and Zoning Center in Lansing, Michigan. Some additions have been made to the collection by municipalities since it was transferred to Grand Valley State University. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Michigan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960/2023 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/870">Planning and Zoning Center Collection (RHC-240)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">No Copyright - United States</a> Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Comprehensive plan publications Master plan reports Zoning--Michigan Zoning--Maps Maps Land use--planning Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-240 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Cannon-Twp_Comprehensive-Development-Plan_1978 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Prein & Newhof Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1978-12-06 Title A name given to the resource Cannon Township Comprehensive Development Plan Description An account of the resource The Cannon Township Comprehensive Development Plan was prepared by Prein & Newhof and completed on December 6, 1978. Subject The topic of the resource Comprehensive plan publications Cannon Township (Mich.) Kent County (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/870">Planning and Zoning Center Collection (RHC-240)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/6fdb79c53a60152fa610643d3df716c2.pdf 2ec9aab886779b89ee5245ba4335a003 PDF Text Text . . COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Cannon To~nship Planning Commission •· W\ \~ . �DRAFT Fi ure 1-1 Plannin Process whether it supports the planned future land use pattern in the Township, as set forth in this plan. • Review of land subdivision and lot splits: The subdivision of land and associated lot split activities has a profound impact upon the character of a community and future public service needs and tax burdens. This plan provides policies to assist the Planning Commission and Township Board regarding decisions about the appropriateness of proposed subdivisions and lot splits, and the adequacy of public services to address the increased demands associated with these subdivisions and lot splits. Data Collectlon and Mapping • Township stability: This plan is a very strong and visible statement by the Township and its residents, regarding the intended future character of the community and strategies to assure that character. As a formal and tangible document, this plan instills a sense of stability and direction for township officials, township activities, and township residents. Draft Goals and Objectives Goals and Objectives Refined at Town Meeting Appendix H lists all of the goals, objectives, and policies contained within Chapters 3 - 5 and can be used as a checklist for evaluating applications, proposed public improvements, and associated land use issues. Draft Alternative Development Patterns Town Meeting PLAN PREPARATION Draft Comprehensive Plan The Planning Process The planning process used in developing the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan included a combination of Planning Commission meetings with attendance by members of the Township Board, computerized mapping, data analysis, development of alternative development schemes, and four town meetings. The planning process is represented graphicallly in Figure 1-1. Public Hearing on Plan At the first "town meeting," an overview of current economic and demographic trends and issues was presented, and a "futuring" session was conducted in which citizens of Cannon Township were asked to visualize Cannon Township 10-20 years in the future as they wanted it to be. This resulted in citizens articulating their vision and desires for their community. The combined results of the futuring session, an analysis of economic and demographic trends, and mapping analysis, were used to determine the key issues to be addressed by the comprehensive plan. Draft goals and objectives were developed from the public vision statements generated at the first town meeting and were presented at the second town meeting. Following refinement of the goals and objectives with input from the local citizens, alternative future land use development patterns were developed for discussion and presented at the third town meeting. Five principal alternatives were presented. The Soils Carrying Capacity alternative proposed a level of development intensity primarily based upon the ability of soils to accommodate septic fields. The Open Space Protection alternative emphasized the preservation of open spaces and farmland. The Town Center alternative proposed a major development center i:1 the Township to encourage and provide opportunities 1-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �DRAFT Figure 2-1 LAND USE BY PARCEL 1930 1966 1983 1989 Reproduced with permission of Rockford Map Publishers, Inc. 2-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �DRAFT Average Density This Comprehensive Plan utilizes the concept of "average density" in the description of intended land use patterns and intensity of development. Average density refers to the overall density of development within a geographic area, such as that area in a community which may be designated for "low density residential" development. Average density is established by dividing the total acreage within the specified area by the number of dwelling units within the same area. Because this Plan is intended to examine land use impacts on a general scale and address broad land use policies, the Plan treats development densities in the same manner, and not on a minimum lot size basis. Within the text of this Plan, references to a particular "average density" of development, such as one dwelling unit per 10 acres, means an overall density of one dwelling unit per 10 acres-it does not mean a minimum lot size of 10 acres. Accordingly, the average density of one residence on 5 acres plus one residence on 15 acres is one dwelling unit per 1O acres. Development density on a parcel by parcel basis is established in the Township's Zoning Ordinance. The illustrations below show the application of the average density concept. Though both patterns of development vary significantly, including their respective lot sizes, the same number of dwelling units exist in each, thereby resulting in the same average density. INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY common natural resources of the Township include its groundwater, its surface water and its air. While these resources should be used to benefit and sustain human activity, they should not be so exploited as to reduce their long term availability, or contaminated so as to present health hazards to Township residents. Special natural resources of the Township include both those resources which are particularly sensitive to degradation from unsound land use and development activities, and those resources which present particularly extreme constraints to land development. Special natural resources include wetlands, floodplains, hydric soils, woodlands, hillsides, and state game areas. Following is a review of the principal components of the Future Land Use Strategy. These components, collectively, formulate the planned future land use pattern in the Township and generally identify the future land use pattern by land use type and include policies regarding each land use type. CONSERVATION OF SPECIAL NATURAL RESOURCES Overview These common and special natural resources r re scattered throughout all areas of the Township and This Plan calls for the preservation of the Township's common and special natural resources. The 4-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �DRAFT Figure 4-1 FUTURE LAND USE 10 Mll~ Nl ..... {) e5 IOD IIT. :•:·· ,:;·!-~:- --- 3 J ......... -,: ..;;-. • ,t.. -· ...::~.'-.· ... ..... . 7 .. -: :· "···· ..:-:........ ·. ·~....· • \ ~..,. 'J. •• ::C .'·.. iG.', MJLI: l'IIJ -~:t: .. :.:::t I ICllruTOI NI . .:S ~ a:Jf ' , ' ~ :.- :·.-· ,.": :.. ,~·--.: ·.... ll-• -···· ... , , ~ • • •• • • - •• •:I > • •• • • ~ ,.; - .•. • • • • .. • : •••• ~ ••• • • ••• >.; • •• ....;•• ~ -. • "... • • • •• • -i· ,. • • • t ....... •• ~ • : • ~ ., .. ~ -- i. :.... • • • ·.a..· . . ... .. . •• . • l'j . . . . . .. . . •;M ..... .. " , . . . . . . ,I· ., . . .... /; ·.: ·... ~ :. _: ·: ... ·:- ·_.;)/·:;:·: .-._.:·. · ·. · .· . - TBN;. F,J10W'; COt--1.S t=-~ VA-n en,..--' ,0... e.E.A A.'1«~~ -Pcv~~el\t 'Del\5.i.½ cir- o?e.t--l :>'P,A,,U:.. . . I PWGll1ni;\ Utu+/zo-"'° (¼.n::.:s ~e..~ \Det--lii t,.,,L,. ,O,..tf:.A A.W-rO.<>j!.., 'D«c.~Mel\+ 'be-1\Sl~ el; \ t)w~~\\~ IJti1\/ Z.-!=,, P.c..T"C-5 L~\<.e.~ '<.ES\DE.1•-.rTlA.L.. J:-.e:.E.A ,._'fe.r-a.~e., ~,c..~tt,-c.,-.+ 'Det\'-i¼ o~ \ "bt.0e\\in13 Ur.,.+/\ A<AG. 4-14 CANNON TOWN SHI P COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ,. . ~- �DRAFT Figure 5-1 PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICTS 10 IIIJLI Ni I) IS·a --- a ,aan. I s 2 .... c::o 3 . ~ i I MILi N>. q ~ 1 S2 "> IZJ,2Jii,.L • e:, W::.'I It.-e, S § > . SIi S3 0 + (> • . ICJIE\ITUI PIO . 2·:1---==.;.;;;.;...--"22 23 24 0 ..,_ ---- .. . 0 29 . I vj 28 \ 25 P~""tllli-L ~ 1=.C" It. I!:.CS, 11 Mll.E NJ . . ,.j > ,.j > . ~ u UL. ; -:,15.~"'t. .; t; .J .J 32 > t -: es > . ,.j > ·1 34 K u j T8N,A10W 5-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ~ 0 . ~ •. • .J 4 MILi: NJ . !I �CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Prepared by: Cannon Township Planning Commission in Cooperation with the Cannon Township Board of Trustees with the assistance of: Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, Ml 48917 ph. (517) 886-0555 December 1993 This plan was funded in part by the Kent County Community Development Department with an entitlement grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant Program. �Cannon Township Planning Commission Chuck Bloom, Chairman Robert Mack Joel Gordon James Lilley Genn Carwell Erik Olsen Robert McBrien James LaPeer James Alles Cannon Township Board of Trustees John Weiss, Supervisor Bonnie Shupe, Clerk Daniel Barker, Treasurer George Scott, Trustee Thom Longcore, Trustee James Alles, Trustee Richard Davies, Trustee Associates of the Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. who worked on the Plan: Mark A. Wyckoff, AICP Mark A. Eidelson, AICP Timothy J. McCauley Brenda M. Moore, AICP, PCP John D. Warbach, Ph.D. Support Staff Carolyn A. Freebury Kelley J. Gettle Jeanne Esch Lana Atkins ~, • whodidwa.doc �TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter .1 INTRODUCTION PLAN PURPOSE .............................................................................................. 1-1 PLAN CONTENTS and HOW TO USE THE PLAN ........................................... 1-1 PLAN PREPARATION ...................................................................................... 1-2 The Planning Process .................................................................................. 1-2 Growth Management Approach ................................................................... 1-3 Chapter 2 COMMUNITY CHARACTER INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 2-1 DEMOGRAPHIC SUMMARY ............................................................................ 2-1 OPEN $PACE ................................................................................................... 2-3 NATURAL RESOURCES SUMMARY ............................................................... 2-3 Topography and Watercourses ................................................................... 2-3 Wetlands ...................................................................................................... 2-3 Woodlands ................................................................................................... 2-3 Lakes ........................................................................................................... 2-3 Agricultural Land .......................................................................................... 2-4 BEAR CREEK WATERSHED ............................................................................ 2-4 VISUAL CHARACTER INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ...................................... 2-4 Overview ........................................................................... :.......................... 2-4 Vegetation ........................ :........................................................................... 2-4 M-44 Corridor................................. :............................................................. 2-6 Scenic Valleys .............................................................................................. 2-6 Scenic Roads ............................................................................................... 2-6 Nodes: Crossroads, Settlements ................................................................. 2-6 Power Transmission Line ............................................................................ 2-7 EXISTING LAND USE PATTERNS ................................................................... 2-7 TRENDS AND CONDITIONS ............................................................................ 2-7 _ Chapter 3 A COMMON VISION: GOALS & OBJECTIVES VISION STATEMENT ........................................................................................ 3-1 DEFINITIONS of GOALS, OBJECTIVES, and POLICIES ................................. 3-1 HOW THE GOALS & OBJECTIVES EVOLVED ................................................ 3-2 GOALS & OBJECTIVES ................................................................................... 3-2 Planning & Land Use Regulation ................................................................. 3-2 Growth Management ................................................................................... 3-2 Community Character, Open Space & Natural Resources .......................... 3-3 Water Resources ......................................................................................... 3-3 Transportation/Roads ............. ~ .................................................................... 3-3 Public Facilities & Services .......................................................................... 3-4 Parks & Recreation ...................................................................................... 3-4 Housing ....................................................................................................,... 3-4 Commercial Development ........................................................................... 3-5 Industrial Development ................................................................................ 3-5 i CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE Pl.AN �Intergovernmental Cooperation ................................................................... 3-5 Chapter 4 FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE .................................................................... 4-1 OVERVIEW OF FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY .......................................... 4-1 Basis ............................................................................................................ 4-1 Township-Wide Land Use Pattern ............................................................... 4-1 Relationship to Existing Land Use Pattern and Land Uses ......................... 4-2 Relationship to Neighboring Municipalities .................................................. 4-2 INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY ....... 4-3 Conservation of Special Natural Resources ................................................ 4-3 Residential Development ............................................................................. 4-4 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ..................................... 4-1 O PUBLIC LANDS .............................................................................................. 4-11 RECREATION LANDS .................................................................................... 4-12 SPECIAL LAND USES .................................................................................... 4-12 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................ 4-12 M-44 and Cannonsburg Road Corridors .................................................... 4-12 Bear Creek Watershed .............................................................................. 4-13 Linkages .................................................................................................... 4-14 Chapter 5 PUBLIC SERVICES STRATEGY INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE .................................................................... 5-1 OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SERVICES STRATEGY ............................................ 5-1 Basis ............................................................................................................ 5-1 Township-Wide Public Services Pattern ...................................................... 5-1 INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES STRATEGY ........ 5-1 Service Districts ........................................................................................... 5-1 Roads and Streets ............. .'......................................................................... 5-4 Sewer and Water ......................................................................................... 5-7 Stormwater Management ............................................................................ 5-9 Support Services and Buildings ................................................................. 5-10 Recreation ................................................................................................. 5-11 Intergovernmental Coordination ................................................................ 5-12 Appendix. A LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY ............................................................... A-1 , Appendix B HI STORY .................................................................................................. B-1 Appendix C PHYSICAL PROFILE - NATURAL FEATURES ........................................ C-1 CLIMATE ........................................................................................................... C-1 GEOLOGY ........................................................................................................ C-1 TOPOGRAPHY ................................................................................................. C-1 INLAND LAKES ................................................................................................. C-2 DRAINAGE ........................................................................................................ C-2 FLOODPLAINS ................................................................................................. C-3 SOILS ................................................................................................................ C-3 -· --· . ii CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Limitations for Septic Systems ..................................................................... C-3 Standards for Septic Systems ................................................................ C-4 Basement Limitations ............................................................................. C-4 Hydric Soils ............................................................................................. C-5 Prime Farmland ...................................................................................... C-5 WOODLANDS ............................................................................................. C-5 WETLANDS ................................................................................................. C-5 GROUNDWATER ............... ~ ........................................................................ C-6 Appendix D PHYSICAL PROFILE - MAN-MADE FEATURES ..................................... 0-1 LAND COVER/USE ........................................................................................... 0-1 LAND DIVISION ................................................................................................ 0-1 TRANSPORTATION ......................................................................................... 0-4 DRAINAGE ........................................................................................................ 0-7 POLICE & FIRE ................................................................................................. 0-7 SCHOOLS ......................................................................................................... D-7 COMMUNITY FACILITIES ................................................................................ 0-7 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES & HISTORIC SITES .......................................... 0-7 Appendix E DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE ...................................................................... E-1 POPULATION CHANGE OVER TIME .............................................................. E-1 RACE ................................................................................................................ E-5 AGE ................................................................................................................... E-5 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT.............................................................:.................... E-7 HOUSEHOLD .................................................................................................... E-9 HOUSING ....................................................................................................... E-11 ECONOMY ...................................................................................................... E-12 Appendix F BUILDOUT ANALYSIS ............................................................................. F-1 Appendix G MAPS .......................................................................................................G-1 OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................G-1 ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERIZED MAPPING ............................................. G-1 BASE MAPS ....................................... : .............................................................. G-1 ACCURACY ............... :......................................................................................G-1 MAP DESCRIPTIONS .......................................................................................G-1 iii CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION PLAN PURPOSE • to maintain and moderately enhance employment opportunities and tax base of the area; The purpose of this Plan is to guide policy and decision making for all future land and infrastructure development decisions within Cannon Township. Within the Plan, key planning issues are identified; goals, objectives and policies are outlined; future land uses are described and mapped; public facility standards are established; and specific implementation measures are recommended. • to promote an orderly development process which is paced in coordination with the Township's ability to provide services and which permits public officials and citizens an opportunity to monitor change and review proposed development in a reasonable manner; and • to provide information from which to gain a better understanding of the area, its interdependencies and interrelationships and upon which to base future land use and public investment decisions. This Plan is adopted pursuant to the authority of the Township Planning Act, PA 168 of 1959. This Act provides for the preparation of a •basic plan• to promote community health, safety, and welfare through provisions for the use of land and resources and the assurance of adequate public facilities and services. The Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan is a •basic plan.• 1t is prepared as a foundation for, and depends primarily on, the Township's zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and capital improvement program for its implementation. Although this Plan states specific land use development policy and proposes specific land use arrangements, it has no regulatory power. PLAN CONTENTS and HOW TO USE THE PLAN There are three critical components to using this plan as a decision making guide. First, are the goals and objectives in Chapter 3. Second, are the policies, future land use map, public facilities plan and associated descriptive information presented in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. Third, is the supporting documentation found in Appendices A-G which draws directly from previous planning and engineering studies. All proposed future land uses and policies presented in this Plan were developed based on a blending of the natural capability of the land to sustain certain types of development; the important natural functions played by unique land and water resources in the area; the relative future need for residential, commercial, and industrial land uses; the existing land use distribution; the relationship of undeveloped lands to existing community character; and the desires of local residents and public officials as expressed through interviews, town meetings, a citizen opinion survey, and public hearings. This Plan is presented to help all elected and appointed officials to make difficult choices between competing interests and to serve as a guide for decision making. It is anticipated that this plan will be consulted in the following situations: • Review of rezonings, variances, and spacial use permits: Applications for rezonings, variances, or special use permits should be evaluated not only in terms of specific zoning ordinance standards, but also in terms of how well the proposed action would help attain the goals and objectives of this Plan and fulfill its policies. This Plan is intended as support for the achievement of the following public objectives, among others: • Public Improvement projects: All future public improvement projects, including the construction of new facilities, utilities or buildings should first be reviewed by the Planning Commission for consistency with this plan, pursuant to PA 168 of 1959. In particular, such projects shOuld be. reviewed to determine consistency with the goals, objectives and policies in the Plan, and whether it supports the planned future land use • to protect public health, safety and general welfare; • to conserve and protect property values by preventing incompatible uses from locating adjacent to each other; • to protect and preserve the natural resources, unique character, and environmental quality of the area; 1-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �R ura 1-1 Plannin Process pattern in the Township, as set forth in this Plan. • Review of land subdivision and lot splits: The subdivision of land and associated lot split activities has a profound impact upon the character of a community and future public service needs and tax burdens. This Plan provides policies to assist the Planning Commission and Township Board regarding the development of subdivision regulations, decisions about the appropriateness of proposed subdivisions and lot splits, and the adequacy of public services to address the increased demands associated with these subdivisions and lot splits. Data Collection and Mapping • Township stability: This Plan is a very strong and visible statement by the Township and its residents, regarding the intended future character of the community and strategies to assure that character. As a formal and tangible document; this Plan instills a sense of stability and direction for township officials, township activities, and township residents. Draft Goals and Objectives Goals and Objectives Ref lned at Town Meeting Draft Alternative Development Patterns Town Meeting PLAN PREPARATION The Planning Process Draft Comprehensive Plan The planning process used in developing the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan included a combination of Planning Commission meetings with attendance by members of the Township Board, computerized mapping, data analysis, development of alternative development schemes, a citizen opinion survey, and four town meetings. The planning process is represented graphically in Figure 1-1. Publlc Hearing on Plan At the first "town meeting, • an overview of current economic and demographic trends and issues was presented, and a "futuring• session was conducted in which citizens of Cannon Township were asked to visualize Cannon Township 10-20 years in the future as they wanted it to be. This resulted in citizens articulating their vision and desires for their community. The combined results of the futuring session, an analysis of economic and demographic trends, and mapping analysis, were used to determine the key issues to be addressed by the Comprehensive Plan. Draft goals and objectives were developed from the public vision statements generated at the first town meeting and were presented at the second town meeting. Following refinement of the goals and objectives with input from the local citizens, alternative future land use development patterns were developed for discussion and presented at the third town meeting. Five principal alternatives were presented. The Soils Carrying Capacity alternative proposed a level of development intensity primarily based upon the ability of soils to accommodate septic fields. The Open Space Protection alternative emphasized the preservation of open spaces and farmland. The Town Center alternative proposed a major development center in the Township to encourage and provide op1-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �number of work sessions open to the public. In May of 1992, the draft Plan was presented at a fourth town meeting. A citizen opinion survey was prepared and distributed to all property owners in the Township. Based upon the results of the fourth town meeting, and the citizen opinion survey, the draft Plan was further refined and presented to the public at a public hearing on·October 6th. Additional meetings were held with residents, business owners, and property owners to make other refinements in the Plan. A second public hearing was held in April 1993. portunities for high density residential development as well as commercial and industrial development. The Community Nodes alternative was similar to the Town Center alternative but proposed a number of smaller nodes to accommodate higher density residential and nonresidential development rather than a singular large "town center" area. The Spaced Interior Clustering With Setasldes alternative proposed that nearly all residential development be accommodated in a manner so as to preserve at least an equal area in permanent open space. It was prepared by a citizens group and considered along with the other four alternatives. Growth Management Approach Growth management planning is different from the traditional comprehensive planning approach in that specific implementation measures for guiding future land development and for upgrading or maintaining public facilities are integrated with the future land use plan. Traditionally, a comprehensive plan provides the necessary background information on which to base planning decisions regarding the location, density and type of future land uses. A growth management plan also establishes public policy on the rate, timing and location of new development, so as to insure it proceeds at a pace which does not overwhelm the ability of citizens and the Township to meet the new public service cost obligations and to ensure its compatibility with adjoining uses of land. This involves careful planning and the establishment of a process to ensure new facilities will be available to meet new development needs. Important results of this third town meeting included: 1) the Open Space alternative received the greatest support, but was followed closely by the Community Nodes alternative and Spaced Interior Clustering With Setasides alternative; 2) the primary reasons for support of the Open Space alternative were not as much rooted in farmland preservation as with preservation of open spaces in general and a desire by some, to limit growth and development; and 3) the most important elements of rural character in Cannon Township, identified by residents during an informal survey administered at the town meeting, included woodlands, naturaJ stream and river banks, ravines, bluffs, hillsides, wetlands, and tree-lined roads. Following preparation of the draft Plan in January of 1992, the Planning Commission discussed and refined the Plan over the following months during a :.. •r• ;, . I \, Vt 1-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I ; �Chapter 2 COMMUNITY CHARACTER The Township's population is relatively homogeneous, with 98% of the population being white (1990 Census) and the majority of persons being of English or German decent (according to the 1980 Census). Additionally, most of the households in Cannon are comprised of married-<X>uple families with children. INTRODUCTION Cannon Township is situated on the fringe of the rapidly developing Grand Rapids Metro area. Easy access to the metro area makes the Township attractive for development. Between 1980 and 1990, the Township experienced the highest rate of growth in the County (59%). In addition to its location, Cannon Township has attracted growth because of its natural amenities. Rolling terrain, inland lakes, streams, woodlots and wetlands interspersed with agriculture and open space provides an appealing setting for residentiaJ development. (See Appendix A for more information on location and geography). Median age in the Township is higher than that of the County (32.6 years of age vs. 30.7 years of age). Contrary to state and national trends which generally show increased rates of persons 65 years and over, the Township has witnessed a slight decrease in this age group from 6.4% in 1980 to 6% in 1990. With the high percentage of married baby-boomers in family rearing age (basically persons 30-45 years of age) is a corresponding relatively high number of persons under 18. Enrollments in area schools reflect an increase in school-aged children. Increases in enrollments between 1983 and 1990 ranged from 15% for Lowell schools to 50% for Rockford schools. A substantiaJ amount of residentiaJ development has occurred in Cannon in the last decade. In an eight year period (1982-1990) there were an average of 108 new homes built per year in the Township. State equalized value (SEV) attributed to residential development has increased by 168% in that same time; increasing from $53.3 million to $142.9 miUlon. (See Appendix E, Figure E-12 and Table E-6). Commercial land values (SEV) have increased 92%. As may be expected in rapidly developing areas, the SEV of agricultural lands has fallen 14% between 1982 and 1991 . overall, the Township's SEV increased by 147%. As with state and national trends, households are increasing in Cannon at a faster rate than its population. While the Township's population increased by 59% between 1980 and 1990, the number of households increased 64%. The rise in number of households is due to direct population increases, an increase in the number of single person and single parent households and a decrease in extended family households. Because of the Township's high percentage of families, its household size is larger than the county average (3.1 persons per household vs. 2. 7 persons per household). Since 1970, however, the Township's household size has decreased 17% from 3. 7 persons per household. This reflects state and national trends of smaller families. A growing market for residentiaJ development has spurred a large number of parcel splits in the Township. Average parcel size in the Township in 1930 was 80 acres and over. By 1966 most of the large tracts had been divided and a large number of parcels smaller than 40 acres had appeared. By 1990, large parcels (40 acres and over) are clearly in the minority with 1O acre and smaller parcels dominating the land base. Figure 2-1 on the following page illustrates this evolution as it has occurred in sections 16, 17, 20 and 21. Cannon Township's work force commutes primarily to the Grand Rapids metro area for employment. In 1980, manufacturing provided jobs to 28% of the Township's work force (a lower rate than the County average of 35%). However, a larger percentage of the work force was employed by professional and related service industries (24%) than was found in the County DEMOGRAPHIC SUMMARY Between 1960 and 1990 Cannon Township's population more than tripled, going from 2,525 in 1960 to 7,928 in 1990. Population increases affect density and the rural nature of an area. Density is a function of urbanization and its related increase in demand for services. In 50 years (1940-1990), density in the township increased by over 7 times; going from 29 persons per square mile to 211 persons per square mile. (22%). 2-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Figure 2-1 LAND USE BY PARCEL 1930 1966 1983 1989 Reproduced with p11nnlsslon of Rockford Map Publishers, Inc. 2-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �The percentage of home ownership in Cannon is very high (91 %) when compared to the County (69.7%) and state (74.4%). This pattern, and the fact that the median value of owner-occupied housing in Cannon Township in 1990 was $97,600 as compared to the County average of $68,200 (1990 U.S. Census figures), suggests that Cannon is a relatively wealthy community. Per capita income estimates also suggest this as the average per capita income of a Cannon Township resident in 1988 ($14,738) was 23% higher than the state average per capita income ($11,973) and 24% higher than the County average ($11,883). OPEN SPACE Open spaces are as much a fundamental part of Cannon Township's character as are the residents of the Township. Extensive open spaces exist throughout all areas of the Township, including wetlands, woodlands, agricultural fields, shrub and herbaceous fields, and rolling hillsides. These define a community character rich in visual pleasure, environmental integrity, and pastoral serenity. Though the Township has grown quickly during the past 30 years, degradation of these open spaces has been generally limited. This is due to the pattern of development, the nature of the new land uses introduced into the Township, and individual property owner commitment to protection of these open spaces. nonsburg Road. The northern 6 sections of the Township also contain an upland area which forms an eastwest ridge sloping into a large flat area at its southeastern edge in Sections 1-3. This ridge also contains the highest elevation in the Township. The eastern 1.5 miles of Cannon Township, and the area near Bostwick Lake and Silver Lake, is relatively flat land containing expanses of wetland and agricultural areas. Wetlands Most of the wetland areas of Cannon Township consist of shrub swamps and low-lying woodlands (see Map C-13). Wetlands are concentrated primarily along Bear Creek and its tributaries, especially in the eastern part of the Township (Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36), and near the smaller lakes (Sunfish, Hyser, Austin, and Ratigan). The wetlands near lakes are covered with water for most of the year, while others may occasionally be dry. Most of the wetlands in Cannon Township are interconnected or contiguous, providing a distinctive network of "natural" areas throughout the community. They also contribute to the natural beauty of the Township's watercourses and small lakes. Woodlands The extensive wooded areas of Cannon Township substantially contribute to the picturesque rural character of the area (see Map C-12) . Most are found on the steepest slopes and hillsides of the Township and in wetland areas, primarily in the upland portions of the Bear Creek watershed. Forest cover is also concentrated in large contiguous areas, rather than in smaller fragments. Hardwoods are the predominant type of forest cover, augmented by areas of aspen, and small areas of pine and other conifers. Large tracts of woodlands provide an essential element to rural character in the less developed portions of Cannon Township. However, if recent trends and local regulations continue, the future of these open spaces is in doubt. The provisions of the Township's current zoning ordinance, including the minimum two acre lot size within the agricultural district (which covers the vast majority of the Township), in conjunction with the unregulated lot splits permitted under the Subdivision Control Act (creation of four lots under 1O acres in size every ten years) and rapid population growth, together permit the insidious conversion of these open spaces. Lakes Cannon Township has numerous lakes ranging in size from less than 1 acre to 217 acres, and totaling over, 850·acres (see Map C-2). All of the larger lakes are locafed in the northern 12 sections of the Township, while most small lakes are found south of Belding Road . (M-44). All of the three larger lakes have small lots . surrounding their shores, with little or no public access. Development around the larger lakes is fairly intensive. As might be expected, the visual character of these lake areas has been significantly altered with the onset and expansion of development. The water quality of these lakes has suffered due to septic field leachate, residential fertilizers, and water activities. Most of the land surrounding the smaller lakes in Cannon Township remain undeveloped. NATURAL RESOURCES SUMMARY Topography and Watercourses Most of Cannon Township is characterized by rolling moraines and steep slopes typical of northern Kent County. Steep slopes are generally concentrated in two areas. Bear Creek, the major watercourse in the Township and which runs east to west through the south central portion of the Township into the Grand River, is surrounded by wooded upland areas which slope abruptly downward towards the narrow floodplain of the main channel. The result is a long and picturesque valley which is evident when traveling Can2-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Agricultural Land Cannon Township has relatively few areas which are particularly suitable for fanning or have prime fannland soils present (see Map C-10). The larger concentrations of prime fannland are in the far southern corners of the Township, in sections 31-32 and 3536, which are presently in agricultural use. Another large area north of Bostwick Lake in Sections 2 and 11 has some prime fannlands and is also in agricultural use. Although few fannland areas exist in Cannon Township, they lend significantly to the diverse rural character of the area and provide open spaces to complement the area's rolling wooded hills. BEAR CREEK WATERSHED When discussing the natural resources of Cannon Township, special mention must be made of the Bear Creek Watershed. The Bear Creek Watershed, the largest in the Township, drains approximately half of the entire Township, and its topography and associated resources provide outstanding scenic vistas and capture the rural character of the community. Bear Creek begins in the eastern central region of the Township and flows south into the southern third of the Township, where it then flows east to west across the Township. It feeds into the Grand River at the southwest corner of the Township. Stout Creek and Armstrong Creek feed into Bear Creek from the north, and many small intermittent creeks flow into Bear Creek. trails for off-road vehicles and some public and private roads tend to have large exposed soil areas that can contribute significant sedimentation loads through water and wind erosion. Many soils in the watershed are highly wind erodible, and some of the soils being fanned are slightly water erodible. The watershed is scenic, due to its surrounding hills, its rural, wooded character, and limited development. Commercial activities are limited and concentrated in Cannonsburg. Residential development within the watershed comprises an estimated 1,200 acres, and is scattered along country roads. The importance of this watershed to the Township is evidenced by the fact that at the time this Plan was being prepared, the Township was participating is a special Michigan Department of Natural Resources model study program focusing on the impacts of development upon streams, including Bear Creek. Also, the Township has received the support of the Department of Natural Resources for its application for EPA grant monies to identify nonpoint pollution sources in the watershed. The Bear Creek Watershed and other watersheds of Cannon Township are shown on Map C-3. VISUAL CHARACTER INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS There are an estimated 1,000 acres of wetlands in the watershed. These are primarily located adjacent to Bear Creek and its tributaries, and serve to store and filter runoff. The wetlands are primarily lowland forests and shrub swamps. While narrow bands of wetlands are located at the middle and lower end segments of Bear Creek, wetlands are primarily located at the headwaters. The watershed contains over 3,000 acres of woodlands, and these are scattered throughout the watershed. Woodlands are effective in storing rain and snowmelt, helping to prevent flooding. Overview The visual character of Cannon Township is primarily hilly and wooded. There are numerous small lakes, small valleys, one large valley running east-west along Cannonsburg Road in the western part of the Township, and the relatively more developed M-44 corridor running through the northern-most third of the Township in an east-west direction. At various points there are high points from which there are long views. Following is a description of primary elements of the Township's visual character which are also illustrated in Figure 2-2. Agriculture comprises an estimated 3,500 acres of the watershed. Agriculture can be a scenic and productive land cover/use, but it can also lead to increased runoff, sedimentation, and contamination of waterways with fertilizer and pesticides. Much of the agriculture in the watershed is located along Bear Creek. Nearly 3,600 acres of the watershed can be grouped into shrub land , recreation, or other, non-urban land uses. These land covers/uses may not negatively impact water quality although development upon these lands which could result in erosion does present opportunities for water quality degradation. Areas used for recreational skiing, parking lots for athletic fields, Vegetation As noted earlier, Cannon Township is blessed with an abundance of varied vegetation with a strong and aesthetic visual character. Approximately 60% of the Township is characterized by crop vegetation, woodlands, and shrub and herbaceous vegetation . The woods are primarily deciduous. Oak are the dominant trees, especially on the uplands. There are some mixed maple and basswood stands in the lower areas. There are a few pine stands . 