722 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1fc57ca7e485cf48c5d247a2e59dfb5c.pdf 5894cb33c5e2f0af0ed0054e254b1abf PDF Text Text Young Lords In Lincoln Park Interviewee: David Mojica Interviewers: José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez Location: Grand Valley State University Special Collections Date: 1/22/2012 Biography and Description David Mojica is a very important, unsung hero in the history of Puerto Ricans in Chicago. He has never received honors nor has never been paid for the work that he continues to do daily for the common folk. Yet for many years, he has volunteered his services in Humboldt Park. Mr. Mojica has been the head of the Cocineros union for many years, helping to provide jobs and distributing Puerto Rican pride flags and shirts, and good tasting fast food to the entire community. The Cocineros de Humbolt Park have sponsored their own events that include live bands, speakers, and other entertainment. Mr. Mojica has also been able to keep the Cocineros together while protecting their rights to sell in the park. Mr. Mojica’s activism extends back to the 1960s. Right after the Division Street Riots in 1966, he was active with several community groups in Humboldt Park with whom the Young Lords collaborated. Mr. Mojica was also one of the primary Puerto Rican community workers that helped to elect Harold Washington, during his first bid for mayor. He volunteered every day at the Fullerton Ave. near Western Ave. in the “Washington for Mayor” office. Mr. Mojica’s work included distributing flyers and posters, identifying registered voters, phone canvassing, and “Get out the Vote” work at the precinct level. Mr. Mojica was also a Young Lord who helped to organize the first Hispano rally for Harold Washington at North West Hall in 1982, and the victory rally at Humboldt Park during the first official Mayor’s Neighborhood Festival where over 100,000 Puerto Ricans attended. �Transcript JOSE JIMENEZ: Okay, (Spanish) [00:00:00 - 00:00:03]. What’s your name? DAVID MOJICA: David Mojica. JJ: David Mojica. DM: Yeah. JJ: (Spanish) [00:00:07 - 00:00:10] -- well, what kind of work do you do? DM: I’m working for the Cocineros Unidos of Humboldt Park. JJ: Cocineros Unidos, the kitchen -- what do you call them? DM: It’s the group of concessionaires and they are located at Humboldt Park. JJ: Okay, and what do you do there? DM: I administrate them. I make sure that everything is in place and we’re under the contract with the park district. JJ: (Spanish) [00:00:47]? DM: Usually, we sell (Spanish) [00:00:53 - 00:00:58]. (laughs) It’s a Puerto Rican kitchen, I could say. And I’ve been working with them for at least for 10 years. I used to -- JJ: (Spanish) [00:01:13 - 00:01:17]? DM: Well, we have a concessionaire that sells concess-souvenirs. And some others, they have places in different places of the park and they sell Puerto Rican food. Also, there’s a concessionaire of tacos, hot dogs, street corn. Everything, a little of everything. 1 �JJ: What is your connection? I mean, how did -- to the -- let’s say to the Young Lords, I mean? What is your connection to that? DM: [00:02:00] Well, I was working with the Harold Washington campaign and I met José Jiménez and we got -- we get a -- we start a friendship. And to now, we’ve been working for the community. JJ: Okay. (Spanish) [00:02:27]. DM: (Spanish) [00:00:29]. JJ: (Spanish) [00:00:30]. So you were in Jersey City? DM: Jersey City. I stood in Jersey City for -- to 1960- ’63. I came back in ’63 to Chicago. And then I started -- I came with my family. I had a wife and we start from there. (break in audio) M: [00:03:00] JJ: Okay. David Mojica, can you -- (Spanish) [00:03:07 - 00:03:15]? DM: (Spanish) [00:03:16] -- JJ: The names (Spanish) [00:03:20] in there. DM: Oh. It is about my father. He couldn’t find a job over there and it was a bad situation. That’s why we came to New Jersey and Jersey City, in Jersey City. And he start working there as a chef. And I used to work with him in there and at the, you know, (Spanish) [00:03:49] -- JJ: (Spanish) [00:03:51] -- DM: -- in dish washers (laughs) is what we call them (Spanish) [00:03:57]. It sound like we [00:04:00] are recording records. So I stayed there for quite a while but I 2 �got married, you know, or I got together with my wife. And I came to Pue- -- to Chicago in six-- in 1963 to the -- to Wicker Park area. And I met a lot of people, a lot of Puerto Rican. There was so many that the -- Wicker Park is so, it was all Puerto Rican, mostly. And we had everything: bodega, grocery stores, restaurants, everything in the Richard Street in the area of Le Moyne. Not Le Moyne, Hoyne and Division. All this area, there was a theater called [00:05:00] San Juan Theater which is gone because it changed, the neighborhood changed. And I saw a lot of people, a lot of young people, getting involved in gangs like the Young Sinner [sic], Latin Kings, you name it. (laughs) But they got together -they used to get together with us and we used to tell them that they was not -- it was not good to get involved in gangs or anything, you know? So I think that most of the guys that were involved later, they changed their mind and start working for the community, for the people in the community. (coughs) JJ: And what do you think [00:06:00] was the reason that they were getting -- (break in audio) JJ: Why do you think? Why do you think they -- before we -- (break in audio) DM: There was nothing else to do. There was not -- they were not giving jobs to -- for youth. And I think there was nothing else to do so they would like to start hanging out and fighting. I believe they start fighting with the older -- what do you call the -- like the Italians, the European. Because they -- every time they see somebody in the area, they kicked (laughs) somebody’s butt. And they start getting together to go and fight with them but see, the thing is [00:07:00] that they 3 �were not using what they using now. They used to fight with the fists, not the -no -- none of them had guns, you know. And to defend the people that were in the area. JJ: And what places did you work at? I mean, what types of jobs did you work? DM: I worked with (inaudible) machines, punch press machines, bicycle company like Schwinn bicycle. Sani company, I worked for Sani. Roland company was part of the Sani’s company. [00:08:00] I work at the shop at O’Hare field. You know, when they were giving food to the -- for the planes. I worked there. And then, I start -- in ’68, I start working with a -- in a bar and make new friends. And then, I stared getting together with the -- with guys that winning the -- like in ’66. You know, they got involved in the helping, you know, making organization like SACC. And -- JJ: SACC was a -- DM: A community group. A Spanish Action Committee [sic]. JJ: Spanish Action Committee. DM: Yeah, that’s after -- that was formed after the riot in [00:09:00] ’66. JJ: So then -- okay. And what was that -- DM: They were doing -- they were fighting for jobs. They were fighting for jobs because there was nobody -- they would not hire anybody in -- on the government or maybe for a -- for the Cook Country or for the welfare [public aid?]. There was nobody in there. They need Spanish-speaking so we’re fighting. Even though I remember an issue that a policeman had to be 5’9” (laughs) before he can get hired to be a policeman. So we -- there was a lot of 4 �things that was change during those days. And I know I could see a cop, you know, he’s not even five foot and (inaudible) and [00:10:00] he’s doing the work, too. So a lot of thing was change. JJ: So I’m going to ask you, so you were working with SACC. But then, you had a group, too, right? I mean -- DM: Yeah. We form a group in 1967 during a fire on Milwaukee Avenue which there was eight people died including children, I don’t know, four children and other people. And they didn’t have no -- they didn’t have no place, they didn’t have no clothing, they didn’t have no food. So we start working with them then from -while we were organizing the group, we start working with them. And we wanted a -- to do a shelter. It never come true but [00:11:00] we kept the organization working. And later on, we had a -- we met other people like with the [CEDA?] program, we had some slot. That’s when I met José Jiménez and we was -- start working together and working in the community. JJ: And they had some slots from CEDA. DM: CEDA, CEDA, yeah. JJ: CEDA? DM: CEDA, that was the government, the federal government. And they were doing -- (break in audio) JJ: Okay. DM: I heard that they were -- they need somebody at the Harold campaign headquarters on Fullerton [00:12:00] and they need somebody and they want -- 5 �and I need a job. So I got involve and they were put me 100 dollars a week. And I used to work in the office, answer the phone, getting volunteers and then -JJ: So you got involved and what happened? I’m sorry. What did you get involved in? Go ahead. DM: In the campaign. There were some Young Lords working there. That’s when I met a lot of the guys and they were working for the community. They were working the campaign all the way. JJ: What did you do at the campaign? Was the campaign for Harold Washington, the mayor? DM: For Harold, for Harold Washington. For mayor. JJ: What did you do? DM: I used to answer phone. I used to answering the phone [00:13:00] and at night, we used to work canvassing and work precinct every day. (break in audio) DM: Well, one of the reason, I like the guy, I like the guy. So I said, “Well, let’s help him out.” No for the money. I needed money, but it helped me out to do so I can work all the way with the campaign. And we make it. JJ: How did you see Harold Washington helping you? Helping you, you know what I’m saying? Helping what you were doing? Because you were working with the community. How did you -- how did [00:14:00] you see him helping with his campaign? What did it -- what would it do for you? DM: Oh. Well, I got a lot of people -- when they were asking for a resume, I got a lot - lots of people there on, you know, on getting the jobs. And one of those guys 6 �was Luiz Gutiérrez. He got a -- I took the resume even though I told him I need somebody to write down mine. And he say, “Well, I help you out.” Which so we work together in getting those. I took him to downtown and he got the job. He’s doing fine [00:15:00] in Washington now. JJ: he’s a cop? What kind of -- DM: And he work -- he was one of the guys that I was -- I had in Harold campaign. I had six precinct that I work in. One of those precinct was Luiz Gutiérrez. He ran it. JJ: (inaudible) [00:15:30] -- (break in audio) DM: We not do it (laughs). We not communicating now but you know. JJ: What do you want -- what do you think I should talk more about -- okay. Okay. You came in ’63, right? DM: Right. JJ: Okay, so in ’63, the Young Lords started in [00:16:00] 19-- it was a gang in 1959, but as a political group, they started in 1968. So did you know anything about the Young Lords at that time? DM: Oh yeah. I used to talk about the Young Lords. They was-- they were a gang but then, they -- JJ: So what did you know when they were a gang? What did you hear back then? DM: They found a headquarters, a church, they had a church where they did a program there for the people. So they change from gang, they changed to work for the community so -- 7 �JJ: So did you hear about them when they were a gang? DM: I hear when -- they were a gang but I never hear anything, what do you call it, bad about them. I know they was a gang [00:17:00] but everybody had a gang (laughs) just to fight somebody that don’t like them so there was nothing bad about that. I thought maybe they were help -- they were doing some fighting because they couldn’t protect themself. JJ: So then you heard they changed into a community group and then how did you feel as a Puerto Rican? How did you feel with these -- DM: Well, I think was a great move because the community needed help. Because there was so many things that need to be corrected. And like when CEDA workers -- CEDA slots started, they start giving people [00:18:00] jobs working for help groups, police relation, everything. So everybody started working, organizing and get jobs. Get jobs. JJ: When you say you were organizing, what, for example, you mentioned you were working with SACC. What did organizing mean? What did they -- how did they organize? DM: Well, first, they had a training. They had a training of different things. Health, politic relation, education, and they used to train people. We used to train people and they -- a lot of them got together. Even though with the politics, [00:19:00] that a lot of people got involved in politics. Because after the training, they start preaching what they -- what was the training for. So it was good for the community because they learn something and then, they start helping others. JJ: You had a group, too. What was the name of your group? 8 �(break in audio) M3: -- pretend that I just turned on the camera. Go ahead. JJ: You had a group. DM: Yeah. JJ: So what was it called and what did they do? What did they do? DM: People’s Association for Community Action. And we used to have different committees. We -- one -- I was working with the public aid committee. We used to get people together and [00:20:00] find out what was the problem. And we used to call the representative at the public aid office. And we used to tell them what was wrong because a lot of people used -- they used to take them off the program. And a lot of people, they didn’t receive checks and we didn’t know why. But (laughs) there was a lot of things going on so we started working with the -with people inside the office and we form some committees there in different office. And we communicate with the -- every time we had a problem with somebody, we try [00:21:00] to make sure that they help the people and they take care of the problem. And if I -- if there is any people used to come in and ask for help. So we -- the main thing was that we have different committee to work on it. JJ: You had different committees? DM: We had different committee like police relation, (Spanish) [00:21:34]. JJ: How many organizations and did you guys work together? How many different organizations -- DM: Oh, we had, we had -- 9 �JJ: And what were they? What were they? DM: We work with ABC, work with UCA (sic), United for Community Action. We work for -- [00:22:00] we had a organization called United Front. It sound like (laughter) a terrorist group but they were not. And SACCs, Spanish Action Committee. Well, I -- there were so many, I don’t recall right now. JJ: Did these groups ever work with the Young Lords? DM: Yeah, most of them. They used to got together when there was something going on about a march or jobs or whatever. They -- everybody used to get together. JJ: Marching. So then, this was about -- DM: Organizing the community, yeah. JJ: So there were a lot of marches at that time? DM: Oh, you name it. There was a lot of crimes, a lot of killings from different [00:23:00] groups. Like a guy got shot and they don’t know why he was shot, (laughs) -- JJ: Now, who shot him? DM: -- so -- but the -- there was so much police brutality at that time. JJ: Oh, the police were -- DM: Yeah. JJ: Okay. So there was police brutality and these groups were marching or...? DM: Against them. Yeah, against the problem, against, you know. JJ: What other problems besides police brutality were going on at that time? DM: Jobs, welfare, health. There was no clinic. I -- at that time in Wicker Park, there used to be one clinic. That’s all. And the people -- the people had no insurance 10 �or anything. [00:24:00] And at that time, they don’t -- a lot of people don’t know about the Cook County hospital (laughs) so it’s, you know. So when this happened, every -- a lot of people was disoriented. And it need to be that thing was organized. So everybody was organizing. JJ: (coughs) Pardon. DM: I went there to see the project they were doing and my sister used to live a block away on Walton close to Grace. And they -- the general were -- they had different programs there. JJ: [00:25:00] So what kind of programs did they have? Do you remember or...? DM: Wood painting, teaching kids how to paint. Make murals. And they had a -- they had a answering service that people used to go there and then they’d call and they’d write down their -- whatever they need. So they were active at that time. They were really active in the community. JJ: And this was not in Lincoln Park. Where was this at? DM: Uptown. JJ: So they were up -- went from Lincoln Park to Uptown, the Young Lords? DM: Uptown. Yeah, that was in Grace and Walton? JJ: Right. DM: Close to the -- to Wrigley Field. So that’s mainly Lincoln Park, no? JJ: Okay. So [00:26:00] you heard about the Young Lords when they were in Lincoln Park and also in Lake View in Uptown. DM: Right. 11 �JJ: And you knew the Young Lords when they were a gang. So I mean, what -- you mentioned that -- so you -- so what was your feeling? Why did you -- your involvement in the community? What’s the reason that you were involved in the community? DM: Like I say before, I need to help. I need to help the people because I know the struggle they were going through. There was -- they had big families, they don’t have a place where to stay. And whoever will help the community, I was with them. I gave them credit for that. [00:27:00] So I got involved with the -- with them and to see what they really -- what they really need. JJ: And you first started getting involved so how many years have you been involved in the -- DM: Community? Oof. I’ve been in -- since 1966 throughout the ’90s. I was working very, very active in the community. But then, I start getting sick and I couldn’t participate like I wanted to so I had to step out. And -- JJ: And you [00:28:00] lived in what area mostly? DM: Humboldt Park. In the Humboldt Park area. Yeah. JJ: In the Humboldt Park area? And what kind of changes have been going on in that area? Since you came to Chicago in 1963, what kind of changes -- DM: It was bad. JJ: Can you explain what -- the whole changes or...? DM: Well, now they -- JJ: (Spanish) [00:28:19] -- 12 �DM: The Wicker Park, Wicker Park is still there. But you can hardly see Spanish speaking there or Puerto Ricans. They are not -- the neighborhood changed completely. Everybody sold the house, the place. They sold the house for maybe 35-, 15,000 and now, you cannot (laughs) -- it’s almost a million dollar for an apartment. So it’s -- there [00:29:00] are a lot of changes and they -- I -- I don’t see a lot of groups now. Groups, the groups now, what they do is trying to survive with the paying their electricity, pay the bills to the people working in that. So that’s what they make the -- like, to make money for paying the -- just staying there, you know. But they not too involved in training. They not training people like the -- where we used to do. So there’s a lot of changes now. And it’s tough because I think that [00:30:00] in order for you to do a good job in the community, you have to deal with the people. You have to know people, you have to know what they -- their problems are, and work with them. Trying to teach them what you know and how to go about in resolving those problems. (break in audio) JJ: Okay, go ahead. DM: There’s no help for the people that need the shelter. Right now, we need a shelter bad. Some shelter that -- in those shelters, if somebody is in a shelter, at maybe five o’clock in the morning or four o’clock in the morning, they have to leave. [00:31:00] Even though you got family and you have to leave and come back or the same day maybe at six o’clock so you could get a place where to stay. And it’s bad because you need something that could provide some good assistance for the people that needs a place where to stay. 13 �JJ: And why do we need so many shelters? Because before, we didn’t have a need for shelters. DM: We need a big place. We need -- JJ: Before, we didn’t have to. Why do we need shelters now? DM: Because people can’t find no jobs, people cannot afford to pay an apartment. The rent is so high that a lot of people can’t afford it. They get kicked out from one place to another [00:32:00] and we need help. I mean, these people need help. JJ: So how -- why do you think that happened? That there are so many changes going on in Humboldt Park that there’s -- when you first came here, it was all full of Puerto Ricans you said. But now, that community is no longer there, right? So what do you think happened? DM: There was displacement. I mean, there was -- the economic is bad. When they were -- when we were here, a lot of people had to moved out because fires. There were a lot of fires at that time. A lot of people, a lot of people died and [00:33:00] I heard that most of the displacement was for profit. Lots of people had a building and because they could not fix it or anything, the best thing for them was to burn it and they didn’t care who was in there. They just burn it for profit. And you see Wicker Park, there were so many -- there were so many fires that if you go to Wicker Park right now, most of the building that you see are new because most of those lots were empty because there was a fire. And now, the developer came back and built new buildings, right? But none of us [00:34:00] can afford them. Because we didn’t have -- we don’t -- we not -- our kids drop 14 �out. There was a lot of drop out. A lot of people could’ve been professional right now but a lot of people can’t afford it. And they had to move someplace else. Florida, Puerto Rico, different states. And most of these same -- most of the same thing is happening all over the states. If you got money, you can survive but if you don’t got no money, you cannot live. [00:35:00] You cannot stay there. You have to move somewhere where you can afford it. So we -- we like (Spanish) [00:35:12 - 00:35:35]? JJ: (Spanish) [00:35:35 - 00:35:43]? Where are they moving to? DM: (Spanish) [00:35:45], they moving to the ghetto. (laughs) Wherever is a ghetto, there’s a community that is going down. That’s why they went -- [00:36:00] that’s why they went the ghetto to live because they cannot afford to go to a upgraded area because they not -- they not making that much money or receiving money to live there. So wherever there is a ghetto, so (laughs) that’s where they’re living. That’s why they have to go. JJ: And where are the ghettoes located now? DM: Located? JJ: Yeah, where are they at? DM: It’s going down. (laughs) JJ: It’s going where? DM: Down west. JJ: Down west? DM: Down west with the -- at the past Cicero, that’s -- that’s ghetto there. So south, down south, there’s a ghetto there. So (laughs) what can I say? 15 �JJ: Okay. Are there any [00:37:00] in the suburbs or no? DM: Suburbs? If (Spanish) [00:37:01] -- if it is a ghetto there. I mean -- JJ: But they’re going to the ghetto. DM: They go to ghetto, man. JJ: They’re not going to the (inaudible). DM: And then when I say ghetto, it’s an area that is going down. That are people -what the people don’t want, that’s where they go. Because that’s -- they can afford it. I mean, it’s -- you have to find a, I mean, a area that don’t cost too much. That there, you don’t have to pay the landlord 1,500, 2,000 dollars for an apartment? [00:38:00] You know. END OF VIDEO FILE 16 � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8402785d5f8a1101e0f3db9d37d796f9.mp4 5df2c2bf3ca5dea9768a3c9168b6f77e 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 Young Lords in Lincoln Park Collection Subject The topic of the resource Young Lords (Organization) Puerto Ricans--United States Civil Rights--United States--History Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Personal narratives Social justice Community activists--Illinois--Chicago Description An account of the resource Collection of oral history interviews and digitized materials documenting the history of the Young Lords Organization in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Interviews were conducted by Young Lords' founder, José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez, and documents were digitized from Mr. Jiménez' archives. The Young Lords in Lincoln Park collection grows out of the ongoing struggle for fair housing, self-determination, and human rights that was launched by Mr. José “Cha-Cha” Jiménez, founder of the Young Lords Movement. This project is dedicated to documenting the history of the displacement of Puerto Ricans, Mejicanos, other Latinos, and the poor from Lincoln Park, as well as the history of the Young Lords nationwide. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jiménez, José, 1948- Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/491">Young Lords in Lincoln Park collection (RHC-65)</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 2017-04-25 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 eng spa Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-65 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 2012-2017 Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Título Spanish language Title entry David Mojica vídeo entrevista y biografía Sujetos Spanish language Subject terms Young Lords (Organización) Puertorriqueños--Estados Unidos Derechos civiles--Estados Unidos--Historia Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Puertorriqueños--Relatos personales Justicia social Activistas comunitarios--Illinois--Chicago Puertorriqueños--Illinois--Chicago--Vida social y costumbres Chicago (Ill.). Alcalde (1983-1987 : Washington) Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/491">Young Lords in Lincoln Park (RHC-65)</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-65_Mojica_David Title A name given to the resource David Mojica video interview and transcript Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mojica, David Description An account of the resource David Mojica is a very important, unsung hero in the history of Puerto Ricans in Chicago. He has volunteered his services in Humboldt Park. Mr. Mojica has been the head of the Cocineros union for many years, helping to provide jobs and distributing Puerto Rican pride flags and shirts, and good tasting fast food to the entire community. Mr. Mojica was also one of the primary Puerto Rican community workers that helped to elect Harold Washington, during his first bid for mayor. He volunteered every day at the Fullerton Ave. near Western Ave. in the “Washington for Mayor” office. Mr. Mojica’s work included distributing flyers and posters, identifying registered voters, and phone canvassing. Mr. Mojica was also a Young Lord who helped to organize the first Hispano rally for Harold Washington at North West Hall in 1982, and the victory rally at Humboldt Park during the first official Mayor’s Neighborhood Festival where over 100,000 Puerto Ricans attended. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Jiménez, José, 1948- Subject The topic of the resource Young Lords (Organization) Puerto Ricans--United States Civil Rights--United States--History Lincoln Park (Chicago, Ill.) Puerto Ricans--Personal narratives Social justice Community activists--Illinois--Chicago Puerto Ricans--Illinois--Chicago--Social life and customs Chicago (Ill.). Mayor (1983-1987 : Washington) 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 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2012-01-22 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/64cc7151ae3a3318bb1dfdc6eca8bc3c.m4v 2061b7b0928ebda60a833a8cd767b651 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/e2eaddbbdc1705305a7abf9b424a07b4.pdf 68019f43dd3af15b9003b9737c73ec8f PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans' History Project Jacob Mol War in Iraq and War in Afghanistan 1 hour 32 minutes 9 seconds (00:00:39) Early Life -Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 15, 1986 -Lived on the West Side of Grand Rapids -Had four brothers and a half sister -Moved north to Cedar Springs, Michigan -Graduated from Cedar Springs High School -Father worked as an electrician all over the United States -Jacob traveled with him -Mother stayed at home, but also did dental assistant jobs -Worked various jobs after high school -Decided to forgo college because of the cost (00:02:28) Enlisting in the Marines -Decided to enlist in the Marines in May 2006 -Sworn in on September 11, 2006 -Part of a delayed entry program because he wanted to work on aircraft -Had been in the Young Marines when he was younger -Taught how to march and be in formation, values, and leadership skills (00:04:08) Basic Training -Sent to San Diego for basic training in February 2007 -It was cold at night and hot during the day -Boarded buses and taken to the base -Drill instructors got on the bus and started screaming at the recruits -Got off the bus and stood at attention waiting for further orders -Gathered gear, had their heads shaved, and moved quickly -Waiting to get sorted into their training unit -Arrived at 10 PM -Woke up the next day at 7 AM -Kind of expected the craziness of the first few days -Knew that if he followed orders he would be fine -Part of Platoon 2134 of Fox Company -Had one senior drill instructor and three other drill instructors -Three of the drill instructors were veterans and one of the drill instructors was new -Didn't know much about any of them -Phase One of basic training lasted a month -Starting physical training -Taught Marine Corps history -Received First Aid training and learned the basics of rifles -Phase Two of basic training was at Camp Pendleton, California -Received Field Training while at Camp Pendleton -Did two weeks of rifle training -One week of classroom work -Some men had never handled a rifle before in their entire life �-After a week of class they spent a week on the rifle range -Completed rifle training with qualifications -Did outdoor training at Camp Pendleton -Did “the Crucible” -Three or four days of night navigation training -Obstacle courses -Completed by running up the hill called “Reaper” and getting dog tags -Trained with the M16A2 rifle -Had iron sights -Accurate up to 500 yards -For night navigation training they were given a flashlight, compass, and a map -Worked with a team of five men and tried to avoid getting “captured” -His fire team did not get “captured” -Phase Three focused on physical training and uniform protocol -Taught how to take care of their uniforms -Did swimming qualification -Martial arts qualification -Trained with a lot of men from California, Texas, Ohio, and Michigan -There were a lot of Hispanic recruits -Befriended a lot of the men he trained with -There were no women training with them at San Diego -Only women he ever saw there were the Navy corpsmen doing medical work -Basic training lasted about three months, give or take a week -Assigned Marine Occupational Specialty 6213: fixed-wing aircraft mechanic (00:15:23) Marine Combat Training -Went home for two weeks of leave -Spent one week with his family -Spent another week working with recruiter -Getting new recruits ready for basic training and trying to get people to join -Sent to Camp Pendleton for Marine Combat Training -Abbreviated version of the School of Infantry that Marine riflemen went through -Advanced rifle training -Learning how to move forward while firing at targets set at varying distances -Trained with different weapons -M240 grenade launcher, .50 caliber machine gun, other larger weapons, and hand grenades -Received more land navigation training -One day of Day Navigation -Had to move from one point to the next while staying concealed -One night of Night Navigation -More difficult because they had to move through the mountains -Pretty much everyone passed Marine Combat Training -Men only got held back due to medical reasons (00:20:10) Engine Training -Sent to Pensacola, Florida for “A School” -Taught how to work on aircraft engines -Three months of classes -Similar to a college course -Taught by civilian and Navy instructors -Learned about jet engines, helicopter engines, and turboprop engines �-The higher your class ranking, the more choice you had about what aircraft you would work on -He was #2 in his class -He selected EA-6B Prowler work -The Prowler was a fixed-wing jet aircraft derived from the A-6 Intruder -Used extensively in the Vietnam War -Used for electronic warfare -Jam radar, conceal aircraft, and pick up enemy communications -Core of most of the aircraft was 20 to 50 years old -Fun to work on (00:24:53) Prowler Training -Sent to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington to learn how to work on the Prowler -Part of a Marine Corps and Navy joint training squadron -Learned about the fuel system, engine, oil system, and landing system of the aircraft -Taught how to do flight inspections -Trained there from October through November 2007 -Able to go home for Thanksgiving 2007 (00:26:47) Downtime during Training -Allowed to go off the base when he was at Pensacola -No vehicles allowed -When he was at NAS Whidbey Island he was allowed to have a car -His cousin let him borrow his car, so he could go into Seattle (00:27:47) Stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -Assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina -Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) -VMAQ-3 was getting ready to deploy in 20 days, so he was swapped into VMAQ-2 -Learning how they worked in a VMAQ -VMAQ-2 was basically the same as VMAQ-3 just with a different command -Squadrons were on a six month rotation at the time -The squadrons worked together at Cherry Point -He was with VMAQ-2 for a few months -Transferred to VMAQ-4 for a month -Transferred back to VMAQ-3 when they got back from their deployment -Because he moved between squadrons so much, he received some training multiple times -For example, he had to go through gas chamber training multiple times -This involves putting on a gas mask and other gear to protect from WMDs -You then go into a room that is sealed and filled with tear gas -Once the room is full, you remove your gas mask and inhale the gas -The objective is to give you an idea of what a gas attack would be like (00:32:22) Deployment to Iraq & Arrival in Iraq -Deployed to Iraq in August 2009 with VMAQ-3 -Orders for Al Asad Air Base in Iraq -Didn't know what to expect going into Iraq -They were on the south side of the air base -Lived in huts made out of shipping containers -Had doors, windows, and air conditioning -Had a gym, chapel, and a general store on the base -Before deploying they went to a base in Nevada for pre-deployment training -Spent a month there getting used to a desert climate -Got used to working 12 hour shifts �-He always worked at night -Didn't receive any cultural training -Wouldn't have much contact with the Iraqis anyway -Left the United States on C-130s and flew to Germany -Spent a day in Germany -Took a commercial airliner to Kuwait and boarded C-130s again to fly into Iraq -First thing he noticed about Iraq was how hot, dry, windy, and sandy it was -Daytime temperatures averaged at 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit -Didn't deploy as a whole squadron -Prowlers and a forward unit went over two weeks earlier than the rest of the squadron -Ironically, Jacob's group got there earlier because one of the Prowlers got delayed -When they arrived, VMAQ-1 was still there (00:38:17) Stationed at Al Asad Air Base -Had concrete bunkers that the aircraft could be stored inside -Huge blast doors on the outside and dual tunnels that led out onto the runway -VMAQ-1 had a similar bunker about an eighth of a mile down the runway -Nice to have an enclosed space to work in -Out of the sun and safe from small arms fire or mortars -Never attacked when he was in Iraq -They were about 100 kilometers west of Baghdad -Basically in the middle of nowhere -Built around an oasis -Knew almost nothing about the Iraq War or Al Asad Air Base's history before arriving -Heard stories about Saddam's treatment of the Iraqi people -Knew Al Asad had been some kind of leisure and sports compound during Saddam's regime -Note: Originally named Qadisiyah Airbase and built during the 1980s -Worked from 5 PM to 7 AM, plus or minus a half hour -Had evening meal as breakfast then briefed on what needed to be done during the shift -Usually sent out aircraft on night missions -Did an inspection of the Prowlers then got them ready to fly -Sent out two aircraft at a time -If there was nothing else to do then they could just sit around for the remaining six hours -Had internet and computers to pass the time -Able to get their work done at a relaxed pace, most of the time (00:44:56) End of Deployment in Iraq -Deployment ended in February 2010 -Last Marine air unit in Iraq -They were relieved by the Navy -Worked with the Navy personnel when they came to help shut down the air base -Had to gather up any left over Marine gear -Had been in Iraq for seven or eight months (00:46:30) Technical Problems in Iraq -Had to do oil changes on the aircraft almost every time they came back from a mission -Very repetitive task -If they didn't have to do an oil change then they still had to do an oil inspection -Basically making sure there wasn't too much dust and sand in the oil -Air frames of the aircraft always broke because they were so old -Washed the Prowlers every couple days to keep them dust free -Also made sure they stayed dry so no dust or sand could stick to the plane �(00:49:20) Morale in Iraq & Contact with Home -Morale was affected due to the length of the shifts -Noticed that halfway through the deployment tensions flared -Near the end of the deployment everyone started to calm down again -Worked out at the gym to deal with frustration -Slept a lot to pass the time -Wore headphones when he slept and listened to classical music to drown out the aircraft noise -Able to Skype his family once a week -Chance to let them know that he was okay and how life was in Iraq (00:52:19) Returning to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -Left Iraq in February 2010 and got 20 days of leave -Returned to Michigan and went to the Upper Peninsula with his family to go snowmobiling -Returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -Took the Prowlers apart for in depth inspections and to clean their components -Some of the aircraft needed their engines swapped out -More in depth maintenance after returning to the States than deploying to Iraq (00:54:23) Deployment to Afghanistan -There was a rumor they would be deployed to Japan for a shorter, three month deployment -A month later their orders were changed to Afghanistan -Did pre-deployment training in Yuma, Arizona -Different because he had a higher rank and there were new men in the unit -VMAQ-3 received another Prowler and about 30 new Marines to maintain said Prowler -Passed through Germany, again, en route to Afghanistan -Flew from Germany to Kyrgyzstan -Got to spend the day there -Interesting place -A lot of vendors selling old Soviet gear -He bought $200 worth of Soviet stuff and sent it back home -Boarded a commercial airliner and flew to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan (00:58:20) Stationed at Bagram Air Base -He was stationed at Bagram for his entire deployment in Afghanistan -Bagram was huge compared to Al Asad -His unit was quartered next to the emergency evacuation helicopters, C-130s, and the hospital -More of a sense that he was in a war zone -Every two or three days militants shot rockets or mortars at Bagram, usually at 2 AM or 9 PM -Came out of batteries in the city or in the hills near the base -Most of the time the rockets hit nothing, but when they found their mark they caused damage -When they took mortar/rocket fire they went into bunkers scattered around the base -Concrete enclosures capable of taking a direct hit -In retaliation, attack helicopters went out to search and destroy the enemy batteries -Missions took about an hour, which meant they had to sit in the bunkers for an hour -Worked day and night shifts at Bagram -Noon to midnight for half of his deployment then midnight to noon for the other half -Never worried about small arms fire (01:02:09) Living Conditions at Bagram -Sleeping arrangements were worse at Bagram than in Iraq -Slept in wooden shacks with screen windows -City of Bagram was a quarter mile away, but they were not allowed to go into the city -Bagram was primarily used as an R&R base for soldiers in Afghanistan �-Had cheerleaders and comedians tour the base to entertain the troops -He didn't go to those shows because he felt the combat troops needed them more -Had a bazaar on base that acted as a sort of local shopping center -Remembers they had furs for sale that were illegal to buy in the United States -There were Afghan food vendors and a Pizza Hut -The chow hall (dining hall) at Bagram was better than the one at Al Asad -Wider variety of choices (01:06:16) Security in Afghanistan -Never went off base -There was a school on the base for Afghan children, so he was able to visit that -Remembers the children were friendly and wanted candy -During the last two months he was placed on security detail because he hurt his back -Gave him a chance to see the security measures put in place on their end of the base -Had a guard shack with a rotating security camera -Marine(s) patrolled the area near the guard shack with Air Force guards in towers -Had T-walls (steel-reinforced concrete walls topped with razor wire) -Also had old Soviet landmines scattered around the perimeter of the base (01:09:10) End of Deployment in Afghanistan Pt. 1 & Getting Wounded -On the last day in Afghanistan he got wounded -He had everything packed up except for his rifle -Shells started landing near the building he was in, so he ran outside toward a bunker -Once inside someone pointed out to him that his arm was bleeding -He had taken a small piece of shrapnel in his arm -Closest encounter he had with combat (01:11:29) Progress of War in Afghanistan -Friend told him they had taken more mortars following the execution of Osama bin Laden on 5/2/2011 -Learned that VMAQ-3 had sent out aircraft to support the raid -The bombardment in which he got wounded led to a delay in leaving Afghanistan -Needed to repair the holes in the runway -Knew something big happened whenever there was a lot of activity at the hospital -Saw men missing arms and legs -Able to watch the news, but he usually knew more about what happened than the news talked about (01:15:36) End of Deployment in Afghanistan Pt. 2 & End of Enlistment Pt. 1 -Came home in May 2011 -Enlistment was for five years, so that was coming to an end as well -Placed in an old C-130 hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -Did not lose any aircraft on either deployment -Only one aircraft got hit by enemy fire in Afghanistan and it was a fairly easy repair -When he got back to the States in May he had nine months left in his enlistment -Could have gone on another deployment, but the rotation schedule changed -Prowlers were being replaced by the EA-18G Growler (variation of the F/A-18F Super Hornet) -He felt the Prowlers were better for electronic warfare because they were simpler aircraft -EA-18Gs had problems with jamming their own electronics -Decided at the beginning of his enlistment not to make a career out of the Marines -Wanted to serve his country, serve his family, and qualify for the GI Bill (01:22:00) September 11, 2001 -He was 15 years old when the September 11th Attacks happened -Remembers being at school, it was 9 AM, and he was in health class -Teacher got a call and turned on the news �-Watched in real time as the jet hit the second World Trade Center Tower -Feels that it had a little influence on his decision to enlist -Wanted to do his part to defend his country and his loved ones (01:23:52) End of Enlistment Pt. 2 -Not much encouragement for him to reenlist -Military was downsizing at the time -Iraq War was coming to an end -War in Afghanistan was slowing down -Discharged in February 2012 (01:24:42) Life after Service -Moved back to Michigan and moved in with one of his brothers -Tried to get a job working on aircraft, but nobody was hiring at the time -Got hired at the plastics factory that his brother worked at -Worked there for two months -Hired by Loomis Armored (a cash handling company) -Applied to Grand Valley State University in mid/late 2013 -Majored in electrical engineering -Feels the Marines prepared him for hands-on work, taught him discipline, and multitasking -Also made him a little too picky when it came to irrelevant details -Wasn't too hard for him to readjust to civilian life -Didn't want to be around too many people for a while -Took a year to return to his “old self” -Even after a year school came as a bit of a shock -Noticed a definite gap between the civilian students and the veteran students -Hard time relating to the younger students (01:31:24) Reflections on Service -Feels that his time in the Marines made him more responsible -Changed him for the better -Appreciates everything that he got out of his time in the Marines -Enjoyed the work he did in the Marines and the people he worked with � 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_MolJ1778V Title A name given to the resource Mol, Jacob (Interview outline and video), 2015 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-06-18 Description An account of the resource Jacob Mol was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 15, 1986. In May 2006 he decided to enlist in the Marines and was sworn in on September 11, 2006. He began basic training in San Diego in February 2007 then received Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California. He was designated as a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic and trained on aircraft engines in Pensacola, Florida. He graduated second in his class and volunteered to work on EA-6B Prowlers. He received training with those aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington then joined Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. He deployed to Iraq in August 2009 and was stationed at Al Asad Air Base until February 2010 then deployed to Afghanistan in fall or winter 2010 and was stationed at Bagram Air Base until May 2011. He completed his enlistment at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and was discharged in February 2012. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mol, Jacob Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) WKTV (Wyoming, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Iraq War, 2003-2011--Personal narratives, American Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American United States. Marine Corps 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/7e9dd191b11ab4b664529f589852f08d.jpg d171cac55ec251d0695f7d51f6c8d644 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 Believing and Belonging on Campus Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Interfaith Photovoice Description An account of the resource During the 2024 Winter semester at GVSU, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Interfaith Photovoice hosted nine students from different religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds for a semester-long cohort centered on storytelling. By using predominantly mobile-phone photography, these students explored what it meant to believe and belong on campus and in the greater West Michigan community. This project was designed to help capture their experiences and stories, to enable them to find their voice through photography. The cohort culminated in an exhibition displayed on multiple GVSU campuses and curated by the students around three self-selected themes: Religious & Spiritual Practices, Barriers to Belonging, and Creating Welcoming Spaces. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource College students Belonging Hinduism Islam Judaism Students, Foreign LGBTQ+ people Orthodox Eastern Church Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Relation A related resource Believing and Belonging on Campus: An Interfaith Photovoice Project (project) 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 2024-Kaufman-Exhibit-16 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Molly Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Title A name given to the resource Barriers to Belonging 7 Description An account of the resource When I am walking home from my sorority chapter meeting on Sunday night, I pass by all of the church services happening in this building. I hear the large groups of voices, singing and observing their religion. I always knew that the Jewish community was small, but growing up in a place with a large Jewish population, it was not something that I noticed until I came to campus. While being on campus I have missed that strong sense of Judaism, and the comfort that comes with having people that share your faith around you. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute (exhibitor) Subject The topic of the resource Judaism College students Belonging Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Kaufman Interfaith Institute Relation A related resource Believing and Belonging on Campus: An Interfaith Photovoice Project (project) 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 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7e00df37fb2337bddf563b117f91ff0f.jpg 8ab1244ea229de83d5732b12bbc80e97 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 Believing and Belonging on Campus Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Interfaith Photovoice Description An account of the resource During the 2024 Winter semester at GVSU, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Interfaith Photovoice hosted nine students from different religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds for a semester-long cohort centered on storytelling. By using predominantly mobile-phone photography, these students explored what it meant to believe and belong on campus and in the greater West Michigan community. This project was designed to help capture their experiences and stories, to enable them to find their voice through photography. The cohort culminated in an exhibition displayed on multiple GVSU campuses and curated by the students around three self-selected themes: Religious & Spiritual Practices, Barriers to Belonging, and Creating Welcoming Spaces. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource College students Belonging Hinduism Islam Judaism Students, Foreign LGBTQ+ people Orthodox Eastern Church Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Relation A related resource Believing and Belonging on Campus: An Interfaith Photovoice Project (project) 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 2024-Kaufman-Exhibit-7 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Molly Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024 Title A name given to the resource Religious & Spiritual Practices 7 Description An account of the resource Mezuzahs are often found outside of doors in Jewish spaces. They are there as a reminder that you are entering a holy space and should act accordingly. When I am in my hometown, I see many of these. Being in a new environment here at GVSU with not as many Jewish people, I do not see mezuzahs on doors when I am walking in. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute (exhibitor) Subject The topic of the resource Judaism College students Belonging Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Kaufman Interfaith Institute Relation A related resource Believing and Belonging on Campus: An Interfaith Photovoice Project (project) 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 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/071340a7c4158c380df8c473a54f2bc7.pdf 745d961489f5ae2a8b2d08984cee932c PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Michael Moloney U.S. Army Length of interview (20:12) (00:00) Early life              (00:10)Born on September 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan Dad was a college professor and his mother was a homemaker His father taught math, math history, and Latin. Michael had 11 brothers and sisters Before joining the army, Michael worked in the printing industry, they printed product manuals for companies such as Ford (2:00)Enlisted in 1988, he joined because he wanted to get some direction and financial assistance for college (3:15) when he told his parents he had enlisted, he simply told them that his new boss was Ronald Regan (3:50) Michael left for Fort Sill, Oklahoma on December 31, 1987. It was the only time he was asleep before midnight on New Years When he first got to the fort, everyone was nice and he was surprised (5:06) He was a surveyor for field artillery (5:30) At first, the screaming of the drill instructors was intimidating, but he eventually got used to it (6:00) Even though he tried to physically prepare himself for the army, it was still extremely difficult (7:30) The food was surprisingly good, they could eat whatever they wanted Deployment (8:30)       Went to Germany in 1988, he spent a total of two months there playing war games. Michael remembers being killed on his birthday (9:20) Michael was able to see a lot of historical landmarks from the Second World War (10:40) His favorite memory of Germany was ordering a beer at Burger King. Nuremberg was another nice place to visit (12:20) He met a man who was at one point a prisoner of war in Texas, he was very kind to Michael and his friends (12:50) Michael was never able to visit Berlin, he now wishes that he had (14:20) He kept in touch with his family by writing letters, he estimates that he wrote over 100 letters while in Germany �Home (15:30)     (15:40) His enlistment ended when he was at Fort Riley, Kansas. He took a 17 hour train ride from Kansas to Detroit (17:25) After arriving in Detroit, he returned to his old job in the printing industry for three months until moving to Michigan State University (18:00) Michael is a lifetime member of the Big Red One (First Infantry Division) (18:30) The army taught him patience. Michael thinks about his experiences every day and encourages young people not to take service lightly. � 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_MoloneyM1806V Title A name given to the resource Moloney, Michael G (Interview outline), 2015 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015-05-23 Description An account of the resource Michael Moloney was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 15, 1967 and served in the United States Army as an artillery surveyor in the First Infantry Division. He joined the army in 1987 and trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Michael was sent to Germany in 1988 where he spent a period of two months playing war games. He recounts the people he met and the opportunities he had to visit historical locations from the Second World War. After his time in the service, Michael enrolled at Michigan State University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Moloney, Michael G. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Moloney, Rachel (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Other veterans & civilians--Personal narratives, American United States. ArmyOral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Type The nature or genre of the resource 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> Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2a3d8d287005440b4d7f4a96b4a94909.pdf c31c29785853642691c5bd9886540e36 PDF Text Text MONITOR TOWN HIP GENERAL D'E VElOPME T PLAN MONITOR TOWNSHIP BAY Cc>UNTr, MICHIGAN · • • • • • • • • • • • • • A LAND USE PLAN TO GU~OE FUTURE GROWTH �MONITOR TOWNSHIP BAY COUNTY; MICHIGAN GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN November, 1976 A Land Use Plan to guide Future Growth �This document has been prepared through the efforts of the Monitor Township Planning Commission: Herb Steih, Chainnan Joseph Gwizdala, Secretary Earl Bleck R. H. Behmlander Kenneth Hi 11 Emi 1 Kerns tock With the support of the Monitor Township Board: Howard Klopf, Supervisor Elmer Arnold, Clerk William Kramer, Treasurer Richard Behmlander, Trustee Gary Brandt, Trustee James Peil, Trustee James Verhanovitz, Trustee And the assistance of: II • •II II II II II • Williams & Works, Inc. Engineers - Surveyors - Planners - Geologists 611 Cascade West Parkway Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506 �TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction l The Planning Process 2 Township Planning History 4 REGIONAL SETTING 6 BASIC STUDIES 8 8 Existing Land Use Existing Land Use: Problems and Assets 12 Housing 15 Population Growth and Characteristics 17 Economic Base 21 Natural Features 24 Generalized Soils 27 Agricultural Lands 28 Utilities 30 Transportation and Circulation 33 Community Facilities 37 Community Attitudes 41 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 46 Economic Growth and Development 46 Land Use and Development 48 Housing and Residential Development 49 Transportation and Circulation 52 Parks and Recreation 53 �Table of Contents (Cont'd.) Page Environment 54 Government and Planning 55 PLANNING DIMENSIONS Population Projections 57 Planning Dimensions 60 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 68 Design Standards 68 Major Plan Concepts 76 Future Land Use 77 Major Streets 82 Additional Plan Concepts 86 IMPLEMENTATION Immediate Action Recomnendations 89 Codes and Ordinances 90 Zoning 90 Subdivision Regulations 90 Water and Sewer Services 91 Capital Improvements Programming 91 State and Federal Grant Programs 91 Federal Revenue Sharing 92 Continued Planning 92 APPENDIX �INTRODUCTION A community grows because people decide to build homes, businesses and industries. In formulating these personal plans, people are seldom aware of outside factors and considerations of the overall community. Often, their investments are ill considered and wasted because they were not aware of predictable major changes brought about by growth or of the individual plans of thousands of other people. Because of this, many communities have developed which are unattractive, inconvenient, expensive to provide with public services, and hazardous. These are the conmunities in which many of us must live. The purpose of conmunity planning is to provide the missing framework of information and long-range thinking in order to guide people in the development of their personal plans. A conmunity plan must objectively consider what people are trying to do, what they desire, and what will influence them in making their decisions. It must consider which forces and private actions are likely to be harmful and guard against them. It must recognize and encourage those endeavors and forces which will be advantageous to the community by providing the conditions and environment people will be seeking. More importantly, it must indicate that the corrmunity is stable, yet looking toward the future with the assurance that growth and changes are being anticipated and will be accommodated in a logical, deliberate and preplanned manner with little disruption of the existing community. This assurance is essential before homeowners and businessmen invest millions of dollars in their future, and the future of the community. In addition to personal endeavors, many individuals will be elected or appointed to the Township Board or other positions over the next 20 years. These individuals will be called upon to make irreversible decisions which will build, one part at a time, the streets, the utilities, the drains, the schools, the firestations and other physical parts of the future corrrnunity. A community plan must guide each of these important but separate decisions which will determine the convenience, economy and desirability of the future community. This document is intended to serve that purpose - to serve as a 11 guide 11 for the future development of the community of Monitor Township. 1 �THE PLANNING PROCESS Corrmunity planning, in simple terms, is a goal orientated, continuous process which seeks to create a better environment. As such, a general development plan is a 11 tool 11 by which this goal can be reached. It is used by both private individuals and public officials to make decisions regarding the development of land in a particular area. Basically, _the planning process consists of five steps: I. Desire to Plan - Monitor Township has already expressed this desire as evidenced by this Plan. II. Analysis of the Existing Situation - An analysis of the problems, assets, and potential of the area. These "basic studies" include an investigation of the existing land use, housing characteristics, natural features, soil characteristics, community facilities, utilities, transportation system, and other factors which have made the corrmunity what it is today. III. Plan Design - A graphic representation of the fonn and allocation of land uses in the design year of 1995. The plan indicates how future growth should be directed into the most economical, helpful, pleasant and ecologically sound pattern of development. IV. Plan Implementation - The first step in the implementation phase is the adoption of this Plan by the Planning Corrmission. Then, through a joint program of public education and comprehensive development controls (such as the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, a policy of street improvements, etc.), the Township can implement the provisions of the Plan. Also, a capital improvements schedule, which programs into the Township budget public improvements which should be undertaken within the next five or six years, is a very important component of this step. V. Continued Planning - In order for the Plan to have a lasting effect, it is necessary to follow through with 2 �, a program of continuous planning. This involves periodic review and amendment of the Plan, the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, the capital improvements program, and other official policies of the Township. As a logical and necessary extension of this Plan, the existing zoning ordinance will be revised in order for it to implement the recommendations contained in the General Development Plan. Zoning and subdivision regulations have typically been the major tools for implementing a future land use plan. In this respect, Monitor Township should not be an exception. However, the Township should go a step further and prepare detailed plans for all community facilities (i.e. recreation, utilities, roads, fire stations, community centers, etc.) as well as a detailed capital improvements program. Also, it requires noting that land use plans are not static or unchangeable documents. Neither are they precise definitions of the ultimate use for every parcel of property. They are intended to guide public officials and private individuals in the direction deemed most logical, aesthetically pleasing, and economical. However, land values, trends and social attitudes are dynamic forces which require constant monitoring. For this reason, it will be necessary to periodically refine, update, and revise this Plan in order to accommodate these forces throughout the next 15 to 20 years. 3 , j �- I I I TOWNSHIP PLANNING HISTORY Monitor Township is no stranger to community planning. It has operated under the guidance of a Comprehensive Community Plan since 1968. Subsequent to this Plan, Ordinance #14 tfie"Monitor Township Zoning Ordinance - was adopted (effective July, 1972). Even before this time the Township developed under the provisions of an ordinance adopted in 1960. However, early in 1974, the Township Board decided that conditions had changed to the extent that it was necessary to up·date and revise the original land use plan. The publication of this Plan is only the tip of the iceberg in the sense that it represents nearly three years of diligent effort on the part of the Planning Commission and the Township Board. The work actually began in the Summer of 1974 with the completion of a comprehensive survey of existing land use. The survey involved driving every street and road in the Township and recording the use of each parcel. This data was mapped on a Township base map which had been updated with current property lines . This effort gave the Planning Commission an accurate picture of the type, location and distribution of the various land uses throughout the Township. It also supplied a tabular summary of the number and type of housing units and a fix on the number of commercial, industrial and public, semi-public uses (establishments). Simultaneous with the land use survey, the Commission prepared and distributed a land use questionnaire survey. (A copy of the survey form and a summary of the responses are reproduced in the Appendix of this report.) The survey forms were sent to nearly 3,000 property owners in the Township asking them, among other things, their attitude toward future growth and development. With this information, the Commission felt it was in a position to begin formulating policies toward development of a land use plan. However, before the plan could take shape, it was deemed essential for the residents of the Township to have an opportunity to express their views in a face-to-face situation. This opportunity was provided in the form of an advisory public hearing. 4 �• • Held in May of 1975, the advisory hearing was unique in that it included a number of county officials - Road Commission Engineer, Drain Commissioner, Health Department personnel, and others - who were invited to explain their responsibilities. In turn, they answered questions concerning problems or situations in the Township. This forum also provided an opportunity for the Planning Commission to outline its intentions to prepare an updated land use plan and zoning ordinance and to stress the need for public participation and input. These three steps - the existing land use survey, the questionnaire, and· the advisory hearing - provided the foundation for the actual background analysis leading to the formulation of the General Development Plan. The balance of this document sets down the basis for the Plan in the form of basic studies, goals and objectives, planning dimensions, the General Development Plan, and recommendations for implementation. The first step, however, is to consider the regional setting. 5 �REGIONAL SETTING �u II REGIONAL SETTING Monitor Township is located in the south central portion of Bay County in the flat, fertile farm lands of the Bay Valley. It lies adjacent to the western edge of the City of Bay City and is bounded by Bangor Township (also on the east), Kawkawlin Township on the north, Williams Township on the west, and Frankenlust Township on the south. As such, the Township is strategically located in relation to the 11 Tri-Cities 11 : Bay City, Midland and Saginaw. Together these conmunities represent a combined population of nearly 200,000 people. The three-county metropolitan area contains more than 400,000 people. More importantly, each comnunity is an industrial center with significant employment opportunities. The Midland area is home base for Dow Chemical and Dow Corning Companies while both Saginaw and Bay City are highly specialized in the auto industry. These large employers have played a major role in the historic development of Monitor Township, especially when one considers the highway system which puts them within easy reach. Interstate 75 follows a general north-south alignment through the eastern portion of Monitor Township. It connects the Upper Peninsula with the State's industrial corridor extending from Midland and Bay City through Saginaw, Flint, Pontiac, the balance of the .Detroit Metropolitan area and points south. In fact, a resident of Monitor Township can get on I-75 and drive until the Gulf of Mexico is in sight at Tampa, Florida. The Interstate is complimented by US-23 and US-10, both of which are located in the Township. US-23 extends northward along Saginaw Bay, then swings northwesterly, eventually connecting with I-75 north of Houghton Lake. US-10 follows an east-west course through the center of the Township, linking Bay City and Midland by way of a 30-minute drive. All three freeways come together in a major interchange in the southeastern portion of the Township. · The impact of this regional transportation system can be measured in terms of the number of people who work outside the invnediate Township area. The returns from the land use attitude survey indicated 44 percent of the principal wage earners worked in Bay City, 17 percent were employed in Sag.inaw, and 13 percent traveled to Midland. Only five percent were 6 �employed in the Township. Thus, it is apparent that the present pattern of land use in the Township - little in the way of major industries, extensive residential areas - is due in large part to the accessibility of the larger communities by way of the freeway system. This conclusion is further verified by the responses to the question: "Why do you live in Monitor Township?". While nearly 45 percent said they preferred "rural living", fully one out of every four said it was because the Township was within easy commuting distance of Bay City, Midland and Saginaw. Although the freeway system has had, and will continue to have, a maj-or impact upon the Township, there are other regional influences at work in the area. Important among them are Tri-City Airport and Delta College. Located southwest of the Township, Tri-City Airport serves as the only aircarrier airport for the entire three-county area. Its regional impact is significant when measured in passenger statistics alone - more than a quarter of a million in 1970. However, they do not accurately measure the attraction of the businessman who needs quick, convenient and direct access into and out of the region for freight as well as personnel. The airport and related developments not only affect traffic patterns but also increase development activity as the demand for airport related facilities continues. Delta College (and to a lesser extent Saginaw Valley College to the south) provides additional development pressure in the form of student and faculty housing, commercial support facilities, and entertainment enterprises. From Monitor Township, access to the Delta campus in Frankenlust Township is most direct by way of the Mackinaw Road interchange off US-10, and Hotchkiss Road from US-84. In this respect, development pressure from the College will tend to be focused in the south and eastern portions of the Township. From this rather brief discription of Monitor Township's regional setting, it is apparent there are a number of major forces which will affect the future of the cornnunity. Many of thes~ forces are beyond the control of Township officials. Still it remains the responsibility of the Township to anticipate these forces to the best of its ability and direct them into the cornnunity of tomorrow - a community which will be in harmony with the desires and aspirations of the residents of today. Monitor Township is in a position now, before past mistakes are compounded, to shape this growth into a pleasant and desirable corrmunity which will serve generations to come. 7 �.---, .---- 1_ 11 II ,.___J II I ~ ~"'(Jt:J::IE8: BASIC STUDIES __ �u II • • BASIC STUDIES Today, only a relatively small portion of Monitor Township is extensively developed. This being the case, the Township has the opportunity to create a new comnunity that will be highly desirable and economical to serve with public utilities and community facilities. Development mistakes of the past are few and will be largely unnoticed in the larger community of the future. Development during the next two decades will establish the character of that community. It is now that the Township has the flexibility to determine what it wants to become and to coordinate its efforts, and the efforts of its private citizens, to achieve its goals. However, in order to have a realistic future, the decision makers must have a clear picture of what the community is now and how future growth and change will affect the present comnunity. Existing Land Use The following map, entitled 11 Existing Land Use 11 , graphically indicates the composition and pattern of land use as it existed at the time of the field survey. From this map, it is readily noted that the bulk of the Township is given over to agricultural lands and open space. Still, significant portions of the Township are densely developed, specifically the eastern and northeastern areas. Here the Township takes on the character of a 11 bedroom community" since the predominant use is single family residential homes. Significant housing concentrations are found in the extreme southeastern four sections, along the length of Midland Road, in the Kawkawlin area, and along Salzburg Road. There are other examples of isolated homes and small plats along section line roads in the outlying areas. However, they represent a rather small portion of the total. In a similar vein, non-residential uses are largely concentrated in the same developed areas. Commercial uses have located along Euclid Avenue, Midland Road and M-13 in the Kawkawlin area. These commercial uses have generally developed in a 11 strip 11 pattern along these more heavily traveled roads. There are no examples of major shopping centertype developments such as Center Avenue in Hampton Township or Bay Road in Saginaw County. 8 �... With one exception, the Township is lacking in major industrial firms. The one exception is Monitor Sugar which is located in the extreme southeastern portion of the Township. The Sugar Company could be classified as a heavy industry since it refines sugar beets produced on the surrounding farm lands. This facility generates considerable activity during the fall and winter months. The northeastern portion of the Township is also significant in that it is an area dotted with crude oil storage tanks. These tanks serve as storage reservoirs for nearby pumping operations. For the most part, oil reserves in this area have been depleted and such pumps as are operating do so only on an intermittent basis. Actually, the pumps and storage tanks occupy only a small portion of the area with the balance of the property under cultivation by area farmers. The other significant industrial operations include a modular housing factory and a rather large storage facility and pumping station in Secti on l O. In addition to the single family col111lercial and industrial uses, there are a number of rather large public and/or semipublic facilities. The larger of these include White Birch Golf Course, an 18-hole course in Section 7, the Bay-Arenac Skills Center in Section 13, a school bus garage at Midland Road and Seven Mile which is owned and operated by the Bay City School District, a landfill site in Section 17 owned and operated by the Township, and a dump site in Section 20 owned and operated by the Bay County Road Col111lission. This list does not include the numerous parks and school sites since they will be discussed at length in the 11 Community Facilities 11 portion of this document. It is important to note that Monitor Township has a rather significant amount of its population housed in mobile homes and multiple family units. In 1974, mobile homes accounted for slightly more than twelve percent of the total housing stock while multiple family units added another two percent. The vast majority of the mobile homes are located in four mobile home parks in the northeastern and west central portions of the Township. These parks ranged in size from 30 units to more than 150 units. Similarly, multiple family units (i.e. apartments) are concentrated in the southeastern portion of the Township - that area closest to Bay City. For the most part, these units are found in two and four family structures although, at the time of the field survey, there was one case of a 12-unit apartment building. 9 �I._., 0 -------· I- \ • • _J �• • • • • Table 1, which follows, is a tabulation of the existing land use as it existed at the time of the field survey. Here it is shown that, of the total 2,976 residential structures, 2,589 (85.7 percent) were single family units. Only 63 dwelling units were of the multiple family type while 368 were mobile homes. In total, multiple family and mobile home units represented slightly less than 15 percent of the total housing stock. Non-residential structures were represented by 85 comnercial establishments, 38 industrial firms, and 31 public, semi-public outlets . In sumnarizing the existing land use situation it is noted that many of the residents of the Township live in subdivided areas, and most of the subdivisions are located in east central and southeastern portions of the community. In total, there are more than 20 major subdivisions with more than l ,000 platted lots. At the time of the field survey, it was found that less than 100 platted lots were vacant and available for development. This fact, together with a backlog of housing demand, would indicate there will soon be an unsatisfied demand for platted lots. The major activity centers in the Township are in the unincorporated Village of Kawkawlin, the corridor along Midland Road, and the residential areas west of Euclid Avenue. The Village of Kawkawlin is situated on the Kawkawlin River and is a mixture of single family homes on small lots interspersed with isolated corrmercial and industrial establishments. This area is connected to the greater Bay City area by way of M-13, a north-south highway running through the region. The most recent area of development activity is that portion of the Township south of US-10 and east of I-75. This area has been the focus of much platting activity and, therefore, contains a number of large single family subdivisions. Monitor Sugar is also located in this portion of the Township, being situated between Euclid Avenue and M-84. Euclid Avenue, in turn, is the focus of much commercial activity, being the site of an extensive strip commercial area. The outlying portions of the Township are given over to agriculture, open space and isolated non-farm home sites. There are exceptions to this pattern, however, in the form of subdivisions along section line roads. Salzburg Road and Three Mile Road stand out as prime examples of this pattern. Still the agricultural lands of the Township are extremely productive. This portion of the Bay (Saginaw) Valley is noted for its sugar beets, beans and other field crops which grow in abundance in the level, loamy soils. 10 �-- · ---·-------- - --- ·- - -- ii ill TABLE 1 LAND USE TABULATION Monitor Township Bay County, Michigan Section Residential Single Famil l 1 2 &3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Structures Multiple Famil,l 230 45 16 14 18 33 Industrial Public Semi-Public 213+(5) (2) 448 19 11 8 4 47 16 15 19 1-3 30 389 31 182 1-12 4-4 2-2 3-4 2,589 19-63 (85.7%) ( 2. 1%) --------------- Corrvnerci al - 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 TOTAL Total Residential Structures (1) ( 1) 12 11 16 21 26 31 22 16 14 20 17 22 38 82 47 134 395 232 117 29 10 24 26 16 32 22 14 39 177 11 Mobile Home 105 (2) ( 1) (1) 30+(3) ( 1) (1) 8-2 2 34 12 11 16 21 131 31 22 16 16 21 17 23 38 115 47 135 396 232 117 29 10 24 26 16 32 30 16 39 177 (2) 348+(20) 368 ( 12. 2%) 4 1 2 2 2 4 2 1 1 l l 5 4 5 9 1 2 3 l 1 2 394 24 3 187 11 3 2,976 85 38 2 31 (100%) 1-3 under the "Multiple Family" heading indicates there was one (1) structure containing three (3) units. The parenthetical numbers under "Mobile Home" indicate mobile homes on scattered sites (i.e., outside mobile home parks). Source: Williams &Works, Inc., field survey, June, 1974. Note: 11 - �I I I Table 2 contains a comparison of the extent of development in 1962 and 1975 as determined by the Bay County Planning Commission. In 1962, Monitor Township had the largest ·amount of agricultural land of any unit in the County - nearly 20,900 acres. By 1975 (13 years later), this had decreased by nearly 1,000 acres, largely as a result of increasing development in the residential and commercial sector. Whereas residential development amounted to only 715 acres (three percent of the total) in 1962, residential uses had increased to 1,329 acres or 5.6 percent of the total by 1975. This represents an absolute increase of 614 acres or 85.9 percent. According to the Bay County Planning Commission, comnercial acreage increased by more than 400 percent during the same time span. It can be assumed that this is largely the result of increasing development activity along Euclid Avenue. Based on these figures, large increases were also reported in the industrial category (165 acres) and the transportation sector (222 acres). The large increase in transportation acreage is due largely to the construction of the freeway system as it is presently located in the Township . I I I ■ • Important among these statistics is the fact that developed acreage increased by nearly five percentage points, adding more than 1,100 acres for a total of 3,649 acres. Most of this increase took place at the expense of agricultural lands, including crop and non-crop (pasture) areas. This trend will continue as development activities and speculation force farmlands out of production. It can be anticipated that the pressure will be focused more strongly on the extreme southeastern portion of the Township although other areas are experiencing the same trend. In light of this, it should be a major goal of the Township to preserve as much prime agricultural lands as possible, yet still permit planned expansion of the urban community. Existing Land Use: Problems and Assets From the land use field survey, it became apparent that a number of land use problems have developed over the years. At the same time, there are many assets which have also emerged. The problems are not of major proportions; in fact, they are generally typical of those found in most rural, developing areas. However, they must be objectively recognized in order to prevent similar situations from developing in the future. By the same token, the existing assets must be recognized as examples of sound development and established as the foundation for a better or attractive community in the future. 12 �TABLE 2 LAND USE COMPARISON Monitor Township 1962 and 1975 1962-1975 LAND USE CATEGORY 1975 1962 Acres % Acres % Acres CHANGE % Residential 715 3.0 1,329 5.6 +614 +85.9 Commercial 22 .1 112 .5 + 90 +409.l Industrial 264 1. , - 429 1.8 +165 +62.5 Public Semi-Public 225 .9 254 1.1 + 29 +12.9 1,226 5. 1 1,448 6.0 +222 +18. 1 7,7 .3 77 .3 0 0 2,529 10.6 3,649 15.3 +1,120 +44.3 20,842 87.2 19,871 83. l -971 -4.7 527 2.2 378 1.6 -149 -28.3 __, w Transportation Roads Railroads TOTAL DEVELOPED Agriculture (including crop and non-crop lands) Vacant (including rivers) TOTAL 23,898 100.0 23,898 100.0 { SOURCE: Bay County Land Use Inventory, 1975, Bay County Planning Colllllission, September, 1976. �I I I I I I I • The following, then, is the list of the m o r e ~ use problems. Most of the rural, non-farm residential structures have been constructed on parcels split from prime agricultural lands. Among other things, this has resulted in a loss of prime farm land, unnecessarily high traffic volumes on unimproved roads, and a dependence upon private septic tanks. This holds the potential for the pollution of groundwater and domestic water supplies. * Although relatively few in number, there are a handful of mobile homes scattered throughout the rural portions of the Township (i.e., outside of mobile home parks). This situation gives rise to problems such as inadequate fire protection, lack of adequate storm shelter, and dependence on private wells and septic tanks . * There are a number of examples of incompatible land uses: homes next to industries, mobile homes next to single family homes, and dwelling units interspersed among commercial establishments with inadequate protection for either use. This often gives rise to either severely depressed or widely inflated property values along with conditions not conducive to residential environments. By the same token, such incompatible uses often represent substantial obstacles to commercial and industrial expansion. * Strip commercial development patterns along M-13 and Euclid Avenue have created conditions of visual blight, an unnecessarily high number of driveway cuts which result in uncontrolled and hazardous turning movements, congestion and an inordinate amount of accidents. Often this pattern of commercial use results in an uneconomical use of land since only the front portion of the parcel is utilized. * * * A number of subdivisions have been platted and developed with an apparent lack of regard for continuity and access to adjacent property. This has resulted in numerous dead end stop streets which are expensive to build and maintain and result in a waste of land. At the same time, many subdivision and local streets have been constructed without adequate design standards. On the other side of the coin, the Township is blessed with many land use assets - situations which either exemplify good planning and foresight or are inherent in the Township itself. 14 �...... * Much of the high density urban development has taken place in relatively concentrated patterns in the Kawkawlin area, along Midland Road east of Fraser Road, or in the extreme southeast portion of the Township. These concentrated areas will serve as the basis for future development and provide an economical service area for utilities and other public services. * The abundance of fertile agricultural lands provides a stable and valuable economic base while serving as an 11 open space reserve 11 for residents of the urban areas. * The Township is in a unique geographic position in that its proximity to Bay City and the regional freeway system hold the potential for considerable growth in the future. * The presence of public water and sewer, and the potential for extensions of both, increase the development potential of the Township. This fact, together with large parcels of relatively inexpensive land with few development limitations, will prove to be increasingly more attractive to private developers. While this is not an all inclusive list, it does point out some of the major problems and assets. It remains for the Township to eliminate or minimize the problems while it capitalizes upon the assets. Housing To a growing community, an adequate and structurally sound housing stock is essential. As mentioned previously (Table l), the Township contains a total of 2,976 residential structures made up of single family homes, duplexes, multiple family units, and mobile homes. The 19 multiple family structures include 63 dwelling units for a total dwelling unit count of 3,020. By and large, Monitor Township is a community of owner-occupied single family homes. It is anticipated that this preference for single family homes will continue throughout this planning period; however, as the cost of home ownership continues to increase, the demand (need) for mobile homes and apartments will also continue. For singles, couples and the elderly, they offer definite advantages in the form of lower entry costs, reduced maintenance and upkeep, and lower property taxes. The Township must be cognizant of these facts when reserving areas for future residential developments. 