2-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �CANNON TOWNSHIP 10 HILE RO () 5 Kent County, 2 BUSH ORIVE KIES ST. Michigan 2-2 VISUAL CHARACTER Broad Open Landscape ....., * .. 18 . Ill > < + HILE RD. Ill + "< .J ::i:-- ..."' II. z :, Isolated Valley 0 "' a:: C --- .J .J 23 24 l&J C "'%< ii= . '' { { , ' '• ,,,, \\_,- \~ 28 25 Zl I !I MILE RD. ,.j PW/24Wf/4kff/4Lpfl/4WK w/4 twJ/40fl¥ lfM/4&/M/4&/4~ > .,< \ 31 ~ \~ Sc.c.-...\c.. 'lA\\~ ,,,,,,,. .; \ \ _..,... , ' I {I ''-'--.- \\ .( .. . IL Scenic Road UUIU\I KREtfTEJ'l RD. ... __, Strip Residential ' r-· /1 Node -- ,.j > C 32 . ., ." ....... J Scale l&J .J ::J C ........ TBN, R10W A 3, 615 7. 230 10, 845 feet C 35 % ::J a: I o ,.j > MILi!: RD . .,"' u< u X 1 inch• 3,615 feet 1: 43,400 Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S. Waverly Rd . Lansing, pn • Michigan 4B917 (II S 7) fte&-0!1115 Inc. N �Figure 2-2 VISUAL CHARACTER INVENTORY 2-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Along Egypt Valley Road, north of Cannonsburg Road, there is a unique oak woodland, in which mature oaks trees, all of the same species, are scattered across the hills and ravines. In striking contrast, a pine stand crosses the same road, farther up the hill, where the road takes a turn to the west. have a somewhat unnatural skyline , as compared to the surrounding lands, and the recreation area generally is barren of most vegetation. There are other valleys in the Township. Three small valleys form dramatic, open, isolated bowls. One of these is on Egypt Valley Road, just north of Cannonsburg Road. This valley is being developed with larger homes. The other is at the east end of Sunfish Lake. The third surrounds a gravel pit on B.J. Street. Other isolated valleys may exist, but are not obvious because they are filled with vegetation, and are not open. The extensive natural vegetation throughout the Township, including the woodlands and scrublands, is probably the most dominating visual element in the Township. Because it is such a dominating element, disturbances to these areas are that much more noticeable and detrimental to the maintenance of the Township's current character. Scenic Roads While Cannon Township is fortunate to have many miles of roads that are scenic because they are bordered by woods, or have views of lakes, the Township also has segments of road that have special scenic beauty. These roads have special scenic qualities because the vegetation is arranged differently than that along the other natural segments of roads. This usually means that mature trees line the road , through which the driver has views of farmland or natural countryside. In the middle segment on Egypt Valley Road, the combination of unique oak woodland and pine stand makes the segment especially scenic. At the southern end of the same road, it is the passage through a tree plantation and orchards that provides the scenic character. At the west end of Five Mile Road , the segment is uniquely scenic because the road climbs steeply under a canopy of very large trees. Ramsdell Road has scenic segments where the road passes through Townsend Park, and along Pickerel Lake and the wooded, undeveloped shoreline. M-44 Corridor Highway M-44, the backbone of the local roadway network, crosses the Township in an east-west direction, and passes through landscapes of distinct characteristics. From the eastern side of the Township to west of Bostwick Lake there exists a mix of old , new, and historical buildings. The section of M-44 west of Young Road has a prosperous and productive appearance. There are few empty buildings, and undeveloped land is primarily in woodlots. Lake front homes along Silver Lake and Bella Vista Lake are larger and less crowded than around Lake Bostwick. The Bella Vista Lake area is a newer development. The homes cover the hillsides surrounding the lake, and the limited range of architectural styles and materials provide a unified appearance. Wilkinson Road and Wildermere Drive, along the eastern shore of Silver Lake , Bush Drive, and Chauncey Road , in the southwest corner of the Township along the Grand River, have been designated Natural Beauty Roads under P.A. 150 of 1970. From the Bella Vista Lake area to the west side of the Township the landscape is rolling and open. Scenic Valleys Between the community of Cannonsburg and Pettis Avenue lies a scenic valley about three miles long and nearly a mile wide. Bear Creek flows through the valley, but is not visible except at a few points at the bottom of the valley. The valley sides are wooded hills. Single family homes are scattered throughout the valley, but are not an intrusive element. In the middle of the valley there is an area used for recreational skiing, together with an adjacent parking area and an athletic field . These areas provide a popular place for recreation, particularly during the winter months. Many Township residents and those from nearby communities participate in the skiing and other recreational activities available at this location. The skiing area, along with its adjacent parking area and athletic field, does Nodes: Crossroads, Settlements Because of the rural character of the Township, places where there is a concentration of houses or commercial establishments have significance in the landscape as nodes. Nodes help establish the cultural and social pattern of the community and typically include crossroads with one or more stores or other buildings and settlements. Many of the roads do not have nodes of development, separated by farms , woods or less concentrated development, but instead have strip residential development, where the houses are placed on large residential lots, adjacent to each other for a consider- 2-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �If the current rate of growth continues in the coming ten years as it has over the past ten years, the Township could gain an additional 5,000 persons. This increase in population could yield an additional 1,500 dwelling units. Based upon current zoning ordinance provisions, these additional dwelling _units could occupy a total of nearly 3,000 acres if developed as individual lot splits rather than through platted subdivisions. This area is equal to approximately one seventh of the total Township area. This pattern of development could have tremendous negative impacts upon the rural elements of the Township. able distance along the road. The location of strip residential development is located on Figure 2-2. Power Transmission Line A power transmission line with tall towers runs north-south near the east edge of the Township. Although the line passes over one of the highest points in the Township, the area is relatively flat. The impact of the towers is very local, as they can be seen from the adjacent parcels, but not from a distance. EXISTING LAND USE PATTERNS The generaJ land use character of Cannon Township is one of open space and residential development. Just over 80% of the Township area is characterized by some fonn of open space, including woodlands approaching one third of the Township area and agricultural land . uses accounting for approximately one quarter of the Township area. Agriculture in Cannon Township is primarily crop fanning, and principally situated in the Township's northeast quadrant and along its southern and eastern boundaries. The continual lot splits and dispersed development will unnecessarily consume large areas of open spaces and the natural resources associated with these open spaces including woodlands, wetlands, and fields. Current land use policy and subsequent development patterns prompt the conversion of open space, woodlots and agricultural lands into single-family development. Development that does not accommodate unique natural characteristics (e.g., retention of native vegetation, slopes and wetlands) will alter the character of the Township over time. Groomed yards will replace native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Water quality in area lakes will decrease as pesticides, lawn chemicals and other artificially introduced nutrients and/or contaminants reach the water. Those open spaces that may be preserved are apt to be fragmented and be far less functional or visually significant in the environment. Eventually, if current trends continue, the Township will take on the appearance of a more urbanized suburb than a rural Residential land uses are scattered throughout the entire Township, approximately haJf of which are situated on large acreage lots (5 acres or more). Concentrated residential development is present and centered around Silver, Bostwick, and Bella Vista Lakes. Strip residential development exists along many county roads in the Township. Commercial and industrial development is limited within the Township. Commercial land uses exist along M-44 near Bostwick Lake and Bella V~ Lake. lndustriaJ development is situated along M-44 approaching the Township's eastern boundary. area. This pattern of land development can be equally devastating to the Township roadway network. The strip residential development pattern which could dominate will increase the number of residences accessing the primary roadways directly and thereby continually shortening the distance between driveways. The result will be increased congestion, traffic hazards, and travel times and a complete transformation of the visual landscape. The Cannonsburg State Game Area, operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, includes considerable acreage in the far south central region of the Township. Figure D-2 illustrates the existing land use pattern in the Township, and Figure C-6 shows the principal public land use facilities in the Township. TRENDS AND CONDITIONS The population growth of Cannon Township has been steady and, in the past ten years, extremely rapid. Though the growth of the Grand Rapids Metro area can be expected to continue, as well as the attractiveness of the Township as a place to reside, the rate of future growth is in question. The issue is not one of whether the Township will continue to grow but by how much. The increase in density, and lack of public sewer in most areas of the Township, will place greater pressure upon groundwater resources as their vulnerability to contamination through on-site sewage disposal will increase. The introduction of new and expanded services provided by the Township will become a larger issue in the future as the population grows, households increase, and land is further developed. Public protec- 2-7 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �tion problems (police and fire protection, emergency medical service and transportation management) will become more acute. The expansion of services will most likely be accompanied by an increase in local taxes, as recent studies have begun to show that new development often does not pay its way. These trends will continue as long as encouraged by public policy and permitted by existing regulations. This Plan sets forth a new public policy intended to encourage new development in a way which protects public values associated with a clean environment and scenic open spaces. . 2-8 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Chapter 3 A COMMON VISION: GOALS & OBJECTIVES VISION STATEMENT The plaming process followed in the preparation of this Plan identified convnunity attludea regarding the future character ot Camon T ~ and developed a consensus ot ptblic opinion regarding future land use minimized. The permitted intensity of both residential and nonresidential development will be directly related to the presence and type of environmental resources and conditions, with the most environmentally sensitive areas to be developed at the lowest intensities. For M-44 to continue to function as a state highway, offering safe and efficient travel and panoramic vistas of open spaces and rural landscapes, direct access will be severely restricted. Service roads will be used wherever possible to achieve this goal. and community development. This consensus was arrived at through town meetings where the public was given opportunities to identify the preferred future character ot the Township and commen on and shape the evolution of the Plan. Citizens consistentl'f portrayed a common vision for the T ~ ' s fwn which was founded ~ the preservation of the Township's natural resources and current •rura1-1ilce• character. Toe The location of intensive land uses will be linked with adequate public facilities and services to safely accommodate these land uses. Township facilities and services will be expanded in the Township in a well planned, priority based, and coordinated fashion, and in a manner which preserves and reflects the rural components and lifestyle of the Township. Carefully regulated and environmentally sound on-site potable water sources and sewage disposal will predominate and limit the expenditure of- public funds and property taxes for new and expanded public sewer and water. £xpansion of services will occur to the extent that public health, safety, and welfare concerns are adequately addressed, including the accommodation of more intensive residential and nonresidential land uses in limited areas. The development and maintenance of a capital improvement program will assist the Township in providing the desired services in a coordinated and cost-effective manner. following vision statement portrays the prevailing aspirations of Township residents: The rural charactsristics of Cannon Township will continue well into the futurs as woodlands, wetlands, ·open spaces, hillsidss, Jakes, and streams will continue to dominate the /andscapB in the 21st century. These fundamsntaJ community 8/sments will provide for a varied and balanced living snvironmsnt for persons and famillss and will prsvail throughout the Township. The Impact of these resourcss, and the. community character they instill, will be surpassed only by the relentless and coordinated efforts to assure their continued quality and integrity. Growth and development will be accommodated within the Township in a manner which preserves the fundamental characteristics of the Township. Recognition of the Township's natural resources as community-wide assets for an improved living environment will prevail. Residential development will largely consist of single family homes purposefully sited to preserve opsn spaces and the natural resources that abound. In association with this development pattern, a range of housing types and densities will be available, and affordable, to address the housing needs of all individuals and families. Public access to parks and recreation areas will increase and be integrated with residential areas, as will open space corridors, fed by the Township's extensive natural resourcss. Cannon Township government decisions, and the efforts of the public, will reflect a level of land use and growth management which will effectively blend an expanding population and level of development with the special and sensitive natural resources of the community and the needs of both long-time residents and newcomers. This Township-wide vision strongly molded the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. DEFINITIONS of GOALS, OBJECTIVES, and POLICIES Opportunitiss for limited new commercial and industrial development and redevelopment will be provided in locations where public servicss are adequate to accommodate such development and where adverse impacts upon adjacent land uses will be Goals, objectives, and policies play a fundamental role in the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan. The goals and objectives chart the Plan's direc- 3-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Policies to implement the goals and objectives are presented in the next two chapters (Chapter 4 and 5). tion and form, and the policies present key implementation strategies to assure the Plan's direction is followed. The relationship between goals, objectives, and policies is as follows: Although goals and objectives are grouped under several categories, there are numerous interrelationships among them. Some goals and objectives are concurrent, while others must be accomplished in A GOAL is a destination, a final condition which a community seeks to attain. A goal is the most general level of policy and by itself is not very h~lpful to decision makers. It needs further refinement to assist decision makers to reach their selected destination. It is like saying, "/ want to take a vacation." sequence. Planning & Land Use Regulation GOAL: Plan for and guide new development in a manner which preserves open space, protects environmentally sensitive areas, and maintains the rural character of Cannon Township. AN OBJECTIVE is the route which specifies in general terms the way (route) by which the goal (destination) can be reached. An objective indicates the kinds of actions that could be taken to achieve the goal. It is a "means" to the "end". It is like setting aside "$X"by "Y date"to travel to "Z location." - Objective: Prevent fragmentation of open space through a coordinated land use plan and related regulations. A POLICY is a means of achieving an objective and hence a goal. It's a course of action which, if followed, will achieve an objective. It is to our example above, the form of transportation along the route. A policy is more detailed than an objective and can be readily translated into specific action recommendations or design proposals. Policies are presented in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. Objective: Enact standards for residential, commercial, and industrial development which require site design measures be incorporated to protect environmentally sensitive areas, avoid unnecessary disturbance and destruction of open spaces, and preserve the landscape's natural assets and important open spaces. HOW THE GOALS & OBJECTIVES EVOLVED Objective: Identify the significant historical elements of Cannon Township and adopt a land use program which includes a strong historical preservation theme. The evolution of the goals and objectives for the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan involved several steps to identify pertinent issues and address those issues. The initial citizen input component included a "futuring session" (Town Meeting #1 ), where participants were asked to visualize Cannon Township twenty years in the future. Before the first draft of goals and objectives was written, the results of the futuring session were tabulated, key issues were extracted. Draft goals and objectives were formulated to address all of the issues identified and provided the impetus for the second town meeting. A final set of goals and objectives was compiled following the second town meeting, after the public scrutinized the first draft version for language and omissions. Based upon the results of the second town meeting, a refined set of goals and objectives was prepared. Citizen opinion to validate the goals was also achieved by means of a citizen opinion survey which demonstrated very high support for key goals in the Plan. Objective: Establish a periodic monitoring and review process for the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan which incorporates a meaningful element of public participation. Objective: Develop and implement a program of information distribution on planning in Cannon Township to interested citizens and developers, real estate agents, etc. Objective: Periodically review and update the Comprehensive Plan and all related development regulations, at an interval not to exceed five (5) years. Growth Management GOAL: Guide future development in a manner which is consistent with the natural limitations of the land and the planned provision or expansion of necessary public facilities and services. GOALS & OBJECTIVES Following are goals and objectives to accomplish a common vision for the future of Cannon Township. Objective: Guide development in areas where public facilities have adequate capacity to accommo3-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �date growth and where provision of public facilities is cost-effective. harmful effects of intensive and incompatible development through the use of aquifer and watershed management techniques which seek to reduce risks of and quantities of pollution, sedimentation, and flooding. Objective: carefully plan and where necessary limit development in areas not served by ptblic sewer and water facililies, where public roads are inadequate to handle traffic associated with growth, and where prov.sion of pli>lic facilities is not cost-effective. Objective: Identify vulnerable and sensitive arin Cannon Township and limit land division, development densities and land uses in and around them to protect against altering the natural hydrology including the water quality, the intensity and quantity of runoff, and flood control. eas of aquifers and watersheds Objective: Enact a capital improvements plan which specifies timing and cost of providing and expanding public facilities in specif'ic areas of the Township. Objective: Enact a review process for all development in locations identified as sensitive aquifer Objective: Wherever legally pennissible, and other public interests are not of greater significance, local regulations should require that new development pay for both the direct and indirect costs associated therewith, rather ·than having those costs imposed on existing residents. and/or watershed areas. Objective: Maintain protective vegetation strips along rivers, streams, and lakes. Objective: Limit the amount of impervious area (paved surfaces) in sensitive watershed areas. Community Character, Open Space & Natural Resources Objective: Educate the public regarding the Township's fundamental reliance upon groundwater resources for potable water supplies and the potential detrimental effects of land development upon groundwater resources. GOAL: Preserve the rural character and important open spaces of Canr19n Township. Objective:. Document and establish the existing character of the Township to serve as the basis for programs to protect and enhance the positive aspects of that character and rectify the negative aspects. Transportation/Roads GOAL: Develop and maintain a transportation network throughout the Township which moves vehicular traffic in an efficient and safe fashion, functions in a manner consistent with the relative importance of individual roadway segments, and provides safe and functional opportunities for alternative modes of transportation including walking and bicycling. Objective: Identify areas to be preserved as open space. Such areas should consist primarily of farmland, woodlands, wetlands, other environmentally sensitive areas, and land not suitable for development because of limitations on structures or septic systems. · Objective: Evaluate existing speed limits for roadway segments in regard to public health, safety, and welfare, including emergency services, and identify problematic corridors and corrective measures. Objective: Identify and preserve significant historic, archeological, and scenic features. Objective: Ensure that new development protects the naturaJ or aesthetic character of environmentally sensitive areas through responsible and innovative development and site planning techniques. Objective: Identify priority areas for maintenance and improvement and include them in the Township's capital improvements plan. Objective: Encourage clustering of new residen.tial development within a parcel so as to maximize the amount of open space and naturaJ areas preserved. Objective: Adopt regulations which minimize the potential for traffic congestion and safety hazards along adjacent roadways. Objective: Limit the number, size, and shape of new land divisions along county roads to minimize di- Water Resources GOAL: ·Protect the hydrological system, including groundwater, inland lakes, and streams from the 3-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �GOAL: Maintain and improve the Township's fire rect access, using a required review and permitting process. department. Objective: Prevent ·strip• development and control land use intensity along major roads in Cannon Township using land division and access policies and regulations. Objective: Project costs, equipment, labor, and facility needs for future fire fighting capacity, given growth trends over the past 15 years and future projections, and incorporate those elements into the Township's budgetary and capital improvements plans. Objective: Retain the highway functions of M-44 and prevent its conversion to a mini •28th Street. • Parks & Recreation GOAL: Expand and improve the parks and rec- Objective: Develop plans and regulations to expand alternative transportation facilities, including walkways and bicycle trails, and mass transportation (if feasible), to address the varied transportation needs of the Township residents. reation facilities in Cannon Township so area residents can enjoy recreational opportunities presented by the Township's natural features. Objective: Inventory recreational facilities in Cannon Township and identify deficiencies. Objective: Recognize the opportunity for, and encourage, the maintenance of scenic traffic routes through the designation of Natural Beauty Roads where appropriate. Objective: Investigate sources of state and federal funding for parks and recreation facilities and prepare proposals to obtain such funding. Public Facilities & Services GOAL: Expand public sewer and water systems - Objective: Design open space and recreation areas to enhance the character of existing and new in a phased and priority based program. residential areas. Encourage incorporation of such areas into residential development through the use of incentives to developers. Objective: Detennine areas of Cannon Township which are in greatest need of public sewer/water facilities, assign a priority to each site, and determine which routes to serve selected sites are most cost-effective. Objective: Provide for increased public access, to water resources where natural carrying capacity has not been exceeded, through site acquisition, conservation easements and other access tools. Objective: Incorporate sewer/water system expansion areas into the Township's capital improvements plan. Objective: Design and develop a trail system for recreational biking, hiking, walking, and similarly based trail recreational activities. Objective: Explore long range planning considerations associated with alternative public water systems including Township-owned facilities and reliance . on nearby municipal systems. Objective: Coordinate recreation planning efforts with surrounding municipalities and governmental units, including school districts, to provide comprehensive recreation opportunities and minimize unnecessary duplication of services and facilities. Objective: Require any private sewer system serving more than a single family home be designed to easily connect with any Mure public sewer system in the area. Housing GOAL: Provide for a broad range of housing op- GOAL: Maintain excellence of the public school systems serving Cannon Township. portunities which respond to the varying economic, family stage, and lifestyle needs of the community while maintaining high levels of aesthetic and qualitative character. Objective: Project facility needs for future school capacity, given growth trends of the past 15 years and Mure projections, and incorporate those land use needs into the Township's planning program. Objective: Explore measures to assure affordable housing, such as special zoning or other programs in suitable areas of the Township and in concert with related programs in adjoining jurisdictions. 3-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Objective: Identify land, through land use planning and zoning, for multiple family housing but limit height and overall density, wherever appropriate. Objective: Encourage, where appropriate, the development of commerciaVpublic nodes of an historic and pedestrian scale, or •colonial towns,• as part of the overall land use pattern in the Township. Objective: Identify land, through land use planning and zoning, for single family housing. Industrial Development GOAL: Discourage Industrial development and land uses outside the currently zoned industrial areas in Ught of the lack of appropriate locations in the Objective: Provide provisions In the Township's planning and zoning program which will encourage senior-citizen housing opportunities. Township for such development. Minimize the negative impacts of industrial land uses upon adjacent properties, and the community as a whole. Objective: Integrate open space protection with new housing development though the use of clustering and related techniques. Objective: To the extent that future considerations may warrant the expansion of industrial land uses in the Objective: Ensure while meeting the above objectives that detached, site constructed, single family homes remain the predominant housing type. Township, the M-44/rlffany Road area should receive priorily attention as the most appropriate location for such expansion, but the total area affected should not extend beyond existing parcels industrially zoned. This objective recognizes that if it were not for the existence of some light industrial operations in this area, and the fact that Grattan Township is considering promoting industrial use in this area, 'this objective would not be offered. Plainfleld Township, Ada Township, and Rockford all have availab/8 space in industrial areas much better suited for industrial use than this area. Geographic expansion of this area is fundamentally contrary to protection and promotion of residential uses in the Township. However, if this area were to decline in the quality and appearance of the structures present, that would be a negative influence on the Township, right at its eastern gateway. Thus, to foster improvement of this area, it may be necessary to allow expansion of structures and uses in this area, even without expanding the geographic area the zone encompasses. Commercial Development GOAL: Provide practical and functional locations, patterns, and reguJations of commercial development which maximize the utility of these land uses, and minimize their impact upon adjacent land uses. Objective: Identify a limited number of appropriate locations satisfactory to meet the needs of Township residents for small commercial centers accessed from major roads. Objective: Urnil land division and access along major roads to prevent commercial stl1) development. Objective: Ensure that elements for preservation of the Township's rural character are incorporated into new commercial development by establishing appropriate site design and building standards with a special emphasis on height and size. Objective: Ensure through site design and building standards that development of new industrial land uses, or the redevelopment of existing industrial land uses for new industrial purposes, adequately buffer adjacent properties, preserve important open spaces, and preserve the Township's rural character as experienced from area roadway corridors. Objective: Prevent the premature conversion of land planned for future commercial use so as to ensure its long term viability for commercial use. Objective: Ensure that new commercial development does not adversely impact the normat use and enjoyment of adjoining land uses through appropriate buffering, setbacks, landscaping and other techniques, Objective: Ensure that new industrial land uses have adequate provisions for safe ingress and egress, sewage disposal, stormwater management, potable water, and other critical public health and welfare concerns. Objective: Ensure that commercial land uses have adequate provisions for safe Ingress and egress, sewage disposal, stormwater management, Intergovernmental Cooperation GOAL: Encourage uniform or compatible land use planning and zoning across municipal boundaries by coordinating efforts with the surrounding townships and the potable water, and other critical public health and welfare concerns. 3-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �City of Rockford, as well as with regional governmental units such as Kent County, Grand Rapids, and the Grand Valle-/ Metropolitan Council. Objective: Arrange for periodic joint meetings between Camon T ~ officials and officials from adjoining munq>alities to discuss amn Issues. Objective: Develop and maintain a regular, meaningful communication program whereby Cannon Township and all adjoining municipalities regularly convene to discuss public facilities and services needs, identify common needs, and investigate alternative strategies to address those needs in a mutually beneficiaJ manner. Objective: Provide adjoining municipalities with up-to-date copies of the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan and the Cannon Township Zoning Ordinance. Summarize key points of both documents that pertain to new development and land use along municipal boundaries. Objective: Develop and maintain a meaningful communication program with the school districts of Forest Hills, Rockford, and Lowell to discuss impacts of area land use and development upon the school districts including economic, capacity, and quality of education considerations. Objective: Coordinate proposed future plan and zoning changes with adjoining jurisdictions with mutual review and comment opportunities before changes are made on lands near the borders. Objective: Develop and maintain a meaningful communication program with the Kent County Road Commission, Kent County Public Health Department and other county agencies to discuss existing and proposed land use and land development projects within the Township in regard to the particular expertise and insights of each agency. GOAL: Enhance the feasibility, coordination, and effectiveness of providing public facilities and services through cooperation and sharing of costs with other municipalities. 3-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Chapter 4 FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY tives presented in Chapter 3 are the foundation for the principles on which the Future Land Use Plan is based, including: INTRODUCTION and PURPOSE The growth management program for _Cannon Township consists of coordinated planning and regulatory components. The principal planning components are embodied within the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Strategy, as discussed in this chapter, and the Public Services Strategy described in the following chapter. The Future Land Use Strategy is a plan which identifies the desired pattern of land development throughout the Township through the establishment of land uses and densities for areas with common characteristics. The Future Land Use Strategy also establishes policies regarding the intended character of each land use area. The principal guidelines upon which new land uses can be introduced are specified. • Woodland preservation • Historic preservation • Protection of public health and safety • Conservation of natural resources • Environmental protection • Minimizing public service costs • Insuring compatibility between land uses • Lake and stream preservation. The Public Services Strategy in Chapter 5 specifies policies regarding future infrastructure improvements and decisions to assure future public services are coordinated with the planned future land use pattern in the Township, and that the goals and objectives of this Plan can be achieved. - The future land use pattern was established based upon an analysis of the Township's natural and cultural characteristics, community attitudes, the existing roadway network, soil conditions, existing and nearby public infrastructure, environmentally sensitive areas, neighboring municipal land use conditions, and other associated characteristics. These characteristics, both as individual elements and in a cumulative fashion , present opportunities and constraints toward land uses and land development in each area of the Township. These opportunities and constraints were evaluated within the context of the goals and objectives of Chapter 3 to arrive at a future land use pattern which responds to the principles noted above. The regulatory elements of Cannon Township's growth management program-those elements intended to implement the Comprehensive Plan, including the Future Land Use Strategy-will consist primarily of the regulatory ordinances of the Township including its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The Township's Zoning Ordinance generally regulates the type, location, bulk, and intensity of land development throughout the Township. The Subdivision Regulations establish the standards under which land in the Township can be subdivided into multiple lots (a plat). Standards regarding street alignments, circulation, utility easements, emergency access, grading, and erosion control are addressed, among others. Other related ordinances and a capital improvement program, may, from time to time, be adopted or amended to further carry out this Plan. Township-Wide Land Use Pattern The text in this Chapter establishes the policies to guide future land use change so as to accomplish the desired geographic land use pattern illustrated in Map 4-1, the Future Land Use Map. The Future Land Use Strategy calls for a land use pattern in the Township characterized by low density residential development and a variety of open spaces including farmland, woodlands, and wetlands. The primary differences between the planned and current land use pattern are founded upon an increased concern for protection of the natural environment and those elements more synonymous with a rural community, retention of significant visual resources, and the provision for denser development in specific and limited areas of the Township. OVERVIEW OF FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY Basis The Future Land Use Plan establishes the planned future land use pattern throughout the Township for approximately 20 years. The goals and objec4-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �The Future Land Use Strategy calls for the establishment of four principal land use areas in the Township. The Conservation Area is intended to protect the most sensitive natural resources of the Township and those that present the greatest limitations to development. The Open Space Residential Area, which covers the vast majority of the Township, is intended to provide opportunities for residential development in association with significant areas of pennane·ntly protected open spaces. The Lakes Resldentlal Area identifies land use and development policies regarding future development and redevelopment along the Township's numerous lakes. The VIiiage Area identifies those community nodes intended to accommodate the highest densities and intensities of development within the Township and within which public services are, or will be, available to accommodate such development at the time the new intensive land uses become operational. The Village Areas are intended to be comparatively small scale urban community nodes, supportive of the overall character of the Township. intergovernmental coordination, continuity, and compatible land uses. The Future Land Use Strategy in this Plan proposes low to very low density residential and/or conservation (open space) uses along the entire periphery of the Township. This pattern of land use is very compatible with those existing and proposed patterns in neighboring communities. While the abutting land uses may not be identical in nature, their general character and impacts are closely related. Except for a small area at M-44 and Tiffany Avenue which is designated for industrial use, Grattan Township's 1989 Land Use Plan proposes agricultural land uses along the entire eastern boundary of Cannon Township. The area designated for industrial land uses abuts that area in Cannon Township where industrial land uses currently exist. The 1985 Ada Township Comprehensive Plan designates the vast majority of lands abutting the south boundary of Cannon Township as "Rural Preservation" and provides for agricultural land uses and very low density residential development. The limited areas along the southern boundary of Cannon Township which are not included in the Ada Township "Rural Preservation" area consist principally of park and recreation lands and floodplains. Relationship to Existing Land Use Pattern and Land Uses The Future Land Use Strategy calls for a future land use pattern which is generally similar to that which currently exists throughout the Township. The principal differences between the proposed and existing land use pattern are that the Future Land Use Strategy provides for a stronger open space and environmental resource protection program, recognizes the limited long term economic viability of farming in the Township, and consolidates nonresidential development within two Village areas and redevelopment in the existing commercial and industrial areas rather than in the emerging strip pattern along certain segments of M-44. Plainfield Township, to the west of Cannon Township, proposes numerous different land use designations along Cannon Township's western boundary in its 1988 Comprehensive Plan. The majority of Plainfield Township's eastern periphery along Cannon Township is designated for low density residential use, although there does exist a mile of shared boundary which Plainfield Township proposes for residential densities up to 6 dwelling units per acre. The limited area of the City of Rockford which abuts Cannon Township in its northwest comer is planned for office and high density residential use. Courtland Township, to the north of Cannon Township, was in the process of formulating a new Master Plan at the time the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan was prepared. Draft policies of Courtland Township, at the time the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan was prepared, proposed low density residential development along its southern boundaries, with the exception of a small neighborhood convenience center at the 1O Mile Road/Myers Lake Road intersection where there is an existing gasoline station/party store. A major emphasis of the Future Land Use Strategy is to limit the previous trend of continuous lot splits and dispersed development which has negatively impacted the rural quality of the Township and the efficiency of the roadway network (see "Trends and Conditions" discussion in Chapter 2). Relationship to Neighboring Mun lei pall ties The Future Land Use Strategy was based, in part, upon existing and proposed land use patterns in those municipalities sharing borders with Cannon Township. Such considerations were fundamental in the interest of 4-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE FUTURE LAND USE STRATEGY Privately owned lands within the Cannonsburg State Game Area are classified within the Conservation Area in order to preserve the wildlife and environmental integrity of this resource, and preserve the Game Area's long term viability. The Conservation Area is situated primarily in the south central region of the Township where the Cannonsburg State Game Area, and associated wetlands, are located. The Cannonsburg State Game area is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of managing wildlife resources and providing public hunting recreation opportunities. Increasing residential development within the boundaries of the Game Area will decrease land for wildlife habitats, increase public satety concerns between hunting and residential land uses, and limit the area available for hunting due to expanding buffer zones between designated hunting areas and residences and boundary lines. If because of land use conflicts hunting no longer remains feasible in the Cannonsburg State Game Area, the area could be closed and the public lands sold. The Township would then lose a tremendous open space and wildlife habitat "Jewel" that is central to the ecology and biological diversity of the Bear Creek Watershed. Following is a review of the principal components of the Future Land Use Strategy. These components, collectively, forrrulate the planned future land use pattern in the Township and generally identify the future land use pattern by land use type and include policies regarding each land use type. Conservation Of Special Natural Resources Overview This Plan calls for the preservation of the Township's common and special natural resources. The common natural resources of the Township include its groundwater, its surface water and its air. While these resources should be used to benefit and sustain human activity and wildlife, they should not be so exploited as to reduce their long term availability, or contaminated so as to present health hazards to Township residents. Special natural resources of the Township include both those resources which are· partia.i larty sensitive to degradation from unsound land use and development activities, and those resources which present particularly extreme constraints to land development. Special natural resources include wetlands, floodplains, hydric soils, woodlands, hillsides, and state game areas. - The Conservation Area also includes the many wetlands and hydric soils along the eastern periphery of the Township, along Bear Creek, and the Grand River floodplain area. These areas should only be used for residential and recreation land uses. Development densities within the conservation areas should not exceed one dwelling unit per 5 acres of developable land. This would result in an average density of one dwelling unit per 5-20 acres. Whenever possible, alteration of the natural landscape and development of new roads and structures in these areas should be avoided. These common and special natural resources are scattered throughout all areas of the Township and provide important environmental benefits including habitats for wildlife, flood control, groundwater recharge and discharge, and surface water and air purification. In addition, they provide special opportunities for passive recreation and play a critical role in the Township's rural character so strongly desired to be retained by residents. In addition, lands abutting the Cannonsburg State Game Area, Townshed Park and the new County Park at Pickerel Lake should be carefully developed so as to provide a low intensity buffer area around these public lands. A conscious effort should also be made to retain existing trees and other vegetation as a greenbelt. These measures will help ensure the existing public investment in these lands is protected, that the quality of the resources is preserved, and that existing public uses, including hunting in the State Game Area, are maintained. The Future Land Use Strategy calls for the conservation of all of these natural resources through both designated conservation areas in the Township and through conservation policies linked to other geographic use areas. Conservation Area A Conservation Area is depicted on the Future Land Use Map (Figure 4-1). It includes those areas of the Township characterized by floodplains, wetlands, hydric soils, resource-based County park facilities, and all lands, both publlcly and privately owned, within the boundaries of the Cannonsburg State Game Area. Future land use decisions must recognize the significance of these resources to the Township. Any loss in the quantity or quality of these resources must be considered permanent and, as such, sound and practical land use and site development practices aimed at 4-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �preservation of these resources must prevail. In the alternative, and only when no other practical alternative exists, mitigation measures may be authorized where other public benefits of the land use are great enough. A principal consideration guiding residential development within the Township is the intention to allow for a variety of single family residential housing options, consistent with the character of the Township, in order to better address varying lifestyle preferences, economic considerations, and family orientation options including the elderly and young. Very few properties lie wholly within Conservation areas. In most cases there are significant amounts of upland, or other areas outside of the Conservation Areas. Development should occur on these portions of the property, rather than in Conservation Areas, where the option exists. Open Space Residential Area The Open Space Residential Area covers the vast majority of the Township and provides opportunities for residential development within an open space, rural character setting. An overall low, open spaced-based average development density of one dwelling unit per 2-5 acres will be encouraged throughout the vast majority of the Township due to the lack of extensive public sewer and water, and the generally poor soils for septics in much of the Township. Where open space zoning concepts are employed and large amounts of open space are protected through permanent deed restrictions or conservation easements, development density could increase, provided special zoning standards were met. These standards would focus on protecting the public from potential negative impacts associated with denser development. POLICY; Average development densities should not exceed one dwelling unit per 5 acres of developable land. Alteration of the natural landscape and development of new roads should be avoided. Land development in Conservation Areas should proceed only after receipt of appropriate Township and/or state or federal permits, and according to any mitigation measures required through the administration of federal, state, county or Township ordinances. Land uses requiring state and/or federal permits (especially for wetland or floodplain alterations) should not receive final Township approval until satisfactory evidence has been submitted verifying the acquisition of all other necessary permits. If the land can be reasonably used without alteration of the special natural resources (at densities otherwise permitted by local, state, or federal regulations) then it should be used in this manner. Anticipated average development densities (not necessarily minimum lot sizes) are expected to range from one dwelling unit per 2 to 5 acres, depending upon the particular conditions present and whether, in appropriate cases, the dwelling units (or lots) may be clustered. (See illustrations on next page). For example, where there are extensive woodlands, wetlands, steep slopes and other sensitive environmental features, a development density in the lower range per acre would be suggested . However, with proper site design to protect open space, and clustering of units on the areas without steep slopes, a higher range density could be appropriate. A special emphasis on site design should be placed on development along main roads and especially along M-44 in order to better preserve the rural attributes of this heavily traveled corridor. Residential Development Overview Residential development will continue to be the predominant developed land use throughout the Township. Permitted density of future residential development as established in the zoning ordinance, will be based upon the natural limitations and suitability of - the soils in the area for residential development (as represented by an applicant obtaining the necessary permits from the County Health Department), preservation of special natural resources, preservation of important open spaces, the compatibility with adjacent land uses, and the availability of adequate support services including, but not limited to: safe and convenient access, healthy water and septic waste disposal, and sufficient police and fire protection. The lack of public sewer in most of the Township dictates a low density residential development pattern. That extensive areas of the Township have severe limitations for septic disposal where development occurs on small lots, according to the Kent County Soil Conservation Service, further suggests such a development pattern. The Open Space Residential Area includes those lands in the Township currently being farmed. This Plan recognizes that farming plays an important role in the history and character of Cannon Township. It also recognizes that farming, as an industry, is a particularly difficult challenge in Cannon Township due to the limited extent of prime agricultural soils and the lack of extensive contiguous expanses of those prime soils which do exist. 4-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Average Density This Comprehensive Plan utilizes the concept of •average density• in the description of future land use patterns and intensity of development. It is a concept establishing a target density for large areas. It is not a regulatory threshold to be applied on a lot by lot basis. Development density at the parcel level is established by the Zoning Ordinance. Average density refers to the overall density of development within a geographic area, such as that area in a community which may be planned for •1ow density residentiar development. Average density is established by dividing the total acreage within the specified area by the number of dwelling units planned for the same area. Because this Plan is intended to examine land use impacts on a general scale and address broad land use policies, the Plan treats development densities in the same manner, and not on a minimum lot size basis. Within the text of this Plan, references to a particular •average density• of development, such as on an average of one dwelling unit per 1O acres, means the density that results by dividing the total acreage of the large area (including many lots) by the number of dwelling units planned for that area--it does not mean a uniform minimum zoning lot size of 1O acres. Many zoning districts may cover the area in question, each with their own density standard. The sum of the permitted dwelling units by zone should generally correspond to the average density targeted in this Plan. That is how the targeted average densities will be achieved. Development density on a parcel by parcel basis is then to be established in the Township's Zoning Ordinance. The illustrations below show the application of the average density concept to a square mile of land. Though both patterns of development vary significantly, including their respective lot sizes, the same number of dwelling units exist in each, thereby resulting in the same average density. Many different zoning patterns could give this result, as illustrated. 40 QCrH --- -- ,'~ L-----------~ s OCt. . 40 acres 40 acres 40 oc,es 40 acres ... . .. . .... .. ...___ ,,,,,,\ .. . .. ... .... ... ... .. . ... . .. . .. .. . ... . .. . .. .... .-. . .... . . .. 10 OCtft ' ' ' ' ' ' - SOClet r - - ~ - 1 0 unil apollfflenl bulldlnQ on 2 ocres OS 5 -4 4-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ;?., UM CondOminU'n devetopment on 00 ocres �This Plan encourages the continuation of all current farming activities irrespective of their location as long as it is economically viable to do so, adequate public services for higher density development are not available, and especially where the land is characterized by prime agricultural soils. All typical farming activities , including the raising of crops and use of stables, silos, and barns, but excluding intensive livestock activities, would be recognized as legitimate land uses provided that they met Department of Agriculture requirements as ''generally accepted agricultural and management practices." Livestock operations of such intensity that the extent of animal waste and odors presents excessive impacts upon adjacent and area land uses and resource systems are not consistent with the current or future residential character of the Township. permitted gross zoning density is one lot per 2 acres) and to make each lot smaller in size, clustered into three to five groups to take advantage of the natural characteristics of the site. This will result in conversion of only 20 to 40 acres, thereby leaving 40 to 60 acres available for agricultural or other nondevelopmental open space use. In some situations, it may be desirable to require development via open space or cluster zoning (such as property exclusively in sensitive environmental areas), but in most cases this would be a voluntary option. The following guidelines are a framework for a new set of subdivision and site development (zoning) regulations for rural clustering for all of the land in the Open Space Residential Area. The intent of this Plan is that the conversion of farmland to residential use occur in a manner which: 1) consumes only portions of the farmland area necessary to accommodate new residential development; 2) provides for the continuance of adjacent farming activities; and 3) maintains a strong pattern of open space previously associated with current farmlands. 1) Disturbing areas adjacent to floodplains, stream buffer areas or wetlands. 2) Developing on steep slopes. 3) Building on hilltops and ridges when development will be highly visible. 4) Placing numerous houses with access drives along local and primary county roads or local collector roads. Open Space or Rural Cluster Zoning Guiding future residential development in an appropriate manner is the primary challenge of successful implementation of the Plan. The strategy proposed is the addition of a new option to both the Township's Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance to permit and encourage carefully designed small open space developments to be established anywhere in the residential areas of the Township according to standards established in each ordinance. This will allow the creation of small lots (or alternatively, if done under the Condominium Act, to site new residential - structures) in a cluster, or series of small clusters, leaving the bulk of the property in permanent open space (achieved through a permanent deed restriction) . Careful regulation of development will ensure that the open spaces and other desirable features of the Township are retained. 5) Backing houses directly or visibly onto local and primary county roads or local collector roads. 6) Destroying existing tree stands or hedgerows, especially along rights-of-way and between housing and active agricultural areas. Reguice 1) Substantial buffering and screening for development near all public right-of-way on collectors and arterials. 2) Preservation or enhancement hedgerows and wooded areas. of existing 3) Appropriate setbacks and/or buffering between housing and existing or proposed active agricultural areas. This option would permit, for example, a landowner to create 40 lots from an 80 acre parcel (if the 4-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Protection and Use of Open Space Created by Clustering Use of open space zoning or cluster zoning in Cannon Township offers a very good opportunity for accommodating residential development while simultaneously preserving the quality of the environment, the natural features of the rural landscape and working agricultural land. However, when an open space zoning development is completed and its permitted density has been exhausted, there remains the question of how best to ensure that the remaining open land is permanently and viably preserved. When clustered lots are recorded, the remaining parcel would be identified on the plat or recorded with the County Register of Deeds as limited to agricultural, recreationaJ or related use. Covenants detailing restrictions on the clustered lots and the remainder could also be recorded at the same time. However, these remainders, permanently stripped of any future development rights, may not legally be the equivalent of the "open space" defined in the Zoning and Subdivision Regulation, although some of their purposes-most notably environmental and landscape protection-may be similar. · 1) The open space created by rural clustering will, in almost all cases, remain private property, whereas "open space" created by subdivision of a parcel is usually dedicated to the public or a homeowner's association and becomes a public responsibility. 2) The size of the open space created by rural clustering will result from application of performance standards to be Included in the zoning ordinance. · 3) The permanent stripping of development rights on the remainders created.by rural clustering means they can never be used for additlonal housing. Such land can be actively famied, used for woodlots, nurseries, pasture, or other uses related to farmland, or it may be used for certain recreation uses described in the Zoning Ordinance. These remainders must be recorded as lots or common lands whose uses do not include future homes, stores, offices, or other buildings unrelated to the principal use of the designated open space. 4) Remainders which meet the qualifications for such programs could be donated to an Agricultural Land Preservation Program, a local Environmental Trust, Historic Trust, or other custodians of environmental and landscape resources. The remainders would then be subject to the restrictions of these programs, giving them an even stronger degree of protection than exists me.rely by the absence of development rights. 5) In some cases the Township might wish to acquire the remainder as part of a public park, greenway or greenbelt. However, the Township is under no obligation to accept as dedicated open space any of the remainders created by rural clustering. Indeed, it is the Township's preference to see these remainders stay privately owned and managed in ways consistent with agricultural preservation and environmental purposes that are the prime reasons for encouraging clustering. 6) Remainders to be designated for local recreation or common green space can be entrusted to the responsibility of a homeowner's association. · 7) Unlike public open space which becomes a permanent responsibility of government agencies, the re- mainders created by rural clustering can be rented, leased or transferred to new owners, but such leases, rentals or sales cannot restore any _development rights. 4-7 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �4) Safe location and design of common sanitary systems and storm water management structures that do not create nuisances. 5) Homeowner-managed recreation areas and common spaces within larger clusters. 6) Covenants or easements to permanently protect the undeveloped open space areas that remain after clustering is accomplished. land uses could be equally threatening, especially if surface runoff from adjacent areas is laden with pesticides, fertilizers, oils, and other polluting impurities. Reduced development densities are recommended along the lake shore areas as redevelopment occurs to better assure adequate on-site sewage disposal, minimize overuse of and safety hazards on the water, and to limit the disturbance of important aesthetic and ecological landscape elements. The present character of the land surrounding Cannon Township's inland lakes is nearly wholly residential. The Plan encourages the continuation of these uses but in a manner which more effectively recognizes the sensitive environmental qualities embodied in these resources. The Plan provides for future residential development along the remaining undeveloped portions of the Township's inland lakes at average densities not exceeding one dwelling unit per 1/2 acre. Such densities are more compatible with both abutting nonlakefront lands and the sensitive water resources than the development densities of existing lakefront lots. Most of these undeveloped lands are low, in or adjacent to wetlands, or otherwise sensitive to development and not suited for the higher density of existing lakefront lots. The Plan recognizes the higher density of many lots around the Township's inland lakes. It is the intent of the Plan to encourage lower density lakefront development where either: 1) currently vacant land is developed for residential purposes; or 2) existing developed land undergoes redevelopment, such as where several contiguous, developed , lots are purchased and razed, and a new structure constructed. POLICIES: Residential development should be limited by appropriate zoning to an average density of one dwelling unit per 2-5 acres with the variation based upon the extent that special conditions may prevail and the quality of the open space character of the site plan. For example, on flatter, well drained, "perkable" land, development density would not exceed 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres "by right. • Actual permitted lot size would be established in the zoning ordinance based on the presence or lack of sewers, type of road access, number of lots, amount of open space, and related factors. Residential development should not occur on a strip basis and should be appropriately sited, landscaped, and setback from all roadways. Opportunities and incentives should be provided within Township ordinances to encourage residential development according to the open space/cluster ~?nin_g principles discussed in this Plan and as specified m the zoning ordinance. Minimum lot sizes should be adequate to accommodate septic systems (where sewer is not available) as required by the Kent County Public Heafth Department. Residential development within the Open Space Residential Area, should be based upon ordinance provisions which limit the fragmentation of open spaces and Township-wide natural resource systems. The Plan encourages the renovation and/or redevelopment of those lakef rent residential areas which are characterized by deteriorating conditions of both a visual and/or structural nature. These conditions do not support the intended character of the Township, threaten the public health, safety, and welfare, and negatively impact the use, enjoyment and value of surrounding development. Redevelopment of these _acres should be particularly sensitive to the preservation of open spaces, provision of a "naturalized" shoreline, and compatible architectural styles. Wetlands and sensitive natural areas adjacent to the inland lakes should be maintained as part of the natural lake ecosystem. This Plan does not recognize commercial or industrial land uses in excess of those already present as being compatible uses along the shores of the lakes of Cannon Township. Inland Lakes Area Inland lakes in Cannon Township are both natural resources and sensitive areas which present particular challenges in regard to adjacent land use management. Lakes, to a large extent, act as magnets for a variety of land uses, most particularly residential. These highly attractive resources and their aesthetic, environmental, and recreational values are sensitive to degradation through shoreline erosion, septic field leaching, sediment discharge, and excess use of surface waters by water craft. Most of the lakes in the Township are already intensely developed and the carrying capacity of the lakes for safe surface water use and a nondegraded water quality are at risk if the remaining undeveloped adjacent shoreline areas a~e over developed. However, residential development 1s not the only threat to these lakes as both agricultural activities and more intensive commercial or industrial Keyhole , or funnel development, should not be permitted. Keyhole development is the use of a waterfront lot as common open space for waterfront access 4-8 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENS IVE PLAN �for dwelling units located away from the waterfront. This results in potentially greater lake use than would "normally" occur if the lot were used for its intended use, such as a single family residence. As surface water use increases, so does the potential for shore erosion from speedboats and water-skiers, loss in property values, oil and gas spillage from powerboats, increased noise, conflicts between lake users (sailboats, fisherman, swimmers, etc.), and increased lake maintenance costs. Such threats become that much greater when keyholing occurs with the digging of canals to increase lake frontage access to back lot residences. This form of development should be prohibited in the interest of preserving the water quality of the Township's lakes, protecting the public health, safety, and welfare, and preserving the lake and shoreline character of the Inland Lakes Area. goals and objectives within the Plan, as well as this location does. This area presents a very significant opportunity for quality development. A mixture of residential and limited neighborhood commercial development linked to the public land owned by the Township should be carefully planned. There is an exciting potential for this Village Area to evolve as the community services center of the Township and serve as the focal area for Township public services. Properly done, the Township could have a village center which helped give a clearer identity to the unique area known as Cannon Township. The Cannonsburg Village Area is also proposed to accommodate increased residential development and a small amount of commercial development. However, a greater emphasis will be placed on redevelopment and/or historic rehabilitation rather than the expansion of this existing community node. Expansion of the current limits of the urbanized area of Cannonsburg for residential land uses is not suggested over the next 20 years due to the lack of public sewer and water and the extensive special natural resources surrounding this area, including the Cannonsburg State Game Area and the Townsend Park Facility. Without existing public sewer or water, this node is limited as to the development densities that can be adequately accommodated. Redevelopment densities will be limited to the opportunities presented by area soils for septic systems. Still, the Cannonsburg Village area has established itself, historically, as an important community center, has evolved into a small urban node, and is provided access by three primary county roads. This Plan suggests the continuation of the role this area has adopted and the preservation of its unique historic character. POLICIES: New development and redevelopment along the Township's inland lakes should only be permitted according to development standards which address, at a minimum, consideration of a potable water supply, safe disposal of septage, water and land carrying capacities, water quality protection, preservation of open space, minimal additional intrusion upon the natural environment, and the provision of adequate public access where applicable. Village Area The Future Land Use Strategy establishes two Village Areas to accommodate residential development at average densities greater than those recommended elsewhere in the Township. Though the maximum average density of development within the Village Areas is anticipated not to exceed four dwelling units per acre, maximum net densities permitted will be based upon the adequacy of roads, sewers, water, stormwater, police and fire services. The portion of the Township surrounding Rockford is characterized by higher density residential development. It is the explicit intent of the Plan that this area not become an avenue for the continuous expansion of urbanization from the City of Rockford into the more interior areas of the Township, nor that it be used as a vehicle for annexing Township lands. The locations established for future residential development within the Village Area context include: the area in the vicinity of M-44 and Myers Lake Avenue, and the Cannonsburg community. M-44, a state highway, and Myers Lake Avenue, a county primary road, provides the transportation element necessary to support this higher intensity of residential development and associated emergency services needs. The relative appropriateness of this location for the Village Area is further supported by the current availability of public sewer, limited existence of significant special natural resources, predominance of accommodating soils, and the existence of both higher intensity development in the immediate vicinity and large tracts of undeveloped land. No other location within the Township supports this intensity of development, and the POLICIES: Residential development in village areas should be limited, by appropriate zoning, to an average density not more than 4 dwelling units/acre, provided the public facilities present, are adequate to accommodate the increased public service demands from new development or redevelopment. Specific needs to be considered should be sewer, water, road infrastructure, and emergency services. Paved roads must be present and private, on-site, ''package" sewer 4-9 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �systems are not an acceptable substitute for public sewer if public sewer is accessible. Residential development within the Village Areas should recognize the current rural-like character of the Township and complement this character through building scale, materials, and style. Buildings and support facilities should be sited and designed to provide a village atmosphere which balances the denser development pattern with a sense of community, human scale, and the rural roots upon which it has evolved. Residential development in the Cannonsburg Village Area should be sensitive to the historic character and elements of the community. New development and land uses should recognize and respond to the particularly extensive natural resources in the area and the physical constraints and opportunities they present. Similarly, new residential development should not interfere with, nor be negatively impacted by, nonresidential activities and patterns in the area. Residential development in the Myers Lake Avenue/M-44 Village Area should recognize the traffic patterns in the area and the high visibility profile associated with traffic flows along M-44 and not exacerbate existing traffic movements. Residential development in the Rockford Village should be compatible with both the City of Rockford's small town character and the more nearby rural areas of the Township. Table 4-1 AVERAGE DENSITIES BY USE AREA AVERAGE DENSITY* USE AREA 1 unit/5-20 acres Conservation 1 unit/2-5 acres Ooen Soace Residential Lakes Residential 1 unit/1/2 acre M-44/Myers Lake Village 4 units/1 acre Area 3 units/1 acre Cannonsburg Village Area • Minimum lot size is established in the Zoning Ordinance and could be substantially less than this average density (see sidebar on page 4-5). COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT The residents of Cannon Township have clearly voiced their general satisfaction with the limited extent of commercial and industrial facilities within the community and do not care to see indiscriminate expansion. The Village Areas, at the intersection of M-44 and Myers Lake Avenue, and the Cannonsburg commu- nity, are the only areas within which new commercial land uses are encouraged. There are no areas well suited for new industrial development and no areas are proposed . There is only one all-weather highway (M-44). and any industrial development would involve routing heavy trucks across the entire Township, increase the already high congestion level along M-44, and interfere with the intended rural-like character of the M-44 corridor. As discussed previously under "Residential Development," the M-44/Myers Lake Avenue node, and support services available in this location, supports the intensity of development characterized by commercial land uses. The Cannonsburg Village Area is not characterized by the infrastructure and services available to currently support extensive commercial development. This area has evolved within a village environment and establishes a foundation upon which future commercial land uses may be established, provided adequate on-site potable water and sewage disposal facilities are presented. These nonresidential land uses will co-exist with permitted residential development proposed for these Village Areas as well. In addition, new businesses will have to provide for an improved level of stormwater management. Measures should be implemented to address the increased quantity and rate of runoff and its impacts upon area flooding and degradation of the natural environment. Site development must also recognize and respect sensitive environmental areas and impacts on groundwater through measures designed to minimize impacts on these resources. The commercial development within these Village Areas is intended to be of a convenience and neighborhood services character. The symbols on Figure 41 denoting the Village Areas are intended to identify the general areas where nodes would develop, but are not necessarily tied to the exact spot upon which the symbols fall. Nor are they necessarily of the size or shape that may occur. This Plan does not foresee the need for these combined Village Areas to include more than 100,000 square feet of new commercial leasable area within the time frame of this Plan. This Plan calls for the Township's new commercial development to occur within these Village Areas. The Plan does, however, recognize that commercial development has occurred in other areas of the Township, most particularly along M-44 in the Bostwick Lake area, and discourages continuation of this pattern of strip development. While the Plan discourages this pattern of development, it recognizes the significance of this activity center within the Township both for its historic flavor and the resources in- 4-10 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �vested in many of the commercial establishments. The Future Land Use Strategy supports the continuation of the existing Bostwick Lake area businesses. The Future Land Use Strategy does not support the expansion of exisiting strip commercial development on M-44. The long term continuation of these uses in their particular locations support the undesirable pattern of, and potential expansion of, strip development, as well as jeopardize the function and safety of M-44. POLICY: New commercial development should be permitted only in the identified Village Areas, and the limited existing commercial area just north of M-44 along Bostwick Lake, and where the following conditions exist: 1) there are adequate public services; 2) roads are paved: 3) access is regulated and designed to prevent traffic hazards; and 4) stormwater runoff is adequately controlled as to quantity and quality. Furthermore, it should be linked to public sewer and water where available. Private utility systems may be constructed if they meet all Township, county, state, and federal requirements; can be linked to a future public utility system; and their location does not conflict with the Public Services Strategy as presented in Chapter 5. No commercial development should occur except in commercially zoned districts unless it qualifies as a special land use and meets all requirements therefor in the zoning ordinance. Commercial development within the Village Areas should recognize the current rural-like character of the Township and complement this character through building scale, materials, and style. Buildings and support facilities should be sited and designed to provide a village atmosphere. Critical considerations in this regard should include limiting the height and bulk of buildings, encouraging traditional architectural styles, siting parking facilities - behind (possibly to the side of) building facilities, provision of strong pedestrian amenities and circulation pattern, provision of open spaces or "village squares," and similar fundamental ''village" components. All new commercial development should be designed so as to preserve open space and minimize intrusion upon the natural landscape. It is not the intent of this Plan to increase the commercial area of the Village of Cannonsburg. All industrial development must be sited in an industrially zoned district unless permitted as a designated special land use in another zone in the zoning ordinance (this may be a desired way to regulate future changes to existing nonconforming industrial uses). Public services and roads must be adequate to meet service demands before any existing industrial area could be expanded. New industrial uses must be designed so as to preserve open space and minimize intrusion upon the natural landscape. It is the intent of this plan that no new industrial areas be created beyond those already in use and appropriately zoned. PUBLIC LANDS Acquisition and development of lands for public use is typically a function of the extent to which a community provides its own public services. The provision of public services is dependent upon the availability of land resources from which the services originate, are maintained, and administered. The absence of extensive public services provided by the Towns hip including public sewer (provided by Kent County) and water, minimizes the need for Township-owned land. At present, public lands administered by the Township are limited to three cemeteries, two fire stations, the Cannon Towns hip Center and Historical Society Museum. Except for recreational needs which will be discussed below, this current and limited Township-owned land appears reasonable and adequate at this time. However, this need may change as the Towns hip grows. The Towns hip recognizes that purchase of public lands can involve high acquisition costs, impacts upon adjacent land uses, and public welfare issues associated with providing selected services and infrastructure on a site. POLICIES: The Township should only acquire and develop public lands where the proposed acquisition or development meets the following circumstances: 1) addresses the maintenance or enhancement of the public heahh, safety, and welfare; 2) is based upon the analysis of current and projected conditions and the resulting implications upon the quality of life and welfare of the Township; 3) the site characteristics accommodate the proposed public use; 4) the use will not unreasonably impact adjacent land uses and waters; and 5) measures are taken to minimize negative impacts upon adjacent land uses and waters. RECREATION LANDS Recreational lands in Cannon Towns hip are presently limited to several private facilities including ski areas and a goH course, the Cannonsburg State Game Area, and Townsend Park and Frederick Meijer Pickerel Lake Park, two county facilities. The small and scattered population of the Township creates difficulties for most private recreation facilities from a marketing standpoint, particularly when opportunities may be more promising in the more central areas of the Grand Rapids Metro Area. Local schools provide additional recreation facilities though they are not always as accessible to the public on a day-to-day basis during the school year. 4-11 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �At the present time the Township does not operate any park or recreation facilities. As the Township and the Grand Rapids Metro Area continues to grow, the demand for recreation opportunities can be expected to grow as well. Such a scenario could have a direct impact upon Cannon Towns hip which is rich in untapped outdoor recreation resources. 