15 �I I I I I I I I ■ The housing situation is one of rather stable housing conditions. According to figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Census, there were a total of 2,466 housing units in the Township in 1970. Of this total, ten were vacant - being classified as seasonal or migratory housing. The balance 2,456 units (99.6 percent) - were occupied on a year-round basis. This is slightly higher than both Bay County (98.6 percent) and the State of Michigan (96.2 percent). Additional information on housing characteristics is found in the Appendix of this report. It is interesting to note that the value of owner-occupied housing un-i ts in Monitor Township compares very favorably with both Bay County and the State of Michigan. For example, only 19.3 percent of the homes in the Township are valued at less than $15,000. In contrast, nearly 50 percent of the units in Bay County are valued in this range. On a statewide basis, there are roughly twice as many units under $15,000 as there are in the Township. In the upper range of the scale, the Township again compares very favorably with the County and the State. Whereas nearly 62 percent of the housing units in the Township are valued at more than $20,000, less than 29 percent in the County and 38 percent statewide are rated in this value range. These figures would tend to substantiate what has already been suspected; that is, Monitor Township is an area of relatively new or expensive homes in contrast to older, less valuable housing units in Bay County and throughout the state. It could be assumed that mobile homes make up the largest portion of the housing units valued at less than $15,000. One could also reason that more new homes are being built in the suburban and rural areas of the County, thereby accounting for higher housing values in places such as Monitor Township. The Census material in the Appendix also gives some insight into housing conditions throughout the Township, County and State. Reference here is to Table B-7, "Plumbing Characteristics", and Table B-8, "Persons Per Room". The absence of one or more indoor plumbing facilities is considered a rule of thumb standard indicative of substandard housing conditions. In the Township, only 24 units (one percent) lack some or all plumbing facilities. This compares very favorably with both the County and the State which both have a 11 substandard 11 level of 4.1 percent. In a similar vein, it is noted that nine percent of the occupied housing units in the Township evidence some degree of overcrowding as indicated by the number of persons per room. While this figure is somewhat higher than 16 �both the county and the state, it may be explained by the fact that larger families are often found in rural, farming areas. Still there is some evidence of substandard housing conditions in the Township. While not of major proportions it does point to an area where improvement can be accomplished. By doing so, it will not only improve the resident living conditions but also increase the attractiveness of the Township as a place to settle and build a future. Population Growth and Characteristics In 1930, Monitor Township contained less than 2,000 residents. During the ensuing four decades, it grew into an urban-suburban corrmunity of more than 8,700 persons. This was an increase of 335 percent - an addition of more than 6,800 residents. Residential growth has continued 'since 1970 as evidenced by a special census conducted by the Township Board in May of 1976. This census indicated that, as of that date, 10,033 people were residents of Monitor Township. This was an increase of nearly 1,300 persons, or 13.8 percent, over the six-year period since 1970. On a dicennial basis, this is comparable to a growth rate of 25 percent. While this is somewhat 1ower than the average increase between 1930 and 1970, it must be remembered that the period between 1970 and 1976 was characterized by high unemployment, high interest rates, and double digit inflation - all of which resulted in low residential construction activity. On the whole, Monitor Township is one of the largest and fastest growing communities in Bay County. Because of its close proximity to Bay City and it's regional accessibility, the Township has seen rather remarkable growth since 1930. Table 3 relates the historical population growth of the Township and the three counties of Bay, Midland and Saginaw. Also included are the respective figures for the State of Michigan. It is interesting to note that, with one exception, Monitor Township's growth rate out-paced all of the Counties and the State. The one exception was Midland County which increased at a rate of 58.3 percent over the 40-year period between 1930 and 1970. Within Bay County, however, the Township is the third largest ~overnmental unit (it is the largest in terms of land area). Only Bay City and Bangor Township have more residents. Table 4 relates the historical population growth of Monitor Township, Bay County and selected municipalities throughout the three-county area. 17 �1a a i -1-1 1111 1111 m, a 1 • 1 ) • J• 1 TABLE 3 HISTORICAL POPULATION GROWTH Monitor Township and Selected Units 1930 - 1970 -' State of Michigan lJ Monitor Township Bay County Midland County 1930 1,896 69,474 19, 150 .120,717 4,842,000 1940 #Change (1930-40) %Change (1930-40) 2,274 378 19.9 74,981 5,507 7.9 27,094 · 7,944 41.5 130,468 9,751 8.1 5,256,000 414,000 8.6 1950 #Change (1940-50) %Change (1940-50) 3,476 1,202 52.9 88,461 13,480 18.0 35,662 8,568 31.6 153,515 23,047 17.7 6,372,000 1,116,000 21.2 1960 #Change (1950-60) %Change (1950-60) 6,568 3,092 89.0 107,042 18,581 21.0 51,450 15,788 44.3 190,752 37,237 24.3 7,823,000 1,451,000 22.8 1970 #Change (1960-70) %Change (1960-70) 8,743 2,175 33 .1 117,339 10,297 9.6 63,769 12,319 23.9 219,743 28,991 15.2 8,875,000 1,052,000 13.4 #Change (1930-70) 6,847 47,865 44,619 99,026 4,033,000 Population/Change 0) Saginaw County %Change (1930-70) Average #Change (1930-70) Average %Change (1930-70) 360. l 1,712 48.7 ------------------------- lJ Rounded to nearest OOO's. SOURCE: U.S. Census of Population 68.9 11,966 17.2 233.0 11 , 155 58.3 82.0 24,757 20.5 83.3 1,008,250 20.8 �TABLE 4 HISTORICAL POPULATION GROWTH (Bay County and Selected Municipalities) 1970 1930 BAY COUNTY Auburn, City Bangor Twp. Bay City , Ci ty Beaver Twp. Essexville, City Frankenlust Twp. Fraiser Twp. Garfield Twp. _, Gibson Twp. \0 Hampton Twp. Kawkawlin Twp. Merritt Twp. Midland, City (pt) MONITOR TWP. Mount Forest Twp. Pinconning, City Pinconning Twp. Portsmouth Twp. Wil 1 i ams Twp. COUNTY TOTAL MIDLAND COUNTY Midland City Midland Twp. COUNTY TOTAL SAGINAW COUNTY Tittabawassee Twp. COUNTY TOTAL 1940 Percent Chan~ 1950 Percent Change 1960 Percent Change 1,497 11,686 53,604 1,783 4,590 1,481 2,608 982 758 5,387 3,357 1,762 72 .2 72.6 2.1 24.2 44.9 29.3 45.6 17.9 -1.6 39.7 44.4 8.6 1,588 47,355 1,260 l ,864 l ,046 l ,389 691 741 4,211 l ,532 l ,460 3,253 104.8 1.3 47,956 6.0 1,336 2,390 28.2 1,078 3 .1 1,448 4.2 15.3 797 912 23. l 3,046 -27.7 1,705 11.3 1,570 7.5 869 6,770 108. l 52,523 9.5 1,436 7.5 3,167 32.5 6.2 1,145 23.7 1,791 833 4.5 770 -15.6 3,857 26.6 . 2,324 36.3 1,623 3.4 1,896 723 826 2,258 1,458 1,866 69,474 2,274 812 1,027 1,485 1,680 2,212 74,981 19.9 12.3 24.3 34.2 15.2 18.5 7.9 3,476 850 1,223 1,605 2,068 2,131 88,461 52.9 4.7 19. 1 8.1 23 .1 -3.7 18.0 6,568 920 1,329 2,113 3,213 31404 107,042 8,038 1,209 19, 150 10,329 28.5 3i442 184.7 27,094 41.5 14,285 51320 35,662 38.3 54.6 31.6 27,779 2,268 51,450 21378 153,515 26.3 17.7 31150 190,752 1,548 11883 120,717 130,468 21.6 8.1 1970 Percent Avg% Change Increase 1,919 15,896 49,449 2,346 4,990 2,032 3,412 1,202 815 6,868 4,135 1,902 255 89.0 8,743 8.2 1,094 1,320 8.7 2,577 31. 7 4,088 54.9 4,296 59.7 21.0 117,339 28.2 36.0 -7.8 31.6 8.7 37.2 30.8 22.4 7.5 27.5 23.2 7.9 50.2 80.4 1.3 17.3 28.6 19.0 26. 1 15.0 3.4 16.5 28.8 6.9 33. 1 18.9 - .7 22.0 27.2 26.2 9.6 48.7 11.0 12.9 24.0 30 . 1 25.2 14 .1 94.5 -57.4 23.9 35,176 21521 63,769 26.6 11.2 23.9 47.0 48.3 30.2 32.5 24.3 4,031 219,743 28.0 15.2 27.1 16.3 �Additional insight into the population of the Township can be gained through the analysis of published Census data. For example, the age-sex composition in 1970 is showed in Table A-2. The second part of this Table reveals that the Township is generally in line with both the County and the State when age groups are categorized as preschool, school age, family formation, labor force, "empty nesters 11 , and senior citizens. The largest single group is the "labor force" group - those persons between the ages of 20 and 64. In 1970, they amounted to nearly 4,600 persons, or 52.3 percent of the population. Generally speaking, the Township has proportionately more residents in the school age, family formation, labor force and "empty nesters" categories. In contrast, senior citizens (those 65 years old or older) are roughly haTf that of the County and the State. This information holds a number of ramifications for the Township: * In the near future, school enrollments may drop slightly. The child-bearing age group - the females between 20 and 49-represent almost 40 percent of the female population. This would tend to indicate birth rates will continue at a higher rate than those of the County and the State. * The demand for housing, employment and social outlets will continue at a steady level due to the large portion of the population in the family formation years and an even larger portion in the school age years. * "Empty nesters" (the couples whose children have grown and left home) are parallel to that of the County and State. This age group is at the peak of its earning power with few child-related expenses; therefore, they usually can afford more luxury items such as second homes, winter vacations, etc. * The Township has proportionately fewer senior citizens than either the county or the state. This would indicate there is less of a need for passive recreation areas, medical care facilities, and the like than would be the case in areas with a high proportion of senior citizens. On the other hand, there will be a continuing demand for neighborhood playgrounds, structured recreational facilities (i.e., ballfields, tennis courts, etc.), and other social outlets for the preschool, school age and family formation age groups. 20 �Table A-3 gives some insight into the education levels of Township, County and State residents. In summary, it can be stated that proportionately more Township residents have attended college than either the County or the State. It should be noted that slightly more than one quarter of the residents over 25 years of age completed at least some level of elementary training. In contrast, 30 percent of the Bay County population and 24 percent of the State population are in this category. High school education levels are nearly equal for all levels of government: the Township registered 52 . 7 percent, the County 53.7 percent, and the State 55.8 percent. It is interesting to note that less than one half of one percent (.4%) of the Township population had completed no schooling at all. This is roughly half that of the County and the State. This data tends to substantiate the prevailing attitude of several generations ago which held that a formal education wasn't critical, especially in light of the rural agricultural economy. This has since changed and there is reason to believe the situation will change in Monitor Township as continued growth brings new residents into the area. One could even surmise that the 4,458 residents which completed some college level education are significantly younger than those with no schooling or only short experiences in the elementary levels. Nevertheless, it can be, presumed that educational levels will increase as the coming years bring additional growth into the Township and as more school age children continue into college level studies. Other population characteristics - specifically, family income levels, employment and occupation - are examined in the 11 Economic Base 11 analysis which follows. Economic Base Monitor Township, as an entity in itself, does not have an identifiable base aside from its agricultural lands. To a large extent, the Township is a 11 bedroom conmunity 11 , serving as home base for wage earners who commute to Bay City, Midland and Saginaw for employment. In this sense, the economic base of the Township is tied to that of the region . The largest single employer in the Township is Monitor Sugar Company. There are other relatively small employers (i.e. a modular housing factory, a wholesale and retail lumber and building supply outlet, and numerous comnercial establishments along Euclid Avenue); however, collectively, they employ only a fraction of the wage earners residing in the Township. 21 • • �f f ' ' '• • f • • • • A more definitive picture of local employment is provided in Table A-5 which lists the employed persons over 14 years of age by industry. The largest single employer is that of manufacturing, particularly durable goods, which provides jobs for 40 percent of the total wage earners in the Township. Ho doubt, most of these people are employed by industries in Bay City, Midland and Saginaw (i.e., General Motors, Dow Chemical, Dow Corning, etc.). The second largest employment sector is 11 professional and related services 11 the accountants, engineers, doctors, lawyers and other professionals. According to Census information, this category employed 600 people in 1970. Based on this data, one could conclude that the Township has a high proportion of 11 white collar 11 residents who have been attracted to the area. It should also be noted that only 77 persons (2.4% of the total) were employed in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. ·While this is proportionately higher than both Bay County and the State, it would tend to indicate that farming in Monitor Township is highly mechanized and that each farm is relatively large, encompassing hundreds of acres . This conclusion is confirmed by analyzing t~e existing land use map which indicates that thousands of acres are in active agricultural production . Table A-6, "Occupation of Employed Persons", gives additional insight into the occupational characteristics of the Township's labor force. The so-called 11 white-collar 11 workers (professionals, managers and administrators) comprise 23 percent of the employed labor force. This is a slightly higher proportion than the State (21%) and substantially more than Bay County as a whole (18%) . The largest single employment category is the craftsmen, foremen and kindred workers. They represent 21 percent (675 employees) of the labor force. This, too, is substantially higher than either the State or the County. Together with operatives (both transport and non-transport), the so-called 11 blue-collar workers" amount to 1,245 employees - 4 of every 10 workers. In this case, however, the Township's proportion is slightly less than the County (41 .5%) but more than the State (36.7%). This data portrays Monitor Township as a working class community with a rather large professional population. This will tend to have rather important ramifications in terms of: stability - blue collar workers are transferred less often than professionals; incomes - typically higher and more stable than strictly working class corrrnunities and less subject to 22 �strikes, 1ay-offs and severe economic recessions; spending patterns - a good mix between emphasis on tangible commodities (i.e., automobiles, boats, cottages, etc.) and intangibles (i.e., stock investments, overseas trips, etc.); property values - a high priority on home ownership and property improvements; and comnunity leadership - since there is a good mix between professionals (high formal education levels) and "blue collar workers'', there is usually a high degree of interest in the affairs of the conrnunity along with long-term residency and the skills to deal with such affairs. The employment and occupation statistics are reflected in the in~ome levels of Monitor Township families. Table A-4 reveals the Township is more affluent than either the County or State. Whereas 31 percent of the families in the Township had 1970 incomes of 1ess than $10,000, more than 45 percent of the families in the County are in that range. In contrast, fully one half of the families throughout the State had incomes below $10,000. On the brighter side, more than two-thirds of the families in the Township had incomes over $10,000, and 5.5 percent had incomes over $25,000. This relates quite favorably to the County and the State where the respective figures for incomes in excess of $10,000 were 53.3 and 49.4 percent. In fact, at the Township level, the largest single income category was in the $15,000 to $24,999 range - 24.4 percent of the total or 542 families. In sunmary, it can be stated that the economic base of Monitor Township is tied to the economic base of the Tri-County area. While agriculture is the predominant 1and use, it employs only a small fraction of the total labor force. Most of the wage earners living in the Township contnute to employment centers outside the area. This was substantiated by a 1and use attitude survey distributed by the Township Planning Commission in the surrmer of 1975. The results of this survey indicated that 44% of the principal wage earners worked in Bay City, 13% in Midland, and 17% in Saginaw. Of the remaining 26%, only 5-1/2% indicated they earned their wages within the Township. The balance worked in other locations. This data alone documents the conclusion that Monitor Township has little in the way of local employment. Rather, it is dependent upon the larger conrnunities and their industrial and service operations. 23 • �I I I I Because so many wage earners conmute to jobs outside the Township, they tend to identify with these larger corrmunities and, no doubt, do much of their shopping in them. This would especially be true of Bay City which is conveniently close and accessible to a majority of the residents. This would explain, at least in part, why the Township has little in the way of retail shopping services; that is, stores selling items such as furniture, appliances, automobiles, 11 comparison 11 full line grocery stores, and so on. Outside of the conmercial outlets on Euclid Avenue, these items are practically nonexistent in the Township. I I It can be anticipated there will be a definite shift in the future as continued growth establishes a large market for all types of commercial enterprises. It is not inconceivable that a 11 mal1 11 or 11 shopping center 11 will locate in the Township. The major attractions to this type of development are large parcels of vacant, developable land, reasonably priced, with utility service, good highway access, and a large market area. All of these qualities are, or will be, found in Monitor Township . II II • • Natural Features The natural features (physical characteristics) of Monitor Township are typical of most of the Bay (Saginaw) Valley relatively flat with little in the way of tree cover. Total relief across the Township is only about 75 feet, from a high point of 660 feet to a low point of 585 feet above sea level. Because there is relatively little topographic relief, contour intervals have not been mapped. The map, entitled 11 Natural Features 11 , portrays some of the more significant physical features as they exist today. There are isolated areas of small but significant steep slopes along the Kawkawlin River and some of its tributaries. These areas could prove critical to urban development due to their susceptibility to erosion and land slippage. The most prominent natural feature is the Kawkawlin River which meanders in a northeasterly direction across the northern portion of the Township. Together with Squaconning (Dutch) Creek and the Columbia Drain, the Kawkawlin River is the only perennial stream in the area. In fact, they account for the only major surface water bodies of significant size. The 24 �•• I I \_ 1 f MONITOR TOWNSHIP I, BAY COUNTY MICHIGAN I NATURAL FEATURES 1111111111 STEEP SLOPE (I _,,,,,._, COUNTY DRAIN - - SUB-BASIN DRAINAGE DIVIDE - I I I I I I I I- BASIN DIVIDE TREE COVER .:::-,,,. SWAMP * MINE DUMP SURFACE WATER ·---- KAWKAWLIN RIVER 1//illl FLOOD HAZARD AREA 0 r. . . . ----:o""lr -----.:----==i::___ ____--f--____ . ww - l ~~ ::+.·----, \-'- ~ .-" --~- - _________ l_,,,,.: 1:::::. - :::::!::::p,~ .•· " ,~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J - ---s!F~ .•······' ~ --lllil----1~ .••.t-···~· :F"==>-t~--1 EXISTING LAN D USE '"' :- I I - • SI N GL.E F AM ILY RESI D E N T I AL . ... M Ul.]"'1 - FA M tLV RESIDE NTIA L 'i> M O B ILE HOME 4, P U BLIC, S l!:M l·P U B LIC 0 COMM ERCIAL ■ INDU STR I A L I• i L BAY COUNTY a PREPARE-0 8Y ZONING 8 PLANN IN G CO MM. JUNE 197!1, _ _ P\ _ _ _ W'IL.UAMs/iwoRKa K �Kawkawlin River basin drains a major portion of the central area of Bay County. The Main Branch of the River starts in Beaver Township and winds south and eastward through Williams, Monitor and Bangor Townships, emptying into Saginaw Bay north of the Saginaw River. The North Branch has its headwaters in Garfield Township. From there it flows through Beaver and Kawkawlin Townships before it connects with the Main Branch just west of the corrmunity of Kawkawlin in Monitor Township. The Kawkawlin River has special significance in Monitor Township because it drains approximatley 70 percent of the land area. As shown on the Natural Features map, a major basin divide is ]ocated in the extreme southwestern part of the Township. From a point on Mackinac Road, approximately 1/2 mile south of Salzburg Road, the major basin divide meanders northeasterly to US-10 and into Bangor Township. Surface waters south of this line flow south and easterly into Squaconning Creek and from there into the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. North of this line, surface waters flow north and northeasterly into the Kawkawlin River and eventually into the Saginaw Bay. The direction of surface water flow is also graphically indicated on the Natural Features map in the form of county drains and sub-basin drainage divides. The importance of the natural drainage characteristics is especially critical in the design of utility systems and the establishment of special assessment districts for drainage purposes. That is to say, if utility lines, particularly sanitary sewers and storm sewers, can follow the natural lay of the land, expensive lift stations can be eliminated. In a similar vein, extensive development which increases surface water runoff in the upper reaches of a drainage district can easily result in downstream flooding of neighboring properties. These facts will become more important as the Township experiences increasing development and a resultant need to manage storm waters and public utility systems. The background information contained in this map will provide important clues to proper site planning and other studies related to physical development of the Township. Another important aspect of the Natural Features map are those areas indicated as flood hazard areas as they are located along the Kawkawlin River and other drainage channels. These areas are a combination of flood hazard areas as defined by the Flood Insurance Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Advance Soil Survey as performed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These areas are also important physical limitations in the sense 25 �that they are subject to periodic flooding - in this case, 100-year floods. At present, they are not extensively developed; therefore, the Township is in a good position to preserve and protect these areas from future flooding and subsequent property damage. Most logically, this would be accomplished through the administration of zoning, building codes, and subdivision regulations. The Natural Features map also incorporates other important physical features; among them are areas of significant tree cover, swamps or low lying wetlands, and mine dumps. Due to the extent of farming in the area, areas of significant tree stands are .not prominent. However, there are some localized concentrations scattered throughout the Township which could be very attractive for urban development as property owners realize the environmental benefits of trees and the demand for wooded lots. In a similar vein, swamps or low lying wetlands are not significant or wide ranging being concentrated most heavily along the Kawkawlin River. The areas shown as Mine Dumps are significant in that they indicate areas of past mining activity. Several decades ago, there were a number of active coal mines in the Township. These mines have since been depleted and the mine shafts and subsurface caverns have filled with water. In many cases, the only physical evidence of past mining activity are rather large piles of mine tailings. The old mines do not represent a danger in terms of potential cave-ins; however, they may represent a physical obstacle to road location or other forms of intensive urban development. In this sense, they should be recognized as a significant physical feature. It is also important to note that an extensive water table aquifer underlies the Township. Due to sandy and loamy soils, a high percentage of the precipitation is allowed to recharge this aquifer through soil percolation. Although little infonnation is available regarding ground or surface water quality, it is known that the groundwater is generally of poor quality due to chloride contamination from abandoned oil and gas wells and salt water from brine containing formations. As a result, many private wells throughout the area have poor water quality due to the presence of brine and other minerals. In some cases, the groundwater is unfit for domestic use. This accounts for, at least in part, the presence of extensive water mains throughout the eastern and central portions of the Township. In all cases, municipal water supplies are obtained from Lake Huron. (Refer to the section on Utilities for more information.) 26 �I I I I I • •I • • • • • • • • • • • Generalized Soils Generally speaking, the soils in Monitor Township are loams, although there are rather large but isolated areas of sand and smaller more isolated areas of muck and clay. The location of these soils is an important consideration in the development of an urbanizing area. In the absence of public utilities, homes and businesses must obtain a safe water supply from the ground and dispose of waste within the ground. Their ability to do so depends upon the characteristics of the soil and the intensity of the use . The map, entitled "Advanced Soil Survey", indicates the soils of the Township according to four classifications: sand, sandy loam, loamy sand and loam. Other categories include "disturbed land" - a miscellaneous land type which includes areas with little or no earthly material, areas artificially filled with trashy material, areas where the materials are too varied to estimate their properties, borrow pits, borrow areas, and cut and fill areas which have been filled with earthy material, then smoothed (i.e., expressway interchange areas). "Urban 1ands are those areas covered by streets, parking lots,buildings and other structures to the extent that they obscure or alter the soil in at least 80 percent of the area. In effect, the urban land areas are so extensively developed that it is difficult or impractical to investigate in detail. The areas shown symbolically as "sand spots" are areas less than three acres in size which have sand or loamy sand characteristics. In all cases, this information was supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in conjunction with the Bay County Soil Conservation District and the Bay County Regional Planning Commission . II The "Soils" map readily indicates that most of the Township is made up of loamy soils, accounting at least in part for the productive agricultural lands. Sandy areas are found in the Kawkawlin area as well as isolated areas in the southcentral, central and northeastern parts of the Township . Sandy loams are even more scattered and isolated although they are generally found in the central and northern portions of the Township. Loamy sands, on the other hand, are generally confined to the upper reaches of the Kawkawlin River, although some areas are located around Kawkawlin. A rather large area of loamy sand is also found in the southcentral region • 27 �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ ~ MONITOR TOWNSHIP ,.- BAY COUNTY MICHIGAN ,. 0 f- 0 a:: ADVANCED SOIL SURVEY ~ SANO =::::J SANDY LOAM =:=::i LOAMY SAND ===LOAM ' -=:-J DISTURBED LAND ..::::::::::i uRBAN LAND ·> SAND SPOT UL □[ □[ EXISTING LAND USE • SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL • ' MULTl• FAMILY RESIDENTIAL Q MOBILE t-tOME ... PUBLIC, SEMl•PUBLIC 0 COMMERCIAL ■ INDUSTRIAL N ..., ' • .... .... FUT PREPARED BY BAY COUNTY • ZONING a PLANNING COMM JUNE 1975 WIWAMS .WORKS �I -i With few exceptions, the soils of Monitor Township have varying characteristics in terms of permeability, water table, and their respective limitations to development. Generally speaking, slopes are less than six percent while permeability ranges from less than one inch to twenty inches per hour. Permeability, of course, has to do with the ability of the particular soil to accept the downward movement of water and other fluids. This relates directly to a soils suitability for septic tanks and tile fields. Also important in this respect is the depth of the water table and whether or not it is low enough to permit the trouble free operation of individual septic systems. Taken together, these characteristics establish limitations to development. Exhibit A in the Appendix contains a listing of the respective limitations to development as well as additional information relative to the aforenoted soils . II • • • • Contrary to the general belief of many people, individual septic systems are not designed or suitable for urban development. The septic system (that is, septic tank and tile field) was originally developed to permit rural farms and seasonal residences to have the convenience of indoor plumbing and bathrooms. They have also been found to be generally satisfactory as temporary facilities in proper soils where public utilities are eventually planned. However, the great quality of water used by the modern family often exceeds the capacity of a septic system and the soil, especially where a number of families locate close together. Septic system failures are approximately 50 percent over the first ten years of operation. As state and federal pollution controls continue to increase, the suitability of septic tanks and tile fields will continue to decrease. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the Township to direct as much growth as possible into planned utility service areas. This would accomplish several purposes: 1) preserve and maintain the present water quality of the outlying areas; 2) increase the economic feasibility of public sewer and water systems by increasing the number of customers; and 3) decrease the pressure on prime agricultural lands for non-agricultural development. ·Agri cultura 1 Lands The shaded areas on the map, entitled "Agricultural Lands", are those lands which are considered to be "prime agricultural lands". While the productivity of a particular parcel depends 28 �I I I to a great extent upon the operator and his agricultural practices (i.e., installation of tile, application of fertilizer, degree of mechanization, etc.), the areas shown on this map have a history of consistently high production as determined by members of the Planning Commission. These members were persons familar with all portions of the Township and possessing a background in farming or farm-related activities. From this map it is relatively apparent that only small portions of the Township are not suitable for farming. It is also readily noted that even relatively small parcels in the more built-up areas are still being farmed. For the most part, the non-productive agricultural lands are either tree covered, low lying and swampy, or sandy in nature. It is also interesting to note that a rather extensive amount of nonfarm development has taken place along section line roads in the outlying, rural areas. In many cases this has taken place at the expense of good agricultural l~nds. On a parcel-by-parcel basis, the loss of farm lands seems inconsequential; however, when this practice is multiplied throughout the Township, the full impact amounts to a loss of hundreds of acres of irreplaceable farmland. With the rest of the world increasingly more dependent upon the United States for food production, continuation of this trend could be tragic. It is in the long-tenn interest of the Township to direct future growth into those areas where the soils and natural features are not well suited for farming. With careful planning and proper architectural and engineering designs a home can be built in practically any location, on any soil. The same cannot be said about profitable farming. Only certain soils can grow the food and fiber needed for present and future generations. Once this valuable land is corranitted to homes and other non-agricultural uses, it is, for all practical purposes, lost for farming use. With careful and logical planning the Township can direct most of the future growth into areas where utilities are more economical and other urban services can readily be provided. This would also serve to reduce the development pressure on "prime agricultural lands", thereby resulting in a minimal loss of this valuable natural resource. If done properly, this process should not place inequitable burdens upon any particular property owner. Farming is an important mainstay in the economy of the Township and should be protected from unnecessary harm. 29 I -- I I I I I I I I I -I - �• •II ::,- \.. 1 r MONITOR TOWNSHIP BAY COUNTY MICHIGAN II Iii II AGRICULTU RE LANDS 111 0 EXISTING LANO USE • SINOLE FAMILY RE.SIOl!:NTIAL • ' MULTI •FAMILY RESIDENTIAL Q MOBILE. HOME .. PUBLIC. SEMI-PU9LIC D COMMERCIAL. ■ INDUSTRIAL N ... BAY COUNTY • K N s i • """ ,000 ~l.lT PREPARED BY ZONING 8 PLANNING COMM JUNE 197et 1W1LUAMS _ ,__ ,a. _wo _ R.Ka _ �As shown on the map, less than 17,050 acres are considered "prime agricultural lands". Some of this land will give way to urban development, especially in the southeastern parts of the Township. The challenge will lie in the ability of the Township to preserve these lands in the outlying areas those areas removed from the urban community. Utilities To a developing community with urban densities, utilities particularly sewer, water and storm sewers - play a central and import~nt role in the rate and extent of development. Although gas, electric and telephone service are also important, the primary focus of this discussion will be on public sewer and water service because these are the utilities which the Township, as a governmental unit, can most readily provide. They are also highly important in attracting and accommodating new growth. It has been noted in previous sections of this document that soils are generally conducive to farming, although they may not be ideal for the proper operation of private septic systems. It has also been noted that groundwater supplies are often of poor quality and unfit for domestic consumption. The map, entitled "Existing Utilities", shows the size and location of existing water and sewer lines as they are presently located in the Township. It is interesting to note that water lines and water service districts are extensive and rather wide-spread. This is in contrast to sanitary sewer lines which are restricted to the extreme southeastern portion of the Township. In fact, the sewer lines are limited solely to the northeast quarter of Section 37. With the exception of the treatment provided by the Monitor Sugar Company, this is the only area of the Township which has public sewers. The balance of the area is served by individual septic tank systems. The existing sewer system was originally constructed in the early 1960 s. Basically it consists of 6 and 8 inch gravity sewers which serve approximately 250 customers in and around Mutual Subdivision and the surrounding area. This system is connected to the Bay City collection system by way of a 12inch gravity sewer at the intersection of Euclid and Ionia Streets. Much of this area is also served by a separate storm water sewer system. From the Euclid Avenue area, Monitor Township's domestic waste is treated at the Bay City Treatment Plant for eventual discharge into the Saginaw River. 1 30 �The Monitor Sugar Company treats its process waste by means of an aerated lagoon and settling pond system. Wastewater from this system is discharged to the Columbia Drain which is a tributary of the Squaconning (Dutch) Creek. From there it flows into the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. The effluent discharges from the Sugar Company correspond to the beet processing period of November through February . As noted above, the balance of the Township relies upon individual septic tank systems for the treatment of domestic wastewater. Due primarily to the poor drainage characteristics of the soils in many areas of the Township, many septic systems fail to operate properly - thereby resulting in drainfield failures. In addition, the capability of the soils to provide adequate treatment of septic tank wastes is exceeded in some of the more densely developed areas. Because of this, the existing septic systems are not capable of providing adequate treatment to all of the wastewaters. This situation becomes even more critical during periods of heavy rains and spring thaws - times during which the soils are saturated with groundwater. As a result, the drainage system often fails to operate effectively, resulting in inadequate treatment of the wastewater. There are at least several cases where septic effluents percolate to the surface; and in at least one case, the Bay County Health Department has halted the development of a single family plat because of poor percolation rates. This situation could become especially critical in the more developed areas as continued use of septic tanks concentrates waste material in a relatively small area. In order for the Township to continue to grow as it has in the past, it is essential that it develop a sanitary sewer system. Township officials have recognized this situation; and at the time of this writing, they are in the process of completing the first step in an areawide wastewater collection and treatment plan. In contrast to the limited sanitary sewer service available in the Township, there is a rather extensive network of water lines owned and operated by a number of municipalities and water supply agencies. It would appear, at first glance, as though water service to Monitor Township residents has developed in a rather haphazard manner over a number of years. The Midland-Saginaw Water Authority supplies water to residents along Three Mile Road, north of Midland Road, by way of a 48inch transmission main. This line also supplies water to the Kawkawlin Metro Water District which treats the unfiltered 31 I I ~ I I I I I I �MONITOR TOWNSHIP BAY COUNTY MICHIGAN EXISTING UTILITIES WATER LINE SAGINAW RAW WATER LINE MIDLAND RAW WATER LINE BAY CITY WATER I INE SAGINAW-MIDLAND RAW WATER LINE WATER SERVICE DISTRICTS 0 SANITARY SEWER LINE EXISTING LAND USE ••• Q • • D SINOL.E !S'AMILY RESIOl!:NTIAL MULTI • FAMILY RE.SIOENTI A L MOBILE HOME. PUBLIC , Sl!:Ml·PUll!!ILIC COMMERCIAL. INDUSTRIAL N ""' !