1) Assure that the design, construction, operation and maintenance of land uses are in a manner harmonious with the character of adjacent property and the surrounding area. 2) Avoid inappropriate changes to the essential character of the surrounding area. 3) Avoid interference with the general enjoyment of adjacent property. While Cannon Township fully supports the value of having recreation opportunities within the community including the importance of individual and family quality leisure time and community image, the Township also recognizes land used for recreational purposes can impact adjacent and area-wide land uses as significantly (and in some cases more so) as other land uses. As a result, new public or private recreational land uses must be designed and operated so as to minimize negative impacts. 4) Improve the use or character of the property under consideration and the surrounding area in general, yet also be in keeping with the natural environment of the site. 5) Avoid negative impacts upon adjacent property or conditions which will be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of persons or property through the excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, odor, fumes or glare. POLICIES: Cannon Township should strive to provide for increased recreational facilities, as funds may be available, through independent actions and/or through cooperation with the private sector, and adjoining municipalities, where new facilities are compatible with area land uses and the proposed facility is compatible with the natural site characteristics. 6) Assure availability of adequate essential public facilities and services, or evidence that the person responsible for the proposed special land use shall be able to continually provide adequately for the services and facilities deemed essential to the special land use under consideration. 7) Avoid demands on public services and facilities in excess of current capacity. SPECIAL LAND USES There are a growing number of land uses which, though they may be largely residential, commercial, or industrial in character, present unique or special circumstances in regard to land use management. These are typically regulated as special land uses in the zoning ordinance. Special land uses are uses which have characteristics which make them inappropriate in one or more zoning districts without being scrutinized through a review process according to standards to protect the integrity of permitted and adjacent land uses. These unique or special circumstances may be a result of traffic, noise, or visual or operational characteristics, which if unmitigated could result in significant public or private nuisance. Special land uses may include (but are not limited to) such land uses as day care facilities, junkyards, airports, gravel pits, or mobile home parks. Special land uses should be permitted in appropriate locations pursuant to specific standards and review procedures established in the zoning ordinance. Approval should not be indiscriminant and conditions should be imposed to minimize impacts on surrounding lands. These standards should help to accomplish the following: 8) Assure consistency with the intent and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. POLICY: Special land uses in Cannon Township should be permitted only as provided for in the appropriate provisions of the zoning ordinance and pursuant to both general standards (like those above) and specific standards unique to that land use. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS The Future Land Use Strategy described up to this point establishes policies regarding the planned location of land uses throughout the Township within the planning period of this Plan, and policies regarding conditions upon which site development should occur in support of the proposed future land use pattern. There are, however, several critical considerations, as part of the Future Land Use Strategy, which are not specific to particular land uses but rather to particular areas of the Towns hip: the M-44/Cannonsburg Road corridors, the Bear Creek Watershed, and pedestrian/bicycle linkages. M-44 and Cannonsburg Road Corridors M-44 and Cannonsburg Road are fundamental elements of the Cannon Township fabric. Their signifi- 4-12 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �cance within the Township is inescapable for four reasons: 1) these transportation corridors are the most heavily traveled roadways within the Township; 2) these corridors will continue to be the most traveled corridors in the Township throughout the time frame of this Plan and most likely well beyond; 3) these corridors, and the landscapes through which they pass, formulate the principal visual image of the Township among Township visitors and nonresident travelers; and 4) the vast majority of residents of the Township use one or both of these corridors on a regular basis. Because of both the critical functional and visual role these corridors play within the Township, the preservation of their rural and scenic qualities is paramount to successful implementation of the Future Land Use Strategy. Future growth and development within the Township must be guided by measures which will assure the efficient movement of traffic in a safe manner. An increase in the number of access points along these corridors, both for individual property access and for intersecting roads, will result in a corresponding increase in the potential for congestion and traffic hazards and interfere with the intended function of these corridors-the safe and efficient movement of traffic between population centers. It would also undermine the significant existing public investment in these roads. Limiting direct access upon these corridors, spacing access points at appropriate distances, and providing acceleration and deceleration lanes will be necessary to insure the functional integrity of these corridors as new land uses are established along these corridors. Similarly, future growth and development within the Township must be guided by measures which will preserve, if not enhance, the landscape's visual quality along - these corridors. To the extent that a sense of rural character is to prevail throughout the Township, it is, in large part, derived from the sense of rural character experienced when traveling along these principal corridors. The transformation of these existing "rural" corridors to urban corridors as a result of a lack of safeguard measures would impact the character of the Township well beyond that which is visible from these roads. Assuring that development along these corridors, to the extent that it may occur, is appropriately set back from the roadway and screened from view, is essential if the present character of these corridors is to be preserved. priate spacing between access points is assured, acceleration and deceleration lanes are provided, structures and parking facilities are screened from view, structures and parking facilities are set back an adequate distance to preserve and enhance the current character of these corridors, and the existing natural landscape along these co"idors is preserved. Bear Creek Watershed Cannon Township is committed to the preservation and enhancement of the integrity of Bear Creek and its associated watershed. As discussed in Chapter 2, the Bear Creek valley is one of the most dramatic features in Cannon Township. The valley embodies all of the special natural resources which capture the rural character of the Township including woodlands, wetlands, streams, hillsides, open spaces and scenic panoramic views. Development within the watershed has the potential to dramatically change the character and appearance of the watershed, including the water quality of Bear Creek and the rolling hillsides which frame this watercourse. Improper development practices can lead to the erosion of hillsides and the deposition of sedimentation into Bear Creek. Increased stormwater runoff can lead to flood conditions and the alteration and degradation of existing ecosystems. Improperly functioning septic fields within the watershed and the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides by new residential and nonresidential uses presents additional serious threats. Degradation of the watershed and Bear Creek is not limited to the effects on new "development" only. Agricultural activities within the watershed pose equally devastating threats as nutrient loading through fertilizers and livestock production can greatly impact the Creek's water quality, as can the use of agricultural pesticides. The value of the Bear Creek Watershed resource to the current and future residents and visitors of the Township is matched only by the Township's unique opportunity to protect the future water quality of the watershed and the ecosystems which exist throughout the valley. The majority of the Bear Creek Watershed area is within the boundaries of Cannon Township and, as such, provides the Township with the means to aggressively protect the future integrity of its components. POLICIES: New development and redevelopment along M-44 and Cannonsburg Road should only be permitted according to development standards which address, at a minimum, conditions whereby direct access onto these roads is limited and controlled, appro- POLICIES: All development within the Bear Creek Watershed, including new residential and nonresidential development and redevelopment, should be permitted only when a proposed project, at a minimum, clearly establishes measures which will: 1) greatly 4-13 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �minimize erosion of the soils on-site both during and after construction; 2) prohibit increased sedimentation into Bear Creek and its tributaries; 3) preserve or enhance the vegetative cover on the site in accord with the dominant character of the watershed; 4) prohibit any increase in flood potential within the watershed, 5) prohibit changes in hydrological characteristics of the watershed's water courses; 6) prohibit the introduction of fertilizers and pesticides which, due to management practices, would be expected to have a significant, or cumulatively significant, negative impact upon the watershed; 7) preserve the natural vegetative cover along all drainage courses, including permanent and intermittent streams; and 8) prevent any thermal pollution of the creek. Also, the Township should develop regulatory programs to assure the necessary special review of proposed projects in the Bear Creek watershed. Linkages Pedestrian and bicycle linkages within and between residential neighborhoods, activity centers, and recreation facilities are important in fostering a unified community fabric and an atmosphere of cohesiveness and vitality. This is particularly true within Cannon Township where community facilities and population centers are not already situated in a compact fashion. New development within the Township should incorporate pedestrian and bicycle linkages between related land uses in the interest of convenience, enjoyment, energy conservation, and unification of dispersed land uses. These linkages should originate from residential neighborhoods and extend to existing and future recreational facilities as well as to commercial and community services centers. The Kent County Parks and Recreation department is planning to create a linkage between Townsend Park and its new Pickerel Lake facility. Strong consideration should be given to extending this linkage further north to M-44 and the Bostwick Lake area in light of the importance of the Ml-44 corridor and the M-44/Bostwick lake activity area. POLICY: The approval of all new land uses shall be based in part on the provision for pedestrian and bicycle linkages from and to adjacent and area-wide land uses to facilitate convenient and practical access. In addition, the Township will work with other public and private entities to provide other linkages as the opportunities present themselves. 4-14 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �~~@~ lJ@W~0fX1DfP Kent County, Michigan 6 uu .-r. Figure 4-1 FUTURE LAND USE 0 Conservation ~ Lakes Residential Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. -• Village (Black clrcle1 show / gene,ollzed areas and not fixed boundorle.,) Bear Creek Watershed Boundary Open Space Residential SCALE February, 1994 302 South Wavertv Road 1:55,096 1 Inch • 4590 feet Lanalng. Michigan �Chapter 5 PUBLIC SERVICES STRATEGY INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE individual public services components in response to existing conditions and anticipated needs. The Future Land Use Strategy discussed in Chapter 4 describes the desired pattern of land development throughout the Township through the establishment of land uses and densities for areas with common characteristics. The Public Services Strategy described in this Chapter identifies the manner and degree to which public infrastructure and services are to be provided within the Township to support the planned future land use pattern. Public services and related infrastructure include sewage disposal and potable water, roads and highways, police and fire protection, recreation, and general government services. Township-Wide Public Services Pattern The Public Services Strategy calls for a future public services pattern not very different than the current pattern in the Township. The vast majority of the Township is proposed to receive limited expansion of those services currently available. The extensive paved roadway network will continue to be the most developed and township-wide public service (though principally operated and administered by the County Road Commission). The Cannonsburg Village Area and the Myers Lake Avenue/M-44 Village Area will be the general focus of future public service improvements, although the entire M-44 corridor will receive future improvements as may be necessary to assure a continued level of service adequate for a state highway. As the character and feasibility of land development is directly impacted by the extent to which urban or public services are available, the Public Services Strategy works hand-in-hand with the Future Land Use Strategy and is a critical element of the Township's growth management program. INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES STRATEGY OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SERVICES STRATEGY Following is a review of the principal components of the Public Services Strategy. These components, include both policies regarding services by geographic area and policies which address particular public services. Collectively, they formulate the manner by which, and conditions upon which, future improvements should be made regarding public services. Basis The Public Services Strategy is based on the principle of new development occurring concurrent with or after the public services necessary to serve it are in place. It is the specific intent of the Public Services Strategy to minimize the opportunities for urban sprawl and the leapfrogging of more intensive urban _ development into the areas of the Township planned for less intensive land uses. Service Areas The Public Services Strategy identifies the future limits of urban services, and associated urban development, within the Township at least until 2010. The Township is divided into three service areas, as illustrated on Map 5-1. Each service area prescribes a particular intended level of public services available to land uses within the area. These service areas have the following characteristics: The Public Services Strategy consists of two policy levels. One set of policies identifies, by geographic areas, the relative level of planned new or expanded services. To this end, the Public Services Strategy is based upon the intended future land use pattern in the Township. The expansion or introduction of public services is given greatest priority in those areas of the Township where the intended future land uses are to be of such intensities or densities that the availability of adequate public services is particularly crucial. Three levels of public services are established: 1) primary utility service area; 2) a future utility services area; and 3) a rural services area. 1) The Rural Services Area includes those areas characterized by a lack of public capital facilities (public sewer, water, etc.), which are planned for low density development that doesn't need these public services, and are intended to remain as such. In addition, they provide opportunities for rural and semi-rural living. The Rural Services Area covers the vast majority of the Township. The second level of policies addresses future decisions regarding improvements to the Township's 5-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �• ~~~ lJ@X'fiYJ~[}[] [P Kent County, Michigan 0 6 5 t<C • 4 ST. --c;;. 3 2 0 12 . 18 17 ! 13 16 0 0 <> I + ~u ~½ I\, ~ + ! ii ~ 0 2!CE .... • 24 0 .. -- . · 25 28 29 .30 # 0 ,· 0 0 + 0 ......c "°· t ~ ~ i VI 1; .31 32 ~ t) 33 ~ i 34 i ~ ... ~ N). Paved roads, public seNer. (possibly public water) are generally available or planned in the next five years. Mostly paved roads. possibly a 'package" or plamed by 2010. Planning & Zoning Center. Inc. sewer or water system. may be available Primarily paved country roads. no public sewer or water. Rural Services Area: -- ~ N ~ SCALE 1:55,096 Septemoor. 1993 302 South ~ . , t o ( Rood !ii Figure 5-1 Utility Service Area Future Utlllt~ Services Area: ~ ! TSN,R10 Primary UtUlty Service Area: 36 ~ 35 -- llnc:h•Mi90fMt l.onalng. Michigan �2) The Future Utility Services Area is a transitional area intended to accommodate only a small degree of urban growth and, as such, does not require extensive public capital facilities, and those that are required will be provided as the Township has the ability to do so and as a need for higher density development in this area is evident. The degree of urban growth anticipated within the Future Utility Services Area is not expected to exceed development densities of three dwelling units per acre. As such, development within this Area would not be contingent on the provision of both public sewer and water, although public sewer or a "package" treatment system would most likely be necessary. The Future Utility Services Area is planned to apply only to the area around Cannonsburg. boundary, and might otherwise be considered east of Ramsdell Drive along M-44 to the Township's eastern boundary, the Future Public Services Strategy discourages the extension of the Primary Utility Service Area to the Township boundaries. An intent of the Future Land Use Strategy is to preserve and enhance the rural aspects of the M-44 corridor. As primary entry points into the Township for residents and visitors, the initial M-44 experience, along the eastern and western Township limits, becomes that much more significant. Of course, the lack of designation of these areas as part of the Primary Utility Service Area does not prohibit a landowner from connecting to public sewer infrastructure if such infrastructure is present or were to be expanded. In fact, the Township encourages connection to public sewer. However, densities of development are determined by the respective zoning area. 3) The Primary Utility Service Area contains, or is anticipated to contain, all the necessary public capital facilities to allow opportunities for urban development. Development within the Primary Utility Service Area may be characterized by development densities not exceeding four dwelling units per acre in the Village Area and less elsewhere in the area, but still great enough that public sewer, water, and perhaps stormwater services are necessary. The Primary Utility Service Area is centered at the M44/Myers Lake Avenue intersection in association with the proposed Village Area. Present and future residents in the Rural Services Area can have confidence that it is the intent of this Plan that the rural attributes of their immediate surroundings will not be disrupted by urban type land uses and development densities, and their attendant infrastructure needs, at least during the planning time frame of this Plan. Projects approved via PUD, rural clustering or open space zoning procedures with large open spaces are not considered to be "urban type land uses and development densities" except as noted in the following paragraph. This Plan is premised upon no new development (more intensive than that previously described in the Rural Services Area) requiring any new public infrastructure in the Rural Services Area. Likewise, new development which offers to install and maintain its own on-site sewage treatment or community well on a "package system" or other basis approaching or exceeding levels of treatment achieved by municipal systems is not acceptable in the Rural Services Area. The cumulative impact of such development on roads and the pressure to convert nearby lands to similar more intensive use does not support the goals and objectives of this Plan, nor is it consistent with the intended future land use pattern, and is greater than the Township, County Road Commission, or related service agencies are able to accommodate at the same level of service as is provided to other areas of the Township. Development served by private "package systems" would be considered in the Future Utiltty Services Area if public sewer was not accessible, the "package system" was in compliance with all other policies in the Plan, the project is to be connected to a public sewer if it ever became available, and the development was consistent with zoning regulations of the area in which it is located. The boundaries of the Primary Utility Service Areas and the Future Utility Services Area are based upon a number of considerations. The Primary Utility Services Area boundary is established to include those lands which: 1) are currently characterized by extensive urban development; or 2) are directly adjacent to - extensive urban development and offer opportunities for additional urban development within a compact pattern; or 3) are currently characterized by, or are considered to be priority areas to receive, extensive public services. An intent in the identification of the Primary Utility Service Area boundary was not to include an excess of land which might then encourage urban development at an undesirable and less manageable rate. It is for this reason that the Primary Utility Service Area does not extend to 9 Mile Road to the north. In the northwest corner of the Township the Plan recognizes the current provision of public sewer from the City of Rockford. However, it is not the intent of this Plan to see this area of urbanization extend further into the Township. Though public sewer currently exists west of Blakely Road along M-44 to the Township's western 5-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �It is important to note that the Primary Utility Service Area boundary around the Township's three principal lakes is not nearly as encompassing as the North Kent Sewage Disposal System's (NKSDS) Ultimate Service Area in the Township. The NKSDS's Ultimate Service Area covers the entire north half of the Township while the NKSDS's Initial Service Area corresponds more closely with the Primary Utility Service Area proposed by the Plan in the area of the lakes, though the Primary Utility Service Area is still more limiting. The Plan proposes a Primary Utility Service Area somewhat smaller than the NKSDS's Initial Service Area, and far smaller than the NKSDS's Ultimate Service Area, in order to better control and manage the rate of growth and development in the Township. The unplanned extension of public sewer can lead to tremendous development pressures and create a serious financial burden on the Township. The Plan takes a more conservative approach, knowing the service area boundaries can be amended if and when the need arises. If these circumstances exist, appropriate changes to this Comprehensive Plan should be made first. Such change must be managed so that the rate of land use change does not overtax the ability of the Township and County Road Commission to make the necessary improvements. The Road and Streets component of the Public Services Strategy seeks to assure that land development does not occur in a manner which will sacrifice the public health, safety, and welfare due to inadequate roadway infrastructure. Analysis The present roadway network of Cannon Township is fairly well developed. The roadway network generally follows the traditional section-based grid pattern although there are numerous sections, primarily in the middle third of the Township, which are not bounded by roads on all sides. See Figure D-8 in Appendix. Though the Township's roadway network is fairly well developed, continuous north-south movement across the Township is impossible due to the absence of particular road segments or the presence of water bodies including Silver Lake, Lake Bella Vista, and the Grand River. The Public Services Strategy recognizes the need for new zoning standards to assure that urban land uses located at the periphery of the Primary Utility Service Area provide adequate buffering to preserve the character and integrity of land uses in the adjoining Rural Services Area. M-44, a state highway and also referred to as Belding Road, is the backbone of the Township's roadway network and provides continuous east-west movement across the Township while also serving as a regional corridor. Cannonsburg Road, a county primary corridor, also provides continuous east-west movement across the southern third of the Township. Roads and Streets As growth continues in the Township, the M-44 corridor is particularly vulnerable to the loss of its primary function: the safe and efficient movement of traffic on a state highway. Land development, if not adequately regulated, will increase corridor congestion and safety hazards due to an increasing number of driveways, turning patterns, and associated access issues. These conditions will become exacerbated by the anticipated increases in traffic volumes as a result of growth in Cannon Township and area municipalities. No other road is traveled so heavily in the Township. This corridor, and its associated views and character, is the primary roadway experience for many in the Township and the only insight many travelers have of Cannon Township. Maintaining and enhancing the corridor's current character in the face of Township growth and development is critical. Overview - As the intensity of land development increases, so does a community's need for a roadway network able to accommodate the increased traffic demand. Commercial land uses attract retail and service trade and new high density residential areas house many more individuals and families with daily needs. These impacts are obvious. What is not so obvious is the enormous impact rural residential development has on rural roads. The additional rural residential development anticipated in this Plan, despite its low density, will result in higher traffic levels and will eventually increase the impact on these roads, ultimately requiring some improvements. Roadway infrastructure must accommodate this increased traffic demand at acceptable levels of service or risk congestion, vehicular and pedestrian hazards, and a general decrease in the public's health, safety, and welfare. Conversely, it must be recognized that an improved roadway network may well attract new or expanded intensive land uses which, in turn, place additional demand on the infrastructure network. Of the approximately 100 miles of County roadway within the Township, more than 80% are paved. Of the approximately 16 miles of gravel roadway in the Township, 1O are situated along the south and east Township boundaries. The balance includes mile 5-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �segments throughout the Township, with a concentration in the Cannonsburg State Game Area. These gravel roads are particularly vulnerable to regular and persistent maintenance and repair. They are not intended to accommodate levels of traffic beyond the lowest service levels. The Township has been paving, on average, approximately one mile of gravel roadway per year. If this pattern continues, all public gravel roads within the interior areas of the Towns hip will be paved during the following five to ten years. roadway can accommodate, 10,000 vehicles per day is an often used guideline by the Kent County Road Commission. Thus, there appears to be excess capacity along all of the Township's principal roadway segments. However, merely a doubling of Township dwelling units, in association with an expanding regional population which uses the Township's roadway network, could use up much of this excess capacity. In summary, much of the Township's roadway network appears to be adequate for the current conditions in the Township. As the Township continues to grow and develop, however, additional pressures will be placed upon the roadway network. While many of the Township's roadway segments can easily accommodate this additional demand, other segments are more at risk, including M-44, Myers Lake Road, and Cannonsburg Road. Congestion and public welfare concerns are apt to increase and be further exacerbated by the future land uses proposed in this Plan, unless carefully designed to minimize transportation impacts. All of the paved roads in the Township which were constructed during the past 15 years were paved according to primary county road standards. These road segments include: 1) 1O Mile Road, west of Myers Lake Avenue; 2) Myers Lake Avenue, between M-44 and 1O Mile Road; 3) Cannonsburg Road; and 4) 5 Mile Road. The adequacy of the subgrade conditions of the other paved roadways in the Township is not assured. Aside from routine maintenance, particular concerns of the Kent County Road Commission in regard to future improvements to the roadway network in Cannon Township include: 1) improvements to the M44/Wolverine Boulevard intersection; 2) 10 Mile Road repaving; 3) Cannonsburg Road repaving; and 4) Myers Lake Avenue repaving, between M-44 and Cannonsburg Road. Pollcies The following policies are intended to guide Cannon Township officials on future decisions regarding improvements to the Township's vehicular circulation network and in response to new traffic demands associated with proposed land uses: 1) Cannon Township will strive to improve the Township roadway network, as financial resources become available, based upon the following guidelines: As of 1991 , traffic counts documented by the Kent County Road Commission do not identify road segments in the Township which have excessive counts in relation to the design capacity of the roadways. As might be expected, the most heavily traveled roads are the principal east-west corridors, including Cannonsburg Road, M-44, and 5 Mile Road. Of the northsouth corridors studied, Myers Lake Avenue, Ramsdell - Road, and Blakely Drive receive the largest traffic, with Myers Lake Avenue clearly the most traveled. However, all of the traffic counts taken in the last several years along principal corridors, except for Cannonsburg Road, have yielded traffic counts of approximately 3,000 or less in a 24 hour period . Cannonsburg Road is experiencing traffic counts of 6,000 vehicles per day or greater in some locations. While there are no established standards regarding the maximum preferred number of vehicles a two lane paved rural a. b. c. d. Protecting public safety. Roadway level of service. Functional classification of roads. The degree to which the improvement is needed to protect public health and safety or preserve or achieve full use of existing facilities. e. The degree to which a project represents a logical extension or improvement of existing roadways within an area of the Township according to its fntended use and services level. 5-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �• @ & ~ ~ lJ@W~D{] [P Kent County, Michigan () 5 6 r----,----!i l<•s ST. r l 2 4 10 12 1 ~ 18 ~ 0 16 0 15 <) 1.3 0 3 g ~ + 20 e- • "' 2 0 ~ ICJIC~ .. '90. ""'~ -:- 3 0 22 1(1111[!,Jn:llt "'°· 2.i. ! J 0 .. ,. - 0 + s ~ t RO. :~ 28 27 ..o. 0 i \0 ~ ':l ~ .31 ~ J 29 .30 1: 8 32 ~ ~ .33 ~ .34 ! 35 .3 6 '; il"' T8N,R 10 . . . . . . I[ o------ LOS Unclasstffed • • • Pla"""'O 81 ·zo,,"'<I c-tw, Inc. ' 1 Y\ 'ii "°· Figure 5-2 All roadway segments are classffled as LOS A, except as noted below: - ·r 1 lll ,j ROADWAY LEVELS OF SERVICE LOS B .. - 1: N I - I ! ·.A I I SCA1E • • - Mo,,. 1992 J02 '°"'" ~ ~oad -- 1 1:55.096 nc:n • 4690 fMt ~ . MICNQcn �2) Each roadway segment within the Township shall be classified according to level of service standards, LOS A representing the most preferred condition and LOS F representing the most congested condition (see Figure 5-2). Cannon Township will rely on the most current standards established by the Grand Rapids Environs Transportation Study (GRETS) Long Range Transportation Plan to define individual levels of service. Standards established at the time of this writing are included in Table 5-1. LOS LOS A-C 8) All future structures along M-44 should be setback an appropriate distance from the road right-ofway, as defined in the zoning ordinance, to preserve the Township's rural character as experienced from the Township's primary transportation corridor. 9) All future structures fronting along a county primary or county local road in Cannon Township should be set back an appropriate distance, as defined in the zoning ordinance, from the road right-of-way to preserve the Township's rural character as experienced from these roadways. Table 5-1 LOS STANDARDS V/C Ratio* Characteristics 0 - 0.99 Free flow conditions LOS D 1.00 -1.24 Stable flow, considered acceptable level of congestion LOSE 1.25 - 1.49 Unstable flow, identified as a capacity deficiency LOS F minimize negative impacts of such development including but not limited to poorly sited and/or designed access, too many points of access, and the impact of new development upon the visual character of the roadway corridors. 1.50 + Sewer and Water Overview To a large extent, rural communities rely upon onsite sewage disposal, via septic systems, and private wells where soils are accommodating and groundwater resources are accessible and of adequate quality. Where area soils present significant limitations to onsite sewage disposal, septic systems may still be appropriate when specifically engineered to negate the site limitations or where development densities are minimized. However, improperly operating septic systems can contaminate potable groundwater resources, inland lakes and streams, and pose public health threats to those using the contaminated surface. Saturated, identified as a capacity deficiency 'Number of vehides using road segmentlcapaaty of road segment 3) The maximum recommended levels of traffic for each roadway segment will be based upon the level of traffic which a roadway segment can comfortably accommodate according to LOS C. The Township shall coordinate with the Kent County Road Commission and Grand Rapids and Environs Transportation study to periodically update the level of service applicable to each roadway segment. As land development densities increase, so does the need for public sewer and water. Industrial, commercial, and higher density residential land uses generally have greater sewage disposal and water (potable and otherwise) needs than can often be met by traditional on-site facilities. Failure to provide adequate sewer and water facilities to these land uses can lead to severe health and environmental consequences while the premature provision of these services can lead to land development before other necessary public services are available and in locations where it may be inappropriate. 4) Proposed land uses and site development projects larger than a single family home on an individual lot will be analyzed in regard to traffic impacts and roadway improvements. 5) No new land uses (other than single family homes or individual lots) or site development shall be permitted which will reduce the level of service on adjacent roadways below LOS C, except with regard to State Highway M-44. 6) The Township shall strive to achieve a balanced transportation/land use system which includes an adequate number of roads and streets of appropriate capacity to accommodate land use traffic patterns. The Sewer and Water component of the Public Services Strategy provides policies and standards to guide the use and applicability of on-site sewage disposal and potable water sources and the provision of public sewer and water facilities to selected areas and land uses of the Township in conformance with the Fu- 7) The Township will develop standards to regulate new development along roadway corridors to 5-7 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �ture Land Use Strategy and in the interest of the community's health, safety, and public welfare. sewage. Of the contracted 2 million gpd, the Township has sold approximately 350,000 gpd to Courtland Township to the north and approximately 450,000 gpd to the Lake Bella Vista development. Of the remaining 1.2 million gpd capacity, approximately 450,000 gpd are placed into the system by area residences and businesses. Based upon a standard of 350 gallons of sewage produced each day by the average residence, the remaining unused capacity balance of approximately 800,00 gpd would accommodate approximately 2,250 new residences with public sewer. This number would be lower to the extent that commercial development were to use some of that capacity. The draft Master Plan for Metropolitan Water and Sewer Services, prepared for the Grand Valley Metro Council in October of 1991, notes that the average 1990 wastewater flow in Cannon Township was approximately 260,000 gpd, suggesting a far greater existing capacity (by contract) to accommodate future development. Analysis According to the Soil Conservation Service, more than 95% of the Township's surficial soils present moderate to severe limitations to septic systems. Those soils which are more supportive of on-site sewage disposal are generally fragmented throughout the Township except for the south central area of the Township where such soils are nearly nonexistent. Despite these natural limitations, if the parcel is large enough, the Health Department can usually find a place that will pass a ''perk" test. Additional engineering measures may be needed on the system design to meet existing standards (such as a mounded system and/or areas for several replacement drainage fields, etc.) . These conditions highlight the critical relationship between land use, development densities, and on-site sewage disposal and potable water. Because of the considerable Township-wide limitations toward septic systems and the Township-wide use of this type of sewage disposal process, the public health, safety, and welfare is always at some degree of risk. - However, while there is considerable contracted sewer capacity, it is uncertain as to the extent which individual sewer lines, and segments of lines, including those in the Myers Lake Avenue/M-44 Village Area, have additional capacity to accommodate future new demands. Similarly, it is not clear what limitations may exist due to the characteristics of the pumping stations in the Township or with the infrastructure in Plainfield Township, through which the sewage from Cannon Township flows on its way to the City of Grand Rapids sewer treatment system. This threat to the public health will only increase as the Township grows and develops unless specific measures are taken. These measures must address the assurance of adequate on-site sewage disposal practices and must extend further to the provision of public sewer and water in certain areas. Public sewer within the Township is primarily situated along M-44 and associated lake residential developments, and Myers Lake Road north of M-44 which provides sewer service to abutting properties and Courtland Township. Most of the Myers Lake Road sewer is a force main. While hooking up to a force main requires special engineering practices, such hook-ups have generally been permitted throughout the County by the Kent County Department of Public Works. Public water service does not exist within the Township. However, in the areas in which higher density residential and commercial development are anticipated, availability of potable water and adequate sewage disposal becomes a principal planning consideration. The potential for higher density development within the Primary Utility Service Area, within which the Myers Lake Avenue Village Area is situated, is fundamentally dependent upon the availability of public sewer and eventually public water. In order to accommodate future development along the existing sewer lines without exceeding contracted for capacity and so as to permit some measure of equity in access to the system, it will be important for Township Engineers to more specifically establish present and excess capacity per line segment of the sewer line. This must be done before any significant development occurs in the Myers Lake Avenue/M-44 Village Area, and depending on the extent of that development, the amount of capacity along other line segments may be diminished. Such an engineering analysis could be done incrementally as each new tapin or project proposal were analyzed, or system-wide in the near future. It should include an inventory of line characteristics and conditions as well. A master inventory of users and excess capacity should be maintained as each new project comes on-line. It would seem most practical that the provision of public water in the Township, within the planning period of this Plan, must evolve from within the Township. Up to this point in time, there have been no discussions between the Township and area municipalities regarding the extension of water service into the Towns hip. Further, Cannon Township is part of the North Kent County Sewage Disposal System and is a service contracted with Kent County, through the Department of Public Works , for up to 2 million gallons per day (gpd) of 5-8 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �such an extension, possibly from Plainfield Township or the City of Rockford, would be both geographically and perhaps financially impractical as the area of most need is central to the Township-the Myers Lake Avenue/M-44 Village Area. Also, as of 1991, Plainfield Township is operating under a Michigan Department of Public Health moratorium on additional public water system hook-ups. Two private association water wells have been constructed in the general area of the Myers Lake Avenue Village Area (Silver Lake and Lake Bella Vista residential developments) and suggests the appropriateness of this alternative for consideration at the Myers Lake Avenue/M-44 Village Area as well---or perhaps a new public/private water system could be constructed in this area. eluding locational factors, cost considerations, administration, and project phasing. 