• ,uT PREPARED BY BAY GQ UHTY ZON I NG & PL ANNI NG COMM JUNE 197, ----"--W1U1A.M • l"woA.K1 �• water at a filtration plant on Old Beaver Road near the Kawkawlin River. From there it is distributed to its customers. This water district is shown as a shaded area on the 11 Existing Utilities" map. In addition to the Midland-Saginaw Water Authority, the City of Midland has allowed the residents on Midland Road and North Union Road to tap directly into a 36-inch transmission main on Midland Road and a 48-inch transmission main on North Union Road. Both these lines come off the 48-inch Midland-Saginaw transmission main located along Three Mile Road. Pressure is provided by a pump station located immediately north of the Township Hall. The City of Saginaw also allows residents along Three Mile Road, south of Midland Road, to tap directly into a 36-inch transmission main. Prior to 1966, this transmission main carried raw water. After that date, the City reversed the flows by installing a new 48-inch water transmission main and began supplying filtered water in the 36-inch main. In addition to serving the residents along Three Mile Road with filtered water, Saginaw also supplies several districts in the east central and southeastern portions of the Township. Bay City is the fourth source of water supply, particularly in the subdivisions located in the southeastern corner of the Township. In this case, the Bay County Department of Public Works acts as the operation and maintenance agency for those lines serving the several water districts. The DPW also operates and maintains other lines in outlying portions of the Township. This includes the transmission main along Salzburg Road as well as lines along Fraser, Mackinac, Wheeler, Wilder, Three Mile and Midland Roads. The multiplicity of water lines and supply agencies has resulted in very complex and difficult administrative problems for the Township. Perhaps more importantly, the presence of public water in outlying, rur·al areas, tends to encourage non-agricultural growth at the expense of agriculture lands. Without these water lines non-farm residents would tend to locate in water service districts simply because of the presence of good water. To a degree, the absence of water lines in the outlying areas would act as a natural growth directive. As it is, the Township must place increasing reliance upon planning, zoning, subdivision controls, and other regulatory measures to limit non-farm development in these "prime agricultural lands 11 • 32 \ �Transportation and ETrcul ati on The term "transportation" includes all modes of moving goods and people. In Monitor Township, the reference is to streets, roads, freeways, railroads and airports. Circulation, on the other hand, refers to the access provided by the transportation system. The Tri-City Airport has been discussed in the context of the "Regional Setting" and will not be reiterated here. Suffice it to say, the Airport is a major asset to the Region as it provides quick access over long distances. Within the Township, it can be anticipated that Mackinac and Hotchkiss Roads will carry the bulk of the ground transportation traffic to the Ai rport. It can also be anticipated that the railroads will play an important role in the future growth and development of the Township. At present, there are a number of lines of the New York Central Railroad (also referred to as the Penn Central Railroad in other maps and documents). One branch of the New York Central runs parallel to and slightly north of Midland Road. Another crosses the extreme southeastern tip of the Township in the area of Monitor Sugar Company. The third branch is located between Old Kawkawlin Road (AuSable State Road) and M-13 in the Kawkawlin area. In all cases, these lines are limited to freight service; passenger service is not available. The east-west line is important in that it is available to haul freight between Bay City and Midland, particularly the port facilities available on the Saginaw River with the industrial facilities in Midland. The branch in the southeast corner of the Township is also important in that it provides rail service to Monitor Sugar Company and surrounding industries. The line through the Kawkawlin area is of less importance to the Townships since it does not serve major industrial firms. However, this is not intended to discount its importance to other areas or industries. Over the past several years, there has been considerable discussion relative to the abandonment of so-called "unprofitable railroad lines". At one point the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had recorrmended that the New York Central/Penn 33 • • • • • • • •~ �• Central east-west line be abandoned because the Federal government considered it an excess line. That is to say, it was considered either a duplicate feeder line or unnecessary to serve those points recommended for service in the area. Since this time, however, the State has advocated that this line be incorporated into the Con Rail system. Although final decisions are yet to be made in this regard, it can be anticipated that this line will continue to provide freight service through the area. One cannot be as optimistic for the other lines in the Township. It has been recommended that the New York/Penn Central line through Kawkawlin be abandoned because it duplicates the service provided by the Detroit and Mackinac line located slightly to the east. While this would not be detrimental . to Monitor Township, it could have a significant impact on communities in northern Michigan since this line continues to Mackinac City and St. Ignace. If, in fact, this railroad is eventually abandoned, it would open possibilities for open space trails and linkages in the abandoned corridor. The major transportation concern at the local level has to do with the networks of streets and highways, particularly primary and secondary roads. In Monitor Township, the paved primary roads include: Hotchkiss Road from I-75 to Mackinaw Salzburg Road from Euclid Avenue to Mackinaw all of Midland Road all of Wheeler Road all of Seven Mile Road Mackinaw Road from Midland to Hotchkiss Three Mile Road from Midland to Salzburg Two Mile Road from M-13 to Midland Euclid Avenue from Salzburg to Hotchkiss and Old Kawkawlin Road Generally speaking, all of the aforementioned roads are located within 66-foot rights-of-ways. The remaining roads throughout the area are either unpaved primary roads or local (secondary) roads. In total, the combination primary and secondary roads are well spaced along section lines and provide fairly convenient access to all points in the Township. Neither the freeway system nor the Kawkawlin River present insurmountable obstacles to accessability. 34 �In addition to the primary and secondary road system, the Bay County Road Commission has designated a network of all weather roads which are designed to acco111Tiodate truck traffic on a year-round basis. Class A roads - those designed to accommodate a maximum of 32,000 lbs for a tandem axle assembly are: Wheeler Road Midland Road Salzburg Road from Mackinaw to Euclid Seven Mile Road Old Kawkawlin Road Eucli~ Avenue from Salzburg Road to a point 1/2 mile south Class A all season roads include only Wilder Road, from the 1-75 interchange east. The remaining roads are classified as Class B, intended for a maximum tandem axle assembly of 26,000 lbs. Also of concern at the local level are the so-called local or secondary streets; the streets that provide property access, particularly in platted areas. They are of special concern in Say County because for many years only minimal standards of design and construction were required . As a result, there are many miles of gravel streets without adequate drainage, particularly in subdivided areas. Since the time of platting of most of these areas, the County Road Co111Tiission has revised its standards and now requires paved streets and positive drainage. This will improve the situation as unplatted land is subdivided in the future. However, there remains a problem with existing subdivision streets which need consider•· able improvement. At the regional level, the State and Federal highway systems enter the picture; of course, here the reference is to I-75, US-1O, US-23, M-13, and M-84. With the exception of M-13 and M-84,these are limited access freeways which provide relatively high speed (55 mph) travel into and through the region. The Township is fortunate in that the freeway system does not substantially hinder local highway or property access. Still there are a number of local roads which dead end at the freeways (Eight Mile, Fraser, Fisher, Boxman, and Two Mile). Others, specifically Townline, Four Mile and Three Mile, have been realigned into other roads to provide access across 1-75 and US-1O. These dead ends and realignments require some 35 • -~ ~ ~ ~ - �inconvenience on the part of local travelers; however, at most, this involves a distance of less than two miles. Other areas in Bay County and around the State have suffered greater losses at the expense of the freeway system. The importance of an adequate system of roads cannot be over emphasized for it plays a vital role, not only in the economic health of a community, but also in its attractiveness as a living area. In cases such as Monitor Township - a Township close to large urban areas - the ability to move quickly and comfortably into and throughout the area is uppennost in the minds of those making location decisions. Also, as people continue to leave crowded core cities in search of less hurried and more peaceful surroundings, industries will and are doing the same - not only because their labor force has done so, but because modern manufacturing techniques require single story operations on large lots which are becoming increasingly more difficult and expensive to achieve in the core city. In addition, as the population increases in the Township, traffic on major streets will increase. Monitor Township can control growth and development within its corporate boundaries, but the Township has no control ~ver that portion of the highway system outside its limits. For that matter, it has little control over the system within its limits. These facts necessitate close coordination and coordination and cooperation with the County Road Commission and wise use of the Township's road improvement funds. Full interchanges are provided at Wilder and Mackinac Roads. This is in addition to the interchange at M-84, one-half mile south of Hotchkiss Road in Frankenlust Township and the interchange at Beaver Road in Kawkawlin Township. Overpasses or underpasses are provided at Mackinaw (at 1-75), Wheeler, North Union, Midland, Salzburg, Hotchkiss, Seven Mile and Three Mile Roads. Although the freeway system does not present a major obstacle in tenns of local property access, it is emphasized that there are only two points in the Township where freeway access is available. It can be anticipated that these areas will come under increasing development pressure as time goes by. In fact, a number of development projects have already been proposed for these locations. 36 �CoITmunity Facilities Some communities stand out over others as more desirable places to live because they offer an added dimension in the total quality of living. This added dimension takes the fonn of pleasant and attractive parks and recreation areas, good schools, well stocked libraries, adequate police and fire protection, well maintained cemeteries, convenient and accessible government centers, and a wide spectrum of religious and fraternal organizations. In a word, this dimension11 adds up to - coITmunity facilities. 11 Monitor Township has a number of corrrnunity facilities within its corporate limits. Of major concern to most residents are the schools. The Township is part of the Bay City School District and is the site of a number of elementary and middle school facilities. They include: 1. West Kawkawlin School -- a K-5 elementary facility on Old Beaver Road west of the River. This site encompasses approximately ten acres and had a 1976-77 enrollment of 186 students. There are no improvements planned for this facility in the short-range future. 2. Webster School -- a K-5 elementary school on Midland Road at Mackinaw. This facility occupies a relatively small site of two acres with a 1976-77 enrollment of 183 students. The School District plans to continue Webster School for the next two or three years. After that time it may be abandoned as a school site and available for other uses. 3. McAlear-Sawden -- a middle school occupying a fifteenacre site on Midland Road west of Three Mile. Six hundred seventy students in grades 6-8 were enrolled in 1976-77. The School Board plans to add a science room and gymnasium in the near future. 37 �I • • • 4. Baxman School -- a K-5 elementary school on a 3.5 acre parcel located directly across from the Township Hall on Midland Road at Three Mile . Current enrollment stands at 314 students. Due to site limitations there are no current plans for expansion . 5. MacKensen School -- a K-6 elementary school at Salzburg Road and Two Mile. This school occupies a site slightly in excess of four acres and had a 1976-77 enrollment of 402 students. The largest educational facility in the Township is the BayArenac Skill Center located between Two Mile and Monitor Roads, south of Wilder. The Skill Center occupies approximately 120 acres and provides technical and vocational skill training for residents throughout the Bay and Arenac County area. It also merits noting that the fonner East Kawkawlin School - an elementary facility on a two acre site in Kawkawlin at Old Beaver and Monitor Roads - is now being leased to a mental health agency. While no longer a public school in the sense that it is not operated by the Bay City School District, this facility still holds considerable potential as a neighborhood park and recreation site. The existing school facilities are generally well distributed throughout the Kawkawlin and developing areas of the Township. It should be noted that school children on the western extremities of the Township are relatively close to elementary schools located in and around the City of Auburn. In addition to the public schools there are a number of parochial schools in and around the Township. Trinity Lutheran Church, located on Salzburg Road at Eight Mile, operates a moderately sized school and there are other such facilities in relatively close proximity to the Township. It should be noted that no senior high school facilities are located in the Township proper. John Glenn High School is situated in Bangor Township and Handy High School is also relatively close to the Township. The most recent high school addition to the Bay City system is Bay City Western on the western edge of Auburn. Given the distribution and close proximity of these high school facilities, it is doubtful that Monitor Township will see the location of a high school within its corporate boundaries. 38 �Most of the public schools occupy small sites of five acres or less. Only West Kawkawlin (10 acres) and McAlear-Sawden (15 acres) have enough land to accoJl111odate building expansion and playground improvements. Ideally, it is in the best interests of both the Township and the School Board to combine recreational facilities on a school site and share in the cost of maintenance and improvement. Such 11 schoolparks11 first gained popularity in Illinois in the 1930 ' s and has since spread throughout the United States and Canada. The concept itself is based on the principle that both the school system and the governmental unit recognize the value of recreation and attempt to provide the same . Education, as well as organized recreation, strive to obtai'n the same results - healthy activities which help prepare a child for a useful adult life. Certain phases of physical education and recreation often make use of the same facilities, the same equipment, and possibly even the same instructional personnel. It is logical then that these two agencies should be located in close proximity to each other. Most schools, especially elementaries, have only limited recreational equipment and School Boards have limited financial resources. Furthermore, it is difficult to justify large capital expenditures and maintenance costs when the facilities will only be used during a nine-month school year. On the other side of the coin, the Township Board is in a somewhat different situation. It too has recognized the value of public recreation and it too has limited financial resources. In order for the Township to provide recreational facilities, it would have to acquire, develop and maintain separate sites. Most of these sites would be far removed from any school building and the facilities would be used only during off-school hours or vacation periods. It therefore makes good sense to combine recreation areas on school sites and share in the cost. Since the location of schools, in particular elementary schools, are predicated upon the same factors as those of neighborhood playgrounds, it seems only natural that the agencies responsible for their construction should combine in the acquisition, development, and maintenance of these areas and create school-parks. Although only West Kawkawlin and McAlear-Sawden hold this potential, the Township should pursue this concept with the School Board, especially as budgetary constraints become more critical. 39 �I I I I I • • • • An increasingly important aspect of community facilities are the availability of park and recreation areas to Township residents. Aside from the facilities at the forenoted schools, Township residents can only avail themselves of two public, semi-public recreational facilities in the Township proper. The first, White Birch Golf Course, is an 18hole course in the northwestern portion of the Township. Occupying approximately 100 acres, the golf course is open to the public and provides a recreational dimension that is lacking in many communities. The other facility is Monitor Township Park, a 22-acre recreation area located on Three Mile Road north of North Union Road. This facility was developed through the auspices of the Bay County Recreation bepartment ·utilizing state and federal grant programs. At present, the Park includes two baseball fields, restroom facilities, and related parking. Future plans include the addition of a lighted ballfield, lighted tennis courts, and a lighted ice skating rink. With the addition of these facilities the site will be largely developed and the Township will be forced to look for other sites for recreational development . It is important to point out that, due to the topographicgeographic nature of the Township, water oriented recreational opportunities are severely limited. This does not discount the opportunities presented by Saginaw Bay which is only a matter of several miles from the Township. Still, for small children and the less affluent without transportation, the opportunity to swim, fish and go boating is severely restricted. This could be considered a major deficiency in the local recreation program. There also remains a need for a large community park - an area where a family could picnic and play as a family unit. The Township Hall is located on a two-acre site on the northwest corner of Midland and Three Mile Roads. The facilities here include administrative offices, fire fighting equipment, and a large hall for receptions, senior citizens activities, and official Township business. The Township also owns approximately one-half acre directly across the street which is utilized as parking; both for the Township and Saxman School. The Hall and Fire Station are generally well located in relation to the north, east and central populated portions of the Township. However, as the area south of US-10 and east of I-75 continues to develop, there may be a need for additional governmental facilities, particularly fire fighting equipment. 40 �-------.. The Township is a member of the Bay County Fire Fighters Association which includes all the governmental units in the county except Bay City. As a result of this Association, the Township has reciprocal response agreements with the surrounding communities, thereby providing reasonable response time to most parts of the Township. It merits noting that the Township is currently operating a 15 acre landfill in the area of North Union Road between Seven Mile and Fraser Roads. Although the landfill is not licensed by the State, it continues to operate until the County implements a County-wide solid waste disposal program. As the Township landfill is phased out the Township should consider other community uses for the property. With frontage on the Kawkawlin River, it is possible this area could provide some much needed water orientated recreational opportunities. Community Attitudes In order for a community to experience any substantial degree of growth, it must possess and maintain a positive attitude - not only on the part of its public officials and community leaders, but also in terms of the general populace as well. This attitude can be as essential as many of the attributes discussed in previous sections of this report. It is evidenced by a willingness to cooperate, to welcome new people to the area, to be progressive and open to a new growth and development. The Planning Commission measured this attitude by means of a land use attitude survey. It found that the residents of Monitor Township were receptive to additional growth but they wanted proper and adequate controls in order to maintain a high level of quality; that is to say, they don't want to shut the door to new development nor do they want growth at any cost They want new developments that will maintain its value over the years. The questionnaire form and a summary of the responses are reprinted in the Appendix of this report. It is there for detailed analysis if the reader so desires. The intent here is to highlight only the more significant aspects of this information. 11 11 • 41 �-----------------I, I I I I I • • • The first series of questions had to do with the general characteristics of the person (family) returning the questionnaire. A quick profile of the majority of the responses reveals that: * the largest single portion of the families ranged in size from three to four persons; · * seventy-five percent of the families have four persons or less; * the Township is made up of relative newcomers and persons who have lived there for many years; * a fifth of the population has lived in the Township three years or less, another fifth have lived there 26 years or more (nearly 50 percent of the population has lived in the Township a decade or less); * approximately the same proportion live in subdivisions and rural areas; * less than five percent reside in mobile home parks; * they move into or stay in the Township because they prefer rural living or are within corranuting distance of Bay City, Midland, or Saginaw; * they own their own home; * almost 45 percent of the principle wage earners work in Bay City while slightly less than 17 percent corranute to Saginaw; * the proportion that work in Midland vs. the Township is nearly equal, being in the range of 12 percent; * one out of every four principal wage earners are employed in the skilled trades (i.e., craftsman, foreman or skilled tradesman); * nearly one third are considered professionals or managers administrators; only 4.2 percent consider farming their occupation (this figure would reflect an increasing nationwide trend towards larger, more mechanized farms with fewer farm workers). 42 �The second set of questions had to do with Residential Attitudes Here is was revealed that two-thirds of the population are not opposed to encouraging new residential developments. Yet it is significant to note that the remaining one-third is opposed to such developments. It ~ould be assumed that this portion of the residents prefer a status quo situation . When asked what type of development should be encouraged, 77 . 6 percent of the respondents replied they should take the form of single family homes. The remaining 22.4 percent were split between apartments and mobile homes. In a related question, nearly 90 percent of the respondents felt that mobile homes should be restricted to mobi-le home parks and that such parks should be located -in ootlying areas. 11 11 • There were divided opinions on the question of encouraging low income and/or senior citizens housing. Sixty percent of the respondents felt that the Township should encourage low cost housing for senior citizens; however, nearly 90 percent were negative with regard to low cost housing for low income families. Finally, with regard to residential attitudes it is noted that the majority of the people responding to the questionnaire felt that new subdivisions should be located adjacent to Bay City. When asked where they would prefer to live, 46 percent preferred a large parcel away from community facilities while 42 percent prefer a smaller lot in a residential area close to community facilities. Part Three dealt with "Commercial Attitudes in an attempt to determine the commercial needs of Township residents and their preference toward future commercial development. It was found that two-thirds of the residents feel shopping facilities in the Township are adequate. Yet slightly more than 75 percent make major shopping trips outside the Township at least once a week. Among other reasons it could be surmised that this is due to the absense of a full-time grocery store or other basic commercial facilities. 11 11 11 Most of the residents do their shopping in Bay City; however, a significant portion travel to Saginaw or Fashion Square Mall for major shopping trips. When asked if the Township should encourage more commercial development only 55 percent responded in the affirmative. The second half of this question had to do with the type of corrrnercial facilities which should be encouraged. Here it was found that a third preferred commercial facilities in the form of "shopping centers while nearly 25 percent were inclined 11 43 �I I I I I • • toward "neighborhood convenience centers. 11 Very few residents favored a strip pattern of commercial facilities along major highways. The Planning Commission feels it is significant that only a slight majority indicated the Township should encourage more commercial development. This has led the Commission to take a very cautious attitude relative to the location and spread of commercial facilities. In summarizing the response relative to 11 Industrial Attitudes 11 , it was learned that Township residents favor more industrial development in the fonn of light manufacturing and warehousing ing. This should take place in the area of freeway interchanges and locations where railroad access is available. Here again the residents indicated the Township should take a very cautious attitude toward more industrial development. In a final series of questions Township residents were asked their attitudes toward recreational opportunities. Here it was learned that three out of every four residents feel more recreational facilities should be provided. Approximately 25 percent felt the Township should provide these facilities, a similar amount felt it should be the responsibility of the County, a somewhat smaller proportion felt this responsibility should be left to the State, and a significant proportion (15 percent) felt it should be left to private enterprise. When asked what type of recreational facilities were most needed, the responses were well-distributed between active, passive and special use facilities. This would indicate that there is a general need for more facilities of all types. Slightly more than 75 percent of those returning the survey felt that the Township should require recreational sites in advance and a similar proportion felt the Township should require subdividers to reserve a portion of their developments for neighborhood parks. The final question related to 11 General Attitudes 11 toward growth and asked, 11 What improvements, if any, do you feel are necessary to make the present land use controls more effective?". Here the responses were evenly distributed between land use planning, land use zoning, subdivision regulations and building code enforcement. These responses are viewed by the Planning Commission as being supportive of their efforts with the understanding that such efforts should continue with renewed vigor in the future. From these responses and the apparent conservative attitude toward future growth the Planning Cowmission interpreted an attitude of cautious optimism. Basically,the Corrrnission felt the residents were saying they were relatively satisfied with 44 �the present situation and would like to maintain, if not improve, the present quality of development. In effect, the residents are saying 11 We know additional growth is going to take place, but we want to accorrmodate it in a manner which is logical, systematic and reflective of present standards of quality. 11 • This General Development Plan is intended to accomplish just that. 45 �GOALS AND OBJECTIVES �I I GOALS AND OBJECTIVES I Goals are statements that physically shape the land use plan statements which put the Township on record concerning the future growth and development of the community. Objectives, on the other hand, are the 11 ends 11 which will be accomplished as the land use plan takes effect and the goals are met. The Planning Commission has the responsibility as appointed representatives of the conmunity to prepare and adopt a set of goals which it felt reflected the values and desires of the residents. Through this process the people, in effect, design the .land use plan •. I -I • • The following goals and objectives were adopted by the Planning Corrmission as a statement of the direction the Township will take as the Plan is implemented. They will also serve as guide posts for the Township Board and Planning Commission as they evaluate development proposals and rezoning requests and undertake various public improvements. In the absence of specific statements in the Plan relative to a particular situation, the Board and Corrmission can, and should, constantly ask: 11 Is it in line with the adopted goals and objectives of the Township?" . Economic Growth and Development Goal: - It is a goal of the Township to preserve productive agricultural lands to the maximum extent possible. Objectives: * Maintain the agricultural sector of the local economy in a healthy and productive condition and at the same time insure future generations of adequate supplies of food and fiber. * Protect productive farm lands from urban encroachment and indiscriminate development. 46 �* Preserve farm lands as open space for the enjoyment of future generations. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to promote orderly industrial development and expansion. Objectives: * Increase local industrial employment opportunities. * Develop a more stable, diversified, and efficient economic base. * Increase the industrial tax base of the Township. * Promote and encourage the development of "industrial parks" in convenient, efficient, and fully improved locations with good accessibility and protection for nearby uses. Encourage and cooperate with existing industries in expansion plans to the maximum extent possible. * Cooperate with county and regional industrial development agencies in promoting industrial development in the area. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to insure the proper use and development of the various expressway interchanges as they are located in the Township. Objectives: * Recognize the development potential of lands surrounding the interchanges and maximize their use consistent with sound planning principles. 47 I I I I �I II • • Satisfy the needs of expressway travelers through the development of highway oriented facilities . * Land Use and Development Goal: It is a goal of the Township to maintain the present ruralsuburban atmosphere to the maximum extent possible. Objectives: Preserve the "grass roots" feeling and the "rural living" qualities desired by area residents. * * Preserve those qualities that have made Monitor Township a desirable place to live while eliminating the negative aspects. ... Goal: It is a goal of the Township to direct future intensive growth into designated growth areas. Objectives: * Actively promote the construction, expansion, and improvement of public water and sewer systems within designated growth areas in order to prevent public health problems and encourage proper development. * Direct residential subdivisions and corrmercial and industrial development (as appropriate) into public sewer and water service areas in order to maintain high water quality standards, protect the natural environment, and provide economical ut i1 i ty service. 48 �* Direct future intensive growth into locations close to schools and parks, medical care facilities, police and fire protection, and other corrmunity facilities. * Discourage strip commercial development along major highways unless proper site and highway designs are incorporated. * Reserve outlying areas for agricultural and rural residential uses. It is a goal of the Township to encourage sound commercial development in convenient and logical locations. Objectives: * Reserve appropriate sites for corrmercial development, sufficiently large to accommodate future growth and expansion while minimizing potentially negative impacts upon adjacent uses. * Provide convenient and attractive shopping opportunities with adequate off-street parking. * Maintain opportunities for commercial ventures with reasonable assurance of economic stability. Housing and Residential Development I Goal: It is a goal of the Township to insure an adequate supply and variety of housing types within the income limitations of all residents. 49 I I I I I �I I I I I Objectives: Reserve sufficient land for future one and two family homes, multiple family dwellings, and mobile homes in convenient, economical, and environmentally sound locations. * Stage residential growth in such a manner as to conserve land, prevent patterns of incompatible land use and, at the same time, develop a hannonious blend of one and two family, multiple family, and mobile home park areas. * Recognize the housing needs of senior citizens and encourage programs which satisfy their needs. * Goal: • It is a goal of the Township to maintain and improve housing conditions throughout the Township. Objectives: Improve living conditions and physical well-being. * * Improve and stabilize residential property values. * Insure proper enforcement of the Building Code and other applicable housing codes. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to direct mobile homes into mobile home parks. Objectives: * Control indiscriminate sitings of individual mobile homes on scattered lots. 50 �* Recognize and protect the integrity of single family residential neighborhoods. * Provide minimum safety standards and recreational facilities for mobile home residents in the form of storm shelters, tiedowns and anchors, and recreation areas. * Reserve adequate and appropriate lands for mobile home parks. * Encourage the economic profitability of mobile home parks. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to guide the majority of future residential growth into logical neighborhood units within utility service areas. Objectives: * Develop a pattern of coordinated and pleasant neighborhoods, centered around elementary schools, neighborhood parks, or community centers. * Stage future residential development in such a manner as to promote timely and economical utility line extensions, road improvements, and other public improvements, consistent with the financial resources of the Township. * Encourage residential neighborhoods in fully improved subdivisions with full services, close to community facilities, schools, and shopping opportunities. * Require developers to install necessary public sewer, water and storm drainage systems as determined by the Township Board and Bay County Health Department. * Encourage developers to reserve a portion of developments for future parks, schools, and other public facilities. 51 I I I • •I •I �* Channel through-traffic onto major thoroughfares that border, rather than divide, residential neighborhoods and, at the same time, develop a system of internal collector streets which interconnect neighborhoods and accollll1odate tnternal through-traffic. Transportation and Circulation Goal: It is a goal of the Township to develop a coordinated network of major streets and highways. Objectives: * Provide a transportation system which will facilitate the movement of vehicular traffic in a safe, convenient and economical manner. * Alleviate congestion on Midland Road, Euclid Avenue and other major streets. * Lessen the conflict between pedestrians and motor vehicles. * Develop a major street system which borders, rather than divides, residential neighborhoods. * Provide a truly coordinated and economical plan for improving local roads. * Utilize local roads and road improvements as a means of directing future growth into utility service areas. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to encourage continued operation and expansion of rail service in the Township and region. 52 �Objective: Continue and expand service to commercial and industrial rail users and promote rail service as a means of economic development. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to support expansion and improvement of the Tri-City Airport. Objective: Provide optimum passenger and cargo service to the region in order to maintain and expand the local econoJT\Y. Parks and Recreation Goal: It is a goal of the Township to insure a system of parks and recreation areas which will satisfy the social and recreational needs of Township residents. Objectives: * Provide active and passive, land and water oriented, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in strategic locations for all age groups. * Encourage the utilization of state and federal grant programs for the acquisition and development of park and recreation areas. * Encourage the establishment of the school-park concept to satisfy both community and school recreation needs. 53 �Goal: It is a goal of the Township to acquire future public use sites in advance of need. Objectives: * Maximize public expenditures through early land acquisitions. * Provide inducements for residential developments. * Supply the necessary balance of social and recreational outlets important for a healthy corm,unity. Environment Goal: It is a goal of the Township to preserve and protect the land and water resources to the maximum extent possible. Objectives: * Preserve the natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. * Provide and protect wildlife habitats. * Recognize and preserve wooded areas for their beneficial effects; erosion control, oxygen production, smog control, dust traps, water purification, noise absorbers, and timber production. * Provide visual relief in the form of natural settings and landscapes. 54 �Goal: It is a goal of the Township to prevent indiscriminate development of fragile environmental areas. Objective: Discourage high intensity development in areas with physical limitations (steep slope, poor soils, high water tables, poor drainage, flood or erosion hazard) without adequate utilities or other safeguards. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to protect and improve the natural scenic and water quality of the Kawkawlin River and other natural streams. Objective: Recognize and respect the flood plain by establishing natural vegetation areas which will: stabilize the river bank and prevent erosion; absorb nutrients from surface runoff; provide shade for proper water temperatures; and provide screening from adjacent structures. Government and Planning Goal: It is a goal of the Township to continue communication and cooperation with surrounding communities with respect to problems of joint concern and opportunities of mutual benefit. Objectives: * Provide services and utilities at the lowest possible cost to the maximum number of residents. 55 �* Combine financial and administrative resources in united efforts towards solutions to problems of common concern. * Study the feasibility of incorporating as a charter township in order to increase the level of services while maintaining a reasonable tax level. Goal: It is a goal of the Township to continually monitor development trends and conditions in order ta maintain a healthy, viable and pleasant community. Objectives: * Periodically update and amend the General Development Plan and Zoning Ordinance as conditions warrant. * Remain receptive ta new and improved development techniques. * Develop and adopt additional development controls, as neces. sary, which serve ta improve the quality of life in Monitor Township. 56 �PLANNING DIMENSIONS �I I I I I I I I I •I I • • • • • POPULATION PROJECTIONS During the next 20 years, Monitor Township will continue to grow. There will be periods of fast growth and slow periods of growth. Unexpected changes in the Tri-County region may divert growth away from the Township or they may divert exceptional growth into the Township. These fluctuations cannot be truly determined with any precise degree of accuracy. Land use planning uses a tool called a "target population'' which permits the preparation of plans soundly with making impractical guesses. The target population is a reasonable estimate of what the population of the Township will be within a reasonable future period of time. The target population permits the Township to plan to accorrmodate and serve a specific number of families. Having a specific number of people in mind, it is easier to determine the amount of vacant land needed for development, the best location for this development, and the location, cost and timing of utilities, streets and services needed to serve it. If growth occurs faster than expected, the target population will be reached sooner and the Plan will have guided each new family and new improvement in a sound and coordinated manner. An enlarged Plan can then be prepared to take the Township through the next step of its development. If growth is slower than expected, the target population will be reached somewhat later. In this case, the population estimate is particularly valuable in avoiding premature public expenditures and in holding down the period of ineconofT\Y until the targeted population level is achieved . Population projections for Bay County and its sub units have been developed by a number of individuals and organizations over the past ten years. As the following table indicates, in Monitor Township, they range from around 8,800 to 12,500 in 1980 and from 10,400 to 15,600 in 1990. 57 �1995 2000 1980 1990 Black & Veatch (1958)* 11,622 13,559 Metchalf & Eddy (1965)* 12,478 Bay Regional Planning Commission (1965)* 10,333 12,210 8,739 10,452 Johnson &Anderson, Inc. (1966)* l O, 177 11,562 Michigan State Dept. of Co!l1Tlerce (1966)* 8,739 Michigan State Highway Dept . ( 1968) * 10,333 11,785 Raymond W. Mills & Assoc. (1968) l/ 11,720 15,670 8,917 10,430 Johnson &Anderson, Inc. ( 1971) 2/ 11 ,300 15,000 24,000 Bay Regional Planning Commission (1973) -y 10,871 13,924 15, 157 Prof. Goldberg, MSU (1966)* Parkins, Rogers Assoc. (1970)* 18,029 14,483 10,452 20,950 * Figures are based on county-wide projections extrapolated to Monitor Township on the basis of the Township 1 s portion of the total county population in 1970 (i.3., 8,743; 117,339 = 7.45%). l/ Monitor Township Comprehensive Community Plan, November, 1968, prepared by Raymond W. Mills &Associates, Inc. y Bay County Comprehensive Plan: Water, Sanitary and Storm Drainage Systems, Volume I, Johnson &Anderson, Inc., October, 1971 . 3/ Developed by the Michigan Department of Highways and Transportation, in conjunction with the Bay Regional Planning Commission utilizing MDOHT computer programs with modifications based on current and proposed land activity development. Source - Bay City Area Transportation Planning Study, September, 1973. 58 • �I I I I I I I I I I • •I • • • • • ~ Based on the foregoing studies, the Planning Comnission has detennined that it is reasonable to select a ta_rget population of 19,500 persons by 1995. This represents approximately 2,950 additional families over the 1976 population of slightly more than 10,000. This target population takes into account the Township's geographic location adjacent to Bay City and its proximity to the Midland and Saginaw urban areas; the presence of the freeway system, Tri-City Airport and Delta College; the vast areas of relatively inexpensive, developable land; and the existence of extensive sewer and water systems in the near future. 59 �PLANNING DIMENSIONS With the target population established, it is relatively simple to translate the number of additional families into future land needs; that is, the amount of vacant land needed for residential, conmercial, industrial, park and recreation, and other community facility areas. In order to accomplish this, however, it is necessary to make some basic assumptions relative to dwelling unit preferences, densities and other aspects of the future community. Residential Land Needs The target population anticipates an increase of approximately 2,950 new families over the next 20 years. This is based on an assumed family size of 3.2 persons per household. Although family sizes may decline further during the next 20 years, the residential land needs will be based on this figure in order to arrive at a more conservative estimate. With regard to dwelling unit preferences, the following assumptions have been made: 75% of the new dwelling units will be single family homes, 5% of the new dwelling units will be two family units (duplexes), 10% of the new dwelling units will be multiple family units (apartments, townhouse&, condominiums, etc.), 10% of the new dwelling units will be mobile homes, 100% of the new dwelling units. With approximately 2,950 new families there will be a need for approximately 2,950 new dwelling units. Furthermore, it is assumed that median densities will be as follows: 60 �I I I I I I I I I I I Single Family 3~ Two Family 2 Multiple Family 8 Mobile Homes 6 A survey of 19 of the major subdivisions in the Township indicates that lot sizes range from 8,000 to 30,000 square feet; the average being 15,000 square feet, approximately 3 dwelling units/gross acre. In anticipating residential land need, allowances must be made for those families that prefer large-lot home sites in outlying, rural locations. It is assumed this desire for 11 rural residential estates" will continue within the confines of the General Development Plan and amount to 15 percent or less of the new dwelling units. This being the case, the need for new dwelling units at the aforementioned densities will be in the range of 2,500 units. They will be allocated as follows: Dwelling Unit Type • • • •~ Dwelling Units per Gross Acre Dwelling Unit Type Preference Gross Density Gross Acres 75% 1,875 DU's 3/acre 625 5% 125 DU's 2/acre 60 Multiple Family . 10% 250 DU's 8/acre 30 10% 250 DU's 6/acre 40 100% 2,500 DU's Single Family Two Family Mobile Homes Total 755 acres Based on the stated assumptions, there will be a need for 755 acres for new residential developments. 61 �• • Non-Residential Land Needs Commercial: Conmercial facilities which serve the day-to-day needs of Township residents are largely lacking in the Township, primarily because they are conveniently available in Bay City. However, as the conmunity continues to grow and takes on an identity of its own, there will be a need for more grocery stores, hardware outlets, drug stores and the like. Because of the present dispersed shopping patterns, it is difficult, if· not impossible, to accurately forecast the exact number of acres needed for commercial uses. Notwithstanding this situation, Township residents need and deserve the convenience of well designed, properly located retail and service outlets. Some of the conmercial facilities will take the fonn of neighborhood convenience centers, relatively small corrrnercial areas with mini-markets, service stations and other so-called convenience services. These facilities will then be complimented by community-wide commercial centers - areas designed to serve the shopping needs of the community at large, thereby offering a wide range of reta-il and service products. Ideally, these conmunity commercial areas will take the form of shopping centers, integrated plazas, or shopping malls. Finally, the Township should reverse areas along the freeway interchanges for service stations,restaurants, lodging facilities and similar uses for the convenience of the traveling public. In total, the Township should anticipate a need for approximately 50 to 75 acres for commercial uses, not including highway service facilities or regional shopping malls which serve a trade area larger than the Township. Industri a1 : Once again, it is difficult to accurately assess the need for industrial land in the Township because of the dispersed employment patterns. Still the Planning Conmission has adopted a goal of promoting orderly industrial development and expansion. Among other things, this goal is designed to: increase local employment opportunities; develop a more stable, diversified and efficient economic base; and 11 11 62 �increase the industrial tax base, thereby shifting some of the future tax burden from the residential property owner. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Although it is difficult to assess the industrial needs, national standards can be utilized as guidelines. Accordingly, the following standards 5/ have been applied: Light Industry 2 ~cres/1,000 population Heavy Industry 1.Q acres/l,000 population Total 12 acres/1,000 population Total 20-year need - 115 acres SO-year need - 275-300 acres These standards are based on a 11 theoretical 11 community where 30 to 35 percent of the labor force is employed by industrial firms. This is reasonably close to the present situation in the Township. Furthermore, industrial lands should be reserved on the basis of a 50-year planning period in order to insure adequate room for expansion and protection from conflicting uses. Based on these standards, the Township should reserve a minimum of 275 to 300 acres for future industrial needs. Where possible, this acreage should be consolidated in industrial parks - areas designed for long-range industrial development. Such 11 parks 11 are so located as to have easy, convenient and year-round access, sufficient amounts of buildable land with protection from encroachment by non-industrial uses, and adequate isolation from non-industrial uses in order to minimize potentially obnoxious effects. Public utility service, especially sewer and water service, will be particularly important in the development of industrial parks. Parks and · Recreation Areas: Monitor Township presently has only limited recreational facilities. Yet, with the existing parks and recreation areas, the facilities available outside the Township (i.e. §..I Planning Design Criteria, Joseph De Chiara and Lee Koppelman.. 63 �the State Park and Game Area, Saginaw Bay, and others), and the potential for recreational development in the Township, a good foundation has been established. The following standards, taken from the 1970 Bay County Recreation Plan,should be utilized as "guidelines" when planning and developing future park and recreation areas . They have been modified to include only those facilities for which the Township, or its designated agency, should be directly responsible. That is, regional facilities such as inter-county trails, game areas and parks are not included. Neither are such facilities as golf courses or campgrounds since they traditionally are in the province of private enterprise or some larger level of government. However, cooperation and coordination should permeate all recreational facility planning. Acres/1 ,000 Population Facility Type Neighborhood Playground 1.5 Neighborhood Park 2.0 Conmunity Playfield 1.5 Conmunity Park 3.5 Total 8.5 When allowances are made for the facilities provided at Monitor Township Park (a community playfield), local needs are in the range of 150 to 175 additional acres. As noted earlier, a priority consideration should be the provision of water orientated recreation areas. As a starting point, the Township should undertake a detailed and comprehensive analysis of recreational facilities, needs and progress in the form of a separate recreation plan. Schools: Existing school facilities have been discussed earlier in the context of "Community Facil ities There it was noted the entire Township is part of the Bay City School District. In addition, only two of the five sites in the Township have sites large enough to accorrmodate any significant expansion. They are West Kawkawlin with approximately ten acres and McAlear-Sawden with fifteen acres. 11 64 • �I I I There are several reasons why it is difficult to estimate future school needs: because the Township is part of the City School District, students can be bussed over a large area in order to maximize the size of a specific school; and there is a strong, but largely immeasured, emphasis on parochial education which diminishes the need for public facilities. For the purposes of this Plan, it is sufficient to estimate only the "potential" need for public school facilities, the thought being to gain some idea of the potential for neighborhood schools and school-parks. Using recognized standards, the 20-year school needs can be calculated as follows: Student Impact Per Family I I I I I I I • • •~ -- Grades Impact Factor/Family Student Population K-6 . 71 (x 2,950) 2,100 7-9 .28 (x 2,950) 825 10-12 .24 (x 2,950) 700 3,625 Site Standards Per Facility Elementary School - 450 students per school; m1n1mum site of five acres plus one acre per 100 students. Middle School - 20 acres High School - 40-50 acres Total Site Needs Elementary School 45 acres Middle School 20 acres High School 50 acres 115 acres Total 65 �Ideally, neighborhood playgrounds and parks are combined with school sites, particularly elementary schools, to create corrmunity focal points and reduce the respective land needs for each use. Other Community Facilities: The demand for churches, cemeteries, libraries, fraternal organizations, medical centers, community centers and other conmunity f4cilities cannot be precisely estimated. However, they are the type of facilities and services a community needs in order to offer a safe, attractive and well-balanced place to live. As such, they should be accommodated in a permissive, but controlled, manner. They should be permitted to locate on convenient sites, with minimal restrictions, but with due consideration for their probable impact upon neighboring uses and the surrounding area. For the purposes of the Plan, the minimum need for additional community facilities has been placed at 50 to 75 acres. Surrmary: The following table summarizes the 1995 planning dimensions. 1995 Planning Dimensions Land Use Category Acres Percent Residential: Single Family Two Family Multiple Family Mobile Homes 625 83 60 30 8 40 Sub Total 755 Conmercial Industrial Parks and Recreation Areas Schools Other Community Facilities 50-75 275-300 TOTAL 150-175 115 50-75 4 5 50-55 3.5-5 20 10-12 8 3.5-5 1,395-1,495 100.0% 66 �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I • • • • • These are the basic figures the Planning Commission has utilized in designing the General Development Plan. Obviously they do not account for agricultural lands or the 11 rural residential estates". The intent is to arrive at basic figures which can be used · in designing the urban corrmunity of tomorrow the areas of concentrated development. It is apparent from the population projections and the planning dimensions there will not be sufficient growth over the next two decades to warrant developing all 24,000 acres in the Township. Rather, the need will be in the neighborhood of 1,400 to l ,500 acres - less than two and one-half sections, approximately six percent of the land area. These facts alone call for a controlled growth concept; a concept whereby agricultural lands are preserved, residential neighborhoods are protected, appropriate commercial and industrial areas are reserved now for future development, and parks and recreation areas are planned and programmed for development as the community of Monitor Township matures. The figures indicate the next 20 years will see the addition of a community the size of the one in existence now. In order for it to be a pleasant and enjoyable place to live, each resident and corrmunity official must work together in a spirit of cooperation. The General Development Plan which follows maps out the course by which such cooperati"on can be channeled to develop a healthy and pleasing community for tomorrow. 67 �GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN �GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN The Monitor Township General Development Plan is, as its title implies, a general plan for future land use and major streets. It is designed to guide future growth into a development pattern that is logical, economical, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally sound. In addition, this Plan is intended to correct the deficiencies, capitalize on the assets, and incorporate the goals and planning dimensions contained in previous sections of this report. 11 11 It is important to note at the outset that land use planning in a township is somewhat hampered because many development decisions are not within the realm of local affairs. In comparison with a city or county where financial authority is much more flexible, townships normally receive only one mill from the County Tax Allocation Board. Additional local funds must come from voted millages which are tied to specific improvements·. In most cases, capital improvements are also the responsibility of some agency or department with which a township often has little influence. For example, the County Road Corrmission determines when and where county primary roads will be improved and the School Board (with approval from the voters) decides if, where, and when schools will be built. Although township influence in these matters varies, many such decisions are made with little or no local input. Still, townships have planning, zoning and subdivision control authority and, therefore, considerable power to regulate the use of land. However, in order for this Plan to become a reality, it will require close cooperation on the part of county, state and township officials as well as public and private support. Design Standards Previous sections of this report have reviewed the existing situation in the township and explained the process of developing goals, population projections, and planning dimensions. This information was then mapped in the form of a land use plan. The design of the plan itself was based on a number· of design standards - proven land design and planning principles which are used in allocating spatial and geographic dimensions to various land uses. Although they have 68 �been modified in some cases to fit the unique social, economic and physical characteristics of Monitor Township, they are outlined here in the interest of better understanding and support of the Plan. They will also be valuable as the Planning Commission and Township Board review plats, consider rezoning requests, and evaluate site plans. No doubt they will also be of assistance to private developers and private citizens as they make their location and investment decisions. Residential Design Standards: Single family, two family, multiple family and mobile home park developments exhibit many of the same characteristics and merit many of the same location considerations. Yet, one and two family structures are distinctly different from multiple family developments and mobile home parks. For this reason they will be considered separately. One and two family residential developments should be designed and located such that: * They are conveniently close to schools, parks and shopping areas. * They are isolated or protected from the detrimental effects of corranercial and industrial areas. * Internal streets discourage fast, through-traffic while providing continuous and convenient access throughout the subdivision and into adjacent residential areas. * Public sewer and water service is, or will soon be, available and surface water is properly and safely acconmodated. * Urban services such as gas, rubbish service, mail delivery and police and fire protection are convenient. * Hazardous conditions such as poor soils, wetlands and floodplains are avoided. * Lots are of adequate size and shape to provide sufficient useable space. 69 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I �• • One and two family units often do not mix well and it may be desirable, depending on the conditions, to direct two family units (duplexes) to frontage parcels along major streets. In this way they can act as buffers for the single family units in the interior portion of the development. Many of the design and location standards listed for one and two family structures also apply to multiple family and mobile home park projects. However, they can be expanded by noting that multiple family developments and mobile home parks can often be designed in such a way that parking and recreation areas isolate the living units from nearby commercial and industrial areas. In turn, the multiple family - mobile home park area can serve as a buffer, or a gradient, between the commercial - industrial area and single family residential areas. It is also noted that multiple family and mobile home park developments require access from major streets in order to handle the volumes of traffic generated by such facilities. Co111mercial Design Standards: The residents have told the Planning Commission to move cautiously with respect to future commercial development, evaluating each proposal in terms of its specific characteristics and site location as well as its impact upon the immediate neighborhood and the community at large. It is recalled that less than 55 percent of the people responding to the land use questionnaire favored additional commercial development. In line with this, the respondants indicated an overwhelming preference toward planned shopping centers and neighborhood convenience centers. To aid in evaluating specific proposals for commercial projects the following standards are offered. 70 �INDICATORS FOR TYPES AND SITES IN SHOPPING CENTERS Regional Neighborhood Community Leading Tenant (basis for definition) Supennarket or Drug Store One or more Variety or Junior Depart- full-time Department ment Store Stores Average Gross* Leasable Area 50,000 sq. ft. 150,000 sq. ft. 400,000 sq. ft. Ranges in Gross Leasable Area* 30,000-100,000 sq. ft. 100,000-300,000 300,000 to over sq. ft. 1,000,000 sq. ft. Usual Minimum Site Area 10 acres 20 acres Minimum Support 4,500 to 40,000 40,000 to 150,000 or people 150,000 people more people 40 acres * The precise characteristics under these indicators do not hold rigidly. Often, elements change because of the treatment required to make necessary adaptations or adjustments for the characteristics of the trade area, nature of competition, and variations in site location. ** These figures represent indicators only for definition purposes. It is not size, but tenant composition and the characteristics of the leading tenant, that define a shopping center type. Source: The Dollars and Cents of Shopping Centers, 1966 Urban Land Institute. Further, as an indication of the types of uses nonnally associated with various types of shopping centers, the following table is reprinted. -I I I I I I I I I 71 ...,-- I �I I SHOPPING CENTER COMPOSITION BY TENANT COMPOSITION Average Percentage of the Centers Gross Leasable Area •I I I • • • • • • • • - Neighborhood Community Regional Food and Food Service 34% 22% 9% General Merchandise 14 32 53 Clothing anp Shoes 9 12 15 Furniture 2 3 3 Other Retail & Dry Goods 20 15 10 Financial 4 3 2 Officies 3 2 l Services 8 4 1 Other 3 4 3 Vacant 3 3 3 100% 100% 100% TOTAL Source: 11 The Do 11 ars and Cents of Shopping Centers Urban Land Institute . 11 , 1966 In addition, commercial facilities should be located and designed such that: * Each site has adequate room for proper building location and future expansion, room for off-street parking and traffic control and circulation. * Incompatible uses such as single family homes will not impair economic viability and future expansion. * Access is provided from major streets with acceleration and deceleration lanes and other traffic control measures. 72 �I I r I Industrial Design Standards: Industry in Monitor Township will play an increasingly more important role in the form of local employment and major tax payers. Industry also has rather unique location and design characteristics in the sense that capital outlays for plants and equipment easily run into the millions of dollars. For this reason alone, industrial firms want reasonable guarantees that their investments will be justified. The community that can offer those assurances will have a head start in attracting new firms a_nd expanding existing ones. The concepts and proposals embodied in the General Development Plan are based on the following industrial location criteria. Industrial areas should be located such that they provide: * Fast, easy and convenient access to good transportation facilities including highway and railroad. * Reasonable access to labor supply, raw materials, and markets. * An adequate amount of suitable land, free from foundation and drainage problems with a sufficient reserve for future growth. * Protection from encroachment of residential or other 1and uses. * Locations that minimize adverse effects upon neighboring nonindustrial uses. * An adequate and reliable supply of utilities: sewer, power and fuel . II ii I • I water, . Park and Recreation Area Design Standards: Parks and recreation areas have previously been discussed in the context of Community Facilities" and Planning Dimensions''. It behooves the Township to •give additional analysis to detailed recreational needs and specific facilities and programs. In the context of this Plan, however, recreational facilities can be detailed as follows. 11 11 73 I �Neighborhood Playground Description: Play area mainly for school age children, also passive recreation. Facilities: Play equipments, field games and sports such as softball, basketball, and tennis. Shaded areas for resting and passive recreation, usually include tot lots for preschoolers. Location Standard: a) Accessibility - maximum 20 minutes• walking distance; 1/6 to 1/2 mile. b) Location is preferably adjacent to elementary school. c) Except sparsely inhabitated rural area, all types of communities need playgrounds. d) Intensive active areas need buffering from adjacent residential areas and also from traffic. e) Size should be large enough for softball, usually 2.75 acres is considered minimum. Neighborhood Park Description: Catering to the minimum need of open space and passive recreation for a neighborhood. Facilities: Lawn, benches, and landscaped areas. Location Standard: a) Accessibility - would be similar to the neighborhood playgrounds. b) When combined with neighborhood playground, size can be as small as 1 .5 acres, but usually varies with neighborhood size and density. · c) Location is also preferably adjacent to elementary school. 74 �I d) Where one mile street coordinate system exists in urban areas, one facility per square mile is considered adequate. e) There is little need for this type of facility for large lot single-family residential areas, typical in suburbs. Community Playfield Description: Provide field sports and multi-purpose recreational space for a community. Facilities: Meeting and game rooms, gyms with large outdoor field sports area, court game, swirroning and parking. Location Standard: a) Accessibility - maximum distance should not be more than 20 minutes' walking distance; 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles. b) Location is preferably adjacent to a middle or senior high school. c) Size can be as large as 30 acres or more; but in order to accommodate basic outdoor playfield, 10 acres is considered minimum. d) Active sports area should be buffered from adjacent residences. Community Park Description: Catering to both active and passive need for recreation for a community. Created around some basic natural amenities. Facilities: Natural features, lawns, picnic, athletic areas with parking, bicycle path, pedestrian trail. Location Standard: a) Accessibility - parks spaced at 5 or 10 miles apart in urbanized area is considered ideal. 75 -I • • •I �•• • •j • • - b) Location - scenic and natural amenities is preferable. c) Community park should be considered as a system interweaving through the urbanized area. d) Linkages to open space system, such as greenway, nature trail. e) Bicycle path connecting major park facilities would make the ideal system. When they are not available in highly developed urban areas, scenic routes can substitute for them. · f) Size can vary as widely as anywhere from 10 acres to 100 acres or even larger. However, 50 acres or more is preferable . MINIMUM RECREATION STANDARDS ....- Access (Radius in Miles) Size (acres) Neighborhood Playground 1/2 5 Neighborhood Park 3/4 5 Community Playfield 2 20 Community Park 3 50 Major Plan Concepts It has been detennined that there will not be sufficient growth during the next 20 years to warrant developing the entire Township. Rather, at the minimum, the need will be in the neighborhood of 1,400 to 1,500 acres for intensive development. The General Development Plan recommends that an area in excess of these minimums be reserved for intensive development in order to provide freedom of choice and to prevent any one land owner from monopolizing a particular land use category; that is,owning all the commercial or industrially zoned land. Still it was necessary for the Planning Commission to decide between two basic development concepts one being controlled growth within logical growth areas and the other a random pattern of scattered development. 76 �A minor pattern of scattered growth presently exists in the Township as evidenced by the several scattered subdivisions in outlying areas. These developments are expensive to serve with corranunity facilities, especially public utilities. They also place unnecessarily high traffic loads on roads which are not designed to handle them. In order to avoid premature road improvements and the expense of extending utility lines over great distances, it was decided that a pattern of controlled growth was more desirable and in the best interests of the Township as a whole. The second major concept involved the prov1s1on of public utility service. Basic to the implementation of this Plan is the assumption that utility service - public sewer and water - will be provided within the near future. Without this service, future growth will be held to a minimum simply because of natural limitations. Ill - The third, but perhaps most important concept, is directed toward the preservation of prime agricultural lands. Much of the Township is presently being formed and as such represents a vital sector of the local economy. The Planning Corranission purposely adopted a set of goals and objectives designed to accomplish this end. However, in order to lessen the impact of restrictive agricultural practices, it is the intent of the Plan to allow certain non-agricultural uses in marginal or non-productive rural areas. Future Land Use The map, entitled "General Development Plan", graphically illustrates the pattern of future land development throughout the Township. The map also indicates a complimentary system of major streets. In order to put the Plan map into proper perspective, the legend is explained as follows: Agriculture: The agricultural areas were identified by members of the Planning Commission which detailed the prime agricultural lands throughout the Township. The intent in identifying these areas is to preserve as much agricultural land as possible. This can be accomplished through restrictive zoning which will help to shift development pressures to those areas planned for intensive growth. It is anticipated that 11 77 11 - �• • •I •I •I I I I I I I • • • • the zoning ordinance will incorporate provisions for large lot zoning for non-farm, single family homes, as well as restrict permitted uses only to agricultural operations . The agricultural lands shown on the Plan map are essentially the same as those shown on the "Agricultural Lands" map. Some farm lands in the path of urban development have been deleted in order to open these areas for more appropriate uses. However, these cases have been kept to a minimum in order to preserve as much farm land as possible. The concept of agricultural preservation is basic to the General Development Plan. Effective use of this concept will not only preserve farm land, it will also direct the bulk of the future growth into areas reserved for more intensive development. In this way, it will increase the feasibility of public sewer and water systems and other community services (police and fire protection, etc.) and, at the same time, stabilize the demand for public improvements (i.e. roads, utilities, drainage, etc.) in outlying, rural areas. Rural Residential: These are areas in outlying portions of the Township which will be reserved for farming, single family homes on relatively large lots and large, land-consurrming uses such as golf courses, riding stables, parks and landing strips. In most cases, the rural residential areas are either wooded, low lying and swampy or sandy. Still they may be suitable for home sites; and property owners should be permitted to do so, so long as lot sizes and frontage requirements are large enough to suffice without utility and other urban services. In effect, the rural residential areas are transition zones between the "prime" agricultural lands and the more densely developed urban areas. They will provide for a controlled mixture of farms and relatively large-lot, country home sites - controlled in the sense that potentially objectionable farming operations will be limited by special use permits, and in the sense that families desiring country living can have it, but not at the expense of farm land • 78 �Single Family Residential: The General Development Plan actually lumps several residential zones into one classification. This is done in order to give more flexibility to the Plan as it is translated into the zoning ordinance and map. It is anticipated that there will be at least two single family residential zones allowing low to medium density development. The single -family residential areas are reserved exclusively for single family residential development and complimentary support facilities such as churches, schools, parks and playgrounds. The intent is to designate specific areas where residential property owners can be assured their neighborhood and their investment will be maintained and protected. These neighborhoods, in turn, will be designed to accommodate the people living in it. They will provide an atmosphere of safe, comfortable and convenient living. Since the neighborhood is basically an extension of the home, the facilities which most completely compliment the home are required to achieve the necessary residential effect. It is recommended that the Ordinance allow these complimentary non-residential uses on a special use permit basis. It is also recommended that two family (duplexes) dwelling units be pennitted in at least one of the single family residential zones, perhaps on a special use permit basis. Multi-Family Residential: These areas are reserved for apartments, townhouses, garden apartments, condominiums and other forms of multiple family housing. Mobile home parks will also be allowed on a special use permit basis. In this way, existing parks could be permitted to expand while new parks are controlled in the most desirable location. Through this process the township will have an added degree of control over future mobile home parks. The Plan anticipates a continued, if not increased, demand for multiple family dwelling units. They offer definite advantages to singles, young marrteds, and the elderly in 79 �I I • •I • • • • • • that units are generally smaller than one or two family units and maintenance, upkeep and the cost of entry into the market is less. Families in the market for a mobile home, for example, can finance a unit in much the same way as a car . On the other hand, multiple family units involve certain disadvantages, especially mobile homes. Past construction techniques made mobile homes particularly vulnerable to fire, and they have a history of depreciation very similar to a car. Sewer and water service is essential because of smaller lot sizes and higher densities. The Plan recognizes the demand for multiple family development areas and the corresponding need for public services. For this reason, all the proposed multiple family areas have been concentrated in the urban growth area . General Conmercial: This term applies to neighborhood convenience centers and other business areas which supply retail commodities and personal services for the daily needs or nearby neighborhood or immediate area. Typical uses in these areas might include drug stores, convenience groceries, banks, service stations, barber and beauty shops, and hardware stores. The key to these commercial centers is a convenient and accessible location on a major street, yet close to its support population. Perhaps more importantly, they must be located, designed and sited such that they do not interfer or impair the residential neighborhoods they are intended to serve. Community Conmercial: In contrast with the general corrunercial designation, community commercial areas are intended to serve a larger area with a comprehensive variety of goods and services. Parcels would be larger in order to accommodate conmunity or regional shopping centers. Still, location and design criteria are equally as important. Conmunity comnercial areas will also include other commercial enterprises such as warehouses, travel trailer parks, and amusement enterprises - uses which are not compatible with neighborhood convenience centers, yet are not truly industrial in nature. 80 �Industrial: The General Development Plan identifies only one industrial classification. In reality, however, the zoning ordinance and map will recognize two industrial zones. They are commonly referred to as 11 light 11 and 11 heavy 11 industrial. The Plan recognizes the major industrial firms - such as Monitor Sugar - and recommends that sufficient land be reserved for their long-term expansion needs. Areas have also been reserved which meet the industrial design standards noted earlier. These areas are condusive to industrial park development with the thrust toward promoting careful and controlled industrial expansion in the Township. Interchange Development: This tenn has been created to recognize the development potential around the freeway interchanges. Since both interchange development areas are within the sanitary sewer service areas, it is conceivable that practically any type of use could be developed. However, it should be the goal of the Township to encourage those uses which need quick freeway access and good site visibility. This could include shopping centers, multiple family housing projects, offices, warehousing operations, wholesale outlets, light industrial firms and others. It is also anticipated that highway service uses service stations, motels, restaurants and ~imilar uses - will locate in these areas in order to serve the needs of the motoring public. Because of the many and varied uses that could locate in these areas, the Plan strongly recommends that private developers consider utilizing the planned unit development (PUD) method of developing their properties. This relatively new technique offers opportunities not available under conventional zoning. First of all it allows an extra degree of freedom to the developer by removing the rigid requirements for yards, setbacks, eat area and the like, more importantly, it allows a hannonious mixing of different uses; an example being the placement of a small retail area designed to serve the residents of an apartment complex. When buffered and separated from the hiring units, the retail operation is not objectionable and can, in fact, be a definite asset by minimizing the need to leave the site to shop. 81 �• • • On the other hand, the PUD concept offers the Township a degree of control not possible under conventional zoning • The Planning Commission, Township Board, and Board of Appeals have several opportunities to review development plans and to require changes, additions or modifications. for example, the Township could limit the number of access points onto a major street, or it could require additional screening in order to protect adjacent properties. This type of control is not possible with conventional zoning. Public, Semi-Public: The General Development Plan recognizes the major public and semi-public uses such as churches, schools, parks, the golf course, skill centers, and others. In so doing, the Plan encourages their continued use and expansion. A,number of smaller facilities have not been identified; however, this was due only to printing limitations and was not meant to signal disfavor or the thought that they should be discontinued from ·use. The Plan map also makes several recommendations concerning future park and recreation areas. They are discussed at length in the following section. Flood Plain: Flood hazard areas (flood plains) are identified as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are flood prone areas which are subject to 100-year floods. The Plan proposes to control development within this area in order to minimize property damage and protect the natural and scenic qualities of the Rivers, streams and creeks themselves. Zoning and subdivision controls should be adopted to regulate uses in these areas to agricultural, single family, and recreational facilities. The flood plain areas can serve a dual function by providing a connecting linkage - open space corridor - between various park and recreation areas throughout the Township, the County and the region. Major Streets The major street system incorporated into the General Development Plan is designed to facilitate the movement of through and local traffic in a safe, convenient and economical manner. 82 �7 The purpose of this system of major streets is to enable the County and Township to program road improvements according to a logical timing schedule. It makes little sense to improve a road where only minor growth is planned. On the other hand, it makes a great deal of sense to improve roads that will open up planned growth areas. By incorporating this system into a capital improvements program, the Township can, in fact, aid in the timing and direction of future growth. The following discussion outlines the Plan recolllTlendations for major streets as they apply to Monitor Township. Freeway/Interchange: These limited access, high-speed corridors are the Township's primary connection to the rest of the region and the State. As such, they are critically important to the growth potential of the area. The interchanges provide access to the freeway system and, as such, will be the focus of much development activity. The Plan recommends that large areas around both the Machinaw and Wilder Road interchanges be reserved for Interchange Development. State Highway: The Plan also recognizes M-13/23 and M-84 as full access, State highways which are largely out of the control of the Township. Still, because there are no limitations on access and driveway cuts, the development pressure along the frontage will also be intense. This will largely be focused on M-84 since it is the only highway with significant amounts of undeveloped frontage. The Plan recolllTlends that strict land use controls limit development to multiple family uses, offices and other similar complimentary uses. In part, this recommendation is based on the fact that M-84 will remain a two-lane highway for at least the next 10 years and a commitment on the part of the Township to control strip co11111ercial development. County Primary: These thoroughfares are the backbone of the county road system, providing continuous access throughout the Townships. 83 �• They are generally spaced at two-mile intervals in rural areas and consist of two 10 to 12-foot traffic lanes within a 66 foot right-of-way. Midland Road, for one, has areas where the right-of-way is as wide as 80 to 100 feet. In Monitor Township, the General Development Plan recommends that the primary road system include: * Chip Road, from Machinaw east * 01 d Kawkawlin Road * Wheeler Road * Wilder Road, from 1-75 east * Midland Road * Salzburg Road * Hotchkiss Road * Seven Mile Road * Machinaw Road * Three Mile Road, from Hotchkiss to Wilder * Monitor Road, from Wilder to Old Beaver Road * Two Mile Road, from Midland Road north * Euclid Avenue, from Salzburg to Hotchkiss The Plan recorranends that Midland Road be improved by adding additional traffic lanes as needs demand. These improvements can be progra11111ed on a mile-by-mile basis as funds allow. Since Midland Road runs through the center of part of the general growth area, it will inevitably carry more and more traffic. In order for the area to remain attractive to present and future residents, they must be able to travel freely with little delay or disruption. It is quite important, then, that Midland Road receive first-class treatment. 84 �Collector Streets: The major street system also contains recommendations for a network of "collector streets They wi 11 function as "major local streets", collecting traffic within the various residential areas and funneling it onto the primary roads. They will also provide a continuous access route within the various development areas. For example, a collector street would connect adjacent subdivisions, thereby making it possible for a person to travel from one subdivision to another without using the primary or local road system. In effect, the collector street system would relieve some of the traffic load from the primary system. 11 • The collector street system shown on the General Development Plan map has been generalized to indicate only probable locations. In reality, a particular collector street may be located several hundred feet from the alignment shown on this map. This is not critical as long as the objective is accomplished. By graphically indicating a general location, it will alert developers and property owners to the fact that a collector street will be located in that general area at some point in the future. Local Roads: County local (secondary) roads also function as feeder streets, collecting traffic and routing it to the primary roads. They are usually spaced at intervals of 1/2 to l mile with two 10 to 12-foot traffic lanes in a 66 foot right-of-way. Local roads are also under the jurisdiction of the County Road Commission but they are improved at the direction of the Township Board; that is, the Board determines where and when secondaries are to be improved, then contracts with the Road Commission for the improvements. In these cases, the Township's cost is based on a formula negotiated with the Road Conmission. In effect, the existing local road system consists of those roads in the unincorporated portions of the Township which are not part of the primary system. 