7) All future proposed developments which are intended to receive public sewer service should not be approved if clear documentation has not been prepared demonstrating adequate capacity, within the infrastructure and Township sewer service contract, to accommodate the increased demand. Stormwater Management Overview As the land surface is covered by buildings, parking lots and other impermeable surfaces, the quantity of stormwater runoff increases. The soils and vegetated landscape which previously absorbed and slowed much of the water associated with storms are gone. Unless specific preventive measures are taken, these conditions encourage increases in runoff flow, soil erosion, sedimentation and pollution of area water resources, and increase flood potential. Though these conditions originate from site-specific circumstances, their impact can extend to the entire community and communities beyond if within the same watershed. Inadequate management of stormwater produced due to land development and urbanization, threaten the public health, safety, and welfare through life threatening flood conditions, contamination of groundwater resources, deterioration of water-based recreation facilities, and damage and loss of property values. In contrast, stormwater management aims to minimize flood conditions, and ensure the quantity and quality of runoff which is collected and ultimately discharged into the watershed system (streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, etc.) is adequate. Policies Cannon Township will be guided by the following policies in striving to assure adequate sewage disposal and potable water in the Township: 1) All on-site sewage disposal and potable water facilities shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the requirements and standards of the Kent County Public Health Department and Michigan Public Health Department as well as those of other applicable local, county, state or federal agencies. 2) No land uses or land development projects will be permitted if any applicable regulations regarding on-site sewage disposal and potable water facilities can not be met and public sewer and water services are not available. 3) Private water systems shall be constructed according to applicable Township regulations and ordinances to assure compatibility and minimal inconvenience, with future possible interconnection with a Cannon Township or other municipal system. Analysis Though stormwater management should be a concern of all communities (and increasingly is because of federal and state regulations), Cannon Township presents particular challenges in this regard. Though quite rural in character with limited intensive development, conditions exist which put the Towns hip at a higher stormwater risk than most rural communities. One such condition is the anticipated growth and development to occur in the Township in future years. If the Township were to grow in the next ten years at a rate equal to haH the growth rate it experienced between 1980 and 1990, it will result in an additional 750 dwelling units. This and the additional commercial development which may occur in the coming years has the potential to threaten existing hydrological systems in particular areas of the Towns hip. Alteration of such systems may have public health, 4) All land uses and land development projects within the Primary Utility Service Area must be serviced by public sewer and water infrastructure if the infrastructure is present. 5) The provision of public sewer and water shall be based upon conformance with level of service standards adopted by Cannon Township and/or where adopted by those municipalities individually or jointly providing the service to Cannon Township. 6) Upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the Township should consider a study to determine the preferred option regarding the limited introduction of public water into the Township, in- 5-9 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �safety, and welfare implications. This is particularty true in the proposed Village Areas of the Township where a more intensive land use pattern is provided for (Primary Utility Service Area) and where there are areas of erodible soils and steep slopes. The generally rolling topography in the Township, while scenic, greatly facilitates soil erosion and sedimentation when soils are exposed. Sedimentation threatens the wetlands and inland lakes in the Township. as the demand for these services increase, so does the need for support services administration and capital and the need for property and buildings from which these services are administered. The Support Services and Buildings component of the Public Services Plan is intended to assure that fire and police protection services, and associated land and buildings, are available to provide for both the existing and future welfare of residents and property within Cannon Township. Policies The following policies will guide the Township in adequately controlling the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff associated with the introduction of new land uses. 1) Proposed land uses will not be permitted if and where the level of service currently provided by existing stormwater management infrastructure and/or existing drainage patterns is decreased (increased threat of flooding, erosion, etc.) unless necessary improvements to such infrastructure or satisfactory alternatives are first made. 2) The current level of service may vary from one site to another but will be generally defined as the rate, total volume, and quality of redevelopment stormwater runoff. 3) All new and existing land uses must comply with all local, county, state, and federal regulations regarding stormwater management and soil erosion, including those regulations of and administered by the Kent County Drain Commission. Support Services and Buildings Overview Support services, as referred to within this Plan, includes all the public services a community may provide to its residents above and beyond sewer, water, roads and streets. In particular, these services include police and fire protection and general government services such as tax assessment, cemetery care, and governance services. The reference to these services as support services is not intended to suggest that they are of secondary importance but simply that they are of a different type than sewer, water, and roadway services. As community growth and land development increases, so does the demand for support services. In particular, police and fire protection must be extended to more individuals, families, and properties. Similarly, Analysis Cannon Township currently relies on the Kent County Sheriff's Department and the State Police for police protection. As the Township relies on other agencies for police protection, the Township itself does not maintain any land or capital facilities for these purposes. The extent to which the Township can rely on the Sheriff's Department and State Police for adequate police protection in the future will be dependent upon the Township's future growth. In light of the close proximity between the existing fire stations and the proposed population centers, as part of the Future Land Use Strategy, additional fire stations do not appear necessary. However, due to lack of public water in the Township, additional pumper/tanker vehicles may be needed to provide for an improved fire rating and increased public health, safety, and welfare. Future growth in the Township may jeopardize current levels of service as emergency conditions will arise more frequently, placing additional demand on the offices and agencies providing these services. However, there are actions the Township can take to better assure adequate future police and fire protection. For the population size and density of Cannon Township, existing levels of service for fire protectior:i are substandard for some areas of the Township. The exception is the Lake Bella Vista and Silver Lake Condominium areas. A special effort should be made to increase level of service for fire protection particularly in the rest of the Primary Utility Service Area as new development occurs. Better service to the more rural areas should also be a priority. Policies The following policies will guide the Township in its pursuit of maintaining, and as necessary, improving 5-10 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �the level of service for general government, police, fire and emergency services: crease with population growth and available land resources for recreation decrease as residential and other land uses consume greater amounts of what was previously open space and potential outdoor recreation land. Recreational lands must be purposefully pursued and planned for, as with any other principal land use, if these uses are to be appropriately located within the community and provide the services in demand. 1) All new public and private water systems should be constructed according to standards adopted by Township resolutions and/or regulations to assure that fire protection infrastructure is provided and designed according to a uniform set of standards to assure ease of use of such infrastructure during emergency conditions. 2) The Township should ensure through new public facilities and/or regulations that future project approvals in the Primary Utility Service Area (and especially in the proposed Myers Lake A venue/M-44 Village Area) receive fire protection services at least at the ISO fire rating 5 level or better. 3) The Township should consider the development of a system of wells, water storage facilities, and additional fire fighting equipment to improve the current fire rating in the Rural Services Area areas of the Township. 4) The Township should continue to monitor police protection needs and service provided by the County Sheriffs Department, and State Police and if necessary, explore the development of a service agreement with one or more area police protection agencies for a higher level of service. 5) The Township should continue to monitor other emergency services needs, such as ambulance assistance, and explore the development of a service agreement with one or more area agencies for a higher level of service. The Recreation component of this Comprehensive Plan charts a basic strategy for identifying and addressing the recreation needs of the Township. This strategy becomes the tool for identifying future recreation lands and the recreation services associated with these lands. However, it is recognized a more detailed analysis and plan is necessary to qualify for state or federal assistance with future recreational facility development. Analysis Cannon Township is limited in the area of varied recreational resources within its municipal limits. Townsend Park, a County facility of approximately 150 acres, is the only free, year-round, public facility in the Towns hip that otters a range of activities to area residents and visitors. While recreation facilities within the Township include the Cannonsburg State Game Area, a private golf course, and commercial ski facilities, there are no public recreation lands administered by the Township for the particular needs of area residents. Township residents do have limited access to the most fundamental of public recreational facilities, school recreation facilities. 6) The Township should continue to meet the basic governance needs of its citizens in existing facilities, until there is a demonstrated need for more service or a larger meeting facility, and adequate financial resources are available to meet that need. Recreation Overview Cannon Towns hip recognizes that the health of its residents is, in part, impacted by the quality of opportunities available for spending available leisure time. The Township further recognizes that a critical consideration in this regard is the type of recreational facilities nearby and their availability to the residents of the Township. Demands for recreational opportunities in- While the extent of recreational facilities in the Township is limited, the degree to which the lack of these facilities reflects a condition of inadequacy is unclear at this time. The reason for this lack of clarity is that adequacy is, in part, determined by the attitudes of the Township residents in regard to their particular recreation needs and likes. Up to this time, a survey of resident attitudes on the amount of recreation opportunity in the Township has not been pursued. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has developed standards which identify the minimum number of suggested recreation facilities, by facility type, based upon a community's population. These standards are presented as guidelines and not as absolute "hard and fast rules." Standards applicable to a community the size of Cannon Township suggest that, on a Township-wide basis the recreation opportunities in the Township are generally adequate for the current population, the amount of local park land acreage is 5-11 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �far below what is recommended; 1O acres of local park land for every 1,000 people. This standard suggests the need for approximately 80 acres of local park land for the Township's current population. While the Township includes two County park facilities, they are programmed for natural resource based passive activities and do not necessarily meet the day-to-day needs typically addressed by locally administered park lands (playgrounds, ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, etc.) particular recreation needs expressed by its residents. 3) To the extent that specific recreation needs are identified, the Township should pursue the development of a MDNR-approved five year action plan which will provide a specific action plan aimed at expanding needed Township recreation facilities and enable the Township to compete for state and federal recreation development monies. The Township should apply for state and federal recreation grant monies provided the Township has the necessary funds to maintain such facilities after their construction. While these standards suggest inadequacies, the public's view is not clear. The rural character of the Township may address recreational needs at individual homes, or many current needs may be met through Grand Rapids Metro Area recreation programs. However, not all Township residents live or have access to large land parcels, woodlots, and similar potential outdoor recreational opportunities. What is most clear is the difficulty in accessing facilities in the Township. Townsend Park, the facility offering the widest range of year-round opportunities, is far from the principal population centers in the Township. Access to this facility is not convenient for the majority of Township residents; either a vehicle is required or bike transportation on nondesignated bike routes (roads without proper bike transportation facilities) is required. The major recreation issue facing Cannon Township today may well be one of accessibility, or "close to home" facilities, rather than the scope of facility types available. Of course, as the Township continues to grow, the latter concern will also become more of an issue. 4) The Township should adopt incentives to encourage the provision of open space and recreation areas within future development projects. 5) The Township should consider, as part of its recreational needs program, the development of a system of pedestrian trails and walkways, and bicycle paths, to link various recreation and residential areas. 6) The Township should encourage ease of access to future recreation facilities though the pursuit of a linked open space system, siting recreation lands with recognition of existing and future primary population centers, and facilitating movement to and within future recreation facilities for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and the physically disabled. 7) The Township should improve and coordinate recreation efforts with all levels of government (especially schools), with the quasi-public sector, and the private sector to provide expanded and coordinated recreational opportunities. On the whole, the Township may not be meeting a significant degree of its citizens recreational needs and actions should be initiated to find out, and, if so, to identify opportunities available to the Towns hip to ad- dress the condition. Policies Intergovernmental Coordination The following policies will guide the Township in its pursuit of an improved recreational environment: Overview 1) The Township should develop a recreation needs program designed to identify the recreation needs of the community, based upon a number of considerations including public input by area residents, anticipated population growth and population centers, and recreation planning standards. 2) The Township should strive to provide recreation facilities in a manner which recognizes the recreation standards of the MDNR and the One-hundred years ago, travel between communities took several days by stagecoach. The activities of one community had little impact upon the quality of life of other communities. In contrast, we now live in an environment of microcomputers, vehicular and mass transit, telecommunications, and urban sprawl. We often live in one community, work in a second, shop in a third, and our children attend school in still a fourth (and we travel between these places all in the same day). Roadway corridors, employment centers, and retail trade centers link the activities of one community to the next and beyond . Similarly, the growth and de- 5-12 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �velopment patterns of an individual community can easily and directly impact growth and development in adjoining and nearby communities. As a result of this regional pattern of daily life and interconnected activities, a community does not exist unto itself but is intrinsically linked with the activities of communities beyond its borders. This dictates the need for communities to cooperate and coordinate community planning and public service endeavors if maximum benefits are to be realized. Community planning is a public service and the Intergovernmental Coordination component of the Comprehensive Plan establishes the framework within which Cannon Township will realize the benefits of coordination with area municipalities and agencies as part of its day-to day and long range planning efforts. Plainfield Township, one of the most urbanized townships in the County. 6) Numerous day-to-day activities of the Township are directly impacted by non-township offices including the Kent County Road Commission, Drain Commission, and Public Health Department. Policies Analysis While intergovernmental coordination should be a goal of all communities, this is particularly true for Cannon Township. Due to the Township's geographic location, the Township exists within a web of regional forces which must be recognized and addressed through coordinated planning with area municipalities and agencies. The following circumstances illustrate the regional forces and implications which face the Township: 1) Cannon Township is within the Grand Rapids Metro Area and is directly impacted by Area patterns of transportation, employment, and housing. 2) Cannon Township is a bedroom community, relying on area urban centers for employment and retail services. 3) Cannon Township is directly in the path of expanding urban sprawl from the Grand Rapids Metro Area. 4) The rapid Metro Area growth and inter dependencies between city and suburb have spawned the state's first and very innovative Metropolitan Council to address these issues and to help ensure the entire Metro Area remains strong. 5) Cannon Township is surrounded by communities experiencing strong growth, including 1) Cannon Township should develop a program whereby all adjacent communities and the County are provided the opportunity to comment on amendments to the Township's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, capital improvements plan, and related ordinances and programs of the Township which may have impacts on services or land use decisions of adjoining jurisdictions. 2) Cannon Township should provide the opportunity for comment by adjoining jurisdictions on any development project within one half mile of the edge of the Township and should formally request area municipalities to permit Township comment on any development project within one half mile of their borders. 3) Cannon Township should pursue the development of a intergovernmental coordination committee, composed of area municipalities and county agencies, aimed at addressing comprehensive planning issues including the impacts of land development and coordinating planning and zoning programs. 4) Cannon Township should pursue the coordination of public serves to serve the Township and surrounding areas in the most practical and economically feasible fashion and in accord with the policies previously set forth. 5) Cannon Township should continue to monitor the development of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council and should assist with information sharing on any of its planning projects and formally consider membership as its role and function are more clearly identified. 5-13 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Appendix A LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY Cannon Township is located in Kent County, Michigan on the northeast fringe of the Grand Rapids metro area. Plainfield Township lies to the west, Ada Township to the south, Grattan Township to the east, and Courtland Township to the north. In addition, the City of Rockford abuts the northwest comer of Cannon (see Figure A-1 and A-2). Figure A-2 The Township is typified by rolling and wooded terrain interspersed with open, agricultural areas and surface water resources. Bella Vista, Silver, and Bostwick Lakes are popular residential and recreational areas. A large portion of Cannonsburg State Game area is located in the south-central portion of the Township. Bear Creek traverses the Township in a generally east/west direction, providing a natural greenway through sections 20 and 27-30. The Grand River cuts across the southwest portion of the Township in sections 30 and 31 (see Figure A-3). Residents of Cannon have relatively easy access to the Grand Rapids metro area, where much of the work force finds its employment. Highway M44 runs east\west and nearly cuts the Township in half before it turns southwest toward Plainfield Avenue which runs into the heart of the metro area. U.S. 131 lies approximately 3 miles from the Township's northwest comer. Figure A-3 Figure A-1 A-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Appendix B HISTORY Note: The following information is derived directly from the Cannon Township's Historical_ Society publication, Cannon Township: 1837-1983. again secretly buried, and to this day has not been found. In 1889, fire struck Cannonsburg Village. Despite valiant efforts from residents, almost the entire village was destroyed. The fire was believed to have started in a faulty chimney, then it quickly spread through the wooden structures of the day. Because the village was isolated (no telegraph or train) and far from Grand Rapids, no help was available from neighboring communities until it was too late. The majority of historic Cannonsburg Village was destroyed by this ·oevil fire. • Prior to the influx of Caucasians into Cannon Township, the area was populated with Chippewa and Ottawa native Americans. Even then, the area's natural amenities-woodlands, rolling terrain and water resources-were a great attraction, as evidenced by the abundance of native American artifacts and trails in the area. In addition to natural amenities, local waters were thought to have mystical power. Native American legends tell of magical healing powers in the springs which are the headwaters of Bearcreek. Another small settlement in the Township centered around Bear Creek and the Imperial flouring mills in the southwest comer of section 30. This area was called Buena Vista and had its own post office (Chauricey). Because of fires and its relative isolation, however, Buena Vista never developed into a village. As with many communities in Michigan, Cannon Township was settled by hardy travelers migrating west in search of fertile land and abundant natural resources. Earty settlers gathered near Silver and Bostwick Lakes for fishing, planted orchards on the rolling terrain, and tilled fertile soils for row crops. The first formally recorded farm was entered in the books by Andrew Watson in 1837. In 1850, the Township boasted churches; a store; grist, carding, saw and cider mills; cooper shop; two wagon shops; three blacksmith shops; and a hotel. By 1861, a two-story school building was in place, employing two teachers. By 1876, a cattle dealer, lumber dealer, shoe and boot stores, hardware and two doctors were added to the complement of Village businesses. Despite economic activity and the aspirations of the community, land surveyed and platted in the area for a railroad never developed as such. Instead, the railroad line went through Ada Township. Cannon Township was originally part of Plainfield Township but sought separation in 1845. The first official town meeting was held in 1846. Residents formally adopted the name Cannon in honor of its priricipal village. The legislature needed to be corrected, however, because they thought of the area as Churchtown Township. Earty on, the land provided timber for the developing Township. Homes, bridges, roads, schools and businesses began to assemble into the village of Cannons-burgh (Cannonsburg), founded in 1842 by L.G. Cannon. New development centered around the main thoroughfare which was previously a native American trail. Development would come to Cannon despite the loss of the railroad line. Resort development around Silver and Bostwick Lakes began around 1915 and eventually evolved into significant year-round residential neighborhoods. Agriculture remained as a major element of township life. Most of the earty settlements existed primarily to serve farmers, each having their own feed mill or country store. Farming in the early 1900's was still done with oxen and horses until the introduction of tractors in the early 1930's. When the Village was dedicated, its namesake conferred a cannon to the town's people. The cannon was frequently used during celebrations until village fathers decided to lay it to rest, secretly burying it. A group of young men, though, insistent that it be used again, found the cannon and brought it to the next traditional 4th of July celebration. When its use resulted in a tragic accidental death, the cannon was Industrial automation effected the development of Cannon Township, as it did with nearty every other community in the nation. By the late 1950's, agriculture was almost completely automated, small farms of the late 1800's and earty 1900's consolidated to larger 8-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �operations. Services were provided to the area at a more centralized location (Cannonsburg) and residents of Cannon Township became less economically and geographically isolated from the Grand Rapids area. lation grew like never before from migration into the area by people seeking country living. In 1950, the Township's population was 1,600; made up primarily of people involved in agriculture, or serving agriculture. In 1990, the population was 7,928; made up primarily of persons who lived in the township, but worked elsewhere. The last of the rural school districts closed around 1951 when the current school districts took over educational services. Cannon Township has a rich history tied to its churches, farms and businesses. More detailed historical accounts of specific families, businesses and farms can be found in the Historical Society's 112page document. As time passed, improved transportation routes and outward development of the Grand Rapids metro area spurred growth in Cannon Township. The popu- B-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Appendix C PHYSICAL PROFILE - NATURAL FEATURES croppings of bedrock. The proximity of the bedrock to the surface of the ground does not impose limitations for normal excavating or construction. CLIMATE The effect of the Great Lakes on weather in Kent County is considerable and more noticeable than in most other parts of Michigan. Parts of the County receive significantly more snowfall than the central and southeastern parts of the state. Snowfall averages 76 inches per year. Precipitation averages 36.37 inches per year, and 58 percent of the annual total is received during the April-September period. Cloudiness is most prevalent in the fall and early winter months, and is least during the late spring and summer. Average daily maximum temperatures range from 28.8 degrees in January to 82.8 degrees in July. Below in Table C-1 is temperature and precipitation information for Kent County. The surface geology of Cannon Township resulted from glaciation. When glacial retreat was uniform, rocks were deposited in an even fashion across the landscape. Gently rolling till plains, which make up most of the Township, was the general landform produced by that process. Three more distinct landforms resulting from glaciers are moraines, outwash channels, and kettles. Moraines are hills which divide the drainage basins, or watershed areas, of Cannon Township. In addition to defining drainage patterns, moraines are highly porous and provide natural intake points for water to percolate into the groundwater table. Table C-1 - Climatic Information Temcerature Month Januarv FAhruarv March Anril MM, June Julv Aunust Seot October November December YEAR Avenqa Daily Maximum t• Fl 28.8 30.7 41 .8 56.5 69.3 78.5 82.8 80.6 72.7 Average Daily Minimum 1• Fl 14.4 14.3 24.7 35.3 45.3 55.1 59.8 57.7 60.0 50.8 39.8 45.6 33.5 58.I 30.9 20.4 37.4 Preci citation Average Monthly Total llncheal 2.03 1.39 2.79 3.68 2.88 4.33 3.11 3.49 3.46 2.75 3.26 3.12 31.37 Average Outwash channels were once watercourses resulting from glacial meltwater. The valley along Bear Creek is an example of an outwash channel. Snowfall (lnchn) 22.8 10.9 12.0 3.4 0 0 0 0 0 0.7 Following glacial retreat, large blocks of ice occasionally broke from the glacier and became embedded in the depositional debris. As those ice blocks melted, depressions called kettles were formed. Kettles which form small lakes are natural reservoirs for the containment of surface water. Because they are usually shallow water bodies, they are easily susceptible to water pollution caused by development adjacent to their shores. Cannon Township has numerous small kettle lakes. 8.8 . 17.6 7fl.O TOPOGRAPHY GEOLOGY The relative elevation of an area has an impact upon drainage patterns, private costs of development, and public costs. Substantial areas of Cannon Township have slopes of 12 percent or more. These slopes place limitations on development. Generally, slopes exceeding 7% should not be developed intensively. while slopes of 12% or more should not be developed at all because of increased soil erosion and surface water sedimentation. Careless hillside development can also lead to increased costs for providing various public utilities and services. Roads, sewers, and water lines require special engineering and construction in such areas. Cannon Township is located on the boundaries of two bedrock formations; Marshall, and Michigan; which are the first to be encountered beneath glacial deposits. Approximately half of the Township (northeast) is underlain by the Michigan formation, while the remainder (southeast) is undertain primarily by the Saginaw formation. The Michigan formation appears again under Section 36 in the southeast comer of the Townsh~. The thickness of glacial deposits overlaying the sandstone and shale bedrock ranges from 50 feet in the southwestern comer of the Township, to 375 feet in the northeastern comer. Glacial deposit thickness increases from southwest to northeast across the entire Township. There are no outC-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �The absolute topographic relief in Cannon Township varies from a maximum elevation of 1,000 feet in Section 1 to a minimum of 605 feet in Sections 30 and 31, at the Grand River. Preservation of the existing character of steep sloped areas in Cannon Township is especiaJly important because of the proximity of those areas to watercourses, especially Bear Creek. Excavation and removal of vegetation for development would significantly increase runoff and sedimentation of lakes and streams and woukf ultimately undermine the attractive and distinctive character of the Township. Steep sloped areas are shown in Map C-1. conveniences such as garbage disposals, clothes washers, and detergents were introduced. In addition, lawns were fertilized and mowed, and more roads and driveways were built near the lakes, exposing bare ground surfaces. Use of detergents, removal of vegetation from the landscape, use of fertilizers, and increased densities near lakes has ultimately resulted in diminished lake water quality. Most inland lake water quality problems are largely the result of inappropriate land use practices. Dense lakefront development often results in contamination of groundwater from · septic systems located in high water table areas, which are commonly found on the shores of lakes. This groundwater often migrates into the surface water, resulting in an acceleration of aquatic weed and algae growth. Though the three biggest, and most populated, lakes in the Township are characterized by public sewer service, the numerous smaller lakes are particularly susceptible to this type of degradation. Lakes that have steep slopes adjacent to them usually have problems with erosion and sedimentation on their shores rather than problems associated with high water table. INLAND LAKES A list of the lakes of 5 acres or more in size in Cannon Township appears in Table C-3. The combined surface area of these 9 lakes is nearly 780 acres. The largest lakes are found in the northern portion of the Township. Bostwick Lake, which covers 217 acres, is the largest lake within the Township. Inland lakes in Cannon Township are shown on Map C-2. Table C3 - Lakes 5 Acres or Larger I.aka Locaaon Ara (acreel Bostwicl< Lake Silver Lake . Lake Bella Vista Pickerel Lake Ratlaan Lake Sunfish Lake Hvser Lake Little Bostwicl< Austin Lake Sections 11 14 Sections 9 10 Sec:tlons8 9 Section 14 Section 38 Section 15 Sections 28 33 Section 14 Section 34 Dredging and filling activities along most lakeshores are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources through the Inland Lakes and Streams Act of 1972. The County Drain Commissioner, through the provisions of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act of 1972, has authority to review land development and land uses regarding soil erosion and sedimentation issues, and prescribed conditions, to minimize such conditions. 217 215 203 56.9 56.0 10.6 8.5 8.8 5.0 The shores of lakes, especially in Kent County, are very popular for land development. They attract new development more than any other natural feature and often have a very high market value. Consequently. lakefront development is often built at a high density. Many lake lots in Cannon Township were created decades ago and are less than 50 feet wide. Faulty septic system siting and storm water runoff are major concerns because small and shallow lakes are susceptible to pollution from runoff and migrating groundwater that has been contaminated. DRAINAGE Cannon Township lies entirely within the major drainage basin of the Grand River. Within this area are several smaller sub-watersheds including Bear Creek, Rum Creek, Barkley Creek, Egypt Creek, Seely Creek, and Waddell Creek. Watershed boundaries are shown in Map C-3. Two areas of the Township do not contribute to stream watersheds except in periods of heavy rainfall. One area drains into Bostwick, Little Bostwick, and Pickerel Lakes. The other drains into Hyser and Austin Lakes. The lakes in these non-contributing areas are very susceptible to deteriorating water quality resulting from intensive development. This applies to development in the entire non-contributing area and not merely to activities along the lake shorelines. The cumulative effects of lakeshore development have intensified state-wide since the 1950's. Lakeshore homes previously were used only for weekends and vacations. After interstate highways were built, the lakes became more accessible and lakeshore homes became desirable as permanent homes. Significant wetland areas can be found along Bear Creek in the eastern part of the Township. Bear Creek Along with new lakefront homes and existing lakefront homes being converted to permanent residences, C-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �would likely be profoundly impacted by alteration of the associated wetland areas. The ability of the wetlands to store floodwaters and filter sediments is critical to maintaining water quality and minimizing flood damage along this stream. Each soil type has unique characteristics which pose opportunities for some uses and limitations for others. The most important characteristics making the soil suitable or unsuitable for development are limitations on dweUings with basements, limitations on septic tank absorption fields, and suitability for farming. The degree of soil limitations reflects the hardship and expense of developing the land. Soil limitations can be classified into three categories: Natural drainage systems perform important drainage and water storage functions that would otherwise have to be provided by costly public works projects, and thus they should be preserved. Streams and watersheds having flow characteristics that have been adversely altered can also contribute to flooding or flow problems downstream. Additionally, increased runoff and sedimentation from adjacent development can cause irregular flow and choke a watercourse's connection with groundwater formations, adversely affecting groundwater resources. Slight: Relatively free of limitations or limitations are easily overcome. Moderate: Limitations need to be considered, but can be overcome with good management and careful design. Severe: Limitations are severe enough to make use questionable. A modern soil survey was completed for Kent County by the USDA Soil Conservation Service in 1983. The soil types present in Cannon Township are shown on map C-5 and Table C-4. Soil types found in Cannon Township are essentially glacial deposits acted upon by soil formation processes such as wind and water. As a result of glaciation, soil types vary substantially from site to site in Cannon Township. This, coupled with the fact that soil depths on soils maps in the USDA soil survey range on the average of 3-5 feet, make conclusive and accurate delineation of areas with severe limitations difficult. FLOODPLAINS Areas adjacent to creeks, streams and rivers are susceptible to periodic flooding that can cause extensive damage to buildings and can pose a substantial threat to public health and satety. The Federal Flood Insurance Program has established guidelines for use and development of floodplain areas. Those regulations indicate that development in floodplains should be restricted to open space, recreationa_l or agricultural uses. Installation of public utilities and permanent construction for residential, commercial or industrial uses should not occur in floodplain areas. Limitations for Septic Systems 100 year flood boundaries have been mapped for Cannon Township by the National Flood Insurance Program. Those boundaries are denoted by the shaded areas on Map C-4. Those areas would likely be inundated during an Intermediate Regional Flood (100 year flood}. The floodplain areas in Cannon Township are relatively small because the Township is not traversed by any major watercourses, and has hilly terrain which facilitates runoff drainage. According to the USDA Soil Survey of Kent County, substantial portions of Cannon Township have surficial soils that impose severe limitations on septic tank absorption fields. These soils are generally concentrated in large groups, with some smaller units scattered, and comprise 54% of the Township's total land area. Soils with moderate limitations for septic systems comprise 34% of the Township's land area, and soils with slight limitations cover 8%. Soils pose severe limitations for a variety of reasons, including steep slopes, wetness, and slow or excessive permeability. SOILS The resource use or development capacity of a specific parcel of land is largely dependent upon the characteristics of the soils present on the site. This is especially true of an area such as Cannon Township. The Township was initially a sparsely populated agricultural community and is now a rural residential community which relies upon groundwater and on-site wastewater treatment-public sewers service only a portion of the Township . Substantial areas of soils in Cannon Township have severe limitations for residential and urban development. Some parts of Cannon Township that are likely to experience future growth, especially south of Belding Road, have moderate to severe limitations for on-site septic systems. Map C-6 shows the septic system limitation areas for the Township. This map suggests that municipal sewers are necessary to accommodate intensive development in certain portions of the Township. Surficial soils with moderate and slight limitations also appear on Map C-6. C-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �The degree of soil limitations reflects the hardship and expense of developing that land for a particular use. Those soils classified as severe have varying degrees of development potential based on the nature of the limitation. Soila with severe limitations for septic systems can be broken down into the following cate- to prevent wastes from reaching water supplies. For most soil types that means densities of more than one and one-half dwellings per acre. With less dense development and soils without extreme limitations for septic systems, sewage can be disposed of safely by individual private systems. gories: Standards for Septic Systems A. Sandy, moderate to rapid penneability. The Kent County Health Department has established standards for septic systems. These standards apply somewhat different site characteristics when determining the degree of limitations for septic systems, compared to the Soil Conservation Service approach, which focuses on soil types and slope. Applications for a septic permit will be rejected by the Kent County Health Department if: B. Rapid permeability, wetness and high water table. C. Wet, ponding, heavier (clay) soils, slow permeability. 0. Very wet soils, organics, wetlands, floodplains, unable to support septic fields. • The estimated percolation rate is less than 60 minutes per inch of fall. Soila in categories B, C and D are not able to support septic fields because of extreme wetness. Soils in category A are classified as seYere by the Soil Conservation Service, but in most cases, sites with these soils can be modified to make septic systems feasible, depending on specific local conditions. • Where there exists less than 4 fe·et of soil from the bottom of the system to the seasonally high water table. Variances may be granted for existing structures where sewage disposal system repairs, corrections, and/or alterations are necessary (in the opinion of a Health Officer). Because of the diversity of soils found within most areas in Cannon Township, conditions on a particular site may be completely different from what the soil maps indicate. Even though the site may appear to have severe limitations for development, there may be small areas where development is suitable because the soils with severe limitations are undertain by suitable soils within 12 feet of the ground surface. Such an occurrence would be an important consideration in determining site suitability for an on--site wastewater disposal system. Therefore, the limitations maps are meant to serve only as a guide, and on-site inspection will be necessary in most cases to establish site-specific information. Where the upper soil profile is considered unsuitable for the installation of a sewage disposal system, a •deep excavation• or •cutcJown system• may be acceptable if: • Permeable soils encountered are within 12 feet of the ground surface and are not confined to an area less than 2400 square feet, except when the site is oth~rwise unsuitable. • Water-bearing formations found within the 12 foot range are not artesian. Some densely developed areas of Cannon Township have experienced problems resulting from soil characteristics. Densely populated lakeshore developments pose some very difficult problems for on-site wastewater treatment systems. In some cases, soils have high permeability and groundwater levels, so human waste does not have adequate filtering prior to contact with surface and groundwater sources. Other lakeshore developments have been built on low, poorly drained soils rich in organic materials. Bostwick, Silver, and Bella Vista, and Sunfish Lakes are served by public sewers, but other smaller lakes in Cannon Township are not. • There is sufficient information to substantiate that contamination of existing or future water wells will not occur. • No less than 3 feet of permeable soils exist below the unsuitable soils. • The unsuitable soils above the permeable soils are not saturated (muck, peat, marl, etc.). Basement Limitations Limitations for dwellings with basements are shown on Map C-7. Some surficial soils are rated by the Soil Conservation Service as having severe limitations on basements because of excessive Municipal sewer systems are necessary when residential densities exceed the inherent ability of soils C-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �wetness, low strength, excessive sk>pe, or shrink-swell potential. Severe limitations are not concentrated in any particular areas, but are scattered throughout the Township. Soils unsuitable for construction of dwellings with basements cover 38% of the total land area of the Township. the question as to the appropriateness of stringent farmland preservation measures. WOODLANDS The wooded areas of Cannon Township are predominantly hardwoods, with several large areas of aspen and birch, and some small areas of conifers. There are .several large (800-2000 acres) contiguous tracts of woods in the Township, particularly along the uplands surrounding Bear Creek. In addition, wooded areas are scattered throughout the Township in patches of 150 acres or less. Woodlands are shown in Map C-12. The most suitable surflciaJ soils for development, with respect to both septic system and basement limitations, are depicted in Map C-8. Hydric Soils Hydric soils are another limitation on development. They are very poorly drained, saturate easily and retain large quantities of water. They are generally unsuitable for structures. The Soil Conservation Service defines hydric soils as : The importance attached to woodlands is a function of their demonstrated ability to stabilize slopes, retard erosion, conserve water quality and quantity, maintain local micro-climates, filter the atmosphere, decrease noise· levels and provide wildlife habitats. Mature trees represent a valuable resource in maintaining the aesthetic character of Cannon Township. Future development should recognize the importance of existing tree . cover. Wooded areas in Cannon Township should be managed to insure their long term existence and t_o help preserve the rural character of the Township. •A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.• If artificially drained, hydric soils can be suitable for farmland use. Map C-9 shows where these soils are. In Cannon Township, most of the hydric soils are found near watercourses and conespond to present or former wetlands. Hydric soils represent 13. 7% of the Township's total land area. Residential, commercial and industrial development in areas containing hydric soils should be discouraged. WETLANDS _ Prime Farmland Prime farmland soil types have been identified by the Soil Conservation Service as those best suited for food production; they require minimal soil enhancement measures such as irrigation and fertilizer. Some soils are considered prime farmland only if they are drained. Unique farmlands are based on certain soil types as well as other factors, such as landscape position (proximity to water supply, orientation to sunlight, slope, etc.), moisture supply, and present management practices. Prime. farmland soils are shown on Map C-10. Unique farmland and lands enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (PA 116 of 1974) as of August, 1991 , are depicted on Map · C-11. A total of 1,054 acres in Cannon Township is enrolled in the PA 116 program. Prime farmland soils comprise approximately 15% of the area of Cannon Township, and they exist in several large contiguous areas as well as in small pieces. Though they are concentrated in several areas of the Township, expansive and contiguous areas of prime farmland soils do not generally _exist and raises Wetlands include marshes, swamps, and the areas between dry land and open water. These are areas typified by poor drainage and standing water. They are important community resources for several reasons. Wetlands provide a filter to keep inorganic materials out of the water supply, act as a sponge to retain water during dry periods and hold water during floods. One acre of marsh is capable of absorbing 300,000 gallons of water. Wetlands provide this holding capacity inexpensively. If destroyed they can be replaced only with expensive structural public improvements. Wetlands also function as critical wildlife habitats. A small portion of Cannon Township (8.7%) can b4tt characterized as wetland. These wetland areas are primarily associated with the river channels and lakes located within the Township. Some of the wetlands exist in a relatively large, contiguous area along Bear Creek in the eastern mile of the Township. The remainder are found in small areas. Some wetlands, such as fens or meadows, do not look very wet and may not be wet a large part of the year. Most of these areas are seasonally flooded-usually in the spring and fall, and in the summer they are often without standing water, although the organic soil usually stays near saturation. · C-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Because wetlands are a valuable natural resource, they are protected by Public Act 203 of 1979, the Goemaere Anderson Wetland Protection Act. PA 203 requires that permits be acquired from the Michigan Department of NaturaJ Resources (DNR) prior to altering or filling a regulated wetland. The Wetland Protection Act defines wetlands as: •land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and that under normal circumstances does support wetland vegetation or aquatic life and is commonly refe"ed to as a bog, swamp, or marsh and "is contiguous to the Great Lakes, an inland Jake or pond, or a river or confined glacial drift aquifer, which is separated from the ground surface by a ·confining• layer of clay or rock. Some wells draw from the unconfined aquifer, which is more vulnerable to contamination from the ground surface. Map C-14 identifies water well locations and the static water level of unconfined glacial draft aquifers. The static water level is the distance (in feet) below the ground at which the acquifer begins (the bottom of the acquifer). Map C-15 identifies the relative risk of groundwater contamination throughout the Township. The numbers representing the relative risks were derived from the Aquipro groundwater model developed at Western Michigan University. Vulnerable areas do not seem to be concentrated in any one location, but are scattered throughout the Township. stream.• Groundwater is an unseen resource and is therefore particularly vulnerable to mismanagement and contamination. Prior to the 1980's, little was known about groundwater contamination in Michigan, and some important facts have recently been revealed. Regulated wetlands include all wetland areas greater than 5 acres or those of any size contiguous to waterways. Wetlands which are hydrologically connected (I.e., via groundwater) to waterways are also regulated. Activities exempted from the provisions of the Act include farming, grazing of animals, farm or stock ponds, lumbering, maintenance of existing nonconforming structures, maintenance or improvement of existing roads and streets within existing rights-of-way, maintenance or operation of pipelines less than six inches in diameter, and maintenance or operation of electric transmission and distribution power lines. The leading causes of groundwater contamination in Michigan are from small businesses and agriculture. More than 50% of all contamination comes from small businesses that use organic solvents, such as benzene, toluene and xylene, and heavy metals, such as lead, chromium, and zinc. The origin of the problem stems from careless storage and handling of hazardous substances. On paved surfaces where hazardous materials are stored, substances can seep through or flow off the edge of the pavement. Materials can also get into floor drains which may discharge to soils, wetlands or watercourses. Permits will not be issued if a feasible or prudent alternative to developing a wetland exists. A map of wetlands based on the DNR's land uselcover inventory are illustrated on Map C-13. Some areas of hydric soils not shown as wetlands would likely be classified as wetlands if they were not artificially drained. Many common materials used by homeowners are highly toxic and can also contaminate groundwater supplies, even when used in small quantities. Groundwater protection is everyone's responsibility, and prevention of contamination is the most effective way to protect groundwater supplies. GROUNDWATER Wells within Cannon Township supply all of the water for residential, commercial and industrial uses in Cannon Township. Most of these wells draw from the C-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan STEEP SLOPES • • Over C-1 127. slope 6-12" slope Data Source: USDA Soil Survey of Kent county, Michigan August, N Scale 1: 43, 400 1 inch ... 3, 615 feet Planning & Zoning Center , 302 S . Waverly Ad . Lansing, Michigan 48917 11n . 111171 aae-o!!ae I nc. 1991 �MAP C-1 STEEP SLOPES Explanation and Key Points: Areas in gray are ve_ ry steep hillsides (over 12% slope) which pose substantial limitations to safe development and typically should not be built upon or exposed because of extremely high erosion potential and high public service costs. They represent a significant portion of the Township's land area. Substantial concentrations of steep slopes are found near Bear Creek, where upland areas slope down towards the channel. The patterned areas are hillsides with moderate slope (612%). These areas also pose moderate to severe limitations on buildings, septic systems, and public services. Some of these areas provide visually attractive sites for residential development, however development should occur only when adequate measures are taken to protect the hillsides from erosion and other negative effects of development. Both slope types shown on Map C-1 combined comprise approximately half of Cannon Township's total land area. Methodology: The Soil Survey of Kent County contains a table, listing each soil type in the County and its slope. Using a computerized mapping system and a digital USDA soil survey map of Cannon Township, soil map units defined as having steep slopes were automatically located and filled with the appropriate patterns and printed. Source: UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan Digital UDSA Soil Survey map of Cannon Township �MAP C-3 WATERSHEDS Explanation and Key Points: _ A watershed is an area which drains into a particular river, lake, or stream. Thus the Bear Creek watershed is the area where ail rain falling within its bounds ultimately flows into Bear Creek. The boundaries between different waters~eds are called divides, and typically fall on ridges or high points. Map C-3 shows that Cannon Township is dominated by the Bear Creek watershed. There is also an area in the northeast quadrant of the Township, containing Bostwick, Little Bostwick, and Pickerel Lakes, which does not drain into any river or creek watersheds except in periods of high water. This area is called a non-contributing area because most of the water it receives remains within its boundaries. This is especially significant because all runoff produced in this area from rainfall, fertilizers, parking lots, farms, or businesses will go into the lakes. The water quality of lakes in this area is thus highly dependent on land use and development. Methodology: Planning consultants met with personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MONA). The Lakes and Streams Unit, Land and Water Management Division, maintains a file of watershed areas in the state. Following a brief discussion of the watersheds in the Township, the information was transferred to a computerized mapping system and a pattern-filled map was generated. Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Management Division, Lakes and Streams Unit �) + CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan C-3 WATERSHEDS + + 0 18 17 15 ,-- ,/ + ,,,,," I I ,-' 2011:!.,...........,. . . . ( ,~ ' 2f',,., '' ',,......... I I \ \0 I I ___ , ' - I I •~ • • •~ Bear Creek Barkley Creek Rum Creek Seely Creek Grand River Egypt Creek ~ Waddell Creek m Non-Contributing - ---,... ' ... ... 3CI I I 29 •,,.. . ,--:. ,-, I ',,\ - ~-\,, _____ ,_ , I I I ',.._, __ .. -t - I I I I '• ;28 ''"---, I I I I ,,' I ,' '\ i,-, I ~~ ' ,_ ', + ~~ ~ -~ """ ~ - ' ' __, -- ------... ,, .., "" """" -.. \ ~:>OOOC ,A, ~ I (".)( ~ ~ .r.,r,.. 'VYY 0 >< )0( ,Y ' :)0 ·~ """ :)0 (J ">('l,j ~ I I A.1') w 26 '• ··-.,·, I I ,I I I I I I . I ~ + ~-, ' ,• ,-, ,.... :,""'' """tl -......... J I I ' ~t:::) ,/ 38 :_ I + --... , .. Cata Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources pW/4W/4¥r;w/4¾MlffNM/4W'd4PtMt ~HHUHUHH&/4'/4~ o 3. 615 7, 230 10, 845 feet { \ + Scale 1 inch• 3,615 feet 1: 43, 400 Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S. Waverly Ad. Lansing, ph. Michigan 48917 (817) 888-0SM Inc. August, N 1991 �CANNON TOWNSHIP 10 MILE All [) .... , ... , 4 Kent County, 1 2 BLISH DRIVE Michigan I I I C-4 FLOODPLAINS '---, '- ... , ' \ 9 MILE RD. I I 0 I \ ,.j > < Q I ~ I J co ...>IC n '-, ',I ... 10 9 .,. \ > < • Area inundated year flood by 100 ,. 'I • I ,1 I I I :,, ,' 118,) :,,,,' I 16 17 I Ill > < . ,,--- ,,,,,,- Ill , ,,, I "' J I ]: Ill i t----------• 22 , ,-' 20/L,----,,, ,.,.,""(./' KREUTER RO. ... I KREUTER RO. 23 I 24 I I 'O I I I I ---...---,.-, I I 29 ',, ', --:. ,_ I '', \ I - ', ... ~ a.. I I I I ' I r -,_ ............ -- -, I I !I MILE ...... _---- ..... ·- RD. } . ... ' 1 _, ... - ... ,_,.. __ > < :I< 32 > ~ Data Source: I I ",-. -,'........ I I . ' i 35 Ill I I ., : > > .............. .. '· 33 z ~ "'w -- .................. _. National Flood Insurance Program , : I : ... : ~ 1 ., ,I II• , ,' 4 MILE RO. '• 36 I : : ', u g - p*W///J ¼#4 ,-,_"tl ___ _ ,,, I ~ ,,,, , / <[ .. TBN, R10W FEMA, August, I I •Ill I ,, ) --- ... ,_ I I Ill E ... /28 ,,' I &i/24 o Scale fM4@¾ ~ 41/4Wl#AfMMw/4'#/4'/4'//4 7, 230 3, 615 1 inch= 3,615 feet 1: 43, 400 Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, Michigan 48917 ph. 10, 845 feet (!117) 8811--0!la!I Inc. N 1991 �MAP C-4 FLOODPLAINS Explanation and Key Points: The shaded regions on Map C-4 are floodplain areas associated with rivers, streams, and lakes. These regions represent areas that would be inundated by a 100 year flood (happens approximately every 100 years). The map shows that Cannon Township has very little floodplain area beyond the shorelines of water bodies. However, some areas west of the shoreline of Silver Lake and west of the shoreline of Bostwick Lake are subject to flooding, as well as areas along Bear Creek. Methodology: The floodplains in Cannon Township are mapped by the Federal Flood Insurance Program. A map was obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the information was transferred to a computerized mapping system (digitized), and the pattern filled map was generated. Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) �MAP C-5 SOIL NAMES BY TYPE Map s I I oll Soil name I I I 2B 3B 4B 5 6 7 9B 10 llB llC 12B l2C 13A 14 15 16 17B l7C 17D l7E 18B l8C 19A 19B 20 22B. 22C 23A 24A 25B 25C 25D 25E 26 27B 28 29B 29C 29D 29E 30B 30C 30D 31 32 36B 36C 36D 36E 36F 37B 38 39B 39C 40B 41B 42B 43 44 45B 45C 45D 45E 45F 46B 47 !Oakville fine sand, moderately wet, 0 to 4 percent slopes-------------------------lCovert sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes------------------------------------------------lPerrin gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes---------------------------------~lgansee loamy fine sand----------------------------------------------------------J-Glendora loamy sand---------------------------------------------------------------lCohoctah loam---------------------------------------------------------------------!Rimer loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes--------------------------------------,Landes loam-----------------------------------------------------------------------lOwosso-Marlette sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes--------------------------------lOwosso-Marlette sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes-------------------------------lTustin loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes-------------------------------------lTustin loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes------------------------------------lMetamora sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes----------------------------------------lShoals loam-----------------------------------------------------------------------lSloan loam------------------------------------------------------------------------lCeresco loam----------------------------------------------------------------------lChelsea loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------lChelsea loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes-----------------------------------lCbelsea loamy fine sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes----------------------------------!~~;!!~~l~=.f~n~osr~r~=n~os!~~::~~=-~~~~~~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: lGlynwood loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes---------------------------------------------lBlount loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes------------------------------------------------lBlount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------------------lHoughton muck---------------------------------------------------------------------lOshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes-----------------------------------------lOshtemo sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------------------------lThetford loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes----------------------------------------lAbscota loamy .s and, 0 to 3 percent slopes-----------------------------------------lOakville fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes-------------------------~---------------IOakville fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------------------------lOakville fine sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes---------------------------------------lOakville fine sand, 18 to 45 percent slopes---------------------------------------lAdrian muck-----------------------------------------------------------------------lWasepi loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes------------------------------------------lGilford fine sandy loam-----------------------------------------------------------lPlainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes--------------------------------------------lPlainfield sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes-------------------------------------------lPlainfield sand, 12 to 18-percent slopes------------------------------------------lPlainfield sand, 18 to 45 percent slopes------------------------------------------lSpinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------------1S,Pinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes-----------------------------------------/'Spinks loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes----------------------------------------1-Wallkill silt loam----------------------------------------------------------------lPalms muck------------------------------------------------------------------------lMarlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes----------------------------------------------iMarlette loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes---------------------------------------------iMarlette loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes--------------------------------------------lMarlette loam, IS to 25 percent slopes--------------------------------------------!Marlette loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes--------------------------------------------(capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes-------------------------------------------------lParkhill loam---------------------------------------------------------------------lArkport loamy very fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes-------------------------------lArkport loamy very fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes------------------------------lMatherton loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes------------ ---------------------------------lKibbie loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes------------------------------------------------t'l'edrow loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes-------------- -----------------------rGranby loamy fine sand------------------------------------------------------------iEdwards muck----------------------------------------------------------------------iPerrinton loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes---------------------------------------------iPerrinton loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes--------------------------------------------lPerrinton loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes-------------------------------------------iPerrinton loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes-------------------------------------------iPerrinton loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes-------------------------------------------i'Ithaca loam, l to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------------------iPewamo loam-----------------------------------------------------------------------1 I �.J ) S~il Map Units Southern 1/2 C-5 �Soil Map Units Northern 1/2 C-5 14 I 2~C �MAP C-5 SOIL NAMES BY TYPE Continued Map s I I Soil name 01: I I 488 48C 480 49B SOB soc SOD 518 SlC 52 548 54C 568 56C 560 58 598 59C 590 62A 62B 62C 620 62E 63 648 64C 668 66C 660 66E 678 67C 670 688 68C 69 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 818 81C 810 828 82C 820 838 848 85 868 87B 89E I iMetea loamy sand, 2 to 6 .percent slopes-------------------------------------------lMetea loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes------------------------------------------lMetea loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes-----------------------------------------lSelfridge loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes---------------------------------------iWoodbeck silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------~----iWoodbeck silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------------------------lWoodbeck silt loam, ·12 to 18 percent slopes---------------------------------------iOakville fine sand, loamy substratum, Oto 6 percent slopes-----------------------lOakville fine sand, loamy substratum, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------l8elleville loamy sand-------------------------------------------------------------iTuscola silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------------iTuscola silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes-----------------------------------------:scalley sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes-----------------------------------------:scalley sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------------------------jScalley sandy loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes---------------------------------------iNapoleon muck---------------------------------------------------------------------lOkee loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes---------------------------------------lOkee loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes--------------------------------------iOkee loamy fine sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes-------------------------------------lTekenink fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes-----------------------------------iTekenink fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes--------------------------------~--lTekenink fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------------------lTekeninlt fine sandy loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes---------------------------------'Tekenink fine sandy loam, 18 to 40 percent slopes---------------------------------!urban land-Cohoctah complex-------------------------------------------------------lGrattan sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes-----------------------------------------------iGrattan sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes----------------------------------------------iBoyer loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes-------------------------------------------iBoyer loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes------------------------------------------lBoyer loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes-----------------------------------------lBoyer loamy sand, 18 to 40 percent slopes-----------------------------------------lKalamazoo loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes---------------------------------------------lKalamazoo loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes--------------------------------------------iKalamazoo loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes-------------------------------------------:saylesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes--------------------------------------lSaylesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes-------------------------------------!Colwood silt loam----------------------------------------------------------------lSebewa loam-----------------------------------------------------------------------lDumps-----------------------------------------------------------------------------IUdorthents, loamy-----------------------------------------------------------------lUdipsamments, nearly level to steep-----------------------------------------------lPits, gravel----------------------------------------------------------------------lUrban land------------------------------------------------------------------------rHoughton muck, ponded-------------------------------------------------------------lUdorthents, nearly level to steep-------------------------------------------------lUrban land-Spinks complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes----------------------------------iUrban land-Spinks complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes---------------------------------iUrban land-Spinks complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes--------------------------------lUrban land-Perrinton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes-------------------------------iUrban land-Perrinton complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes------------------------------lUrban land-Perrinton complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes-----------------------------lMarlette loam, moderately vet, 1 to 5 percent slopes------------------------------lDixboro loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes------------------------------------iLaason fine sandy loam------------------------------------------------------------iTeasdale fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes-----------------------------------lPipestone sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes---------------------------------------------lMarlette-oaJtville-Boyer complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes--------------------------1 Water, less than 40 acres in size--------------------------------------------1 Water, greater than 40 acres-------------------------------------------------1 I I I I Total-------------------------------------------------------------------- I * Less than 0.1 percent. Source: Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan �MAP C-6 LIMITATIONS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS Explanation and Key Points: The map graphically represents soil limitations for residential septic systems. Limitations from slight to severe are shown, with severe limitations having the darkest pattern (heavy grid pattern) and slight limitations having no pattern (white). Lakes are shown in black. Areas with severe limitations for septic systems comprise approximately haJf of the Township's land area. These areas are considered to have severe limitations because of high water table, excessive slope, wetness, very high penneability, or very slow penneability. As a result, significant portions of Cannon Township may be unsuitable for development on parcels smaller than one and a half acres without public sewer systems. Areas shown as having moderate or slight limitations are suitable for devetopment at somewhat higher densities without public sewer systems. Methodology: The UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County contains a table, listing each soil type in the County and its limitations for septic tank absorption fields. The soil survey table was used directly, although local health department policies for issuing septic system permits vary considerably within Michigan. The USDA soil survey is only used for general purposes by the Kent County Health Department. The soil survey has some serious drawbacks for specific applications; first, being that it only accounts for the soil that is within the top five (5) feet of ground surface. The Kent County Sanitary Code, which is very similar to the regulations of the Michigan Department of Public Health, allow for more flexibility; soils as deep as twenty (20) feet can be utilized. An example of this is a recent development near the intersection of Young Avenue and 1O Mile Road. The map has this area designated with severe limitations, but on-site field evaluations revealed the area to have sand at fourteen to fifteen feet, which meets the requirements for on-site sewage disposal. For an overall picture of the Township, use of the USDA Soil Survey can be helpful, along with any other applicable infonnation. However, when it comes to specifics, each lot needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. Using a computerized mapping system and a digital USDA soil survey map of Cannon Township, soil map units defined as having slight, moderate, and severe limitations for septic systems, with respect to the classifications in the soil survey, were automatically located and filled with the appropriate patterns and printed. Source: UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan Digital UOSA Soil Survey map of Cannon Township Kent County Health Department �CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan LIMITATIONS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS D Slight B • • C-6 limitations Moderate limitations Severe limitations Unclassified Water Data Source: USDA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan ~m% 7w'dfWmL tW/4 4fml#/4wMWK *ff#ll,M'lll?Mlw~ o Scale 3, 615 7, 230 1: 43, 400 1 inch - Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, Michigan 48917 pll . (!117) 885-0= 10, 845 feet 3, 615 feet Inc. August, N 1991 �CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan LIMITATIONS FOR BASEMENTS D • • • C-7 Slight limitations Moderate If mitations Severe limitations Unclassified Water Cata Source: USDA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan August, N Scale 1: 43, 400 1 inch - 3, 615 feet Planning & Zoning Center , 302 S. Waverly Rd . Lansing, Michigan 48917 pn. !:t17l sse--o= I nc. 1991 �MAP C-7 LIMITATIONS FOR BASEMENTS Explanation and Key Points: Map C-7 graphicaJly represents soil limitations for basements. Limitations from slight to severe are shown, with severe limitations having the darkest (heavy grid) pattern and slight limitations having the lightest pattern (white), and lakes are shown in black. Areas with severe limitations for dwellings with basements COl11)rise a significant portion (approximately 38%) of the Township's land area . These areas are considered to have severe limitations because of high water table, excessive slope, wetness, shrink-swell potential, and the tendency of the soils to cave in. In the case of Cannon Township, soils with severe limitations for dwellings with basements are found primarily in steep sloped areas, with others in wetland areas. The latter could be considered generally unsuitable for development. As limitations increase, so do construction costs. Methodology: The Soil Survey of Kent County contains a table, listing each soil type in the County and its limitations for dwellings with basements. Using a computerized mapping system and a digital USDA soil survey map of Cannon Township, soil map units defined as having slight, moderate, and severe limitations for basements were automatically located and filled with the appropriate patterns and printed. Source: UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan Digital UDSA Soil Survey map of Cannon Township �MAP C-8 MOST SUITABLE SOILS Explanation and Key Points: Shaded areas on Map C-8 represent areas most suitable for residential development with respect to limitations for basements and limitations for septic systems. The areas represented are places where limitations for both septic systems and dwellings with basements are considered moderate or slight. These "suitable" soils comprise approximately 40% of the Township's total land area. See Map Descriptions for Maps C-6 and C-7 for more detail. Methodology: Using a computerized mapping system and a digital USDA soil survey map of Cannon Township, soil map units defined previously as having moderate or slight limitations for both septic systems and dwellings with basements were automatically located and filled with the appropriate patterns and printed. Source: UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan Digital UDSA Soil Survey map of Cannon Township �CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan C-8 MOST SUITABLE SOILS • ~ ~ ~ Oeta Source: ~ ~ ~ W i 31 ~~ ) Soils most suitable development ~ ~ . ~ "... .; . > .J ~ ~ ~ ~~LE AD . Michigan P&14w,f)X~Ay#M'tfM~llm'/4'/4ffflltf/4 W/4 wWdW4 ~ o 3, 615 7, 230 10,845 feet ~ a • co l&J ~ ~ USDA Soil Survey of Kent County, for .." ~ ~ ~ I"' j? k~ Scale 1: 43,400 1 inch• 3,615 feet Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, M1cn1gan 48917 pn . (817) ee&-oaaa Inc. August, N 1991 �10 MIL! All CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan " ~~ill---a:--J~~~ ~r iS • f HYDRIC SOILS II , -''--,, ,,,' • _,a' .,tott ', C-9 Hydric soils Water I I ,/ 17 I 29 8 MILE RD • Ill > • .......---- ..., -. • eta Source: USDA Soil Survey f 32 33 , __ I ,,' I :,, I Michigan W///7//////A E I Kent County, pw/4tW%Wff/4W'@fe&Hnr ~tw/4'HdwH4W#e~ a, ~ of -- .....-.... Ill > •:z 0 "' ~ Scale 3. 615 7, 230 10, 845 feet ::J 1: 43,400 1 inch - Planning & Zoning Center, TBN, 302 S. Lansing, pr,. Waverly Rd. Michigan 48917 (817) 888-0M!I 3,615 feet Inc. August, N 1991 �MAP C-9 HYDRIC SOILS Explanation and Kay Points: Shaded regions on Map C-9 represent areas covered by hydric soils. Hydric soils are very wet organic soils which in their natural state are poorly drained, saturate easily, and retain large quantities of water. In Cannon Township, these soils are found near watercourses and wetlands. Hydric soils always have severe limitations for both basements and septic systems. They are generally unsuitable for any type of structural use. Areas with hydric soils are often a home for wildlife and may have a variety of recreational uses. If properly drained, they can be suitable for fanning. Methodology: The USDA Soil Conservation Service publishes a list of all hydric soils in Michigan. Hydric soils in Cannon Township were identified from that list and input into the digital soil map of the Township. Using a computerized mapping system and the digital USDA soil survey map of Cannon Township, soil map units designated as hydric soils were automatically located and filled with the appropriate patterns and printed. Source: UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County, .Michigan Digital UDSA Soil Survey map of Cannon Township USDA Soil Conservation Service Michigan hydric soils list �MAP C-10 PRIME FARMLAND SOILS Explanation and Key Points: Shaded areas on Map C-1 0 represent two types of prime farmland soils. The lighter of the two patterns is prime farmland soils, while the darker pattem represents areas that are considered prime farmland only if drained. Area$ not requiring drainage comprise approximately 20% of all prime farmland soils in Cannon Township. Prime farmland soils cover a small portion of Cannon township; approximately 5-10% of the total land area. Concentrations of prime farmland soils are found in the southeast part of the Township, in Sections 25, 35, and 36, and in the southwest area in Sections 30, 31 . and 32. Except for those areas, prime farmland soils are often discontinuous and are not well related to parcel boundaries. This reduces the likelihood of profitable farming activities. Methodology: The UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County contains a table, listing each soil type in the County and its ranking as prime farmland . Using a computerized mapping system and a digital USDA soil survey map of Cannon Township, soil map units defined as being prime farmland were automatically located and filled with the appropriate patterns and printed. Source: UDSA Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan Digital UDSA Soil Survey map of Cannon Township �CANNON TOWNSHIP 10 MILE RQ [) Kent County, Michigan _,MixvE PRIME FARMLAND SOILS C-10 9 MILE RO . ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ 0 ~ II. II. H 13 0 • • Prime farmlands Prime farmlands , if drained ~ 1. ~ ~4 ,,_ 1'£ ~" IP 0, KREUTER RO . 24,-~~;__ _ 20e, it- . _J 22 0 ~ 0 29 ~ ~ - !I ,. 0 MILE RO. 0 28 ~ Cate Source: !:I MILE~ USOA Soil S urvey of Kent County, August, Michigan t%?MWAW1"1"@?2?,:I wMIfWH///////A p&@ffHH#/2¼~ ~w,f,L l 3f"\ 111 :, i. > 33 z ::, ID a: a \ ~ O 10, 845 feet 7 • 230 3, 615 < Scale 1: . 43, 400 1 inch - 3,615 feet Planning & Zoning Center 302 S. :,; Lansing, pn. Waverly Ad. Michigan 48917 (!117) BB!I-OS!le • I nC • N 199i �CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan PA 116 FARMLANDS • Land enrolled C-11 •,n PA 116 August, Data Source: Kent County EQualization Department pWef W4f W/4L ~ / / Awu&fa'@lf"M##/////4'#/H/4~ .VP/4f o Scale 3, 615 7, 230 1 inch - 1: 43, 400 Planning & Zoning Center. 302 S . Waverly Rd. Lansing, Michigan 48917 I ph . (!11 7) 885-0S!I!! 10,845 feet 3,615 feet Inc . N 1991 �MAP C-11 PA 116 FARMLANDS Explanation and Key Points: Tois map shows land enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (PA 116 of 1974), managed by the Michigan Department of Commerce. Methodology: Tax parcel maps were obtained from the Kent County Equalization Department and entered into a computer mapping system. In addition, each parcel was labeled with its tax number. Following input of parcel boundaries and numbers, information from the Township's tax roll .was added using database management software. Parcel numbers served as the link between the digital map and the remaining tax roll information. The end result is a "geo-database"; a map with all tax parcel information attached to each parcel. Data for parcels enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program was obtained from the Michigan Department of Commerce and verified by Township officials. Using a computerized mapping system and the digital tax-parcel map, a map was automatically generated using the parcel numbers for PA 116 land and printed. Source: Livingston Kent Equalization Department Michigan Department of Commerce �MAP C-12 WOODLANDS Explanation and Key Points: The shaded regions on Map C-12 represent six different types of wooded areas. The three general types of woodland cover are hardwoods (broadleaf trees), Aspen/Birch, and conifers (needle-leaf trees). Most of the woodlands in Cannon Township are hardwoods, some of which exist in very large contiguous areas along with Aspen and Birch. Conifers are found in small patches scattered throughout the Township, often contiguous with large tracts of hardwoods. The large tracts of woodlands tend to be located in upland areas on both sides of Bear Creek and surrounding Pickerel Lake. Methodology: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources maintains the Michigan Resource Inventory Program, which contains land cover/use information for the entire state. The land use/cover information is based on interpretations of color infrared aerial imagery taken in 1978. The land use/cover inventory for Cannon Township was revised by the consultant based on 1989 aerial photographs from the Kent County Equalization Department. · Each polygon area on the land/use cover inventory map has a unit label. This label is a three or four digit number which corresponds to the State's land use/cover classification system. To generate the map, a digital map was "downloaded" into a computerized mapping system from the MDNR's computer. All map units with woodland numbers were automatically l9eated, filled with patterns, and printed. Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Resource Inventory Program 1989 aerial photographs of Cannon Township �w~·~ /, ~ CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan 5 KIES ST. WOODLANDS C-12 ~ Upland hardwoods lillllll Aspen/Birch flj Lowland hardwoods Ill Pine/Conifer mm Lowland con if er ) Christmas tree plantation Data Source: MDNR, Michigan Resource Inventory Program ~WA WMW/1/4wff/4 ~ ~ 4U&&My¥/4&¥'ffff//HUl/4 o Scale 3, 615 1: 43,400 10, 845 feet 7, 230 1 inch a Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S . Waverly Rd . ) Lansing, pn . Michigan 48917 sse-oses (Si7l 3,615 feet Inc. August, N 1991 �CANNON TOWNSHIP 10 MILE RQ --- -, , ........ \ KIES ST. --- I I 1 -- -- Kent County, './• 4 Michigan 2 C-13 WETLANDS -- ..,.....,, I ~/~ \ II Lowland woodlands ~ Wooded swamp ~ Shrub swamp ,,· ' I ,, I ,' \\ 18 I I ,, ' -- -,, • • ', I I i I , ,' . . > < >< < .J .... :,: ca 5 KREUTER RD. ,-~=.:.::.:...:::::~-_J 22 t!J~-1 I I 1 1 1 $ t Emergent Aquatic Bed Water ,,,~ I I I I ' ', \ ,,,--' I I I , '-,, -......... I I I 29 I I 1 I 1 I I ,/28 I 1 '1I I I 1 ,I 1 \ '' -, I ', 1 II MILE RD. ...... _---- ... , __ , I I ?:] 1 I ', '\ . ,, .' --- ------- -~ ~ ,' ~ . _,,-__ _ li: ' . August, ' I :l>< •c:, MONA, Michigan Reeource Inventory Program N I i>✓~ • 32 Cate Source: I 33 35 ~~ v~~~✓-~✓ I , -, ' 1 ,, 1 1 I ) ---, ' -, 1 < a, a. - ,_ > ? .t: . ,' ,' l1 TBN, A10jj ..,. u u ,,•' -4 MILE RO. X Scale 1 inch =- 3,615 feet 1: 43, 400 P1anning & Zoning 302 s. Waverly Lansing, pn. Center Ad . Michigan 48Si 7 11117) sse-o~ee ' Inc· 1991 �MAP C-13 WETLANDS Explanation and Key Points: The shaded regions on Map C-13 represent wetlands. There are a variety of wetland types found in Cannon Township, including surface waters, swamps, and lowland woodlands. All of the areas shown on Map C-13 are wetlands, based on vegetative cover. It is likely that they are protected by the Wetlands Protection Act of 1979, provided they are larger than five acres in size or are contiguous to an inland lake or stream. Most of the wetlands in the Township are greater than five acres in size and are found near watercourses. The largest wetlands in the Township are located in Sections 1, 12, 13, and 23, east of Bostwick and Pickerel Lakes and along both sides of Bear Creek. Methodology: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources maintains the Michigan Resource Inventory Program, which contains land cover/use information for the entire state. The land use/cover information is based on interpretations of color infrared aerial imagery taken in 1978. The land use/cover inventory for·cannon Township was revised by the consultant based on 1989 aerial photographs from the Kent County Equalization Department. Each polygon area on the land/use cover inventory map has a unit label. This label is a three or four digit number which corresponds to the State's land use/cover classification system. To generate the map, a digital map was "downloaded" into a computerized mapping system from the MDNR's computer. All map units with wetland numbers were automatically located, filled with patterns, and printed. Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Resource Inventory Program 1989 aerial photographs of Cannon Township �Appendix D PHYSICAL PROFILE-MAN-MADE FEATURES 2,000 additional acres, or approximately three square miles, of residential land. Much of this reduction in other classifications is due primarily to single family home development. Land classified as recreational increased because holdings of recreational properties increased since 1978. LAND COVER/USE Cannon has a typical Michigan township_ configuration of 36 square sections. The Township is 36.95 square miles (23,650 acres), the majority of which retains a certain level of rural character. General categories of land cover/use for the Township are as follows: The relative amount of urbanization in a community (i.e., number of acres devoted to urban uses) can be deceptive in that a relatively small amount of acreage devoted to a use can still have significant impacts on the character of an area (e.g., strip commercial development or an abandoned gravel pit that was not properly reclaimed after operations ceased). Placement, design and timing of development can greatly affect visual quality, accessibility, cost of service delivery, perceived, and real quality of life. • 32.2% forest cover (7,614.1 acres). This includes upland and lowland hardwoods, upland and lowland conifers, and Christmas tree plantations. • 25.8% agriculture (6,090.3 acres) devoted to agricultural operations like cropland, orchards, confined feedlots and pasture. • 20.2% in open shrub or herbaceous areas (4,765.6 acres). Concentrated residential development in Cannon Township is centered around Silver, Bostwick and Bella Vista Lakes. More dispersed "strip" residential development is located throughout the Township along county roads among agricultural uses. Agricultural uses are located primarily in the northeast corner and in sections 30-36 (southern third) of the Township. The amount of land devoted to traditional commercial uses is small and located along M-44 south of Bostwick Lake and Lake Bella Vista .. Recreational uses include a golf course, sportsman's club and ski area. Note that the state land is classified as woodland and open land for the purposes of land cover information. • 14.0% in residential uses including single family, multi-family and mobile home parks (3,302.5 acres). • 3.4% in surface water (818.7 acres). • 2.7% in wetlands (642.6 acres). This includes forested, shrub, aquatic bed and emergent wetlands. • 1.1% recreation (261.1 acres). • 0.38% open pit extraction (91.5 acres). • 0.26% commercial, institutional or industrial development (63 acres). Figure 0-3 presents parcels according to their tax classification. Note that while the golf course and ski area are land cover/use classified as recreational, they are taxed as commercial. The majority of land in the Township is taxed as residential. In 1991, Cannon Township had a total State Equalized Value (SEV) of $156,447,200 (this figure includes real and personal property). Commercial development accounted for 2.3% of total SEV; industrial, 0.1 %; residential, 91.4%; and agriculture, 1.9%; the remaining SEV can be attributed to personal property. See Figure 0-1 . A more detailed account of specific land uses can be found in Table 0-1 and Figure 0-2. Figure 0-2 illustrates existing land use and cover according to the geographic boundaries of the uses/covers and is not specific to parcel boundaries or the principal use of a parcel. Analysis of natural features such as slopes, woodlands, wetlands, prime farmland, soils and other soil limitations can be found in Appendix C. Between 1978 and 1990, the most significant change in land use was in the residential land use classifications. Land devoted to single family use increased over 150%, while most other land use/cover classifications had small losses. The rapid growth of the Township in the 1980's resulted in approximately LAND DIVISION In 1930, large tracts of land primarily devoted to agricultural use prevailed in Cannon Township. By 1966, many of these large parcels had been subdivided into smaller parcels for residential uses. In 1983, parcels of 3-10 acres were the dominant parcel 0-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �manage these uses on small parcels. Further, this lot split pattern impedes the efficient use of the Township's land areas as well as increases congestion and traffic hazards along area roadways . size and, in 1990, very few large tracts remained. The result of land divisions like this are that land uses requiring large areas of land (agriculture and forestry) are virtually squeezed out because it is not feasible to Figure D-1 TOTAL LAND USE COVER CANNON TOWNSHIP 1990 Im Residential ~ Open 1111 Water []] Recreation ITllD • §§ Forest Ill Wetlands Commercial Agriculture D Extractive Source: Michigan Resource Information System, Land & Water Management Division, DNR D-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Table 0-1 TOTAL LAND USE COVER CANNON TOWNSHIP 1978 Acres 1990 Acres % Chanae High Rise Multi-Family Low Rise Multi-Family Single Family Mobile Home Park Commercial Services Central Business District Shopping Center, Mall Strip Commercial Institutional Open Pit Extractive Underground Extractrive Wells Outdoor Recreation Cemeteries 0.00 10.38 1284.16 10.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 22.47 36.60 54.92 0.00 111.09 123.23 3.96 0 28.1 3263.7 10.7 0 0 0 22.4 40.6 91.5 0 0 257.2 3.8 0.00 170.71 154.2 -0.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.31 10.93 66.61 0.00 -100.00 108.66 -4.04 Cropland Orchard, Ornamental Confined Feeding Permanent Pasture 6307.4 319.57 5.1 306.48 5452.1 343.9 10.8 283.5 -13.56 7.61 111.76 -7.50 Herbaceous Shrub 1959.12 3439.65 1778.6 2987 -9.21 -14.03 Upland Timber Harvest Upland Hardwood (North Zone) Upland Hardwood (Central Zone) Aspen, Birch Lowland Tree Plantation Pine Other Upland Conifers Lowland Conifers Christmas Tree Plantation - 0 0 4371.5 1462.23 1356.95 906.6 0 43.44 111.23 0 0 4051.6 1347.1 1274.6 815.6 0 43.4 81.8 0.00 0.00 -7.32 -7.87 -6.01 -10.04 0.00 -0.09 -26.46 River Lake 56.58 752.48 56.5 762.1 -0.14 1.28 35.64 510.94 12.58 82.44 23697.46 35.4 511.6 12.4 83.2 23649.2 -0.67 0.13 -1.43 0.92 -0.20 URBAN AGRICULTURE OPEN FOREST WATER WETLANDS Forested Shrub Aquatic Bed Emeraent TOTAL AREA "1990 data derived by PZC staff via modem aerial photography. Source: Michigan Resource Info System, MDNR 1978 0-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �TRANSPORTATION Michigan Department of Transportation classifies roads in Michigan communities for the purposes of state funding . M-44 (Belding Road) is classified as a state trunkline. Primary roads in the Township include: • Wolverine Blvd. on the northwestern edge of the Township • 10 Mile Road on the Township's northern boundary. • Cannonsburg Road, which runs generally easvwest until it heads south towards 5 Mile Road. • Myers Lake Road, which runs north of Cannonsburg Road. • Ramsdell Road, which runs generally northeast from Cannonsburg Road. • Honey Creek Avenue, which runs south of Cannonsburg Road • Pettis Road, also running south of Cannonsburg Road. All other roads in the Township are classified as local. Figure D-4 identifies Act 51 roads. PA 51 of 1951 provides for the classification of all public roads, streets and highways for the purpose -of managing the motor vehicle highway fund. Funding is provided to counties, cities and villages for street maintenance and construction based on the number of miles of streets by class, within each community. Most roads in the Township are managed by the Kent County Road Commission. - The Kent County Road Commission has performed 24-hour traffic counts along most of the principal corridors in the Township and are listed in Table D2. Table D-2 identifies, for each principal intersection in the Township, the following information: 1) the street name where the count was taken and the associated cross road; 2) the date the count was taken; 3) the number of cars counted over a 24-hour period traveling in each direction; 4) the maximum recommended capacity of each road at the intersection (LOS C); 5) the ratio of vehicles counted to the LOS C capacity (V/C); 6) the designated LOS for each road ; and 7) road classification (minor arterial, regional arterial, arterial, collector). Levels of service (LOS) may range from A to F; "A" represents the most preferred traffic flow condition, "F" represents the most congested condition. Level of service C represents the maximum recommended capacity for rural roads. Cannonsburg Road and M-44 are the two most heavily traveled east-west corridors while Myers Lake Avenue is the most heavily traveled north-south corridor. There are only approximately six miles of gravel roadway dispersed throughout the interior of the Township, three miles of which is situated within or adjacent to the Cannonsburg State Game Area. However, Tiffany Road, along the Township's eastern bounds, and 4 mile Road, along the Township's southern bounds, are all gravel. The vast majority of County Road rights-of-way are 66 feet. However, platted subdivisions along county roads must provide for a 120 foot right-of-way along primary roads and 86 foot right-of-way for local roads. Roads within platted subdivisions must have a minimum right-of-way of 66 feet. Where the Kent County Road Commission purchases land for new roadways, a 100-foot wide area is purchased. Although easVwest and north/south routes through Cannon wander to a certain extent, access is relatively good throughout the Township. A proposed project in Plainfield Township-the development of a new bridge across the Grand River-may increase access opportunities to the Township. Transportation access, patterns and frequency of use greatly impact land uses in a community. In fact, they often drive land use decisions. An issue that is getting increased attention in the Township is that of private roads. Private roads that are not properly marked or constructed can cause serious problems in emergency situations. If a drive is too narrow, not properly maintained or marked, then emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire trucks) may not be able to find and/or properly access properties in need of assistance. School bus service can also be greatly effected by private road development. At the time of writing, no major road improvements were scheduled within the Township aside from routine maintenance and the probable paving of one mile of gravel road per year, as has been the general schedule in past years. Though not formally scheduled as future projects, the Kent County Road commission is giving increasing consideration to improvements at the M-44/Wolverine Boulevard intersection and the repaving of Cannonsburg Road and portions of Myers Lake Avenue and 1O Mile Road. . D-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Table D-2 TRAFFIC COUNTS - EAST/WEST STREETS - STREET NAME 10MILE 10MILE 10MILE 4MILE 4MILE 4MILE 4 MILE 4MILE 4MILE SMILE SMILE SMILE SMILE SMILE 5 MILE 5 MILE 6 MILE 6 MILE 6 MILE 7MILE 7MILE 9MILE 9MILE 9 MILE 9MILE 9MILE 9 MILE BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BELDING /M-44 BUSH CANNONSBURG CANNONSBURG CANNONSBURG CANNONSBURG CANNONS BURG CANNONSBURG CANNONSBURG CANNONSBURG ELDRED KIES KIES KIES KREUTER KREUTER KREUTER RAMSDELL CROSS ROAD TIFFANY BUSH YOUNG EGYPT VALLEY GILES PETTIS HONEY CREEK MCCABE DURSUM HONEY CREEK MCCABE DURSUM TIFFANY GILES PETTIS EGYPT VALLEY TIFFANY GILES RAMSDELL BLAKELY DUNN RAMSDELL YOUNG BLAKELY MYERS LAKE WILKINSON NORTH PORT MYERS LAKE COURTLAND TIFFANY RAMSDELL EGYPT VALLEY YOUNG SUNFISH LAKE BLAKELY KITSON WOLVERINE YOUNG JOYCE SUNFISH LAKE MYERS LAKE EGYPT VALLEY HONEY CREEK PETTIS RAMSDELL B.J. YOUNG COURTLAND BLAKELY MYERS LAKE SUNFISH LAKE RAMSDELL GREELEY GREELEY DATE TAKEN 01-Aug-91 05-Aug-91 01-See:88 14-Jun-89 26-Jun-90 26-Jun-90 12-0ct-88 09-Jun-89 01-Aug-91 16-Aug-90 16-Aug:90 16-Aug-90 15-A~-90 15-Jul-87 14-Jul-87 26-0ct-89 15-Aug-90 30-0ct-89 26-0ct-89 20-Jun-91 15-Aug-90 28-Mar-89 05-Dec-88 30-Nov-88 05-Dec-88 08-Aug-90 09-Aug-90 03-Aug-90 31-Jul-91 07-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 01-Aug-91 03-Aug-90 03-Aug-90 03-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 08-Aug-90 10-Aug-90 26-Aer-88 15-Jul-87 10-Aug-90 28-Mar-89 10-Jul-87 01-Nov-89 15-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 30-Nov-88 30-Nov-88 09-Jul-87 10-Aug-90 09-Aug-90 09-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 EAST COUNT 1,930 4,050 1,650 258 84 76 192 60 138 902 3,152 104 2,897 2 2n 491 178 111 212 941 268 74 0 370 696 767 411 567 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,432 4,473 4 815 5,950 3938 6648 907 2,185 381 1 469 456 0 0 417 237 272 WEST COUNT 1,880 3,436 2,170 59 65 0 212 83 190 152 2,909 106 2,903 2 272 141 269 119 210 207 436 132 412 334 0 469 724 666 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 190 4,869 4,364 5915 6,443 0 6671 2,019 2,190 0 0 1 469 537 179 0 276 0 CAPAC. LOS C 8,500 8,500 8,500 8,500 8500 8500 8500 8500 8,500 0 1500 8,500 8,500 8,500 8 500 8500 EAST VIC 0.227 0.476 0.194 0.030 0.010 0.009 0.023 0.007 0.016 0.106 0.371 0.012 0.341 0.268 0.058 0.021 0.013 0.025 8,500 8 500 0.111 8500 0.032 0.009 8,500 8 500 0.000 0.044 8 500 8500 0.082 0.090 8,500 0.048 8,500 0,soo 0.067 0.000 9,000 9000 0.000 0.000 9,000 0.000 9,000 0.000 9,000 0.000 9,000 0.000 9,000 0.000 9,000 0.000 9,000 9000 0.000 0.000 8,500 9,000 · 0.492 0.497 9,000 9000 0.535 0.661 9,000 9000 0.438 9000 0.739 0.101 9,000 0.243 9,000 8 1500 0.045 8 500 0.173 8 500 0.054 8500 0.000 0.000 8,500 0.049 8,500 0.028 8,500 0.032 8,500 8 500 8,500 0-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WEST VIC 0.221 0.404 0.255 0.007 0.008 0.000 0.025 0.010 0.022 0.018 0.342 0.012 0.342 0.267 0.017 0.032 0.014 0.025 0.024 0.051 0.016 0.048 0.039 0.000 0.055 0.085 0.078 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.022 0.541 0.485 0.657 0.716 0.000 0.741 0.224 0.243 0.000 0.000 0.173 0.063 0.021 0.000 0.032 0.000 EAST LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A B B A B A A A A A A A A A A WEST LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A B A B B A B A A A A A A A A A A ROAD CLASS MIN. ART. MIN. ART. MIN. ART. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. REG. ART. COLL. • ART. ART. ART. ART. ART. ART. ART. ART. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. C'OLL. �Table D-2 TRAFFIC COUNTS - NORTH/SOUTH STREETS STREET NAME BLAKELY BLAKELY BLAKELY BLAKELY B.J. BUSH COURTLAND COURTLAND DUNN DURSUM DURSUM EGYPT VALLEY EGYPT VALLEY EGYPT VALLEY EGYPT VALLEY GILES GILES GILES GREELEY GREELEY HONEY CREEK HONEY CREEK HONEY CREEK JOYCE KITSON MCCABE MCCABE MYERS LAKE MYERS LAKE MYERS LAKE MYERS LAKE NORTH PORT PETTIS PETTIS PETTIS RAMSDELL RAMSDELL RAMSDELL RAMSDELL RAMSDELL SUNFISH LAKE SUNFISH LAKE SUNFISH LAKE TIFFANY TIFFANY TIFFANY TIFFANY WILKINSON WOLVERINE YOUNG YOUNG YOUNG YOUNG YOUNG CROSS ROAD 7MILE 9MILE BELDING /M-44 KIES CANNONSBURG 10 MILE BELDING /M-44 KIES 7MILE 4MILE SMILE 4MILE SMILE BELDING /M-44 CANNONSBURG 4MILE 5 MILE SMILE KREUTER RAMSDELL 4MILE SMILE CANNONS BURG CANNONS BURG BELDING /M-44 4MILE 5 MILE 9 MILE BELDING /M-44 CANNONSBURG KIES 9MILE 4MILE 5 MILE CANNONSBURG 6 MILE 9MILE BELDING /M-44 CANNONSBURG KREUTER BELDING /M-44 CANNONSBURG KREUTER 10MILE SMILE SMILE BELDING /M-44 9MILE BELDING /M-44 10 MILE 9MILE BELDING /M-44 BUSH ELDRED DATE TAKEN 20-Jun-91 30-Nov-88 03-Aug-90 30-Nov-88 15-Aug-90 05-Aug-91 31-Jul-91 30-Nov-88 15-Aug-90 01-Aug-91 16-Aug-90 14-Jun-89 26-0ct-89 01-Aug-91 10-Aug-90 26-Jun-90 15-Jul-87 30-0ct-89 09-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 12-0ct-88 16-Aug-90 28-Mar-89 10-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 09-Jun-89 16-Aug-90 05-Dec-88 03-Aug-90 15-Jul-87 09-Jul-87 09-Aug-90 26-Jun-90 14-Jul-87 10-Jul-87 26-0ct-89 28-Mar-89 07-Aug-90 01-Nov-89 09-Aug-90 03-Aug-90 26-Apr-88 10-Aug-90 01-Aug-91 15-Aug-90 15-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 08-Aug-90 01-Sep-88 05-Dec-88 03-Aug-90 08-Aug-90 07-Aug-90 NORTH SOUTH COUNT COUNT 316 259 1 445 995 306 2,448 o· 1 445 0. 220 0 278 812 0 1 282 620 0 89 240 0 0 22 118 232 251 262 685 0 0 590 24 32 56 239 175 76 256 0 11TT4 1.730 1.783 1.783 1.752 2.282 0 1,340 367 0 879 0 302 305 699 0 2,807 3.085 1,987 4.281 493 0 3 360 3 256 0 227 1 746 1 645 1 320 1 281 0 1 410 1,913 2,339 715 833 3,945 1,588 1 023 0 2,247 2,092 0 587 870 0 651 678 0 130 0 205 173 156 246 238 0 488 0 0 453 638 698 756 426 1.734 700 ns 855 1,162 DAILY CAPAC. 01000 8000 01000 8000 8,000 0,000 01000 8000 01000 01000 01000 8000 01000 0 1000 0 1000 8000 8 000 8 000 0,000 01000 01000 8,000 8,000 8,000 01000 01000 8.000 01000 0,000 8 000 8 000 8,000 8000 8000 8000 8,000 8000 8,000 8 000 8,000 8,000 01000 01000 8.000 8.000 8.000 8.000 8,000 8000 01000 8000 8.000 8,000 8.000 NORTH VIC 0.032 0.181 0.306 0.000 0.028 0.000 0.000 0.160 0.000 0.030 0.000 0.015 0.031 0.000 0.074 0.004 0.030 0.022 0.032 0.222 0.223 0.219 0.000 0.046 0.110 0.038 0.000 0.351 0.535 0.062 0.420 0.000 0.218 0.165 0.000 0.239 0.089 0.199 0.128 0.262 0.000 0.109 0.085 · 0.000 0.026 0.022 0.031 0.000 0.000 0.057 0.087 0.217 0.087 0.107 SOUTH NORTH V/C LOS 0.040 A 0.124 A 0.038 A 0.181 A 0.000 A 0.035 A 0.102 A o.on A 0.011 A 0.000 A 0.003 A 0.029 A 0.033 A 0.086 A 0.000 A 0.003 A 0.007 A 0.009 A 0.000 A 0.216 A 0.223 A 0.285 A 0.168 A 0.000 A 0.000 A 0.038 A 0.087 A 0.386 A 0.248 B 0.000 A 0.407 A 0.028 A 0.206 A 0.160 A 0.176 A 0.292 A 0.104 A 0.493 A 0.000 A 0.281 A 0.073 A 0.000 A 0.081 A 0.016 A 0.000 A 0.019 A 0.030 A 0.061 A 0.000 A 0.080 A 0.095 A 0.053 A 0.097 A 0.145 A Source: Grand Rapids and Environs Transportation Study (GRETS) D-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SOUTH LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A ROAD CLASS COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. COLL. �DRAINAGE The County drainage system in Cannon is relatively small, consisting of six short drains. Four are located on lakes: Bella Vista (Grass Lake Drain, a lake level drain established in 1970, and East Bella Vista Shores Drain, established in 1989), Silver Lake (Silver Lake Drain, also a lake level drain, established in 1974), and Bostwick Lake (Northport Drain, established in 1975). The other two county drains (Bowen Drain, established in 1938, and Cannonsburg Drain, established in 1907) are in the southern half of the Township near Bear Creek. See Figure D-5. As of 1991 , no additional drains are pending. Since activities to upgrade or repair existing drains and develop new drains must come from a petition to the County Drain Commissioner, it is difficult to determine future activities of the County Drain Commission in Cannon. Although Cannon is served by three public school districts (Lowell, Forest Hills and Rockford), Rockford Schools serve the vast majority of Township residents. See Figure D-7. Three Rockford elementary schools are located in Cannon: Lakes School near Young and Belding; Crestwood on Courtland Drive; and Cannonsburg on Cannonsburg Road near the Village. POLICE & FIRE COMMUNITY FACILITIES Cannon Township gets fire protection from a volunteer fire department. There are two stations located in the Township, one on Belding road and one on Cannonsburg Road. See Figure D-6. Police protection is provided by the County Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police. The nearest state police post is located in the City of Rockford. There are three cemeteries in Cannon, all operated by the Township. They are located on Belding Road (2.12 acres), Ramsdell Drive (1.85 acres), and Sunfish Lake Avenue (3.6 acres). The Belding and Sunfish cemeteries are still taking interments. Other public buildings include the Township halls-the new facility on Belding Road and the old hall, now a museum on Cannonsburg Road. See Figure D-6. Also depicted on Figure D-6 are private recreational facilities open to the public. Fire protection is provided by the Township's volunteer fire department which includes a station in Cannonsburg and one at the Township Hall on M-44. The fire department currently includes a part time paid fire chief and assistant chief and 15 Hon cal/H volunteer fire fighters, all of whom are Michigan certified fire fighters. - surance agencies then use these evaluations, or ratings, to establish fire insurance protection rates. ISO has rated all of Cannon Township a "9," on a scale of 1 (best) to 1O (worst), except for the Lake Bella Vista and Silver Lake condominiums areas, which have been rated a HS." The lack of easily available water for fire protection in the majority of the Township is the principal condition resulting in the 9 rating. SCHOOLS The Township is currently served by sanitary sewer along Belding Road, which serves developed areas around the Lakes. See Figure D-8. Except for two private water towers owned and operated by condominium associations (at Silver Lake and Lake Bella Vista), residents rely on private wells for water. Many of the private wells in Cannon are relatively shallow (less than 40 feet deep). This should be a critical consideration in planning efforts. High density development or residential development near commercial or industrial land uses can lead to contamination of shallow wells. The Cannonsburg Station includes: 1) a 1985 pumper/tanker with a 2,000 gallon storage tank and 1,000 gallon per minute pumper; 2) a 1977 pumper/tanker with a 1,000 gallon storage tank.and 1,000 gallon per minute pump; and 3) a 1984 four-wheel drive grass rig with a 250 gallon storage tank and 100 gallon per minute pumper. The Township Hall station includes: 1) an 1988 pumper/tanker with a 1,000 gallon storage tank and 1,000 gallon per minute pumper; 2) a 1973 pumper/tanker with a 750 gallon tank and 750 gallon per minute pumper; 3) a 1963 pumper/tanker with a 1,250 gallon tank and a 250 gallon per minute pump; and 4) two 4-wheel drive grass rig pumper/tankers, one including a 100 gallon tank and the other a 200 gallon tank. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES & HISTORIC SITES Cannon Township has impressive public holdings for recreation. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages 864 acres of land in southern Cannon Township as part of Cannonsburg State Game area. The MONA acreage that falls in Cannon alone was valued at over a half-million dollars in 1991. Townsend Park is a large county facility (144 acres) located at Ramsdell and 6 Mile Road. The county has recently acquired a 235-acre marsh and wooded site, which includes Pick~rel Lake, and intends to program The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) evaluates communities with regard to fire protection and inD-7 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �the facility for passive outdoor recreation activities such as hiking an cross-country skiing. Cannon also holds several small easements and lots around the lakes which are supposed to provide access for back lot holders. Currently, these holdings are the source of controversy as adjoining property owners try to lirr,it access and erect fences. In turn, back lot holders still expect access. • Pando Ski Area, southwest of Bostwick Lake in Sec. 14 • Cannonsburg Ski Area, Sec. 28 • Sportsman's Club, Sec. 18 (82 acres) • Camp Rogers (a Christian youth camp) southwest of Bostwick Lake in Sec. 14 (154.4 acres). While Cannon Township has several historic resources (see Appendix B), only one site appears on the state register of historic sites-the old Township Hall at 8045 Cannonsburg Road. Private recreational facilities in the Township include: • Silver Lake Country Club, east of Silver Lake in Sec. 10 0-8 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �HI§ I I~. ~ I I I 10 MILE A• ·I ~ ,,, ~ ~m ... !Il ,- II -Jfi -- '"= CANNON TOWNSHIP Kent County, Michigan ~ r IS =l LAND USE/COVER D-2 Ji Residential Commercial Ill • ~ --: ~IW • .~ 0 ~ ;lii I Agricultural ~ Institutional ~ Recreational • .,,~ Industrial/Extractive Wetlands lll] Woodlands iii Open Data Sourc~ pit§ J u @ -I:~ C--~ MON~ land Michigan Resource Inventory Program ~¥4WY4WIL w'/4j"!Pi'c:f1"/4pf&/4&¥1'M¾ w>JPdwf ~ o Sea le 3. 615 7, 230 1: 43, 400 1 inch - Planning & Zoning Center, 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, Michigan 48917 pr,. (!U 7) 88&-0~!!.!I 10,845 feet 3,615 feet Inc. August, N 1991 �MAP D-2 LAND USE/COVER Explanatlon and Key Points: The land use/cover map shows land use according to the Michigan Resource Inventory Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Detailed land use/cover classifications have been generalized for Map D-2 into agricultural, commercial, residential, etc. Methodology: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources maintains the Michigan Resource Inventory Program, which contains land use/cover information for the entire state. The land use/cover information is based on interpretations of color infrared aerial imagery taken in 1978. The land use/cover inventory for Cannon Township was revised based on aerial photographs of the Township taken in the spring of 1989 by the Kent County Equalization Department. Each polygon area on the land/use cover inventory map has a unit label. This label is a three or four digit number which corresponds to the State's land use/cover classification system. To generate the map, a digital map was "downloaded" into a computerized mapping system from the MDNR's computer. All map units were automatically located, filled with patterns, and printed. Sources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Resource Inventory Program, and 1989 aerial photographs of Cannon Township �MAP D-3 LAND USE BY PARCEL - TAX CLASS Explanation and Key Points: Toe land use by parcel map shows land use according to how parcels are taxed in Cannon Township. It is evident from the map that most of the land in the Township is taxed for residential use. There are also significant areas jn agricultural and developmental categories. Most of the acreage taxed as commercial consists of commercial recreational uses (Cannonsburg Ski Area, Pando Ski Area, Silver Lake Country Club, Sportsmen's Club). Approximately half of the land taxed for commercial use is located along M-44. The Cannonsburg State Game Area consists of 864 acres of land not taxed by Cannon Township. Methodology: Tax parcel maps were obtained from the Kent County Equalization Department and entered into a computer mapping system. In addition, each parcel was labeled with its tax number. Following input of parcel boundaries and numbers, information from the Township's tax roll was added using database management software. Parcel numbers served as the link between the digital map and the remaining tax roll information. The end result is a "gee-database": map with all tax parcel information attached to each parcel. a Contained in the tax roll information is a code which specifies how (for which use) the parcel is taxed. Using a computerized mapping system and the digital tax-parcel map, a map was automatically generated using the land use/tax_code and printed. Source: Kent County Equalization Department �CANNON · TOWNSHIP 10 MILE All Kent County, • Michigan 2 KIES ST, LAND USE BY PARCEL 9 MILE RO. D D-3 Residential Commercial ., + >C < J ., X ~ Agricultural ~ H ~ :::, 20 19 Industrial • 16 17 11111 Developmental Institutional 1111 State /,I/ • ~ 8 RO. , , Land Water ~ • eta :::=::!I MILi!: RO. -~ • ~ 1111 111111 August. source: Kant County EQuelizetion Depertmant ~ N > < . ~ a: u ., •., . > z < 0 :r: D 36 Scale 1: 43, 400 Planning & 1 inch - Zoning Center. 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing. Michigan 48917 RD . Ph . 111171 ee&-o!lee 3,615 feet Inc. 1991 �Appendix E DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE East Grand Rapids to a gain of 40.2% in Gaines Township (the second fastest growing community in Kent County). Changes in population in neighboring community's are not nearly as great as the change experienced in Cannon. In the same 1o year period, population increases for surrounding communities were: Grand Rapids Township, +15.8%; Plainfield Township +21%; Ada Township, + 17.1%; Grattan Township, + 11 .7%; Courtland Township, +20.7%; and the City of Rockford, +12.8%. The County experienced a 12.6% increase in its population while the state only gained 0.3%. See Figures E-1 through E-3 and Table E-1. POPULATION CHANGE OVER TIME In the last four decades, the Township has experienced significant growth. From 1950 to 1960, the population rose 58%; from 1960 to 1970, 46%; from 1970 to 1980, 35%; and from 1980 to 1990, 59.1 %. The most recent increase is the largest and becomes more significant when you consider that as population grows, it takes proportionately a larger numerical increase to affect the base population. Exclusive of Cannon Township, between 1980 and 1990 percentages of change in population within the County ranged from a loss of 0.98% in Figure E-1 POPULATION GROWTH TREND FOR SELECT KENT COUNTY COMMUNITIES 8,000 7,000 0 1960 • 1970 ~ 1980 6,000 [TI 1990 5,000 4,000 3,000 1,000 0 Camon Algoma Twp. Twp. Cour11and Twp. Grattan Oakfield Twp. Twp. Source: Decennial Census E-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN City of Rockford �Figure E-2 POPULATION GROWTH TREND FOR KENT COUNTY Kent County 600000 500000 C 0 400000 ~ 0 "'3 Q. 300000 0 a.. 200000 100000 0 1960 1980 1970 Source: Decennial Cansua E-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1990 �Figure E-3 PERCENT POPULATION INCREASE 1980-1990 FOR SELECT COMMUNITIES AND KENT COUNTY cannon Twp. Algoma Twp. Ccutland Twp. Grattan Twp. City of Rockford Grand Rapids Twp. Ada Twp. Source: o.c.nnia/ Census E-3 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Oakfield Twp. Kent County �Table E-1 POPULATION GROWTH TRENDS CANNON AND AREA COMMUNITIES Cannon Twp. Alaoma Twp. Courtland Twp. Grattan Two. Oakfield Twp. City of Rockford Plalnflald Twp. Kant County 1960 1970 1980 1990 2525 2887 1 555 1346 1 471 2074 11 680 363187 3,690 4,479 2.196 1 893 2,159 2,428 16,935 411.044 4983 6472 3.272 2.575 2,983 3,324 20611 444 506 7928 5496 3950 2 876 3842 3750 24957 500 631 Plainfield Township's was approximately 211 persons per square mile in the mid-1950's. Although Cannon Township is generally considered rural, it has urbanized significantly since 1960. See Figure E-4 and Table E-2. Density (the number of persons per square mile) in Cannon Township as of 1990 was over 7 times what it was 50 years a99. In 1940, there was an average of 29 people per square mile; by 1990, this figure had grown to an average of 211.4 persons per square mile. For the sake of perspective, Figure E-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP POPULATION DENSITY 250 -·e ~ 200 ...cu 0 ::::, r:::r 150 ......... C: en .2 0 "5 a. 0 100 ~ .?:·.;; C: cu CJ 50 0 1940 1950 SOUIC9: Population ffgun,•; 1960 1970 1980 1990 cannon Township 1978 t:;ompre/H,nsivtl Plan, and Decennial Censuses. Density dMivtld by PZC staff. E-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �RACE Table E-2 CANNON TOWNSHIP HISTORIC POPULATION & DENSITY Year Population 1 088 1940 1600 1950 1960 2 525 3690 1970 4983 1980 1990 7928 • persons per square mile With respect to race, Cannon Township is relatively homogeneous, with 98.4% of its population being white. In the last decade, small minority populations have become a smaller percentage of the total population. In 1980, 60 blacks represented 1.2 % of the population. By 1990, 55 blacks represented 0. 7% of the population. likewise, in 1980, 47 Asians represented almost 1% of the population and by 1990, 48 Asians represented 0.6% of the population. American Indian/Eskimo/Aleuts represented 0.2% of the populations in 1990 (14 persons), doubling in number from 1980. This may be due to the trend of persons of Native American decent identifying with that group more readily than in the past. Density* · 29 42.7 67.3 98.4 132.9 211.4 Source: Population ffgurN; CMnon To'Mlahlp 1978 Comprehensive Plan, and Dec»nnitlJ CMl.uses. Density derived by PZC 81116. AGE While population projections are somewhat speculative due to a multitude of unpredictable variables, they can provide valuable insight. Numerous projection techniques can be used which lead to a range in projected growth, and this range can be most useful. The age structure of Cannon Township suggests a high percentage of families with children, and a relatively low percentage of persons 65 years and over. As of 1990, nearly one-third (32.8%) of the population (2,597 persons) was 18 years or younger. The County's percentage of persons 18 years and younger was 28.3%. The percentage of persons 65 years and over in the County was 10.8%. Cannon Township's percentage of persons 65 years and over was less at 6%. Additionally, median age of the Township (32.6 years of age) is slightly higher than that of the County (30. 