85 �Additional Plan Concepts There are a number of additional concepts, proposals and reco111T1endations inherent in the General Development Plan map which merit additional dimension. As noted earlier, the primary concept centers around preservation of the _agricul tura 1 lands with the corresponding growth in the sanitary sewer service area. The concept involved shifting the development demand from the rural, agricultural areas to the areas designated for intensive growth. In this way, the Township can assist ·in establishing the co111T1unity of tomorrow while increasing the feasibility of public utilities and services today. Basically, the intensive growth areas are located along the freeways from Kawkawlin southward to the south Township line as the area is located east of 1-75/US-23. A rather large growth area is also reserved along both sides of Midland Road from Two-Mile to Fraser Road. West of this area is a portion of the Township reserved for industrial development. The growth area extends west of the 1-75/US-23 freeway in the area of Three Mile Road, between Wilder and North Union, and South of US-10 to Salzburg Road. In the Kawkawlin area, the frontage along M-13 is reserved for general colTITlercial uses in recognition of existing uses while the area north of the flood ~lain is proposed tor single family residential development. In contrast, the area to the south is programmed for multiple family development in recognition of the mixed character of the area and existence of several mobile home parks. Around the Wilder Road interchange with 1-75, there is a relatively large area reserved for interchange development. This is to take advantage of the freeway interchange and the associated freeway sys~em. This area also includes a proposal for public recreation around the borrow pit between the two expressways. This designation would make maximum use of the properties along the freeway. East of US-23, on both sides of Wilder Road, there is a rather large area reserved for community commercial. This area is intended to serve the surrounding residential community with the goods and services it will need. It also recognizes the high traffic volumes attracted to the freeway interchange. The Plan proposes to reserve an area along the west side of I-75 - generally from Wilder ~to the railroad - for multiple family use. The east side remains a combination of single family and public, semi-public uses. 86 �The corridor bounded by the railroad, Fraser Road, I-75 and a line half a mile south of Midland Road is reserved primarily for single family development. The mobile home peak at Fraser Road is recognized as well as the various schools and the Township site. Directly across from the Township Hall there is a parcel of approximately 40 acres reserved for community commercial development. Neighborhood convenience centers are also proposed at the corners of Fraser, Three Mile and Two Mile Roads as they intersect Midland Road. South and west of the community conmercial area, buffer strips are reserved for multiple family development. Multiple family buffers are also proposed around the northwest and southwest corners of the I-75/US-10 interchange. Approximately 600 acres are designated around the Mackinaw Road interchange for interchange development. As noted earlier, this area would accommodate a variety of uses. Approximately 450 acres in the area of Seven Mile and Midland Road are reserved for industrial development. It is anticipated that uses in this area would be of the light industrial type. This area is designed to take advantage of the accessibility provided by the railroad and Seven Mile Road. In the southeastern portion of the Township, the frontage along Euclid, between Fisher and Salzburg Roads, is r~served for general commercial development. Th.is proposal recognizes the existing nature of the area. The Plan also recommends that buffer areas be established in the form of multiple family areas between the commercial frontage on Euclid and the residential neighborhoods to the west. South of Salzburg Road a rather large area around Monitor Sugar is reserved for industrial development, preferably heavy industry. Along with that, M-84, from Hotchkiss to Salzburg is reserved for a multiple family buffer. To the west, the land- will grade into a variety of single family zones. The Plan recognizes there will be a need for a community commercial area in this portion of the Township. There are a number of possible locations for this type of use. However, in recognition of this, the Plan symbolically indicates a central location at the intersection of Two Mile and Salzburg Road. Rather than place a stigma on one particular parcel, the Township has recognized there are a number of locations which would be suitable for this type of project. However, the burden of proof will be on the applicant/developer to identify 87 �I • • • • • • • • • a location and prepare development plans which incorporate provisions and design features which protect and preserve adjacent single family residential areas. It is conceivable that such i proposal could include multiple family or office park areas which buffer the single family areas. Ideally, such a project would develop under the PUD, planned unit development, provisions . Plan also identifies the Salzburg-Two Mile Road area as the site of a relatively large publ~c, semi-public reserve. Part of this area is reserved for the expansion of MacKensen School with the development of a school-park. The balance is intended for future ·public service needs - townhall annex, fire station, equipment garage, community recreation area and other governmental uses as needs determine are necessary to serve this portion of the urban area . It also merits noting that the Plan recommends two major recreation developments around borrow pits in the area of I-75 and US-10. Presently, these areas are the site of relatively large ponds which could be dredged and improved to provide community recreation areas. Finally, it is noted the Plan reserves single family areas along Salzburg Road to Four Mile Road. This is in recognition of existing subdivisions and the presence of public water service. The following table relates the allocation of the various land use categories as they are shown on the General Development Plan. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN LAND USE ALLOCATION Acres Land Use Categort _Agri cu 1tura l Rural Residential Urban Residential: Single Family Multi-Family Commercial: General Community Industrial Interchange Development Public, Semi-Public 16,585 2,040 3,440 TOTAL 24,400* 225 640 1,200 270 *Including flood plain areas. 88 % of Total 2,840 600 115 110 68.0 8.4 14 .1 1.0 2.5 4.9 1. 1 l 00.0 11.6 2.5 .5 .5 �GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN • MONITQR TOWNSHIP BAY COUNT,Y, MICHIGAN ■ • •I • AGRICULTURE RURAL RESIDENTIAL 1-:-:-:-:-:-:•I SINGLE ~ MULTI-FAMILY FAMILY liiiii GENERAL COMMERCIAL t2SZ5a COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL ~ INDUSTRIAL @ i:30 INTERCHANGE DEVELOPMENT I • • •I • • •I •I c:::::J E::J 0 03] PUBLIC, SEMI-PUBLIC ~ FLOOD PLAIN ... FREEWAY/ INTERCHANGE • ■■■■■ STATE HIGHWAY - COUNTY PRIMARY (ARTERIAL) COLLECTOR LOCAL EXISTING LANO USE • SINGLE P'AMILY RESIDENTIAL .. MULTl·FAMILV Re'.910ENT1AL (ii) MOBILE HOME & 0 PUBLIC, SEMl· PU8LIC ■ INOUSTP'1 1AL COMMll!:RCIAL I• BAY SfiUNTY K PREPAAEO 8Y ZONING a PLA-,,,N ING CbMM WlLUAM8 ~ - �IMPLEMENTATION �.,...- • • • IMMEDIATE ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS There are a number of steps which the Planning Commission, Township Board, and interested citizens can undertake or initiate immediately. Some are relatively short-range and can be accomplished rather quickly. Others will take more time to complete - perhaps a matter of five to ten years. Still, they should be started now in order to accomplish the long-range objectives of the Plan. 1. Begin a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing Zoning Ordinance and map. Changes should be made as necessary to implement the concepts and recommendations of the General Development Plan. 2. Undertake a comprehensive review of the subdivision regulations to insure the standards and criteria for residential subdivisions are commensurate with the goals and objectives of the Plan. 3. Petition the Bay County Road Co11111ission to amend its primary road system and network of truck routes to conform with the General Development Plan recommendations for major streets. 4. Begin discussions with the Bay City School District relative to developing a policy and program for schoolparks. 5. Apply for entrance into the flood insurance program and initiate the regulatory controls necessary for compliance, thereby qualifying local property owners-- for flood insurance. 6. Continue to pursue sewer and water programs and grants for the construction and expansion of utility service in the growth area outlined in the Plan. 7. Investigate and support the continued operation of the east-west New York Central/Penn Central rail line in the Township and the Region. 8. Initiate a detailed study of recreational needs, facilities and programs for Township park and recreation areas. The Township should apply for available state and federal grants to acquire and develop the park and recreation areas outlined in the Plan. 89 �1 9. 10. Investigate the feasibility of activity encouraging and/or developing an industrial park utilizing Economic Development Administration (EDD) funds. In this respect, work closely with Forward Bay County to promote and develop industrial facilities in the Township. Investigate the feasibility of organizing as a Charter Township with the goal of improving and increasing the level of services while, at the same time, maintaining a reasonable tax level. · CODES AND ORDINANCES With the preparation and adoption of this General Development Plan, Monitor Township is in a good position to control and direct future growth and development. However, simply having a Plan is not enough; it must be put into effect. There are several measures which the Township can and should take in order to implement the Plan. ZONING The Township has a Zoning Ordinance that became effective July, 1972. After several years of use and several major amendments, it is appropriate and timely that it be reviewed and modernized. This is especially critical now that the Township has prepared this General Development Plan. In order to take the first step toward implementation of the Plan, the Planning Comnission will begin evaluating the existing Ordinance. The revised Ordinance will be based on and incorporate the proposals and reconl!lendations contained in this Plan. SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS The Township should evaluate and revise its subdivision regulations as necessary. Through this regulatory technique, it has set the specific standards for streets, utilities and other land improvements. It is now appropriate to make any necessary revisions in light of the goals and 90 I �• • • • • • objectives outlined in the Plan. Such a code would then complement this P1an and the Zoning Ordinance and add an extra dimension in protecting the residents from shoddy and haphazard developments . WATER AND SEWER SERVICES In order to safeguard the public health and encourage and control growth, the Township must diligently pursue the expansion and development of public water and sewer services. Currently, there are several state and federal grant programs which will pay the bulk of the cost to study, design and construct sanitary sewers. The Township should insure utility service to the growth areas outlined in this Plan in the near future. Prior to the completion or expansion of the proposed utility systems, the Township should develop comprehensive policies toward utility extensions. Such policies can have a tremendous influence in directing growth into timely and economical settlement patterns. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMMING It should be a function of the Planning Convnission to prepare a six-year (five years beyond the first budget year) schedule of recommended capital improvements. By considering the priorities and financial capabilities of the community, the Township Board can then program needed improvements into the budget while, at the same time, implementing the Plan and maintaining the confidence of the taxpayers . .STATE AND FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS There are numerous grant programs which may the Township and which could be utilized to Plan reconvnendations. It is suggested that vestigate and pursue those most appropriate and recoIT1Tiendations of this Plan. 91 be available to implement specific the Township into the concepts · �Particular attention should be given to assistance programs administered by the Economic Development Administration, Department of Comnerce, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (especially housing and conmunity development programs), the Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Department of Interior . At the State level, the Department of Conmerce, Natural Resources, and Highways and Transportation operate assistance and funding programs which may be of assistance to the Township. The key to "grantsmanship" is constant anticipation and quick response as new programs are authorized and funded and existing programs are revised and continued. FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING The funds the Township is now rece1v1ng from this program can legitimately be earmarked for capital improvements. When scheduled in the capital improvement program prepared by the Planning Commission (and approved by the Board) these funds can be very effective in financing much needed improvements. CONTINUED PLANNING The completion of a General Development Plan does not signal the end of the planning process; in fact, it is the beginning of a process that should continue indefinitely. This Plan is, in reality, a set of guidelines for public officials and private individuals to use in directing and regulating future growth. Future growth will take many forms - forms which nobody can accurately predict because of the fluctuating character of the marketplace and society in general. For example, should single family building costs continue to rise at present rates, there could well be a major change in housing preferences toward apartments and condominiums. On the other hand, a new federal subsidy program for medium income families could have the opposite effect - significantly increasing the demand for single family housing units. The point to be made from this is that there is a very real need for continuous and periodic updating and revision of the Plan. It is recomnended that every three to five years the Planning Comnission review the Plan and make such changes as are necessary to keep it current and viable. 92 �I • • • • • As a continuation of this Plans there iss and will continue to bes a need for other functional plans. The Township should draft and adopt plans and policies for parks and recreations public facilitiess and other areas of capital improvements. In turns these functional plans will complements extend and expand the scope of the General Development Plan ands in this ways truly make Monitor Township a health and attractive place to live . •I • •I 93 �APPENDIX �·. •• ·XH· A GENERAL SOIL CHARACTERISTICS* ,11 - - • - MONITOR TOWNSIIIP Bay County Soil Map Texture/ Symbo 11] Seri es A. ill Permeability (in./hr.) LIMITATIONS TO DEVELOPMENT High Small Comm. Dwellings Dwellings Water Table Septic Tank Buildin_g_s wLout Base wL Base (Depth) (Months) Fields 0-4 5.0-10.0 2-10' 0-6 6.0-20.0 0-3 6.0-20.0 0-2 0-3 0-2 0-3 2.0-6.0 2.0-6.0 .6-2.0 .8-2.5 Slope SAND: 10 378 35A B. Au Gres Roussean (fine) Wainola (fine) < 7' (a) (a) (f) (f) (b) (b) (b) (b) 1-2' Nov-May (a) (a) (a) (a) 0-1' Sept-June (c) (a) (a) (a) (e) (a) (c) (a) (e) (a) (c) (c) (e) (a) (c) (c) 0-1.0' Sept-May 1-2' Nov-June 1-2' Nov-May 2-10' (a) (c) (c) (a) (a) (c) (c) (c) (g) (a) (c) (c) (c) (a) (a) (c) (c) (c) (g) (a) Jan-Apr (a) (f) (a) (f) (d) (a) (a) (f) (c) (c) (a) 0-0.5' Nov-Jan 0-1' Oct-May SANDY LOAM: 45 llA 12 36 C. Bach (very fine) Belding Carunna Wisner . 5-1. 5' Nov-May 0-1.5' Nov-May at or near surface LOAMY SAND: 13 so 17A 57T 25A D. Belleville 0-2 6.0-20.0 2.0- 6,0 Cohoctah 0-2 Iosco 0-3 6.0-20.0 Poseyville 0-3 6.0-20.0 Wainola 0-3 6.0-20.0 (loamy substratum) 0-1, 5 I Mar-May LOAM: 43A 47A 23 Odell Odell Corwin Sloan Tappan (a) (b) (c) Severe (wetness) Slight Severe (wet, floods) 31 _!J * 0-1 .6-2.0 1-3' 0-3 .6-2.0 .6-2.0 .6-2.0 3-6' 0-2 0-2 (c) (c) (c) (c) (d) (e) (f) Slow (permeability) Severe (wet, floods, frost action) Moderate (wetness) (g) Severe (wetness, frost action) Map symbols without letter designations indicate soils wh1t'h are poorly or very poorly drained. Those with a letter designation are well, moderately well, or somewhat poorly drained. As determined by the Advanced Soil Survey as prepared by the U.S.D.A., Soil Conservation Service, Bay County Soil Conseration District, and the Bay County Regional Planning Commission. - �I I I I EXHIBIT A GENERAL SOIL CHARACTERISTICS (Continued) E. DISTURBED LAND: Map Symbol 56 - Made Land A miscellaneous land type with little or no earthy material, including areas artificially filled with trashy material then smoothed. Materials are too variable to estimate their properties or rate for various uses. Map Symbol 55 - Agnents &Udorthents (Sandy and loamy) Another miscellaneous land type that has little or no natural grouping includes: soil. This borrow pits, borrow areas (from which the soil and underlying material has been removed) and cut and fill areas which have been filled with earthy material then smoothed (i.e., the expressway interchange). Here again, the materials are too variable to estimate their I properties or rate for various uses. F. URBAN LAND: I Map Symbol 51 Includes areas covered by streets, parking lots, buildings and other structures that obscure or alter the soils in at least 80 percent of the area. Use for cultivated crops, pasture, woodland, or wildlife food and cover is unfeasible. · 52 1. There are two other categories of urban land: Tappen Complex - (50-85% covered) The open portion of this area is poorly drained, medium to moderately fine textured soils that are nearly level. Runoff is slow to ponded. Water moves through the soils at a moderately slow to slow rate. I I I I I �fl • • 53 2. Odell Complex - (50-85% covered) The open portions of this area is somewhat poorly drained with medium to moderately fine textured soils that are nearly level. Runoff is slow. slow rate. Water moves through the soils at a moderately Wetness is a problem. �EXHIBIT A GENERAL SOIL CHARACTERISTICS EXPLANATIONS: Slope - expressed as a percentage, one foot of vertical rise in elevation over 100 horizontal feet equals a one (1) percent slope. Permeability - is estimated on the basis of known relationships that influence the downward movement of water in the soil. The estimates are for water movement in a vertical direction when the soil is saturated. Perme- ability of the soil is an important factor to be considered in the planning and design of drainage systems, in evaluating the potential of soils for septic tank systems and other waste disposal systems, and in many other I I I I I I I I aspects of land use and management. High Water Table - is the highest level of a saturated zone more than 6 inches thick in soils for continuous period of more than 2 weeks during most years. The depth to a high water table applies to undrained soils. Indicated are the depth to the high water table and the months of the year that the high water commonly is present. Only those saturated zones above a depth of 5 or 6 feet are indicated. Infonnation about the high water table helps in assessing the need for specially designed foundations, the need for specific kinds of drainage systems, and the need for footing drains to insure dry basements. Such information is also needed to decide whether or not to construct basements • and to determine how septic tank abosorption fields and other underground installations will function. Also, a high water table affects ease of excavation. The evaluation of the soils, expressed in terms of degree of limitation, are predictions of the behavior of soils under defined conditions. The inter- pretations apply to the soils in their natural site and not for areas that are altered by cut or fill operations. I I 'I I I I I I �Three degrees of limitations are used as follows: Slight - relatively free of limitations or limitations are easily overcome. Moderate - limitations need . to be recognized, but can be overcome with good management and careful design. Severe - limitations are severe enough to make use questionable. The interpretations will not eliminate the need for on-site study, testing, and planning of specific sites for the design and construction for specific uses. The interpretations can be used as a guide to ·planning more detailed investigations and for avoiding undesirable sites for an intended use. By using the soil map and interpretations, it is possible to select sites that have the least limitations for an intended use. Many moderately well, somewhat poorly, and poorly drained soils have severe limitations in their natural condition. These same soils, when drained artificially, may only have a slight limitation. Modern equipment and knowledge make it possible to overcome most of the limitations of soils for many urban and recreational uses. The degree of the limitation and the location of the soil will determine the practicability of developing the soil for the intended use. No consideration was given in these inter- pretations to the size and shape of soil areas, nor to the pattern they form with other soils on the landscape. For example, some very desirable soil areas are too small in size or too irregular in shape, or their occurence with less desirable soils forms a pattern too complex to be utilized for · the intended use. Although not considered in the interpretations these items should influence the final selection of a site. Favorable soil properties and site features are needed for the proper functioning of septic tank absorption fields. The nature of the soil is important in selecting sites for these facilities and in identifying �.. limiting soil properties and site features to be considered in design and installation. Also, those soil properties that deal with the ease of ex- cavation or installation of these facilities will be of interest to contractors and local officials. Septic Tank Absorption Fields - are subsurface systems of tile or perforated pipe that distribute effluent from a septic tank into the natural soil. Only the soil horizons between depths of 18 and 72 inches are evaluated for this use. The soil properties and site features considered are those that affect the absorption of the effluent and those that affect the construction of the system. Properties and features that effect the absorption of the effluent are permeability, depth to seasonal high water table, depth to bedrock, and susceptiability to flooding. Stones, boulders, and shallow depth to bed- rock interfere with installations. Excessive slope may cause lateral seepage and surfacing of the effluent in· downslope areas. I I I Also, soil erosion and soil slippage are hazards where abosrption fields are installed in sloping soils. Some soils are underlain by loose sand and gravel or fractured bedrock at a depth less than 4 feet below the tile lines. In these soils the absorption field does not adequately filter the effluent, and as a result groundwater supplies in the area may be contaminated. In many of the soils that have moderate or severe limitations for septic tank absorption fields, it may be possible to install special systems that lower the seasonal water table or to l I I I I I I I increase the size of the abosorption field so that satisfactory performance is achieved. Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings - referred to are built on undisturbed soil and have foundation loads of a dwelling no more than three stories high. Separate ratings are made for small commercial buildings I I I I �• without basements and for dwellings with and without basements. For such structures, soils should be sufficiently stable that cracking or subsidence from settling or shear failure of the foundation do not occur. These ratings were determined from estimates for the shear strength, compressibility, and shrink-swell potential of the soil. Soil texture, plasticity and in-place density, potential frost action, soil wetness, and depth to high water table were also considered. Soil wetness and depth to a high water table indicate potential difficulty in providing adequate drainage and gardens. for basements, lawns, Depth to bedrock, slope, and the large stones in or on the soil are also important considerations in the choice of sites for these structures and were considered in determining the ratings. Susceptibility to flooding is a serious limitation. Each level of limitation also identifies the major factors affecting development of the specific facility. to: In Monitor Township they are limited wetness - soils are wet during extended periods of use; flooding - soils are temporarily flooded by stream overflow or runoff; and front action suseptable to freezing which may damage structures. �Table A-1 Historical Population Growth (Bay County and Selected Municipalities) 1970 1930 BAY COUNTY Auburn, City Bangor Twp. Bay City, City Beaver Twp. Essexville, City Frankenlust Twp. Fraiser Twp. Garfield Twp. Gibson Twp. Hampton Twp. Kawkawlin Twp. Merritt Twp. Midland, City (pt) Monitor Twp. Mount Forest Twp. Pinconning, City Pinconning Twp. Portsmouth Twp. Williams Twp. COUNTY TOTAL MIDLAND COUNTY Midland City Midland Twp. COUNTY TOTAL SAGINAW COUNTY Tittabawassee Twp. COUNTY TOTAL 1940 Percent Chang_El_ 1950 1,588 47,355 1,260 1,864 1,046 1,389 691 741 4,211 1,532 1,460 3,253 47,956 1,336 2,390 1,078 1,448 797 912 3,046 1,705 1,570 104.8 1.3 6.0 28.2 3.1 4.2 15.3 23.1 -27.7 11.3 7.5 869 6,770 52,523 1,436 3,167 1,145 1,791 833 770 3,857 2,324 1,623 1,896 723 826 2,258 1,458 1,866 69,474 2,274 812 1,027 1,485 1,680 2,212 74,981 19.9 12.3 24.3 34.2 15.2 18.5 7.9 3,476 850 1,223 1,605 2,068 2,131 88,461 8,038 1,209 19,150 10,329 3,442 27,094 28.5 184.7 41.5 14,285 5,320 35,662 1,548 120,717 1,883 130,468 Percent Change 1960 Percent Change 108.1 9.5 7.5 32.5 6.2 23.7 4.5 -15.6 26.6 3 6. 3 3.4 1,497 11,686 53,604 1,783 4,590 1,481 2,608 982 758 5,387 3,357 1,762 . 72. 2 72.6 2.1 24.2 44.9 29.3 45.6 17.9 - 1. 6 39.7 44.4 8.6 52.9 6,568 4.7 920 19.1 1,329 2,113 8.1 3,213 23.1 3,404 - 3. 7 18.0 107,042 38.3 54.6 31. 6 27,779 2,268 51,450 26.3 17.7 3,150 190,752 Avg% Increase 28.2 3 6. 0 - 7.8 31. 6 8.7 37.2 30.8 22.4 7.5 27.5 23.2 7.9 50.2 80.4 1.3 17.3 28.6 19.0 26.1 15.0 3.4 16.5 28.8 6.9 33.1 18.9 - .7 22.0 27.2 26.2 9.6 48.7 11. 0 12.9 24.0 30.1 25.2 14.1 35,176 2,521 63,769 26.6 11. 2 23.9 47.0 48.3 30.2 4,031 219,743 28.0 15.2 27.1 16.3 1970 1,919 15,896 49,449 2,346 4,990 2,032 3,412 1,202 815 6,868 4,135 1,902 255 8,743 89.0 1,094 8.2 1,320 8.7 2,577 31. 7 4,088 54.9 59.7 4,296 21. 0 117,339 94.5 -57.4 23.9 .. ... .. _... .... 21. 6 2,378 8.1 153,515 Percent Change 32.5 24.3 - �.I• Table A-2 Age by Sex 1970 Monitor 'Townshi Male Ag_e Cohorts No. 404 477 616 439 234 304 302 235 295 288 290 176 141 72 57 33 9.3 10.9 14.1 10.0 5.4 7.0 6.9 5.4 6.8 6.6 6.7 4.0 3.2 1.7 1.3 0.7 389 544 498 426 305 307 305 274 268 280 278 196 106 38 94 8.8 12.3 11. 3 9.6 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.2 6.1 6.3 6.3 4.4 2.7 2.3 0.9 2.1 4,363 100.0 4,427 100.0 Under 5 5 - 9 10 - 14 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54 55 - 59 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 & over TOTALS % Female No. % ------------ 119 Source: 1970 Census of Population Total Bai:: County Female Male Total % of % of % of Total Total Total No. % 793 1,021 1,114 865 539 611 607 509 563 568 568 372 260 178 95 127 9.0 11.6 12.7 9.8 6.1 7.0 6.9 5.8 6.4 6.5 6.5 4.2 3.0 2.0 1.1 1.4 10.2 11. 5 12.2 10.0 6.7 6.5 5.6 5 .1 5.7 5.4 5.4 4.9 3.9 2.6 1.8 2.5 8,790 100 .o 100.0 9. 2 . 10.5 11.1 9.8 7. 7 · 6.3 5.5 5 .1 5.6 5.8 5.5 4.7 3.9 2.9 2.4 4.0 100.0 State of Michigan Male Female Total % of % of % of Total Total Total 9.7 11. 0 11. 6 9.9 7.2 6.4 5.5 5 .1 5.7 5.6 5.4 4.8 3.9 2.8 2 .1 3.3 9.4 10.8 11. 5 10.0 7.6 6.8 5.5 5.3 6.0 5.9 5.3 4.6 3.7 2.8 2. 1 2.7 8.7 10.0 10.6 9.6 8.3 6.6 5.5 5.4 6.0 6.0 5.4 4.6 3.9 3 .1 2.5 3.8 9.1 10.4 11. 0 9.8 7.9 6.7 5.5 100.0 100.0 100 . 0 100.0 5.3 6.0 6.0 5.4 4.6 3.8 3.0 2.3 3.2 �Table A-2 (Co nt'd.) Other Age Groupings Pre-School (under 5) Monitorrownsh iQ % of No. Total Bay Co unty % of Total State of Michigan % of Total 793 9.0 9.7 9 .1 3,000 34.I 32.6 31. 3 2,829 32.2 29.9 31. 4 4,597 52.3 49.6 51. 2 1,768 20.I 19.7 19.8 400 4.6 8 .1 8.4 School Age (5 - 19) Family Formation (20 - 44) Labor Force (2 0 - 64) / "Empty Nesters" (45 - 64) Senior Citizens (65 & over) - 111 . . . . . . ._... -- ... ... -- �-- Table A-3 Years of School Completed* 1970 Monttor Townshie Female Male % % :Jt # Years Comgleted ----- -- - - Total # % Ba :r: Count:t: Male Female Total % % % State of Michigan Male Fama le Total Cl % % l ::J 9 0.4 8 0.3 17 .4 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.1 1. 2 1.1 Elementary: 1 to 4 5 to 7 8 10 206 0.5 33 1.5 1.0 9.4 16.9 111 445 7.1 18.3 2.5 10.3 19. 1 2.5 7.8 18.7 2.5 9.0 18.9 3.0 8.7 19.7 43 317 816 14.3 2.3 7. 1 12.8 2.6 7.9 13.5 High School: 1 to 3 4 384 404 17.8 705 17.5 32.2 858 37.9 788 1,563 17.6 35.1 20.5 29.7 21. 2 35.5 20.9 32.8 21. 7 29.5 22 . _4 37.5 33.7 255 253 11.6 11_2 274 12.1 ll.9 _8,6 9.4 7.6 8.5 4.8 8.9 6.1 9.9 11. 8 9.4 7.3 9.7 9.4 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 No schooling 371 College: 1 to 3 4 or more TOTALS 2,193 132 5.8 529 385 100.0 2,265 100. 0 4,458 ------------- Source: 1970 Census of Population * 4.9 for persons 25 years old and over 22.l �I I Table 1\-4 Family Income Levels 1970 Family Income Levels Monitor Twp. Bay Co. State of Mich. Less than $1,000 27 1.2 1.5 1.8 $ 1 , 0 0 0 - $- 1 , 9 9 9 15 0.7 2. 2 3.1 2,000-$ 2,999 55 2.5 3.7 4.0 $ 3,000-$ 3,999 36 1.6 3.2 4. 1 $ 4,000-$ 4,999 29 1.3 3.7 4.0 $ 5 , 000 - $ 5,999 46 2.1 3. 8 4.9 $ 6 / 000 - $ 6,999 44 2.0 4.6 5.7 $ 7 000 - $ 7,999 - 108 4.9 6.8 7.0 $ 8,000-$ 8,999 152 6.9 8.4 8. 1 $ 9,000-$ 9,999 174 7.9 8.8 7.9 $10,000 - $11,999 408 18.4 15.9 14.8 $12,000 - $14,999 460 20.7 16.5 15.4 s15 , o·oo - s2 4 , 9 9 9 542 24.4 17.4 16.1 $25 000 - $49 / 999 89 4.0 2.9 2.7 $50,000 & over 30 1.4 0.6 0.4 2,215 100.0 100.0 100.0 NA NA $10,408 $9,933 $ t I TOTAL Median Income ----------Source: 1970 Census of Population. - • �Table A-5 EMPLOYED PERSONS BY INDUSTRY 1970 Monitor Township % of Industry_ Agriculture, forestry and fisheries Mining Construction Manufacturing Ourab 1e goods Non-durable goods Transportation Wholesale/retail trade Finance, insurance and real estate Business and repair services Personal services Entertainment and recreati ona 1 services Professional and related services Public administration Industry not reported TOTAL ----------Source: 1970 Census of Population. Total # 77 5 207 1,292 2.4 .1 6.4 40. 1 28.8 11. 3 929 363 Bay County % of Total 2.0 0. 1 . 5.8 39.2 29.6 9.6 5.6 21. 2 State of Michigan % of Total 1. 7 0.4 4.4 33.9 5.0 18.4 107 592 3.3 18.4 68 2. 1 2.7 3.8 45 87 1. 4 2.7 1. 5 3.0 2.4 3.4 14 .4 0.7 0.6 600 57 73 3,224 18. 6 1.8 2.3 100.0 15.7 2.5 16.6 3.7 -5.7 100.0 NA 100.0 27.4 6.5 �Table A-6 Occupation of Employed Persons 1970 Monitor TownshiE # Tyoe of Occueation Professional, technical and kindred workers Engineers, technical · Physicians, dentists and related practioners Medical and other health workers, except practioners Teachers, elementary and secondary schools Technicians, except health Other professional workers Managers and administrators, except farm Salaried: Manufacturi_ng Retail trade Other industries Se lf-employed: Retail trade Other industries Sales workers Retail trade Other than retail trade Clerical and kindred workers 540 % % 12.1 16.9 14.2 65 2.0 1. 2 1. 7 26 0.8 0.8 0.7 58 1.8 1.5 1. 5 160 5.1 3.4 3.3 49 1.5 1.4 1.3 182 5.7 3.8 5.7 197 6.2 6 .1 7.0 66 34 77 2.1 1.1 2.3 1.0 1.4 2.6 1. 3 1. 3 3 .1 5 15 0.2 Oo5 0.7 0.4 0.7 0.6 236 7.4 166 70 511 Bay County % State of Michigan 7.0 5.2 2.2 16.0 6.8 4.9 2. 1 14.3 4.0 2.8 16.9 �Table A-6 (Cont'd.) Monitor TownshiE Type of Occupation Craftsmen, foremen and kindred workers Auto mechanics and body repairmen Meehan ic s and repairman, except auto Metal craftsmen, except mechanics Construction craftsmen Other craftsmen Operatives, except transport Durable manufacturing goods Non-durable manufacturing goods Non-manufacturing industries Transport equipment operatives # Bay County 0/ /0 675 State of Michigan % 0/ 10 21.2 15.4 18.6 60 1.9 1.3 1.4 100 3.2 2.3 2.0 153 142 220 4.8 4.4 6.9 4.0 4.8 6.2 2.6 2.4 7.0 489 15.4 19.3 329 10.3 13.6 12.3 66 2.1 3 .1 2.3 94 3.0 2.6 2.9 2.6 Laborers, except farm Construction laborers Freight, stock and material handlers Other laborers, except farm 94 3.0 Farmers and farm managers 60 1.9 1. 3 1.0 Farm laborers and farm foremen 11 0.4 0.5 0.5 3.6 3.8 3.9 4.0 1 i 1 17.5 81 l I I I 9 0.3 0.5 0.5 I 44 1.4 1. 9 1. 9 j 41 1. 3 1.5 1. 6 I I l I I ~ �• • .. Table A-6 (Cont'd.) Monitor #- Type of Occupation Service workers, except private household Cleaning service workers Food service workers Health service workers Personal service workers Protective service workers Other service workers exce pt private household workers Private household workers TOTAL Township Bay County State of Michigan % % % 270 12.6 8.5 67 101 51 39 12 2.1 3.2 1.6 1.2 0.4 0 o.o 11. 9 2.7 4.4 2.2 1.4 1. 3 2.8 3.8 1.8 1.3 1.2 15 0,5 0.7 1.0 3,179 100.0 100.0 100.0 Source: 1970 Census of Population �Ta ble A-7 Mig ra tio n C harac te ri s tic s 1970 13a y C ounty State of Michigan % %" 12.8 16.6 19.4 751 8.6 8.9 10.0 1965-1967 1,920 22.2 16.5 18.6 1960-1964 1,377 15.9 14. 1 16. 1 1950-1959 2,190 25.3 20.6 20.1 593 ~9 23.3 15.8 8,651 100.0 100.0 100.0 Year Moved into Dwelling: Unit # 1969 ... 1970 1,106 Monitor 1968 1949 or earli e r TOTAL Town sh le % ----------Source: * 1970 C e nsus of Population Includes 714 persons (8. 3%) w-ho have a !ways lived in Monitor Township. reporting methods, totals do not match actual population levels. - ... !- --- !.. -a .i ; - · - -- - - __..._ - -- - Due to Census -- . - ..,._ _ , ........ ..,..__,, �· W: W. W W tW-- ~ w·- .·-W W· Table B-1 Housing Occupancy Characteristics 1970 Bay County State of Michigan % % % 10 0.4 1. 4 3.8 Occupied 2,456 99.6 98.6 96. 2 Total 2,466 100.0 100.0 100.0 Total Hous lng_ Units Vacant (seasonal and migratory) Source: Monitor Townshi,e #: 1970 Census of Housing �T<1 ble B-2 - u Occupancy Characteristics By Year Bullt* Year Structure Built 1965-1970 1960-1964 Total Occupied 587 335 Monitor Township Total % Vacant Occupied 26 0 1950-1959 781 5 1940-1949 312 0 1939 and earlier 390 20 Bay County % Occupied 95.8 90.7 N 100.0 99.4 State of Michigan % Occupied ot A 93.5 V 95.4 al I 100.0 95 .1 ab I 93.7 e 92.6 Source: 1970 Census of Housing * for year-round units only Ill . . . . ..... - -· �• • ••www•-ww--. Table 8-2 - b Occupancy Characteristics By Year Bu llt* Year Structure Built Monitor Town sh ie_ Renter Owner Occueled Occueied % _jL_ JL % 1965-1970 556 94.7 31 5.3 1960-1964 330 98.5 5 1.5 1950-1959 768 98.3 13 1.7 Bay Counti Owner Renter Occupied Occupied 01 % /u N 0 A V a. l 1940-1949 193 9 and earlier 284 332 91.0 85.l -----------Source: * 1970 Census of Housing for year-round units only 28 58 9.0 14.9 t 1 a b 1 State of Michigan Renter Owner Occupied Occupied % Cl /1 69.8 30.2 79.9 20.l 86.9 13. 1 77.3 22.7 66.9 33.1 e �I Table B-3 Bay County State of Michigan % % 80.8 6.6 3.7 4.3 4.6 100.0 75.9 8.5 3.5 9.5 2.6 100.0 I I I I I I 76.4 8.4 3.4 9.0 2.8 100.0 I I I Units in Structure 1970 Monitor TownshiE ii. Units in Structure % TT Total occupied and vacant _ year-round units _______ 1 2 3 and 4 5 or more mobile home or trailer TOT.AL 2,264 20 11 5 156 2,456 92.1 0.8 0.5 0.2 6.4 100.0 2,213 20 A 5 156 2,405 92.0 0.8 0.5 0.2 6.5 100.0 2, l 08 0 6 5 151 2,270 92.9 0.0 0.3 0.2 6.6 100.0 A 105 20 5 0 0 0 77.8 14.8 3.7 Total occupied units 1 2 11 3 and 4 5 or more mobile home or trailer TOTAL V N a. ot 11 ab 1 e Owner occupied units 1 2 3 or 4 5 or more mobile home or trailer TOTAL V a. N ot 11 ab 1 e 91. 3 4.1 0.6 3.3 100.0 Renter occupied units 1 2 3 and 4 5 to 9 10 to 19 20 to 49 50 or more Mobile home or trailer TOTAL -----------Source: 1970 Census of Housing 0 o.o o.o o.o o.o 5 135 3., 7 100.0 A V a. 11 N ot ab 1 e 33.3 20.8 11. 4 9.9 9.5 7.9 6.0 1. 2 100.0 I I I I I I I I I �•••••••••••• Table B-4 - a Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units Monitor TownshlQ Rural Total Value of All Housing Units .JL Less than $5,000 20 _.%. 1.1 .Jl Total % N State of Michigan Total Rural Bai:'. Counti:'. ~* Rural % :it % % % 771 3.4 264 4.7 2.9 7.3 0 $ 5,000 to$ 9,999 117 6.2 t 4,457 19.6 970 17.3 13.4 21. 2 $10,000 to $14,999 228 12.0 A 5,875 25.9 1,260 22.4 21. 9 22.2 V $15,000 to $19,999 357 18.9 a 1 5,100 22.5 1,257 22.3 23.7 18.8 $20 000 to $24 999 480 25.3 3,035 13.4 922 16.4 16.2 12.7 $25,000 to $34,999 460 24.3 2,406 10.6 662 11. 8 13.5 11. 2 $35,000 or more 232 12,2 I a b 1 e ~L055 4.6 287 5.1 8.4 6.6 1,894 100.0 22,699 100.0 5,622 100.0 100.0 100.0 $17,500 $14,800 I I TOTAL Median Value ----------Source: 1970 Census of Housing $15,200 . $16,200 �Table B-4 - b Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units Value of those units lacking 1 or more plumbing facilities Less than $5,000 $ 5,000 to$ 9,999 $10,000 to $14,999 $15,000 to $19,999 Monitor Township Total Rural j_ % ! % A Bal Count:r: Total # Rural % # % State of Michigan Total Rural % ~ 168 39.8 70 39.1 39. 1 51. 2 167 39.6 78 43.6 30.8 33.0 37 8.8 16 8.9 12.6 9.0 46 10.9 15 8.4 7.6 3.4 4 0.9 0 0.0 4.4 1.5 0.0 0 0.0 5.5 1. 9 100.0 179 100.0 100.0 V a N i 0 1 t a $20,000 to $24,999 b l e $25,000 or more TOTAL Median Value 0 422 $15,400 - $16,500 ----------- $17,600 $15,400 Source: 1970 Census of Housing l_a\ -1-)-\..).. -J-)-I-l -l -l ai.i - 1. --1. _, - • _, �• •w•w,•·••· Table B-5 Rent Levels 1970 Monitor Townshi~ 13av County State of Michioan __L % % % Less than $30 0 0 0.2 0.3 $ 30 - $ 39 0 0 2.0 1.0 $ 40 - $ 59 13 9.8 5.3 4.7 $ 60 - $ 79 11 8.3 12.3 11. 7 S 80 - $ 99 7 5.3 20.3 17. 1 $100 - $149 39 29.3 35.9 33.6 $150 - $199 29 21. 7 14.7 18.4 $200 or more 6 4.5 2 .1 7.3 No cash rent 28 21.1 7.2 5.9 133 100.0 100.0 100.0 NA $107. $115. Gross Rent Levels TOTAL Median NA ----------Source: 1970 Census of Housing �Ta ble B-6 Year Structure Built* 1970 Years Monitor TownshiE % .JL Ba y County % State of Michigan % 1969-1970 195 7.9 4.1 3 .1 1965-1968 418 17.0 8.4 9.4 1960-1964 334 13.6 7.7 9.1 1950-1959 786 32.1 18.7 21. 9 1940-1949 312 12.7 12.4 14.7 1939 and earlier 410 16~ - 48.7 41. 8 2,455 100.0 100.0 100.0 TOTAL ---------Source: 1970 Census of Housing * Occupied and vacant year-round units - .,•·-\-l - - -~-I.l.-)..}-t.. t . .1. _.. . -1 . . .l -► �•••,. -••.•. Table B-7 Plumbing Characteristics 1970 ~ Monitor TownshiQ Plumbing Characteristics With a 11 plumbing facilities Jl % 2,427 Bai Counti'. Total Rural Total 99.0 Jl * % Not * % % % % 34,570 95.9 10,004 92.8 95.9 97.2 1,491 4.1 772 7.2 4.1 2.2 A V Lac king some or all plumbing facilities Lacking only hot water Lacking other plumbing facilities 24 1.0 (5) ( 0. 2) (19} (0 ! 8} a i 1 a b 1 ( 250) ( 0. 7) ( 108) ( 1.0) ( 0. 6) ( 0. 4) (1,241) { 3. 4) ( 664) { 6. 2) ( 3. 5) { 1.8) 36,061 100.0 10,776 100.0 100.0 100.0 e TOTAL State of Michigan Total Rural I Rural 2,451 100.0 ------------Source: 1970 C e nsus of Housing. �Ta ble £3-8 Persons Per Room Monitor Town sh ie Total Rural % # it % All Occupied Units l.00orless 1. 01 to 1. 5 0 1. 51 or more TOTAL Lacking 1 or more plumbing facilities l.00orless 1. 01 to 1. 5 0 1. 51 or more TOTAL Ba i'.'. Counti'.'. Total State of Michigan Total Rural % % Rura 1 # % # % 31,826 2,340 405 34,571 92.0 6.8 1. 2 100.0 9,064 1,032 195 10,291 88.1 10.0 1. 9 100.0 92.6 6.2 1.2 100.0 93.0 5. 9 1. 1 100.0 1,090 89. 1 4.0 6.9 100.0 512 26 53 591 86.7 4.4 8.9 100.0 89.2 6 .1 4.7 100 . 0 93.5 3.6 2.9 100.0 Not 2,189 91.0 189 7.9 27 _LJ_ 2,405 l 00 . 0 A A V a i 1 a b 1 e N V a i 0 l t so a b l e 84 1,224 -- - ---------------Source: 197 0 C ensus of Housing l11 ~.~-1' -\- •·-l -~-l -i-)-)-!... -J-- ...... ·- · 1 alJl �MONITOR 2483 E. MIDLAND ROAD TOWNSHIP • BAY CITY, MICHIGAN 48706 June, 1974 Dear Monitor Township. Property Owner: As you may be aware, Monitor Township is experiencing a substantial amount of growth. Several subdivisions have platted additions, and there is increasing pressure to develop prime farm lands and areas around the expressway interchanges. A large area has been rezoned for an amusement park, and there is a pressing need to further coordinate future growth with water and sewer line extensions. Your Township Board end Planning Commission are aware of these facts and are concerned that the pleasant surroundings of the township may be destroyed if steps are not taken to control them. In order to avoid this situation, the Planning Commission has begun a program to evaluat:, update, and improve the existing land use plan and revise the existing zoning ordinance. However, the Commission realizes that this cannot be done in a vacuum - we need your help. We need to know what your feelings are concerning the way the township is now, and what you would like it to become in the future. We ask that you take a few moments and fill out the enclosed questionnaire, (remaining anonymous if you wish) , and return it within seven days. Also, we invite your comments and suggestions at an advisory public hearing to be held in the near future. We are working in your behalf to make Monitor Township a better place to live, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, < / ✓ ,----~ . ,. . o_p ·,M / Howard Klopf, S~rvisor ~ ; r Townsh~ ~ f) . .·o/.C/~ /--c/tjr-~/ - Herbert Steih, Chairman Monitor Township Planning Commission HK/HS/nw J ~ �I MONITOR TOWNSHIP IAND USE ATTITUDE SURVEY The following questions are designed to determine how you, as a resident, think Monitor Township is presently, and what it should become in the future. Your answers w ill be of ass i stance in designing a land use plan which is both realistic and imaginative. Please take the time to answer and feel free to add comments where you feel necessary. Upon completion, enclose the questionnaire in the self-addressed, stamped envelope and return it to us. A. General Information 1. How many people are in your household, including yourself? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 2. How long have-you lived in Monitor Township? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 3. Please indicate on the attached map approximately where you live. 4. Why do you live in Monitor Township? a. Prefer rural living b. Employment c. "Grass Roots " here d. Within commuting distance of Bay City, Midland, or Saginaw e. Other (please specify) I Own_ _ _ __ Rent._ _ _ _ __ 6. Where does the principal wage earner work? I I I Bay City Midland Saginaw Monitor Township Other (please specify) What is the occupation of the principal wage earner? a. ___Farmer b. c. d. e. f. g. h. ___Professional ___Manager or Admtnistrator ___Craftsman , Foreman or Skilled Trandesman ___Laborer ___Salesworker _ _Clerk Service Worker (Le., Waitress, Teacher, etc.) ___Other (please specify) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ i. B. I Do you own or rent your house? 7. Residential Attitudes 1. I I I I I 5. a. b. c. d. e. I I Should the Township encourage new residential de velopment? Yes _ _ _ __ No_ _ _ __ I • • • �• • • • • • • - 2. Should the Township encourage any of the following? (check one or more) a. ___Apartments c. ___Single Family Homes b. ___Mobile Homes 3. Should mobile homes be restricted to parks? Yes _ _ _ _ _ No_ _ _ __ a. If "NO", should there be any restrictions on mobile home location? (specify) _ _ _ _ _ __ b. 4. Should the Township encourage low-income housing for senior citizens and low-income families? a. Senior Citizens Yes_____ No _ _ _ __ b. Low-income Families Yes _ _ _ _ _ No_ _ _ __ 5. If more single-fqmily, non-farm residences are added, where would you prefer they be located? a. ___No restrictions on location b. ___Large rural lots c. ___Rural subdivisions d. ___Subdivisions adjacent to Bay City 6. Where would you prefer to 11 ve? a. On a five-acre parcel in the county, away from community facilities. _ _ _ _ _ __ b. On a smaller lot in a planned residential area, close to community facilities. _ _ _ _ __ c. C. D. If "YES", where should mobile home parks be located? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Other ( s p e c i f y ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Commercial Attitudes Yes _ _ _ __ No_ _ _ __ 1. Are commercial shopping facilities in the Township adequate? 2. How aften do you make major shopping trips outside the Township? a. Once a week c. Monthly b. Once every two weeks d. Once every two months 3. Where do you go on major shopping trips outside the Township? a. ___Bay City d. ___Fashion Square Mall b. Midland e. K-Mart c. Saginaw f. Other (specify) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 4. Should the Township encourage more commercial development? If so, what kind? a. In major shopping centers? b. ---At neighborhood convenience centers? c. ---Along major highways in a strip pattern? d. At expressway interchanges? Yes _ _ _ __ No_ _ _ __ Industrial Attitudes No_ _ _ __ 1. Should the Township have more industrially zoned areas? Yes _ _ _ __ 2. Should the Township encourage more industrial development? Yes_____ No_ _ _ _ _ If so, what type should it be? a. ___Light manufacturing and warehousing b. ___Heqvy manufacturing c. _ _Other (specify) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ �I 3. E. F. Should there be planned industrial development? Yes _ _ _ _ _ No_ _ _ __ If so, where? a. ___At expressway interchanges? b. ___!>.lol'g the railroad? c. ___Glose to Bay City? d. ___Along major county roads? e. _ _Other (specify) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Recreational Attitudes Yes_ _ _ __ ----- No -I 1. Do you feel that more recreational facilities should be provided? 2. Who should provide these facilities? a. ___Township b. ___County c. ___State d. _ _School District e. ___Special Recreational Authority f. ___Private Enterprise 3. What types of recreational facilities are most needed to serve the Township residents? a. Active recreational facilities (ball fields, tennis courts , etc.) b. Passive recreational facilities (:;ature trails, picnic areas, etc.) c. ___Special use facilities (ice skating areas, concert band, etc.) Please specify. _ _ _ _ _ _ 4. Should the Township acquire recreational sites in advance? Yes _ _ _ __ S. Should subdividers be required to set aside (reserve) a portion of their developments for neighborhood parks? Yes_____ No_ _ _ __ No_ _ _ __ General Attitude Toward Growth 1. What improvements, if any, do you feel are necessary to make the present land use controls more effective? Check one or more and explain. a. ___Land use planning b. ___Land use zoning c. ___Subdivision regulations d. _ _Building code Explain:----------------------------------- •II • • 2. What do you feel are the greatest land development problems in the Township at this time? (specify) . 3. What do you feel are the greatest assets of the Township? 4. Additional Comments: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (specify) �••• . . . . : , TOWNLINE , RD. SAYCO 6 4 5 RD. CHIP MOBILE COU~T WESTWOOD VILLAGE TRAIL~R PARK ci 0:: 0:: 8 0 9 t: i2 I MONITOR TOWNSHIP 0 0:: ,~,__,, w =:!1 ~ I ~'+/I 18 - LOCATION MAP 15 14 (QUESTION NO. 3} ....J: C> N. UNION w / ST. I 19 20 - ''· • ,/ I ;r I .... ,a I I 9 --ff I""' "Jii:i;t•• •o ·- -- I FISHER NU. -2JI l,J w 29 a:: w 28 (/) c( I 27 2 "'2 ... ,, ::: RD. 31 z w > I.LI (/) ' a: - - -- - -25= l&J ~ a: !!j II) .... <ri :: :;::::: ::;:'.:;:;:: ::::: 0 ::C N :;j :: \ / :}i{ i{ ~ rrr ~?!}~( J 21 IO ,.._ 26 u IL w !I J ~ a: SALZBURG 32 I c::J MOBILE HOME PARK MOBIL PARK I :tJrJttlt?I ~ ~21 EE) SUBDIVISION 33 I ;,4 35 36 ,:::::::::::: �•II ' MONITOR TOWNSHIP LAND USE ATTITUDE SURVEY SUMMARY II • • ti) C: Q.)_g ti) ..... C: ti) - ttl ti) Q.) ..... ti) A. 0 C: General Information 1. a. b. c. d. e. 2. ::0 8. How many people are in your household, including yourself? 1 3 5 7 9 ti) How long have you lived in Monitor Twp. ? a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 3. 1 - 3 years 4 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 or more 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Q.) ti) 1+-1..C:: 0 ..... *.8 233 307 152 24 6 722 32 42 · 21 3 1 99 32.3 42.5 21.1 3.3 0.8 100.0 148 60 144 104 79 51 138 724 20 8 20 14 11 7 19 99 20.4 8.3 19.9 14.4 10.9 7.0 19.1 100.0 316 301 32 649 43 41 4 88 48.7 46.4 Please indicate on the attached map approximately where you live. Rural area Subdivision Mobile H0me Park Section# ~- *ex; * - 2 persons - 4 - 6 - 8 or more Q) 8.~ tnO ~ 100.0 :l:t, _,_ % Section# JL % % Section# Jl % -12- 2- 45 10 2 2 7 2 7 4 0 5 2 17 6 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 6.9 1.5 .3 .3 1.1 .3 1.1 .6 0.0 .8 .3 2.6 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 12 6 2 3 2 3 2 8 19 17 45 96 2 1 0 0 1. 9 25 26 27 28 29 30* 31* 32 33 34 35 36 68 36 9 2 6 106 34 9 2 3 12 43 9 5 1 0 1 15 5 1 0 0 2 6 10.5 5.6 1.4 .3 .9 16.4 5.2 1.4 .3 .5 1. 9 6.6 ---------* Includes two 0/ 0 0 0 1 3 2 6 13 .9 .3 .5 .3 .5 .3 1.2 2.9 2.6 6.9 14.8 (2) Sections 3 0 and two (2) Sections 31. -1- �rn c: a>.9 a,.,o c: -rn IC Q) .,oa, Os:: rnO a> rn i::c; .... ~8. om '+-I # 482 71 138 *c::G 0 66 10 19 44.6 6.6 12.8 5. Do you own or rent your house? 273 117 1081 37 16 148 25.2 10.8 100.1 6. 718 7 725 Where does the principal wage earner work? 98 1 99 99.0 1.0 100.0 316 93 121 39 88 720 43 13 17 5 12 9 99 43.9 12.9 16.8 5.4 12.2 8.8 100.0 29 116 101 4 16 14 4.2 16.6 14.5 176 107 38 46 74 698 24 15 5 2 6 10 96 25.2 15.3 5.4 1. 6 6.6 10.6 100.0 458 242 700 63 33 99 65.4 34.6 100.0 114 44 547 705 16 6 1.§. 97 16.2 6.2 77.6 100.0 4. Why do you live in Monitor Twp.? a. b. c. d. e. Prefer rural living Employment "Grass roots" here Within commuting distance of Bay City, Midland, or Saginaw Other Own Rent a. b. C. d. e. f. 7. Bay City Midland Saginaw Monitor Twp. Other Retired ....fil. What is the occupation of the principal wage earner? a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. B. rn oa> C. ::s Farmer Professional Manager or Administrator Craftsman, foreman or skilled tradesman Laborer Salesworker Clerk Service worker Other Residential Attitudes 1. ..c:: 0 ... ~o ... Should the Twp. encourage new residential development? Yes No 2. 11 Q) Should the Twp. encourage any of the following? a. b. c. Apartments Mobile Homes Single Family Homes -2- • • �ti) II II Q) C: .9 C/l .... C: - 10 ti) Q) .... ti.I 0 C: '+-I # *o:: 0 583 91 674 80 ti.I 3. Should mobile homes be restricted to parks? Yes No a. 5. 92 ..c:: 0 .... ~o .... 86.5 13.5 100.0 No restrictions Large parcels Fringe areas Other 36 4 0 40 80 11 45. 0 5.0 0.0 50.0 100.0 17 18 86 276 397 2 2 12 1§. 54 4.3 4.5 21.7 69.5 100.0 412 264 676 56 1§. 92 60.9 39.1 100.0 80 524 604 11 13.2 86.8 100.0 5 1 0 5 If "yes", where should mobile home parks be located? a) b) c) d) 4. 11. 0:: - If "no", should there be any restrictions on mobile home location? a) b) c) d) b. Q) ti.I !:0 8. Q) U) 8.CllO ~ Zoned areas Along major roads Away from residential areas Fringe areas and other Should the Twp. encourage low-income housing for senior citizens and lowincome families ? a. Senior citizens Yes No b. Low-income families Yes No If more single-family, non-farm residences are added, where would you prefer they be located? a. b. c. d. No restrictions on location Large rural lots Rural subdivisions Subdivisions adjacent to Bay City -3- 72 83 ...._ 150 171 188 233 742 21 23 26 ll. 102 20.2 23.l 25.3 31. 4 100.0 �rn i: Q).9 rn.., s:: Cl) - ltl Cl) Q) ... Cl) 0 6. b. c. c. On a five-acre parcel in the county away from community facilities On a smaller lot in a planned residential area, close to community facilities Other &~ !:0 8. ..... .c: *c:r; *.8 311 43 45 . 9 284 ~ 678 39 11 93 41.9 12.2 100.0 448 220 668 61 1Q. 91 67.1 32.9 100.0 531 77 ·53 73 11 7 4 95 76.8 11.1 Ul Q) Where would you prefer to live? a. s:: 8.~ 11>0 O""" Commercial Attitudes 1. 2. Are commercial shopping facilities in the Twp. adequate? Yes No How often do you make major shopping trips outside the Twp. ? a. b. c. d. Once a week Once every two weeks Monthly Once every two months ...l.Q_ 691 3. ....i:l. 100.0 Where do you go on major shopping trips outside the Twp. ? a. b. c. d. e. f. 4. 7.7 576 14 93 384 373 Bay City Midland Saginaw Fashion Square Mall K-Mart Other 100.0 360 299 659 49 41 90 54.6 45.4 100.0 168 112 79 125 484 23 15 11 17 66 34.7 _§]_ Should the Twp. encourage more commercial development? Yes No If so , what kind? a. b. c. d. 1498 79 2 13 53 51 8 206 In major shopping centers At neighborhood convenience centers Along major highways in a strip pattern At expressway interchanges -4- 38.5 .9 6.2 25.6 24.9 .i.Jl. 23.2 16.3 25.8 �tf.l C: Q) .9 tf.l .... C: tf.l -tf.l IO Q) .... Cf.I 0 s:: ~ 8. 0 ~~ D. Industrial Attitudes 1. 2. Cf.I Q) Should the Twp. have more industrial development Yes No Should the Twp. encourage more industrial development? Yes No 8. ~ cnO Q) Cf.I Q:::_. ..... .c: 0 .... ~ .s 286 363 649 39 50 89 44.1 55.9 100.0 325 299 624 45 41 86 52.1 47.9 100.0 298 55 43 396 41 8 6 55 75. 3 13.9 10.8 100.0 442 220 662 61 1Q. 91 66.8 33.2 100.0 156 193 119 73 _§.Q_ 601 21 26 16 10 8 81 26.0 32.1 19.8 12.1 10.0 100.0 495 179 674 68 25 93 73.4 26.6 100.0 - If. so , what type should it be? a. b. C • 3. Light manufacturing and warehousing Heavy manufacturing Other Should there be planned industrial development? Yes ' No If so , where ? a. b. c. d. e. E. At expressway interchanges Along the railroad Close to Bay City Along major county roads Other Recreational Attitudes 1. Do you feel that more recreational facilities should be provided? Yes No -5- �Ul C: .9 Ul Q) C: ...,. Ul l'tl Q) ~ Ul 0 C: !::0 8. Ul 2. Who should provide these facilities? a. b. c. d. e. f. 3. 5. F. Ul 8. ~ Ul 0 Q) Ul o:::_ ..... .c o~ ~o 0 # 211 215 200 43 83 126 878 29 29 27 6 11 17 119 24.0 24.5 22.8 4.9 9.5 14.3 100.0 368 278 228 874 50 38 31 119 42.1 31. 8 26.1 100.0 462 142 604 63 19 82 76.5 23.5 100.0 ~ 0::: ~ What types of recreational facilities are most needed to serve the Twp. residents? a. b. c. 4. Township County State School District Special Recreational Authority Private enterprise Q) ~ Active recreational facilities Passive recreational facilities Special use facilities Should the Twp. acquire recreational sites tn advance? Yes No Should subdividers be required to set aside (reserve) a portion of their developments for neighborhood parks? Yes No II II - 526 137 663 72 19 91 79.3 20.7 100.0 308 246 279 224 13 1070 42 34 38 31 2 147 28.8 23.0 26.1 20.9 _L1_ 100.0 i •ii • -i General Attitude Toward Growth 1. What improvements , if any, do you feel are necessary to make the present land use controls more effective? a. b. c. d. e. Land use planning Land use zoning Subdivision regulations Building code "Ignorance" ' i - -6- ' i � 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 Monitor-Twp_General-Development-Plan_1976 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Monitor Township Planning Commission, Monitor Township, Bay County, Michigan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1976-11 Title A name given to the resource General Development Plan Description An account of the resource The General Development Plan for Monitor Township, Bay County was prepared by the Monitor Township Planning Commission with the support of the Monitor Township Board and the assistance of Williams & Works, Inc. in November 1976. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Monitor Township Board (consultant) Williams & Works, Inc. (consultant) Subject The topic of the resource Master plan reports Monitor Township (Mich.) Bay 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/0fe296768ab1845aae8078a4cf9c3ca9.pdf dcb20d5d54ccfe19fd66b7dea4208498 PDF Text Text '' MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Agricultural Co111poneut �I FROM THE LIBRARY OF Planning & Zoning Center, Inc, May 1985 -- Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update Agricultural Co111poneut prepared by: Monroe County Planning Department 14 1O East First Street Monroe, Michigan 48161 (313)243-7093 r oyce r. maniko, aicp, director dennis ahonen, alcp principal planner report coordinators: glenn wynn planner leslie waiter assistant planner graphic design & printing services: raymond b. williamson, graphic arts supervisor jerry oley, printer kermlt wies planning intern typing: crystal reed secretary �TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I II III IV Title Page Introduction 1 Agriculture: The National and International Context 4 Agriculture in Michigan and Monroe County 6 Methodology 22 Implementation Strategy 40 Bibliography 51 TABLES Number 1 Description Michigan's Major Crop and Livestock Products Page 7 2 Monroe County Agricultural Statistics 14 3 Crops Harvested in 1982 14 4 Characteristics of Existing Agricultural Zoning Districts 48 �FIGURES Number Page Description 1 Number of Farms 8 2 Average Farm Acreage 9 3 Average Farm Value 10 4 Average Per Acre Value of Farmland 11 5 Total Farm Acreage 13 6 Total Cropland Acreage 16 7 Percentage of Farmland i n So u theast Michigan 17 8 Average Value Per Farm Acre in Southeast Michigan 18 9 Number of Farms in So u theast Michi g an 19 t r-[ r MAPS Number Description Page 1 Prime Agricultural Soils 26 2 Class II Soils 27 3 High Yield Soils 28 4 Farmland Agreements 29 5 Large Parcels 30 6 Existing Farmlands 31 7 Class A, Band C Farmlands 32 8 Primary and Secondary Farmland 39 f f f f r F �INTRODUCTION �For many years, agriculture has been a forgotten land use as far as planners were concerned. Planners have typically spent a disproportionate amount of time determining the most appropriate locations for residential, commercial, industrial and public uses. The remainder of the community was subsequently identified as suitable for agriculture with little or no consideration given to those factors that determine whether or not a particular area was, in fact, well suited for farming. This oversight was vividly reflected in the preparation of future land use plans. Residential, commercial or industrial areas were identified with particular color codes. Agricultural areas, on the other hand, were often left white or blank, which in itself signified the lack of attention that was directed to agricultural areas. This plan makes a major effort to move beyond this typical attitude towards farmland to one that seriously considers the importance of farmland to the local economy. This is accomplished by considering those factors that make a particular parcel suitable for farming and then identifying those areas of the county that should be maintained for continued agricultural production. The result of this process is a land use map and plan which more clearly reflects the relative importance of each land use category. This particular component of the comprehensive plan begins with a discussion of the national and international influences which affect agriculture. It continues with a review of the characteristics of agricul ture in Michigan and Monroe County. The third and perhaps most important section of this report describes the process that was used to identify the county's most important agricultural lands. The report concludes with a discussion of different techniques that can be used to preserve farmland. Successful planning activities depend in large part upon the participation of those elements of the local community that have an interest in the results of the plan. Without such participation, the implementation of the plan's recommendations is difficult, if not impossible. A concerted attempt was made to involve members of Monroe County's agricultural community in the preparation of this plan, especially in the identification of the county's most important agricultural land. This participation was invaluable in refining this study and identifying more precisely the location of Monroe County's most valuable farmland. The following individuals and organizations were very gracious in lending their assistance in the preparation of this report. Their help is therefore gratefully acknowledged. Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service • Dale Brose, Director • Paul Marks, Agricultural Agent • Paul Nevel, Director (Retired) AG RICU LTU RA L CO MPO N ENT•! �Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District • Arthur Schmitt, Chairman • Boyd Kanitz, Board Member • Robert Doty, Board Member • Gerald Rogers, Board Member • Herbert Smith, Board Member • Merrill Smith, Board Member (Retired) • Tom Gould, Former District Conservationist t I t I. Monroe County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service • Cindy Coleman, Director f Ash Township Planning Commission • Robert Meiring, Chairman Bedford Township Planning Commission • Richard MacAdams, Chairman [ [ • Steve Elzinga, Member Berlin Township Planning Commission • Charles Roelant, Chairman Dundee Township Planning Commission I f • Edward L. Ruehs, Chairman Erie Township Planning Commission • James Leister, Chairman Exeter Township Board of Trustees • Herman Wickenheiser, Chairman • Dorothy Evanski, Clerk Frenchtown Township Planning Commission • Duane Cole, Chairman Ida Township Planning Commission • Lester Nieman, Chairman LaSalle Township Planning Commission • Robert Harter, Chairman London Township Planning Commission • Loyd Sype, Chairman 2•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT f �Milan Township Planning Commission • Philip Bowerman, Chairman • Boyd Kanitz, Township Supervisor Monroe Township Planning Commission • Richard Wilson, Chairman Summerfield Township Planning Commission • Roy Cress, Chairman Whiteford Township Planning Commission • Paul Appling, Chairman • Robert Schnipke, Township Supervisor Monroe County Farmers • Jerry Heck • Frank Smith • Elgin Darling Washtenaw County Metropolitan Planning Commission • Don Pennington, Senior Planner ... AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•3 �. AGRICULTURE: The National & International Context CHAPTER 1 �• Agriculture in Monroe County cannot be considered in a vacuum. Monroe County's agricultural industry is part of a much larger national and international system that needs to be considered to more fully understand the problems being faced by farmers at the local level. Clearly, most of these problems cannot be adequately resolved at the local level. It is, however, important to understand the larger context including the national and international constraints which influence agriculture in Monroe County. Two important factors are currently exerting a significant influence on the agricultural industry throughout the United States. These factors are: 1) the decentralization of this country's population; and 2) the demand for increased agricultural exports. Both of these factors have had a significant influence on the use of land for farming. Farmland is often perceived to be an inexhaustable resource. It is, in fact, a finite one which is being gradually eroded by competing land uses. The National Agricultural Lands Study which was completed in 1980 estimates that the United States has a total agricultural land base of 540 million acres. This total includes 413 million acres of existing farmland plus 127 million acres of potential farmland. An additional 268 million acres of rural land with a low potential for agricultural production is also available in the United States. The study goes on to estimate that this country is losing approximately 3 million acres of farmland each year to urbanization. A major demographic shift occurred in this country during the 1970's which explains, to a large extent, the steady loss of farmland during this period of time. The most significant aspect of this change was the movement of the population from metropolitan areas to non-metropolitan areas. Consider the following statistics: • Forty (40) percent of all housing constructed in the United States during the 1970's was built in rural areas. • Non-metropolitan areas gained 2.9 million people between 1970 and 1978. • The number of households in rural areas increased in the 1970's. • Employment in every major industry group increased at a more rapid rate in non-metropolitan areas than in metropolitan areas during the past decade. ._ A paradox of this phenomenon is that while the population of these nonmetropolitan areas grew at significant rates during the 1970's, farmers became a much smaller part of the total rural population base. Approximately 23 million people lived on farms in 1950 compared to only 8 million in 1980. In 1920, 60 percent of the rural population were farmers versus only 20 percent today. , AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT• 4 �This population change had a number of impacts on agriculture in the United States. The population increase was accompanied by a significant amount of new land development which was often accomplished at the expense of productive farmland. Much farmland was also left idle prematurely because of unrealistic expectations regarding future development. Finally, the introduction of non-farmers into rural areas created conflicts among competing uses. One example of these conflicts is the problem that is typically created when residential subdivisions are located next to farms. Non-farmers are likely to complain about the dust, noise or odors often associated with farming. The net effect of these demographic changes is that additional pressure is being exerted on this county's agricultural land resources. A second ·major influence on agriculture today is the rise in demand for U.S. agricultural exports. Agricultural exports comprised 23 percent of total U.S. farm production in 1980, and are becoming an increasingly important component of the national economy. This has not always been the case, however. Only a few years ago, increased crop production levels and weak global markets created a situation in which U.S. farm exports were in relatively poor demand. During this time, the federal government paid farmers to keep some of their fields idle. This was done to prevent a surplus of farm commodities from flooding the market, thereby lowering prices and hurting the agricultural portion of the economy. Neither of these factors, however, exert the same influence on the agricultural economy that they once did. The dramatic increase in crop yields which characterized earlier years has since leveled off to the extent that increased crop yields can no longer be considered as a valid substitute for land itself. The demand for wheat, feedgrains, soybeans, cotton and other agricultural products worldwide is rising dramatically. This demand will increase as worldwide population and • per capita consumption also increase. Future demand for these exports is subject to a number of factors, the most important of which are worldwide weather patterns and policy decisions in Washington and foreign capitals. While it is impossible to predict definitively how either of these factors will influence U.S. farming in the near future, it's probably safe to conclude that the demand for U.S . farm products will continue to increase and that a disproportionate share of the responsibility of feeding the world's population will be borne by the U.S. farmer . Both of these influences, the shift of population and the increase in the demand for exports, are creating a competing demand for agricultural land. It is not an exaggeration to contend that this country is at a turning point regarding the use of agricultural land. We are rapidly reaching the point where the limits of our agricultural land resources are clearly visable on the horizon. Cropland reserves in the country could easily be exhausted by the year 2000, well within the time frame of this study. It is, therefore, appropriate to identify Monroe County's most valuable farmland and begin to discuss methods of preserving this important resource because once a parcel of farmland is converted to a non-farm use, it is permanently removed from the total agricultural base. The results are not reversible. 5•AGRICUL TURAL C OMPONENT �AGRICULTURE IN MICHIGAN & MONROE COUNTY CHAPTER 2 �1. Agriculture in Michigan The importance of agriculture to Michigan and Monroe County is obvious; it is clearly an important component of both the state and the regional economy. Agriculture is the state's second largest industry and represents a stabilizing influence to a state economy that is subject to dramatic peaks and valleys because of the traditional dependence on the automobile industry. Total farm cash receipts in Michigan grew at a real rate of over two percent per year during the 1970's, and totaled $2.9 billion in 1980. For the industry as a whole, agriculture operations contributed over $10 billion in value added to the state's economy. Michigan ranks among the first five states in the ·nation in the production of 24 agricultural commodities. Five commodities have a number one ranking: blueberries, tart cherries, cucumbers, dry beans and navy beans. Milk accounts for one-fourth of cash receipts from farm products and is our most important product. Milk, corn and cattle gross well over $1 billion, and represent half of tota l farm sales. The next major group of commodities includes soybeans, dry beans, wheat, fruit, vegetables and hogs. Each of the products represent $100-$200 million dollars in sales. A more complete list of Michigan farm products is included in Table 1. 2. Agricultu re in Monroe County Agriculture is likewise an important industry in Monroe County. Over two-thirds of the county's total acreage is being use d for agricultural purposes. In 1982, the market value of agric u lt u ral products in Monroe County was an estimated $62,064,000 . Monroe County is a major producer of soybeans, wheat, potatoes, grain, corn and grain silage in Michigan. The county ranks as one of the top ten producers in the State of Michigan of soybeans (3), potatoes (3) and wheat (9). Historically, Monroe County has followed trends similar to the remainder of southeast Michigan relative to the characteristics of agricultural land. In 1982, the number of farms in the county was nearly one-half of the 1959 total (Figure 1). During the same period, the average size of a farm increased from 99.2 acres to 166 acres (Figure 2). Both the average farm value and the average value per acre of farmland has increased considerably since 1959 (Figure 3 and 4). In 1959, the value of farmland per acre averaged $361. By 1982, the value had increased 370 percent to $1,701 per acre. Over a 24 year period, the value of the average farm jumped from $34,481 to $293,853 due in large part to increases in farm size, crop yields and overall economic conditions. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•6 �Table 1 MICHIGAN'S MAJOR CROP & LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS, 1980 -. COMMODITY RANK AMONG STATES PRODUCTION (by 1,000s) UNIT ~ OF U.S. PRODUCTION Crops: Blueberries Tart Cherries Cucumbers, Processing Dry Beans Navy Beans 1 1 1 1 1 41,000.0 150,000.0 150.1 7,448.0 4,648.0 Lbs. Lbs. Tons Cwt. Cwt. 41. 2 68.8 17.3 28.5 84 .4 Bedding Plants 2 5,695.0 Flats 15.5 Apples Asparagus Celery 3 3 3 900,000.0 234.0 1,387.0 Lbs. Cwt. Cwt. 10.3 14.0 7.4 Carrots Sweet Cherries Prunes and Plums Red Clover Seed 4 4 4 4 1,340.0 58,000.0 12.5 1,800.0 Cwt. Lbs. Tons Lbs. 6.9 16.9 16.3 7.4 5 771.0 44,300.0 49.5 83.0 20,100.0 10.0 107.0 1,892.0 176.0 38.4 73.7 Cwt. Dol. Tons Gal. Bu. Tons Lbs. Tons Cwt. Tons Tons 5.5 4.8 1.0 8.5 4.4 1.1 5.0 8.1 2.5 5.5 Corn, Sweet, Fresh Market Floriculture Grapes Maple Syrup Oats Pears Spearmint Sugar beets Strawberries Snap Beans, Processing Tomatoes, Processing Livestock Products: Non-Fat Dry Milk Creamed Cottage Cheese Milk Production Butter Ice Cream SOURCE ; 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 8 66,214.0 41,915.0 4,970.0 36,709.0 36,637.0 Lbs. Lbs. 1,000 Lb s . Lbs. Gal. Michigan Department of Agriculture, Marketing and International Trade Di_vision, Michigan Agricultural Statistics, 1981, MARS-81-O1 (Lansing, Mich .: Michigan Agricultural Reporting Service, July 1981). "Michigan's Rank in the Nation ' s Agriculture," p. 4. Food Processing Opportunities in Southeast Michigan Market Development January, 1983, Detroit Edison 7•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT 1. 2 5.7 5.1 3.9 3.2 4.4 �. Figure 1 NUMBER OF FARMS 1959-1982 Monroe County, Michigan '- 2900 - 2700 2500 "':Ea: < 2300 LL LL 0 2100 a: w ID > G"l ::a - (") :E 1900 :J z 1700 C t""" -I 1500 ::a > t""" 1300 C • 1529 1458 • (") 0 3: "'O 0 2 m 2 -I • 00 59 64 69 74 78 82 YEAR SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE �Figure 2 AVERAGE FARM ACREAGE 1959-1982 Monroe County, Michiga n 170 160.0 160 152.0 150 140 136.0 130 126 .9 w ~ 120 w--.... 116 .4 a: ) ~ 110 > 100 99 .2 Y', 90 80 70 ;x.. ,.._ 60 59 64 69 74 78 82 YEAR SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGAICUL TURE 9•AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT �Figure 3 AVERAGE FARM VALUE 1959-1982 Monroe County, Michigan t') IO Cl) 300 t') 0) CII -., CII 270 ... ~ t') CII 240 ~ -.... 0 210 ~ 0 0 )( w ::> .J c( t,\ 150 CII M~ ~ ~ ~ 0) I. Cl!. (') CII ..J ..J C ~ ~ ~ 180 > cc c( 120 0 7' 0 90 60 30 > t ') "'.., - CII .... xx·~ ~ ., ..,~ 0 IQ , \. y ~)))) I. G'J ~ I','\ \ ~ 0 y 59 64 69 74 78 82 YEAR SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•10 �Figure 4 AVERAGE PER ACRE VALUE OF FARMLAND 1959-1982 Monroe County, Michigan 1800 1701 1600 1583 1400 1200 w ::, ~ < >1000 a:-~ 90 9 < ~ ~ 0 0 X X ",¢<' ;g x0~ 800 600 570 441 400 381 y X 200 59 64 69 74 78 82 YEAR SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGAICUL TURE 1 l•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �Along with the rest of the United States, farmland in Monroe County decreased considerably in the last several decades. Total farmland acreage declined from 280,742 acres in 1959 to 241,736 acres in 1982 representing a total loss of over 39,000 acres of farmland, an average loss of 1,625 acres per year. A low point of 231,839 acres was reached in 1978. Between 1978 and 1982, however, farmland acreage actually increased approximately 10,000 acres from 231,839 acres to 241,736 acres (Figure 5 and Table 2). A similar trend was evident for total cropland acreage, although the change was not as dramatic as the one previously described. The total amount of acreage used for cropland in Monroe County decreased by 7,036 acres between 1964 and 1982, from 224,267 acres in 1964 to 217,231 acres in 1982. The lowest point occurred in 1974, when only 204,731 acres were used as cropland. Since then, however, total cropland acreage has increased by approximately 12,500 acres (Figure 6 and Table 2). '- Table 3 displays the acreage and amount of major products harvested in the county. The greatest number of acres were planted in soybeans, yielding nearly 3 million bushels. Corn for grain followed with over 75,000 acres planted and 7,878,926 bushels harvested. Over 11,000 acres of wheat, another major product, were planted in the county. Other grains, fruit, vegetables, nursery products, other crops, pasture, and woodlands account for much of the remaining agricultural acreage. 3. Agricultural Trends in Southeast Michigan Agriculture is a changing industry in the eight southeast Michigan counties of Monroe, Lenawee, Wayne, Washtenaw, Macomb. Oakland, Livingston and St. Clair. Each county displays unique characteristics that have influenced agricultural production patterns over the years. The amount of land that is used for agricultural production in a given county is influenced by a number of factors. Perhaps the most obvious factor is the suitability of land for farming. Soils that are well-drained, fairly level, rich in nutrients, and are amply supplied with water are well suited for agriculture. Urban development pressures, however, influence decisions on whether or not land will continue to be used for farming. This is particularily true for those areas along the urban fringe where farmers may no longer find it profitable to continue farming. Access to markets, climate, government policies, and market demands represent other influences on farming. Farmland in the eight counties in southeast Michigan is influenced by each of these factors which are illustrated in the following statistics. The only two counties in this region with over 50 percent of their total land area being used for agricultural production AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT• 12 �Figure 5 TOTAL FARM ACREAGE 1959-1982 Monroe County, Michigan 300 0 0 0 -- 290 0 C, v< a: < V .. .... 270 < w a: 260 0 < :E CD N 280 )( w N •": CD ~ .... G C\I Cit ww Cit ~ IO N G ..... V V V LL X N ..J < 240 t- ot- ., vv vv 250 vv .)', X .,., . .,... Cit N X 0 ., w N N If 220 :XXX v...,v..)C vvv vv 59 64 If Y V 'V',' V V x xx 69 V V N CII 230 X .... VV 74 V V VV 78 ~ 82 YEAR SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE 13•AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT �Table 2 MONROE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS 1959-1982 All Farms Total Acreage in Fanns Average Farm Size (acres) Average Fann Value Average Value/Acre Total Cropland (acres) Harvested Cropland (acres) Pasture (acres) Other Cropland (acres) Woodland (acres) Other Acreage Value of all Fann Products Crops Livestock, Poultry, Products Recreational Income 1959 1964 1969 1974 1978 1982 2,830 280,742 99 $ 34,481 s 361 NA NA NA NA NA 2,268 263,971 116 $ 50,343 1,702 232,022 136 $123,892 s 909 204,731 192,666 4,405 7,660 11,737 15,554 1,529 231,839 241,736 21,449 2,000 253,927 127 $ 72,310 s 570 221,396 162,585 4,001 54,810 15,292 17,239 $19,650,761 $14,127,971 $ 5,511,875 10,915 $ $20,089,967 $13,734,309 $ 6,316,803 38,855 $ $36,393,000 $30,214,000 $ 6,158,000 NA $ NA $16,693,711 $12,022,774 $ 4,670,937 NA s 441 224,267 189,635 3,709 30,923 * 152 $243,412 s 1,583 209,343 195,770 1,908 11,665 9,836 12,660 $45,132,000 $36,287,000 S 8,845,000 NA 1,458 166 $293,853 $ 1,701 217,231 208,633 2,019 6,579 9,945 18,518 $62,064,000 $47,929,000 $14,136,000 NA * Woodland Acreage includes acreage in pasture NA - not available or not tabulated that year SOURCE : U.S . Census of Agriculture Table 3 CROPS HARVESTED 1982 CROP ACRES Corn for grain or seed Corn for s i 1age Wheat Oats Soybeans Irish potatoes Hay Vegetables Orchards Nursery and greenhouse products, mushrooms and sod SOURCE : 75,234 3,217 11,519 6,560 99,056 3,187 5,399 3,893 441 701 WEIGHT 7,878,926 67,462 386,068 421,362 2,968,551 742,045 9,380 bushels tons (green) bushels bushels bushels cwt tons (Dry) ------------------------- U. S. Bureau of Census, "1982 Census of Agriculture " AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•14 �(Lenawee, 78 percent and Monroe, 67 percent) experience less pressure from large urban areas and have physical characteristics which are well suited for agriculture. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties face perhaps the most intense development pressure in southeast Michigan and have less than one-third of their total land areas being used for agricultural production (Macomb - 29.6 percent, Oakland - 12.3 percent, and Wayne - 9.6 percent). Livingston, St. Clair and Washtenaw have 37.7 percent, 43.4 percent and 48.8 percent of their land being used for farming respectively (Figure 7). Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties exhibit other characteristics typically found in urban areas. Average farm size in Wayne is 85 acres, Oakland 100 acres and Macomb 111 acres. In the other, more rural counties, average farm size is somewhat larger ranging from 158 acres in St. Clair to 262 acres in Lenawee. The average value of farmland per acre is higher in the more densely populated southeast Michigan counties than in the out-lying counties. Wayne, the most densely populated county, has a average farmland value of $2,647 per acre, followed by Oakland with a value of $2,592 per acre and Macomb at $1,952 per acre. In the remaining, less densely developed counties, physical and economic factors may be more important in determining land values. For example, Monroe County is less urbanized than Washtenaw County, both have average farm size of 166 acres, yet the average value per acre of farmland is $1,701 in Monroe County and $1,669 in Washtenaw. Lenawee County, the most agricultural of all eight counties, has a higher agricultural land value ($1,479 per acre) than either Livingston or St. Clair counties. Soil conditions and production factors are likely important influences in determining land values in these counties (See Figure 8). Reflecting a continuing trend, the number of farms in the region decreased between 1978 ' and 1982 from 8,760 to 8,527 or 2.7 percent. Livingston and Oakland Counties actually experienced an increase in the number of farms (See Figure 9). A corresponding increase in acreage occurred in Livingston County; however, Oakland County lost 8,027 acres of agricultural land. The largest losses in the number of farms occurred in the two most agricultural counties: Monroe and Lenawee. The number of farms dropped by 101 in Monroe and 221 in Lenawee. Despite these losses, the total amount of acreage being used for farming actually increased in the region. Total agricultural acreage increased in Monroe, Lenawee, Livingston. Macomb and Wayne Counties. The largest decrease, 11,804 acres, occurred in Washtenaw County during the four year period. The overall gain in agricultural land in the eight county southeast Michigan region was 33,230 acres. 4 . Con cl usions The 1982 increase in total agricultural acreage is a reversal of trends that occurred between previous Agricuitural Censuses. Why did the decline in agricultural land reverse during the 1982 Census 15•AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT �Figure 6 TOTAL CROPLAND ACREAGE 1964-1982 Monroe County. Michigan jJ ,.__ <D . C\I 230 "It" C\I C\I <D ... 0) ,.... ('I) C\I C\I ,.__ ('I) 220 . C\I ... ('I) 210 -0 0 0 ('I) ,... "It" C\I . ('I) ,.__ 0) "It" 0 C\I 0 C\I 200 )( Q) 0) 190 ."' CD () c( 180 ...-"' 170 0 160 1964 1969 1974 1978 1982 SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•l6 �........ • > C') -n ::0 C: Figure 7 I""' ~ C: = > PERCENTAGE OF FARMLAND Southeast Michigan 1982 C"" n 0 3: "'ti 0 2 rr, 2 ~ ,., ,., • ,. ,., ,., ♦ X YI ·-· ,., : ~ ,., . ,.. . . . . . .. ~ I 1 m~11i1~1i1}1i~I~i~1 MONROE LENAWEE f ~ MI CHIG AN o'i➔to- - -1----·~ l Less Than 10% 10- 29% 30-49% More Than 50% l SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE .,..,, �'., \1 ___ • Figure 8 AVERAGE VALUE PER FARM ACRE Southeast Michigan 1982 30 0 0 ~ 28 X 24 w => ..J 20 < > w C, 2647 2592 1952 1701 16 1669 1479 < a: 12 > < 8 1392 1151 w > ::a C) - 4 .., 0 n C: r"' C: ' ::a > r"' n 0 3: ~ 0 o<v ~Q!- ~o ~<v<v ~~ v«; 0~ ~"' ~~ 0 V' ~<Q cP ~~ ~Q ~v~ 0~ ~q;. c,V c.,~. ~ <v~~ ~ ~~<v ~~ ~t:o ~ 2! m ..,2! ....00• SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE �~ '°>• G') -= Figure 9 ( ') NUMBER OF FARMS C: I"" 1978-1982 -t Southeast Michigan C: = > ... ....... I"" (') 0 ...,3: 18 0 - -t - :z ITI :z 0 0,... X a: w al ~ :J z :E a: < u. 0 al CIO (I) --~ 1978 ~ 1982 1111 ~ 16 al CD ....... (II -= (II IO 14 - Regional To tal - ....__ \ ~ '-- ) ) ---- - 6 - ... ... a> i-- - _ CD 2 ) ----- )) L-- - - "- - . o<v ~~ ~o ~<v<v <v~,.. ) i-- V (II al U) (I) ) - ) vN~ (I) (I) ) --- )..J', ) ) ) ) - y )) - )) _)) ~<o c,O ~~ ~q;. ~Q ~'v~ 0~ c,'v ~- c_, (I) - ~ ~ i-- a> ... ... ~ ~ 0~ ~,<;. C> ) ,__)) 0 ) "V 0 CD - - )) - - (I) (I) - ) a> CD M: ) ) l i-- CD CD - 4 (') - ,__ ~ ) - .... .-- '-- (I) 0 )) (II - (II (I) (I) -- - 8 0 (I) .... )) 1978-876 0 1982-85~ 7 2.7% ...... (II 12 10 - -== ~ <v~,.. ~ ,..<?, )) ~,. ..J..~<v ~ sornce: U.S. CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE ... �of Agriculture? A number of factors may partially explain this. The region experienced a significant increase in the total housing stock after World War II until 1979. Land was needed to meet this demand for housing, and agricultural land near urban areas was both convenient and inexpensive. Construction of the interstate, state and local highway systems made commuting easier and funding for public water and sewer systems more easily obtained than today. These factors all contributed to the increase in the number of shopping centers and subdivisions that were developed during this period. The development of neighboring land for residential and commercial purposes affected the assessment of agricultural land causing real estate taxes to increase in many instances. For many farmers, this trend towards more development coupled with the rising costs of machinery, seeds, pesticides and fertilizer forced them to question the cost of farming as compared to other alternatives. In the face of these trends, many farmers sold their land to developers or sold small parcels to former urban residents as future home sites. Residential property tax assessments increased land values even higher and the cycle continued. The mid-70's brought some changes which influenced this trend. As a result of the oil embargo, energy prices skyrocketed and it became more expensive to commute to the outlying suburbs. Recessions in 1974-75 and the early 1980's brought high levels of unemployment. Tied with high inflation rates, building new homes and shopping centers was an expense that few people could afford. Federal funding for water and sewer line extensions became less available during this period. The cumulative effect of these changes appears to be that the demand for agricultural land for urban development may be decreasing. The increasing costs of farming without a corresponding increase in the prices received for agricultural products has cut into the profit margin for farmers, forcing them to increase the amount of acreage in cultivation in order to increase profits. Improved management practices have also enabled farmers to cultivate acreage previously considered marginal, further improving existing crop yields. These factors may help partially account for the increase in the amount of land being farmed between 1978 and 1982. It is probably premature to speculate whether or not the 1982 increase in total farm and total cultivated acreage are exceptions to an overall decline in agriculture or whether they represent the start of a new trend. The statistics are, however, encouraging as they represent a positive indicator of the stability of agriculture in Monroe County. It is equally clear that agriculture is an extremely important part of both the state and local economy and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. AGRJCUL TURAL COMPONE N T• 20 �The State of Michigan, for example, has identified food processing as one of the target industries which are being sought by Michigan industrial developers. Michigan currently imports over one-half of its entire food supply. Many farm commodities are grown in the state and shipped to other states for processing and then imported to the state as retail products. This situation creates a potential for more fully developing the food processing industry in Michigan. A second factor which could influence farming in this state is the increasing demand for U.S. agricultural products worldwide. This demand could be a considerable advantage for a state like Michigan, which has a well developed agricultural industry. Monroe County, as one of the most productive agricultural counties in southeast Michigan, is well situated to participate in the future growth of agriculture in Michigan, thereby making preservation of the county's productive agricultural land even more important. r 21 •AGRICULTURAL CO MPO N EN T �METHODOLOGY CHAPTER3 �ft • • The purpose of this methodology is to identify Monroe County's best farmland which should be retained for continued agricultural production during the time frame of this comprehensive plan. Monroe County is not the first community to attempt such a project. Similar studies have been undertaken by other communities throughout the country at varying levels of sophistication. A common denominator of all these studies, however, is an identification of those key factors which have an influence on whether or not a given parcel of land is well suited for farming. The methodology used here was borrowed from the Washtenaw County Metropolitan Planning Commission , which under t ook a similar study in 1981. The basis of this methodology is an analysis of six fundamental factors which have a direct influence on the ability of a parcel to support farming. It can also be applied to other communities across the state since the information sources used in this study are readily available and easy to use. This methodology is described in more detail below. A. Physical Criteria The suitability of land for farming is obviously highly dependent on the physical characteristics of the land. namely soil conditions. Soil characteristics have perhaps the most significant influence on whether or not a parcel can support large scale agricultural production. Three physical characteristics have been taken into consideration in an attempt to identify highly productive agricultural land within Monroe County. These include prime agricultural soils, Class II soils, and soils that are capable of producing over 100 bushels of corn per acre. These three physical characteristics were selected because they could be easily measured, defended, and were not subject to change. While the following three physical characteristics are not meant to be exhaustive, they do represent important factors that have a direct influence on the suitability of land for farming. All three of these physical criteria utilize soil data available through the Soil Survey of Monroe County which was completed in 1981 by the United States Department of Agriculture. Each of these three physical factors is discussed in more detail below. 1. " Prime Agricultural Soils The soil survey identifies 25 individual soil types which are considered very well suited for farming. The U.S. Department of Agriculture discusses the characteristics of these prime agricultural soils in the following narrative : AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•22 �"Prime agricult u ral soils . . are t hose soils that are best s u ited to producing food, forage, fiber and oilseed crops. Su ch soils have soil properties that are favorable for the economic production of sustained high yields of crops. The soils need to be treated an d managed u sing acceptable farming methods. The moisture supply, of course, mu st be adequate, and the growing season has to be sufficiently long. Prime farmland soils may presently be used as cropland, pasture, or woodland, or they may be in other land uses. Urban and built-up land or water areas cannot be considered prime farmland. Prime farmland soils usually get an adequate and dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or irrigation. The temperature and growing season are favorable. The soils have few or no rocks and are permeable to water and air. They are not excessively ero d ible or saturated with water for long periods and are not fre quently flooded during the growing season. The slope ranges mainly from Oto 6 percent. Soils that have limitations - highwater table, subject to flooding, or dro u ghtiness - may qu alify as prime farmland soils if the limitations are overcome by such measures as drainage, flood control, or irrigation. Onsite evaluation is necessary to determine the effectiveness of corrective measures". (prime agricultural soils are illustrated on map 1) 2. Class II Soils This land classification indicates the suitability of soil types for field crops . The classes are gro u ped I th r o u gh VIII with the first category having the fewest limitations for farming and the latter having the most. The highest soil capability classification in Monroe County is Class II. Class II soils are those that have "moderate limitations that reduce the choice of plants or that require moderate conservation practices" . The major limitations of these soils are erosion, wetness, s h allowness or the presence of stones. Corrective measures on the part of the farmer may be necessary to mitigate these problems. Class II soils in Monroe County are capable of producing corn yields of 90 bushels or more per acre and are also included in the prime agricultural classification identified earlier. See Map 2. 23•AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT 1 1 ] J �3. High Yield Soils A third physical characteristic that was considered is soils that are capable of producing high crop yields. The criteria that was chosen for this study were soils that are capable of producing 100 bushels of corn or more per acre. Most of the soils that were included in this criteria are also considered prime agricultural soils and/or Class II soils. Several high yielding soils, however, were not included in either category. Approximately 65 percent of the county's soils are capable of producing 100 bushels of corn or more per acre. See Map 3 . ..., B. Social & Economic Criteria The capability of soils to support agriculture is obviously very important for determining the suitability of a given parcel for supporting large scale farming. Soil factors, however, should not be the sole determinant in the identification of prime agricultural land. Other social and economic factors also have an influence on whether or not a parcel will be used for agriculture or converted to another use. The three factors that were selected as the relevant social and economic factors include parcels enrolled in Public Act 116, parcels over 40 acres in size and existing farm operations. These factors are useful indicators of valuable farmlands since they demonstrate a committment on the part of a landowner to continue to use his property for agricultural purposes. 1. Parcels Enrolled in Public Act 116 In 1974, the governor signed into law Public Act 116, the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act. Act 116 enables a landowner to enter into a development rights agreement with the state. The landowner receives specific tax benefits in return for agreeing to maintain his land for either agricultural or· open space purposes for a specified period of time (minimum ten years). In order to qualify, the farm must be 40 or more acres in size, have a gross annual income of $200 or more per tillable acre, or be a designated specialty farm. See Map 4. Over 20 percent of the county's total acreage is enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Program. The western Monroe County communities of Milan Township, Summerfield Township and Whiteford Township each had over one-third of their total land area enrolled in this program. This particular factor is considered important because it indicates a commitment on the part of the land owner to maintain his property for farming for at least ten years. 2. Large Parcels Parcel size and shape has an important influence on the viability of a given area for long term agricultural production. Large parcels with regular shapes lend themselves more readily to farming than smaller parcels that have been split up for non-agricultural purposes. Larger parcels are also more likely to remain as active farms than smaller parcels. Those parcels that are 40 acres in size or larger were considered highly suited for farming. This data was obtained through the property tax maps available through the Monroe County Equalization Department. See Map 5. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT• 24 �3. Existing Farms Land that is currently being used for farming was the final factor that was considered as part of this study. This criteria was selected because it also demonstrated an obvious commitment to farming. A large percentage of the county is being actively farmed, as shown on Map 6. This information was obtained by reviewing 1980 aerial photography. Composite maps for each one of these factors were prepared using 1:2000 scale county base maps. A grid composed of cells approximating 160 acres was constructed. This grid was placed over each of the six criteria maps individually. When one-half of the grid cell was covered by the criteria, the entire 160 acre area was coded as meeting that criteria and marked accordingly. The results for all six criteria were tabulated for each grid square. Next, definitions of essential (Class A), secondary (Class B) and reserve (Class C) farmland were tabulated based on the results of the coding. The definitions for each of these three categories are included below. (To be classified as A, B, or C, the parcel had to be an existing farm.) • Class A Farmland - This category includes land with strong physTcal-and-socio-economic characteristics. Farmland within this category meets 2 or 3 physical characteristics and 2 or 3 socio-economic characteristics. These include farms with very productive soils that remain part of large acreage holdings and/or had been enrolled in the P.A. 116 program. • Class B Farmland - Included in this category is land with very-strong physical characteristics and moderately good socio-economic characteristics. Land within this classification meets 2 or 3 physical characteristics and only one socio-economic characteristic. Typically, farms that meet this definition were located on very productive soils, but the size of the parcel was small and no steps had been taken to enroll the property in the P.A. 116 program. • Class C Farmland - The final category includes land with only-moderately good soils but strong socio-economic characteristics. This classification met one physical criteria and 2 or 3 socio-economic criteria. These are areas with farms that may not have the best soils, but are either large farms or are enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Program. C. Citizen Participation Process The preceding methodology provided a good first step towards identifying Monroe County's best farmlands. This system did, however, leave several important gaps in the preliminary agricultural map. 25•AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT l I 1 �... r MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT MAP 1 [I§] PRIME AGRICULTURAL SOILS ,,,,,-:.• > '!t>• ...,• C'} -n::a t C: r-t C: ::a > r- n 0 ~ "O 0 z z ITI -i • ~ °' ~ 0 I 1 I ;;;; 2 3 I I ~ • I Scale In Mlleo I I MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT l COMMISSION �~ -.J • )> G") c::: ::io (") MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: r- -t C: ::io )> r- AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT e") 0 3: MAP 2 "ti [§IT] 0 :z m :z CLASS II SOILS -t :-.• '<;.. ... ...,• -- 0 1 I I 2 I S I t ' I I I liiiiiiil Scale In MIi•• MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & COMMISSION ~ ] �! MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT MAP 3 '.•.• [filfilill HIGH YIELD SOILS (100 plus bu.lac re corn) '<,~· ~· > ..,,• C) = - t (j C r- -1 C = > r- (j 0 :: "'O 0 2 rr, 2 -I • N 00 ::, ,:.: 9J -- 0 1 2 3 I I I I 4 I S eal• In MIi•• a I MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & COMMISSION �~ \0 >• ::a C) - ( ') C: MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: r- -f C: ::a MILAN > r- El 0 c::e3ETON (') AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT 0 ~ A~WNSHP -a 0 2 0 .. MAP 4 □ r-{:};~ @]fil] tTI FARMLAND AGREEMENTS (P.A. 116) 2 -f :-.• «t' i ~· ..,,• □ CJ 0 t 2 3 4 I I I I I I I c;;;; ~ Scale In Mlle ■ ~ ~ MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & COMMISSION ......, ~ M .,,..., ,M �1 MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT MAP 5 t::=:::=:::::q LARGE PARCELS (40 plus acre lots) <t}~• ! ~· > ..,• C') = -r, C: r- -I C: = > r- r, 0 ~ ,:, 0 2! ITI 2! -I • c,,-, 0 w~ :::: ,::: . D D□ D 0 1 2 I I I I I 4 I II I iiiiiiii Scale In MIi•• MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & COMM1SSION �.... ~ >• ::a C, -n C MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: r- -f C ::a > rn AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT 3: MAP 6 0 "O 0 brtn :z m :z EXISTING FARMLANDS -f l• )~1SW>1'◊~1 i ... !l!llill!::1:1::1:::11::::1:::iit ;;:,;,>•·· ..,• 0 2 :S 4 I I I I I I !iiiiiiiiiiil Scale 1ft MU•• MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT I. COMMISSION �~ ' MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: r~:wi ~;:f~ AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT MAP 7 §a CLASS A FARMLANDS 8]]] CLASS B FARMLANDS 1111 CLASS C FARMLANDS • I()" ~· 'y. > G"> - t ::i::, ("') C: BEDFOROo r- -1 C ::i::, > r("') 0 ~ "O 0 z z !'Tl -I • w N) ■ 0 2 3 4 I I I I I I liiiiiiii Scala In MIia• MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & COMMISSION �Some very productive farmland in the county was omitted from the preliminary agricultural map because of some minor flaws in the original methodology. The first flaw involved the level of generalization required by the methodology. A minimum land area of 160 acres was used in the preparation of the map. While some level of generalization is necessary when designating land uses on a county-wide basis, it does create a situation where the unique characteristics of some parcels may be overlooked. Conversely, some land that was originally identified as good farmland in the original methodology is currently being used for some obvious non-farm uses and has subsequently been omitted from the final agricultural map. Examples of this include Pointe Mouillee Game area, the Dundee Cement Company property and those portions of the county that are within existing public water and sanitary sewer service areas. The second problem with the methodology is that the soil survey data that was used to measure the suitability of an area for farming contained a bias in favor of field crops, namely corn, soybeans, wheat, etc. Soils that are highly suitable for crops such as potatoes or other vegetables were overlooked. To compensate for these omissions, a second major step was undertaken for the purpose of identifying those additional agricultural lands within the county that should be included on the final agricultural map. This second step involved the participation of key members of the county's agricultural community. Representatives from the following organizations were given an opportunity to comment on the preliminary agricultural map: Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service, Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation Service, Agricultural Conservation and Stabilization Service, and the Michigan Farm Bureau. The preliminary map was also reviewed by 14 of the 15 township planning commissions in Monroe County. Each of these groups were asked to consider the following criteria in revising the preliminary map: • Existing farms that have been farmed for a long period of time and will likely remain in agricultural use in the near future. • Farmland that is characterized by particularily high crop yields. • Vegetable or specialty farms. • Farms where significant improvements and/or investments were made (drainage, erosion controls, animal waste systems, etc.). • Other unique factors that otherwise may not have been taken into consideration as part of the original methodology. 33 • AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �Based upon the comments and suggestions that were received during the public participation process, a final farmland map was prepared. This map includes a two level agricultural land designation: Class A farmland and Class B farmland. This final map is a composite map which reflects the original methodology as well as the suggested additions and deletions that were identified during the citizen participation process. The final results of this process are illustrated on Map 8. This map is described on a township-by-township basis in the following narrative. -- i • Ash Township Approximately one-half of Ash Township has been designated as being highly suited for farming. These areas are confined largely to the western and southern perimeters of the township plus small portions of northern and eastern Ash Township. Large sections of central and northern Ash Township have been excluded from the agricultural designation. This area extends from the Village of Carleton east to Telegraph Road, and north along Interstate 275 to the Wayne County line. This area has been excluded from serious consideration as future agricultural land because of the existing urban development patterns which characterize the area and because of the availability of public water and sanitary sewer lines. The area adjacent to Telegraph Road in the northern two-thirds of Ash Township has been excluded from the agricultural classification because of the township's adopted policy of encouraging growth along this corridor. • Bedford Township Nearly-the-entire township has been excluded from designation as prime agricultural land. A major reason for this is the fact that large portions of the township are heavily urbanized and are served by public water and sanitary sewers. Bedford's best farmland is confined primarily to the extreme northern and eastern portions of the township including the six sections along the Ida Township boundary and some land along the Erie Township boundary. The northwest corner of the township outside of the public utility service area and south of Samaria Road/M-151 has been excluded from either agricultural classification for two reasons: 1) this area is characterized by soils that are considered only marginal for farming; and 2) this area has experienced considerable residential development along the frontage of the township road network. Large woodlots are also located in this area of the township further restricting the use of the land for farming. AGRICULTURAL CO M PONEN T•34 �• Berlin Township Large portions-of Berlin Township have been designated as being highly suited for continued agricultural production. The only large areas excluded from this classification are the Villages of South Rockwood and Estral Beach, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area and the area that is currently being served by the Berlin Township wastewater collection and treatment system. This latter area is confined to the extreme southern end of the township along Swan Creek Road and Trombley Road. The only other portions of the township that were omitted from the agricultural designation include small areas where existing development patterns realistically precluded the land from being used for agricultural purposes. Public water service areas within Berlin Township have largely been ignored in considering whether or not particular areas should be designated as prime agricultural land. Public water lines currently serve nearly the entire townshop. These water lines do not accurately reflect either existing development patterns or planned township growth. • Dundee Township Dundee-Township's best agricultural land is confined primarily to that area of the township lying west of U.S. 23. Another area of prime agricultural land is located north of the Village Dundee and south of Dundee Cement. The remainder of the township was excluded from being designated as prime agricultural land for a number of reasons. Nearly the entire southeast corner of the township, south of Dixon Road, was excluded from the agricultural classification because the existing soils are only marginal for supporting farming. The existing soils are either too san d y or too wet to support large scale agricultural operations . The River Raisin and Saline River flood plains were also excluded for similar reasons. All of the property owned by Dundee Cement was excluded because the long term use of this property is not agricultural. • Erie Township Large portions of Erie Township have been included in the agricultural designation. Several developed areas have, however, been excluded from the classification. The City of Luna Pier and the unincorporated Village of Erie have both been excluded because existing development patterns have largely precluded the use of this land for farming in the near future . The more urbanized areas adjacent to the City of Toledo have also been excluded for similar reasons. The flood prone areas of the township along the Lake Erie shoreline were not included in the agricultural classification because of a flooding hazard. 35•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �• Exeter Township Exeter-Township is characterized by large areas of land that are considered highly suited for farming. These agricultural areas cover the township fairly uniformly with two major exceptions. The first exception is the Village of Maybee, located in the southwest corner of the township. The entire village area has been excluded from the agricultural classification. This was done to provide some room for future village growth even though several parcels of land within the village are currently being farmed. The excluded areas was also extended to the north and west of the village to encompass other non-farming land uses. To the north, the excluded area includes a quarry located just outside of the village limits. To the west, this area extends into London Township to include a residential subdivision which will shortly be provided with sanitary sewer lines from the Village of Maybee. The other large area that was excluded from the agricultural classification is located in the northwest portion of the township along the Wayne County line. This area was excluded because of poor soil conditions for farming and small parcel sizes. Several other small areas in the east and central portions of the township have been excluded because existing development patterns and/or parcel sizes were not considered suitable for farming. Among these areas is the unincorporated village of Scofield, located at the intersection of Sumpter Road and Scofield Road. • Frenchtown Township Frenchtown Township is fairly equally divided between areas that are suitable for agricultural production and areas that are better suited for urban growth. These latter areas are very extensive, the largest of which is located adjacent to the City of Monroe. This area extends north along Telegraph Road and northeast along North Dixie Highway. Most of the area that has been excluded from the agricultural classification is currently served by public water and sanitary sewer lines. Frenchtown's prime agricultural acreage is located outside of the existing public utility service areas in the northwest and northeast portions of the township. These areas are characterized by reasonably productive agricultural soils that are largely being used for agricultural purposes. • Ida Township lda Townsh1p 1 s best farmland is largely confined to the eastern two-thirds of the township. east of Ann Arbor Railroad line which runs through the township. West of the railroad tracks the soil is only marginal for farming. This area is also characterized by large woodlots, smaller parcel sizes and single family development along the frontages of the township road system. AGRJCUL TUR A L COMPONENT•36 �The remainder of the township, east of the railroad tracks is very highly suited for agricultural production. The only exceptions to this pattern are the established communities of Ida and Lulu as well as two other small concentrations of residential development located in the southeast portion of the township. • LaSalle Township LaSalle Townsh1p is fairly evenly divided between areas that are highly suited for farming and areas that are better suited for other land uses. The prime agricultural areas are confined largely to the western one-third of the township and along the northern boundary of the township between Woodchuck Creek and North Otter Creek Road. Another small agricultural area is located in the southeast corner of the township adjacent to Erie Township. The central portion of LaSalle including the more developed portion of the township and land adjacent to South Dixie Highway and Telegraph Road has been excluded from the agricultural designation. This excluded area is nearly identical to that portion of the township that is currently being served by the south county water distribution system. • London Township Large portTons-of London Township have been identified as being highly suited for farming. The largest such areas are located in the eastern one-third and western one-third of the township respectively. These areas are separated from each other by a broad band of wooded wetlands that are not considered very well suited for farming. Also excluded from the agricultural classification are the Saline River flood plain, the Milan Dragway property, the settlement of Oakville and an extractive operation located in the northeast corner of the township. • Milan Township Extensive portions of Milan Township are considered highly suited for farming. Nearly the entire township has been included in the proposed agricultural classification. There are only several small exceptions to this general pattern. A small area south of the City of Milan extending south along U.S. 23 has been excluded from the agricultural designation. Also excluded is the property owned by Dundee Cement in the southeast corner of the township, the settlements of Cone and Azalia, and Milan Airfield, • Monroe Township Only-small-sections of Monroe Township have been designated as prime agricultural land. The largest of these areas is located in the southwest portion of the township west of Telegraph Road and south of Dunbar Road. The other area is located between South Dixie Highway and Interstate 75 south of LaPlaisance Road. The remainder of the township is clearly more suited for urban development given the availability of public utilities. 37•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �• Raisinville Township Extensive portions of Raisinville Township have been included in the agricultural classification. The township is characterized by highly productive soils which are being used largely for agricultural production. Several exceptions to this general pattern are evident at various locations throughout Raisinville. The most notable exception is the flood plain of the River Raisin extending from the eastern boundary of the township to the western boundary. The remaining areas that have been excluded include small concentrations of urban uses, primarily residential development located in the northeast portion of the township. • Summerfield Township Approximately one-half of Summerfield Township's land area is considered highly suited for farming. These areas are located in the northwest corner of the township, north of the River Raisin and in the southwest portion of the township, south of the City of Petersburg and south of Teal Road. These prime agricultural lands are consistent with the agricultural areas that have been designated as part of the Summerfield Township plan. The eastern half of the township has been excluded from the agricultural category for a number of reasons. The soils in this area are less capable of supporting farming than are the soils in the western portion of the township. This area is also characterized by small lot sizes and considerably more residential development than the other half of the community. The flood plain of the River Raisin has been omitted from the agricultural classification as the soils along the river are not ideally suited for farming. • Whiteford Township Large portions of Whiteford Township have been included in the agricultural designation. Most of the township is characterized by very productive agricultural soils which are currently being used for farming. The only major areas that have been excluded from this classification are located along the eastern and southern boundaries of the township, adjacent to the more urbanized communities of Bedford Township and the City of Sylvania, Ohio. In the western half of the township, the only areas that have been excluded from the agricultural classification are Whiteford Valley Golf Course, the small community of Ottawa Lake and the Dana Corporation property. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•38 �~ \,0 • > C, = ( ') C MONROE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: I"' ~ C = > AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT I"' n .. 0 3: -a 0 2 m r·:::.1 2 ~ ""'. PRIMARY FARMLAND SECONDARY FARMLAND ! '.t-. ,! 0 1 2 3 4 5 I I I I I I liiiiiiiii MAP 8 liiiiiiiii Scale In Mlle• MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT & COMMISSION �- .. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY CHAPTER 4 �r • f l, Identifying the cou nty's most i mpo r ta n t far mlands represents only t h e first step towards retaining t h ese esse n tial resources . The next step involves developing programs to effectively preserve these areas. Most farmland preservation programs, h owever, i n volve t h e imposition of some restrictions on how lan d can b e u se d . In t h e case of agricu l tural preservation, this usually involves some restrictions on the amount of non-farm development that is permitted in an agricultural area. Preserving land for a particular p u rpose, however, runs contrary to some long accepted attitudes about the use of land in this country. Many property owners resist the imposition on any restrictions relating to their ability to use their land for whatever use they feel is most appropriate, or most profitable . This attit u de is firmly rooted in the "laissez-faire" attitude towards o u r land resources that significantly influenced the manner in which this coun try was settled and developed. This attitude has undergone a significant transformation during this century with the introduction of zoning and the imposition of other related land use restrictions. Despite these changes, some of the original "laissez-faire" attit ud e towards the land still exists and mu st be considered in the development of any restrictions on the use of agri cultural land. These attit udes, which are constantly evolving and in a state of flux, represent the context with in wh ich any agricultural preser vatio n effort mu s t functio n. This concl u ding chapter provides a brief summary of the major farmland preservation programs that have been attempted across the United States with particular emphasis on those programs that have been implemented in the State of Michigan. The report will conclude by making some recommendations on how a successf u l agricultural preservation program could be implemented in Monroe County. 1. Inventory of Existing Agricultural Preservation Programs Agricu ltural preservation is not a new concept. Different types of agric ul tural preservation programs have been around for a number of years . These programs may differ in their approach to preserving farmland, but they share one common feature in that they all attempt to prevent or discourage the conversion of farmland to other uses thro u gh the imposition of some controls or by offering some incentives. Incl u ded below is a brief description of the major types of programs that are currently being used to preserve farmland. This is followed by an assessment on the effectiveness of these programs and their applicability to Monroe County. • Tax Relief_Programs Maintaining the economic viability of farming represents a significant incentive to keep land in agricultural production, thereby preventing the conversion of this land to urban uses. To the extent that property taxes affect the economics of farming, tax relief programs are useful tools to preserve farmland. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•40 �Farmland has two values which need to be considered in the development of tax incentives: 1) the value of land for agriculture and 2) the value of farmland for other forms of development. Tax relief programs have two primary benefits; the first is to reduce taxes and the second is to reduce the rate of farmland conversions by curtailing the number of tax motivated sales. One of the most popular forms of tax relief for farmland involves the differential assessment of agricultural property. Differential assessment refers to the assessment for property tax purposes based on the agricultural use of the land rather than its fair market value. Another tax relief program involves the use of tax credits. This type of program allows a farmer to apply some or all of his property taxes as dollar-for-dollar credits against his state income tax. This type of program is based on a farmers net income, and is fairly effective in assisting farmers in urbanizing areas. A third common form of tax relief for agricultural land owners involve estate tax benefits. Federal tax laws were modified in 1976 effectively raising the threshold at which estates are liable for estate taxation and increasing the marital deduction so that at least 70 percent of farm estates are exempted from estate tax liability. Some states have also enacted similar tax reform pro grams. While these programs are useful in helping to deal with farmland conversion, by themselves they do not represent a comprehensive solution to the problem. They are most effective when combined with other types of programs and used as part of a comprehensive farmland preservation strategy. • Agricultural_Districts Agricultural districts involve the designation of a specific geographic area to be used for agricultural purposes. The designation of agricultural districts is normally combined with other programs which are designed to protect the integrity of farming. The concept of agricultural districts is based on the premise that if farmers are given an incentive to farm a district where farming is the principal activity, they may effectively protect themselves from those influences which affect the viability of farming. Agricultural districts provide a geographical and organizational framework within which certain incentives and safeguards can be made available to farmers. Their effectiveness as a way to reduce the rate of farmland conversion depends on the particular combination of elements that they include. • Right-to-Farm Legislation Right-to-farm legislation protects farmers from bejng subject to nuisance suits from neighboring non-farm land owners who find certain aspects of farming offensive. This type of legislation 4 l•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �can be effective in protecting farmers who live near urbanized areas and are subject to increasing pressures because of the close proximity of non-farm uses. Such legislation effectively serves notice to the non-farm land owner, typically a residential property, that the farmer was there first and that he is entitled to use his land for agricultural purposes without fear of nuisance litigation from adjoining property owners. Right-to-farm legislation does not, however, give the farmer exclusive rights to annoy his neighbor. Most legislation of this variety requires the farmer to follow accepted farming practices. To the extent that a farmer threatens public health or safety through his actions, his neighbors have a legal recourse to object and btain relief. • Agricultural_Zonin~ Zoning represents perhaps the most common form of development control in this county. It is not surprising therefore that zoning has been used extensively for the purpose of preserving farmland. The most important characteristic of agricultural zoning is the extent to which it limits the intrusion of nonagricultural uses into agricultural areas. - - Two basic types of agricultural zoning are being practiced today: 1) non-exclusive agricultural zoning, and 2) exclusive agricultural zoning. Non-exclusive agricultural zoning is the most common of these two forms. Non-farm dwellings are permitted in non-exclusive agricultural zoning districts, usually with some restrictions, however. Larger lot sizes may also be required. Exclusive agricultural districts, on the other hand, prohibit non-farm uses and establish performance criteria for defining a farm, rather than simply using large lot sizes. Any request to develop non-farm related buildings are subject to individual review. This form of zoning is more effective in limiting the intrusion of urban uses into agricultural areas than is nonexclusive agricultural zoning. • Purchase or Transfer of Development ~i~h!S This concept refers to either the purchase or the transfer of the right to develop a parcel of land which in turn may be used in conjunction with another parcel of land. Both of these programs recognize the value of farmland for non-farm development and attempt to deal with this reality in a way that benefits the landowner without losing farmland. With the purchase of development rights, these rights are actually acquired by a public body for a specific cost. The transfer of development rights also involves the acquisition of the rights to develop a parcel, in this case by a private developer, and the subsequent assignments of those rights to another parcel outside of the agricultural area. Each program provides the farmer with some monetary benefits that he would derive if his property were sold for development purposes wh.ile at the same time allowing him to continue farming. A G R ICULT UR AL C OM P ONENT• 42 �While these two concepts are theoretically good responses to the farmland conversion problem, neither one has been successfully implemented to a great extent. The problem with the purchase of development rights is obvious. It is extremely expensive to implement and only a limited number of communities are willing to ~llocate scarce governmental funds that are required for a successful program. A transfer of development rights program must be organized so that it can operate effectively with the private market system relative to land development. This is not easy to accomplish, however, which explains the fact this programs has not been successfully implemented on a large scale basis. • Comprehensive Planning Comprehensive planning is a process leading to the adoption of policies regarding land use, transportation, housing, public facilities, and economic and social issues. It may include a land use plan designating locations for particular uses and a program for providing transportation, utilities and other public facilities. In most states, the plan is not legally binding on governments or individuals. A few states, however, require that zoning and other major facility plans be consistent with comprehensive plans. The plan may also be used to designate a community's most important agricultural resources. In this way, a comprehensive plan serves as the foundation upon which other agricultural preservation programs may be based. No discussion of farmland preservation could be complete without some discussion of the role of the federal government in this process. State and local governments clearly are the main actors in the development and implementation of agricultural preservation programs. Actions at the federal level, however, have a clear, albeit an indirect, influence on the conversion of agricultural land. Federal funding programs for many public works projects, including highway, utility and water development projects, for example, have had a significant impact on the use of land for agriculture. Many of these programs have, in fact, resulted in the loss of many acres of prime agricultural land. ·while some federal agencies, notably the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U. S . Environmental Protection Agency, have taken steps to determine the impacts of their programs on agricultural land and have taken steps to mitigate these impacts, no comprehensive federal approach to this issue has yet been implemented. In the late 1970's, a bill was introduced in Congress to begin to focus federal attention on this issue. This measure failed to pass Congress, however, in large part because of a concern that it was thought that this legislation would give the federal government a role in regulating land use at the state and local levels, thereby usurping existing lines of authority. This reluctance on the part of the federal government to become a direct partner in the agricultural preservation process means that any future farmland preservation efforts will be determined at the local level. 43•AGRICUL TURA L C OMPONENT �2. Agricultural Preservation in Michigan Several programs have been developed within the State of Michigan at both the state and the local level for the purpose of preserving prime agricultural land . On a state-wide basis, the most significant program is the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, commonly referred to act Public Act 116. This program provides agricultural property owners with tax advantages for agreeing to continue to use their property for specified agricultural purposes for a given period of time. Michigan also recently enacted rightto-farm legislation which gives farmers protection from litigation by adjacent non-farm land owners who find particular aspects of farming either annoying or a nuisance. At the local level, farmland preservation efforts consist largely of the development of agricultural zoning districts. Each of these programs are discussed in more detail below. - • Far~laE_<!_and Open Space Preservation Program (P.A. _116) Concerned about the alarming rate of farmland conversion, the State of Michigan enacted this program in 1974. In order to be eligible for inclusion in this program, the property under consideration must meet certain requirements. The farm must have a minimum total size of 40 acres. Farms between 5 and 40 acres may also qualify, provided that they have a gross annual income of $200 per tillable acre. Specialty farms which meet the requirements of the Michigan Department of Agriculture may also qualify for the program if their gross income is $2,000 or more. As the name of the program implies, open space areas may also qualify for the benefits available through P.A. 116. Open space areas, like farmland, however, must meet specific eligibility requirements. Historic riverfront and shoreline areas, for example, must be undeveloped. In addition, the riverfront or shoreline must be located along a river that has been recognized by the Natural Rivers Act of 1970 or designated as an environ mental area by the Shorelands Protection and Management Act of 1970. Historic properties must be recognized by appropriate state or federal laws. Open space areas, according to the text of the legislation, may also include lands which ''conserve natural or scenic resources, enhance recreational opportunities, promotes the conservation of soils, wetlands and beaches, or preserves historic sites and idle farmland . " These agreements run for a minimum of ten years and entitle the landowner to several benefits. Parcels enrolled in the P.A. 116 program may be exempted from special assessments for sanitary sewers