7 years of age), which suggests the presence of "baby boomers• who are now raising families that pull up the median age vs. an increase in the number of persons over 65 years of age. If Cannon Township's growth were to continue at the rate of growth it experienced between 1980 and 1990 (59.1%), its population in years 2000 and 2010 wouJd approximate 12,613 and 20,067, respectively. This is an exceptionally high rate, and it is questionable as to whether this high rate will continue. However, if the Township's growth rate over the next 20 years were to reflect the historical rate of Township growth, say over the past 30 years, its growth would still be strong (46.6% every ten years), and populations in years 2000 and 2010 would approximate 11 ,622 and 17,037, respectively. Age/sex pyramids present a more detailed profile of a community's age structure. See Figures E-5 , E- 6 and E-7. The average of these two projection techniques yields an approximate population in year 2000 of 12,117 persons and 18,552 persons in year 2010. At the time of this update, neither the State of Michigan, county or regional planning agencies had prepared population projections for the Township based on the 1990 Census data. E-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Figure E-5 CANNON TOWNSHIP AGE/SEX DISTRIBUTION 1960 PERCENT OF POPULATION • Female [ill Male -10 -20 -30 20 10 0 30 Source: o.cennia/ Census Figure E-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP AGE/SEX DISTRIBUTION 1980 PERCENT OF POPULATION • Female (] Male -25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 Source: o.cennia/ Census E-6 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 10 15 20 �Figure E-7 CANNON TOWNSHIP AGE/SEX DISTRIBUTION 1990 PERCENT OF POPULATION :-:•·•:•:•:•:• :•···•:•:•:•···•:•:•·•:•:•:•: -15 -10 .5 0 5 10 15 Source: Decsnnia/ Cansus In 1960, the single largest age group in the Township was represented by people 5-14 years of age; while those 15-24 and 25-34 years of age comprised a comparatively smaJI percentage of the overall population. It can be sunnised that in 1960, Cannon Township had a relatively large number of families in its population. with state and national trends that show an aging population. • An increase in percentage of those under 5 years of age (from 8.1 % of tne population in 1980 to 8.8% of the population in 1990). • An increase in percentage of persons 25 to 44 years of age (from 31.4% to 37.1%) · The 1980 age/sex pyramid displays a tighter range in age distributions. The percentage of persons 514 is still quite high, but the number of persons in the 15-24 and 25-34 age groups have increased (those previously in younger age groups moving through the pyramid). • A small decrease in the percentage of persons 5-17 years of age (from 25.4% to 23.9%). SCHOOL ENROLLMENT Three school districts serve Cannon Township: Lowell, Rockford and Forest Hills. All three school districts are experiencing increases in enrollment. Generally, high school enrollments decreased during the mid-1980's but have begun to rise in recent years for Forest Hilis and Rockford Schools. The majority of new enrollment has been experienced at the elementary level. Between 1983 and 1990, enrollment for elementary grades had increased 75.1 % for Rockford Schools, 39.0% for Forest Hills and 34.2o/e for Lowell Schools. Rockford Schools serve the vast majority of Township residents. Note that the data source for Rockford schools does not present data specifically for the middle school. See Figures E-8 through E-1 O and Table E-3. By 1990 the middle of the pyramid has grow ( •baby-boomers• moving through time) and the lower and higher age brackets represent a smaller portion of the population overall. The pyramid still suggests many families in the Township, but they are smaller than in previous decades. Some of the more significant trends between 1980 and 1990-for Cannon Township include: • A decrease in the percentage of persons 65 years and over (dropping from 6.4% to 6%) which is opposite of state an national trends that show and increase in persons 65 years and older over the last 20 years. • An increase in median age (29.4 years of age to 32.6 years of age). This is consistent E-7 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Flgure-E-8 SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS 1981-1990 ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Source: Rockford Public Schools Figure E-9 SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS 1981-1990 FOREST HILLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS [I] 9-12 • 6-8 §I K-5 6000 5000 "' ·ga.. 3000 2000 1000 0 1~1~1~1*1~1~1ffl1~1~1~ So/JICII: Forest HIiis Public Schools 1, ,st E-8 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Figure E-10 SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS 1981-1990 LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS rm 9-12 • s-a 51 K-6 3000 ..!!l ·a. 1500 ~ 1000 500 O~iiiiii=iii 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Sourr:e: Lowell Publlc Schools Table E-3 SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS 1981-1990 LOWELL Year 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 K-6 6-8 9-12 1192 1137 1138 1176 1235 1309 1375 1458 1511 1527 670 654 625 573 575 604 559 566 585 670 861 828 843 873 871 868 872 802 836 788 ROCKFORD K-6 7-12 1839 1844 1787 1873 2043 2252 2505 2703 2964 3129 1905 1792 1799 1816 1856 1964 2018 2049 2120 2249 FORESTHIUS K-5 6-8 9-12 2007 1925 1910 1964 2063 2184 2339 2449 2569 2654 1246 1200 1185 1110 1066 1055 1110 1157 1209 1238 1621 1504 1601 1649 1640 1709 1666 1595 1551 1584 Source: Lowell, Rockford, rOffltlt Hills Public Schools national trend of increases in single-person and single parent households, in addition to a general decrease in the size of households. See Figure E11 and Table E-4. HOUSEHOLDS In the 1980's, Cannon Township's population increased 59.1%. The number of households increased by 63.8%. Households are increasing faster than the population because of a state and E-9 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Figure E-11 CANNON TOWNSHIP NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS 3000 2500 en 2000 ~ 0 = en <U ::::, 0 1500 ~ 1000 500 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 Source: Decennial Census tween 1980 and 1990, while the Township re- Table E-4 CANNON TOWNSHIP NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Year 1960 1970 1980 1990 mained stable. # of Households 676 986 1.562 2558 Married-couple families represent 79.1 % of all households in the Township (this was also the case in 1980). This is significantly higher than County and state percentages of 56.8% and 55.1 %, respectively. Further, the percentage of marriedcouple families fell for the state and County be- As would be expected, because of the high percentage of married couples and families in the Township, the number of persons per household is higher than state and County averages. In 1990, the County average number of persons per household was 2.69; Cannon Township's average number of persons per household was 3.10. State and national trends of smaller households have effected Cannon, however, in that the average household size has decreased (1970: 3. 73; 1980: 3.16). The decrease of 0.06 between 1980 and 1990, however, is marginal. See Figure E-12 and Tab1e e~s. E-10 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Figure E-12 CANNON TOWNSHIP PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLDS 4 3.5 -.:::, 0 .J: [] 1970 3 Cl> ::::, 2.5 "' 0 :c ... Cl> Q,. 2 1.5 C "' ... ~ Cl> a. 1 0.5 0 Cannon Twp. Kent County SOUl'Cfl: State c.nsu• Bureau Source: C.nsua Bureau Table E-5 HOUSING CANNON TOWNSHIP PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD Year 1970 1980 1990 Cannon Twp. Kent Countv State 3.73 3.16 3.1 3.32 2.86 2.69 Source: C.nsua Bureau 3.35 2.45 2.4 Between 1980 and 1990, the number of housing units in Cannon Township increased from 1,754 to 2,769. Over the last several years (1982-1990) , the Township has had an average of 108 new single-family homes built per year. See Rgure E-13 and Table E-6. Only 38 multifamily units were recorded in building permit records in the same 9year period. The Township also averaged 2 demolitions per year in that time. The 1990 Census reinforces the building boom in Cannon reflecting that 41 % of all housing units in the township werebuilt between 1980 and March of 1990. Further, almost 60% of all housing units in the township were built after 1970. ,I E-11 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Figure E-13 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ACTIVITY IN CANNON TOWNSHIP 160 'i 140 -~ 120 8cn 100 en C = C :) ti cCD :2 en CD a: 0 z 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Soclce: Michigan Housing development authority Table E-6 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ACTIVITY CANNON TOWNSHIP Year 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 ECONOMY The Cannon Township work force is, for the most part, a commuting work force, as indicated by the 1980 Census statistic that the average travel time to work for Cannon Township residents is 24.8 minutes. The majority of the work force at that time also indicated that they worked in Kent County, reporting to employment centers in the Grand Rapids metro area. The 1990 mean travel time to work was very close to the 1980 figure at 23.9 minutes. It is evident that the majority of Cannon Township's work force continues to report to work in and around Grand Rapids. # of Permits 37 113 156 99 131 112 133 109 82 As d the 1990 Census, 97.3% d all oc:c~ied housing l.llits in the T were single-family homes. Of aJI th9 housing units in the Townsll.,, 91% were owner~ied. This is meaningful considering County and state averages d home at the ownsh., ownersh., same time. Michigan has a home ownership rcita of 74.4%, the County 69.7%. Median value of ownerocct4)ied housing in Cannon was $97,600. Comparatively, mecfsan value of owner~ied housing in the County was $68,200. The number of vehicles available for use is another indicator of the population's mobility. In 1990, of all occupied housing units, 60% had two cars: another 27% had 3 or more cars. So, 87% of all housing units in the Township had multiple cars available. Of the 13% without multiple cars, only 33 housing units had no car, the remainder had one car. The percentage of persons employed in manufacturing in Kent County decreased considerably between 1980 and 1990. In 1990 manufacturing (of both durable and nondurable goods) followed the service industry in terms of the number of jobs provided in the county. In 1980, 35.2% of all E-12 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �tor. On a percentage basis, the county has about four times as many people employed in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and mining than the Township does. Cannon has higher percentages of its workers employed in the finance, insurance and real estate, and construction sectors than the county. See Figures E-14 and E-15 and Table E-7. employed persons worked in manufacturing, by 1990 the percentage dropped to 26.2%. The number of workers employed by the service industry increased from 21.7o/o in 1980 to 29.7% in 1990. Cannon Township 1990 employment by industry closely parallels the county figures. The largest differences are found in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and mining sector, and the construction sec- Figure E-14 PERCENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY KENT COUNTY 1990 Public Administration Services Finance, Insurance & Real Estate Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation, Commw,ication & Public Manufacturing Construction Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries &· Mining 0 5 10 15 20 Sourt»: County Busineu Psttem~. Bureau Of. Cllnsus 1980 ·lL!lOB1 -lol te ; "9orm, 1 •. E-13 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 25 30 �Figure E-15 PERCENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY CANNON TOWNSHIP 1990 Public Administration Services Finance, Insurance & Real Estate Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation, Communication & Public Manufacturing Construction Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries & Mining 0 5 10 15 20 Source: County Business Patterns, Bureau Of Census 1980 E-14 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 25· 30 �Table E-7 PERCENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY 1990 Kent Cannon Countv TownshiD INDUSTRY Agriculture. Forestrv. Ftsheries & Mining Construction Manufacturing Transportation, Communication & Public Utllltln Retail Trade .. Wholesale Trade Ftnance. Insurance & Real Estate Service• Public Administration numbers may not total 1.4 4.8 26.2 4.7 0.36 6.9 26.8 4.5 19 6 5.9 29.7 2.3 16.9 5.7 5.8 30 3.1 100% due to rounding Soun:a: 1990 CMsus ~ In 1980, the percentage of Cannon Township's work force employed in manufacturing was 28.4%, by 1990 it dropped to 28.6%. In 1980, Cannon had 23.9% of its work force in the services sector. By 1990 this sector provided employment for 30% of Cannori's work force. · · In 1980, the Township's ~ rate was higher than the County's. Regardless, Kent County and Cannon Township consistently have a lower - -= . - unemployment rate than the state. Since the Michigan En1>1ovment Security Commission calculates subsequent employment figures from the 1980 census ratio, this trend is reported for remaining years in the decade. Because the Township grew so rapidly between 1980 and 1990, MESC expects that when they recalculated unemployment rates based on 1990 data, this trend might in fact have reversed because of underestimations in the Township's labor force. See FtgUr& E-16 and Table E-8. E•15 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �\ Figure E-16 UNEMPLOYMENT RATES CANNON TOWNSHIP, KENT COUNTY AND STATE ~ Cannon Twp. -----------1 • 16 0 14 -M ~ g a: Kent County State 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Soc#m: Michigan Employment Security Commission Table E-8 UNEMPLOYMENT RATES CANNON TOWNSHIP AND KENT COUNTY Year Cannon Twp. Kent Countv State 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 199iJ 9.7 10.4 12.9 12.9 10.4 9.7 8.3 7 6.1 5.8 8.9 9.4 12.3 11.9 9.6 9 7.6 6.5 5.6 5.3 6.1 12.4 12.3 15.5 14.2 11 .2 9.9 6.7 . a.a . 8.2 7.6 7.1 7.5 Source: Michigan Employment Security Commission Cannon To~ nship has a relatr. et hlg per · capita income. Betwesn 1979 and 19 ,1 the Township's per capita ir.come ioo:-sased 127 o (as opposed to an increase of 84. % for th state overall). Sincli per capita income flgu: ,· are derived by taking tvtal income and d iding- it by every adult and child, it is esp0c:'" I · ign ~nt that Cannon's per capita income remains high, because of a higher than average median house · Id~size. Note: adjustments are currently being made to Census data with rasped ti0 p· r capita Income. Cannon's per capita lnc:10mG flgur :!las not been ftnallzad, although st ta nd- ettumy figures have. See Figure E- 7 and Tab ,,e~ i .. -5 '-1 E-16 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PL.AN -~ =-·- ~) �diploma or higher (i.e., some college, but not a bachelors degree) the county's figure was approximately 80%. As might be expected, Cannon Township residents have a relatively high education level. Nearty 26% of all person 25 years and over have a bachelor's degree or higher (the county's figure is about 21 %) and about 89% have high school Figure-E-17 PER CAPITA INCOMES 1979 & 1989 [J 1979 25,000 -- • 20,000 1989 Q) ..,0E 15,000 .E 0 .-t:: c.. 0 10,000 ... (..) Q) a_ 5,000 0 Cannon Twp. Kent County Rockford State Source: U.S. CM1sus Bureau Table E-9 PER CAPITA INCOME 1979 & 1987 Cannan Rockford Kent County State Twp. 1979 1989 8.824 20013 7397 12,987 7522 14,378 7688 14,154 Source: U.S. Cansus Bureau By looking at Cannon's State Equalized Value . portiona~ely industrial development accounts for (SEV) OV8f time, its suburban "bedroom• com~uonly~. small portion of Cannon's SEV. The Townnity image is reinforced. A bedroom community is .. ·~hip presently has limited services to support large characterized by limited commercial and industrial scale commercial and industrial development. development with residential development being ...... comparatively dominant. Residents of a bedroom In the same time period, the value of the agri;;.':!: ,. community tend to work and shop outside the ~.. c~ltural classification fluctuated, but decreased in ~.:w community proper. , ·, value overall by 11.9%. A portion of this decrease ?; rH,. ·· . be attributed to an economic downturn in the _r,,y;..,,;:. In just a 9-year period, residential development agricultural economy in the earty 1980's. Another Jo in•-Cannon Township increased in value by 168%, factor contributing to the decline in agricultural vtouwbile commercial and industrial development in- '. we>rth ~Jhe 9onversion of agricultural lands to resicfeased 92.1 % and 7 .1 %, respectively (see Table dential development. E-10 and Figures E-17 and E-18). Note that pro- may -..--~. E-17 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Table E-10 STATE EQUALIZED VALUE BY CLASS FOR SELECT YEARS CANNON TOWNSHIP Year 1982 1984 1986 1988 1991 Total% ChanQe Industrial 156100 167600 173600 146300 167 200 · Commercial 1 912.700 2 030.300 2 271 300 2.474600 3,675 200 Residential 53361.800 62 535 800 75 861 800 95.940 700 142.921 600 7.1% 92.1% 168% Source: Mlchiglln Dept. Agriculture 3 366,250 -3 529 750 . ··3 309 100 ~···~ 2 587100 2 965 600 of Treasury Annual Reports, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988 & 1991 Figure E-18 PERCENT CHANGE IN SEV CANNON TOWNSHIP 1982-1991 180.00% 160.00% . •,. ::: 140.00% 120.00% 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 1111111111111111111 ·111111 40.00% 20.00% 0.00%4-~==11:m:;:1...a:.;.;;==....-::;==1==:,;,.;,.;.a:::::;::~ Industrial Commercial Residential Agriculture Source: Michigan Dept. of treasury Annual Reports, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988 & 1991 E-18 CANNON 70WNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN -11 .9% .. ' �Figure E-19 STATE EQUALIZED VALUES BY CLASS - .... • '"' ·- f ., . ,. 160,000,000 t""'-::::-··-, . ~--=-----.. ·;___ _ ! •--:::-.. l '--· ~ I Industrial IIIII Commercial . _ .......... I • 140,000,000 ~ Residential 120,000,000 D Agriculture 100,000,000 80,000,000 60,000,000 40,000,000 20,000,000 1982 1984 1986 1991 1988 Soun»: Michigan Dept. of Treasury Annual Reports, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988 & 1991 ;: . -~-- .:. :: •..: _... ··--· -:, -·-·---~- ··-·- - -- · _.,. __ --- -· ...... .,,..... ., . ,· '1p,1 ·~-~,~;. ' ?! . ~, ··t· ,' y.._ • -~- - ' , ,---------.----~----------~:----~:----~--------E-19 CANNOI'\! TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Appendix F BUILDOUT ANALYSIS A build out analysis involves caJculatlng the total number of dwelling units that could be built in the Township, based on it's current zoning. The purpose of this analysis is to estimate what the population of the tgwnship would be if it became fully developed under present zoning policies. Lands that are •unbuildabJe• because of such things as environmental limitations or dedicated easements and/or roadways are not included in build out calculations. Once unbvildable lands are removed, the number of remaining acres open for development, by land use Zone R-1 Low 1,016· - R-2 Med. '' R-3 High Lot size 15,000 sq ft (.34 acres) 1/2 unit 10/12,000 sq ft (.23 & .27 acres) 3 or more units 20,000 (.46 acres) 80.2 density Aaricultural PUD The following table provides an explanation of Cannon Township's buildable acreage by residential zone. Acres of land available in the Zone densltv density zone are determined. Existing developed land is assumed to be built at pennitted ordinance densities since more detailed information on land use is not readily available. Of course, if the density of existing development is higher, then the overall population permitted will also be higher. - 2 acres 2 acres 16.503 443 TOTAL UNITS AT BUILDOUT (w/o PUO densities) • less 20% for road right-of-way - presently, no land is zoned for this district - based on the largest lot size and an average of six units per site If the number of persons per household where to remain stable (persons per household in 1990 Census was 3.10), Cannon Township's build out population would be 35,380. Of course, if existing land was developed at a higher density than undeveloped land, then the population could be higher. This number may seem large, but it is lower than many suburban township buildouts are; primarily because of the Township's larger unbuildable areas held in st.1rface water or public lands. How quickly buildout may come to pass is the most difficult issue. In the Number of Units at buildout 2,988 174 8.251 11,413 past decade growth has been rapid in the Township. The Township has averaged over 100 new housing units per year since 1980. When reviewing historical plat maps it can be seen that there is a rapid increase the division of large parcels of land (40/80/120 acres) into smaller divisions of land (2/4/5/1 O acres). This proliferation of smaller divisions of land promotes sprawt, creates access and transportation problems, increases the cost of community services (e.g., police patrol and fire service) and can undermine the rural . character of an area. Planning efforts can be designed to address these and many related issues. F-1 CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �Appendix G MAPS PVEAVIEW different sources. All of the land cover and use information is keyed to the DNR/USGS base map. All of the soils related data Is keyed to the soils base map. The existing land use (by parcel) and sewer line maps are keyed to the parcel boundaries base map. Except as otherwise noted, al of the full page maps 1)1'868flted in this Plan were produced. using C- Map sottware. C-Map is a PC based computer program developed by William Enslin and his staff at the Center fot Remote Sensing, Michigan State University. Many Of \he maps were digitized by Tim McCauley at the Planning & Zoning Center, inc. Others were A transparent copy of the DNR/USGS base map and the lot line base map follow. These can be overlaid on any of the maps in this Plan, but the fit will be best when overlaying infonnation that it was used as the base for. A transparency can easily be made by photocopying any of the maps in the plan in order to overlay several levels of information. Using C-Map on a color monitor, up to twenty levels of inforrnc;ltion can be overlaid on the screen at once, including zooming in on -any area (e.g., as would be desirable when examining a specific parcel). downloaded from the Michigan Resource Inventory Program (MRIP) database maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Management Division, or were obtained from the Water Resou~es Institute at Grand Valley State Univer·sity. ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERIZED MAPPING Several advantages are realized by computerizing maps. Usually, geographic infonnatlon for a community ,is only available on assorted maps at widely varying scales, making difficult the comparison of various data,sets for planning purposes. With C-Map, all of the maps can be viewed and printed at any scale via a variety of different media (color plotter, laser or ink jet printer, or dot matrix printer). lnfonnatlon can also be combined (or overlaid) so that composite maps can be created and compared in a fraction of the time and expense nonnally required to obtain the same results. Another major advantage of computer mapping is the ability to update maps quickly and continuously, so that an up-to-date map is always available. ACCURACY While the accuracy of this data is satisfactory for land use planning purposes (especially when contrasted with traditional techniques), none of it is sufficiently detailed to be absolutely reliable at the parcel level. As a result, detailed site analyses of soils, topography, drainage, etc. are still necessary any time specific site designs are being prepared. All computerized data is on file locally and accessible via C-Map for local use and updating. Contact the zoning administrator or clerk for further information. MAP DESCRIPTIONS BASE MAPS Some of the maps in the various sections of the Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan are acCOl"rl)anied by text on the back of the map. This text provides an overview of the respective map, along with information on how the map was made, the data source, the manner and methodology in which the data was interpreted, and key points which the map co~eys. Maps without description pages · ·are explained in the text of the Plan. Three different base maps have been used in mapping the infonnation for cannon Township: 1) a ~ ~ prepared by the Michigan Department of -~t_iµat. Resources which was digitized from the United SW~ ·.Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map setjes •!91' the area; 2) a parcel boundary map created by ::~git_lzing the parcels used for assesalng purposes ini~ e Township; and 3) a soils base map derived from t~_l/JSOA Soil Survey of Kent County. None of these ~ -maps are exactly identical as they originate from G-1 }..I'•,.. . CANNON TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLAN � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wyckoff Planning and Zoning Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Planning & Zoning Center (Lansing, Mich.) (Organization) Wyckoff, Mark A. Description An account of the resource Municipal master plans and zoning ordinances from across the state of Michigan, spanning from the 1960s to the early 2020s. The bulk of the collection was compiled by urban planner Mark Wyckoff over the course of his career as the founder and principal planner of the Planning and Zoning Center in Lansing, Michigan. Some additions have been made to the collection by municipalities since it was transferred to Grand Valley State University. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Michigan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960/2023 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/870">Planning and Zoning Center Collection (RHC-240)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">No Copyright - United States</a> Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Comprehensive plan publications Master plan reports Zoning--Michigan Zoning--Maps Maps Land use--planning Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-240 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Cannon-Twp_Comprehensive-Plan_1993 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cannon Township Planning Commission, Cannon Township, Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1993-12 Title A name given to the resource Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan Description An account of the resource The Cannon Township Comprehensive Plan was prepared by the Cannon Township Planning Commission in cooperation with the Cannon Township Board of Trustees with the assistance of the Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. in December 1993. Includes earlier draft excerpts. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Cannon Township Board of Trustees (consultant) Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. (consultant) Subject The topic of the resource Comprehensive plan publications Cannon Township (Mich.) Kent County (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/870">Planning and Zoning Center Collection (RHC-240)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/528c0261d2bd95cbbb6567dcc4a60b3a.jpg d8f6f033adef0ff8ada705319f591929 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ce1ee99799fab5ec21912258f6baa394.jpg 5af2f5e3dfe2fc05b9eed5479092cca6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Civil War and Slavery Collection Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Slavery--United States African Americans United States--Politics and government--19th century Description An account of the resource A selection of correspondence, diaries, official documents, photographs related to the American Civil War and to the institution of slavery, collected by Harvey E. Lemmen. The collection includes a selection of documents from ten states related to the ownership of slaves and abolition, correspondence and documents of soldiers who fought in the war and from family members and officials, diaries and letters of individuals, and a collection of mailing envelopes decorated with patriotic imagery. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lemmen, Harvey E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472">Civil War and Slavery Collection (RHC-45)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/470">John Bennitt Diaries and Correspondence (RHC-43)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/471">Nathan Sargent Papers (RHC-44)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/478">Theodore Peticolas Diary (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Collection (RHC-51)<br /></a><a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/479">Whitely Read Diary (RHC-52)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1804-1897 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg; application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image; Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1804-1897 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cannon, cotton, train and steamboat Description An account of the resource Design shows Cannon, cotton, train and steamboat. Design is set sideways on envelope. Design in black on white envelope. Envelope is addressed to Oscar Tillotson, stamped and cancelled. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-49_PE153 Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-US/1.0/?language=en">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Postal service--United States--History Covers (Philatety)--United States--History Patriotic envelopes Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/476">Civil War patriotic envelopes, (RHC-49)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7392f975f9ce1f738eb52c68dd2d2c60.mp4 898dd4fba5f738e8024dd620417afe2a https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/c12cfa2a4272cd3908f647a2afcfe5b0.pdf 28ae55d345b19ad69e74d07095ad6c5c PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veteran’s History Project World War II Richard Cannon Interview Total Time: 34:45 Background  (00:11) Born in Gary, Indiana, in 1925 o Went to high school here also, graduated in 1943  (00:24) Dad was a custodian, mom worked in hotels  (00:42) Grew up in a ghetto-like neighborhood o Mostly Hispanic people and blacks; just a few whites  (1:10) Mentions that most people had jobs here, some people migrated from the south  (1:23) His parents came to Gary in 1922  (1:36) Remembers hearing about Pearl Harbor o In 1941, they were in an auditorium and heard the president speak about it o At that age, Mr. Cannon says he was eager to go into the war, only 17 at the time o Didn’t say anything to his parents about it Drafted/Training  (2:28) Was drafted after high school  (3:00) Worked in steel mills on weekends in high school  (3:16) Got drafted and went in sometime in July of 1943 o Reported to the Gary Armory o It was a processing station here, then he was sent to Indianapolis and inducted  (3:53) The group he was drafted with from Gary were all black men from his neighborhood, and In Indianapolis they were segregated from the white recruits  (4:28) Assigned to the Navy at Indianapolis to Company 1082, 14th regiment, 16th battalion � (4:56) Went from Indianapolis to Great Lakes, Illinois, for training  (5:30) Got a good reception at Great Lakes, it was an all black unit with a white commander o Black drill instructors  (6:16) Mr. Cannon didn’t have a problem obeying orders  (6:28) There were a lot of physical training o Calisthenics o Basic training included a lot of climbing up barriers, ropes, etc.  (7:00) Taught how to leave the ship when it was on fire  (7:16) They were taught how to firefight  (7:30) Exposed to poison gas o They were taken to a little house and had gas masks on  (7:54) Didn’t go out on the lake during basic training  (8:10) Boot camp was 6-8 weeks  (8:23) They were sent to a receiving station at Burlington, Washington o Left on a train o Remembers stopping in Butte, Montana o Missed the train after they left the stop, but a sheriff helped him catch the train o It was scary because Mr. Cannon didn’t want to be AWOL o Here, they were also segregated o Mr. Cannon mentions that he saw signs that said “No blacks allowed” o Was here a week and a half o A lot of black seamen came through First Assignment  (10:38) Then went to Whidbey Island, stationed here for quite awhile o It was mostly for PBY’s; planes that landed in water o These planes were used a lot during this era �o Taught how to signal, recognize certain planes, how to navigate small and medium sized boats  (12:44) He had a crew of 4 men, talks about a seaplane that crashed  (14:00) At this point, black men had regular Navy jobs  (14:25) During a torpedo retrieving mission o They used 30-40 ft YP boats o Torpedoes were dropped o They picked them up with ropes and brought them back to the base o One time the torpedo surfaced and hit a YP boat o They got the 4 guys off the boat before it sank o YP’s were wooden boats  (16:25) He was the only one from Gary that was assigned to the boathouse, not sure where the others came from o Mixture of whites and blacks o Wasn’t a problem here  (17:25) On Whidbey Island, nobody cared about race, but Mr. Cannon said it was bad at Burlington  (17:50) Mentions that his last 6 months of service were in Pearl Harbor  (18:00) Probably on Whidbey Island for a year  (18:18) He mostly stayed on the base o Sent money home to his wife  (18:48) Mentions that guys went into town when they weren’t supposed to; got in trouble for drinking, etc.  (19:10) Wrote letters back and forth with his wife  (19:48) They got newspapers which allowed them to keep track of the war  (20:02) They showed movies on base, including newsreels  (20:22) Learned how to splice cable ropes o Went aboard ships, scraped the deck, etc.  (20:44) Said there was a swimming test they passed at Great Lakes �o Most of the guys passed it Next Assignment  (21: 45) Went to Schumacher, California and then to Pearl Harbor  (22:07) Went on a troop transport ship to Pearl Harbor  (22:33) Ethnic mix  (22:53) Went here for maintenance, saw the USS Arizona o The oil was still coming up  (23:15) Got to go along the beaches of Hawaii o Hawaiians were very friendly  (23:31) Stayed here for a few weeks Third Assignment  (23:34) Mr. Cannon was stationed in the Marshall Islands; Eniwetok  (23:54) Mentions that going to Pearl Harbor, they went through a very rough storm o He was on the bottom bunk, the guy above him was heavier and Mr. Cannon got seasick  (25:27) Eniwetok was a big rock; lots of white sand o 120 degrees o A lot of rain o They had to desalinate the water  (26:19) Mr. Cannon was on standby here; they trained on certain boats  (26:57) He was on Eniwetok when Japan surrendered  (27:22) Life on Eniwetok was laid back; they went to church, movies, regular work, etc  (28:07) They unloaded ships here also  (28:36) After the Japanese surrendered, Mr. Cannon got to go home earlier because he was married, had more “points” �Home  (28:54) Landed in California  (29:54) He says the most challenging part of being in the Navy was being away from home, he was still very young at the time  (30:17) Wife lived with her family while he was gone  (30:39) Mr. Cannon didn’t really experience negativity because of race o This was when they started having more black officers o Mentions that there were more on Eniwetok  (32:05) Got a job with auto parts after being discharged o Worked at a Ford dealership in the parts department o A couple years later he was the manager o This has been his job for the last 50 years  (32:40) Didn’t feel any different by the time he was done in the Navy o He did feel more mature, though  (33:18) Says that while he was stationed on the boat, he was his own boss  (33:55) At the time he wasn’t encouraged to stay in the Navy, possibly because they wanted to make the armed forces smaller � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cannon, Richard (Interview outline and video), 2011 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cannon, Richard Description An account of the resource Richard Cannon was born in Gary, Indiana in 1925. He was drafted after high school in July of 1943 as part of a group of black draftees from his neighborhood. Mr. Cannon was assigned to the Navy. After training at Great Lakes Naval Station, he was sent to Whidbey Island, Washington, where he commanded a small boat used to retrieve torpedoes from training missions. Later on, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, and then at Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings United States. Navy World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011-11-11 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CannonR1323V Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b460c3221a7c7caab9e47ad12d31d8a8.jpg ad6522e436b29c8e9ee2af3855bbe02c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_H262-0026a Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1967-09-24/1967-09-28 Title A name given to the resource Canon B. Green, New York Theological Seminary Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of Canon B. Green, as photographed from the New York Theological Seminary in New York City. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource New York Theological Seminary New York (N.Y.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/cb3f09c88678dd27934217c2964bbe1b.jpg d4892acfe2c63a4d45dcf6111a043dd4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faces of Grand Valley Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource University Communications Description An account of the resource A non-comprehensive collection of photographs of Grand Valley faculty, staff, administrators, board members, friends, and alumni. Photos collected by University Communications for use in promotion and information sharing about Grand Valley with the wider community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960s - 1990s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived GV012-03. University Communications. Vita Files Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copryight Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University College administrators College teachers Colleges and universities -- Faculty Michigan Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV012-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context CantaneseAnthonyV Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Communications Title A name given to the resource Cantanese, Anthony V. Description An account of the resource Anthony V. Cantanese, Economics Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University – History College teachers Universities and colleges – Faculty Michigan Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Communications. Vita Files, 1968-2016 (GV012-03) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4fa85909deaba82f77fc905268fafd42.jpg 9aeb2828082085fc4836c54d11147c52 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_G061-0005 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1966-06 Title A name given to the resource Canterbury Cathedral Interior Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph featuring an interior view of Canterbury Cathedral, located in Canterbury, England. Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most well-known Christian structures in England, and the interior features grand columns, vaulted arches, and stained glass, among other notable elements of its Gothic architecture. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Canterbury Cathedral Canterbury (England) Architecture, Gothic--England Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a84b52d2437c426eb8d5096c7ab29396.mp4 63f2918b5a3248b0fc638eeaec98445f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Flying Tigers Interviews and Films Subject The topic of the resource Oral history United States--History, Military China--History, Military Veterans China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, Chinese World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Description An account of the resource Collection contains original 1940s films and interviews conducted in the 1990s, documenting the history of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers." The Flying Tigers were organized by the United States to aid China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Original filmstrips were recorded by AVG crewmen Joe Gasdick and Chuck Misenheimer, as well as Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu, who was assigned to assist Col. Claire Chennault as he trained Chinese pilots and established the AVG. Interviews with members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” were conducted by Frank Boring for the documentary film Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers, which he co-produced with Frank Christopher under the production company Fei Hu Films. The AVG Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators, mechanics, medical and administrative military personnel, led by Col. Claire Chennault to assist the Chinese Air Force in their defense against Japanese air strikes from 1941-1942. The AVG Flying Tigers also flew in defense of the Burma Road, a major Chinese military supply route. The group disbanded and returned to regular U.S. military service after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Boring, Frank Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films Research and Production Files (RHC-88)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938/1991 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fei Hu Films Christopher, Frank Gasdick, Joseph Misenheimer, Charles V. P.Y. Shu Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4; application/pdf Language A language of the resource English; Chinese Type The nature or genre of the resource video; text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-88 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1938-1945 World War II Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Shu-125 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource P.Y. Shu Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1938 Title A name given to the resource Canton and Hong Kong, 1938 Description An account of the resource Film in black and white and color taken by Chinese Air Force Interpreter P.Y. Shu (no sound). The footage was recorded by Shu as he traveled with Col. Claire Chennault to aid the Chinese Air Force in training and establishing the American Volunteer Group (AVG). The footage documents Shu's travel and family as well as Chennault's and the AVG's activities during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Time-stamped scene list: 00:07 (black and white film) Travel by train, passing river boats. 01:00 Canton street scenes and architecture. 01:20 Shu family affairs. 01:34 Street scenes and double decker trolleys. 01:47 Aerial views of Hong Kong. 02:29 Railroad tracks and trains. 02:52 Hong Kong views from the water. 03:48 Arriving in port with views of steamers. 04:03 Hong Kong street scene. 04:16 Passenger ferry on the water. 04:27 Hong kong views from the water. 04:49 China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) Headquarters exterior. Street scene with double decker trolleys. 6:30 Scenes along the coast and at the water. 08:14 (color film) Texaco emblem and neon signs at night. 09:00 (black and white film) Landscape views along coast. 09:42 Family at the beach. 11:22 (color film) Family at the beach. 11:37 (black and white film) Street scenes. The Kowloon Hotel marquee. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Chennault, Claire Lee, 1893-1958 Subject The topic of the resource China. Kong jun. American Volunteer Group World War, 1939-1945 Chennault, Claire Lee, 1893-1958 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/540">Fei Hu Films research and production files (RHC-88)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp13 Language A language of the resource eng chi Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant World War II Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives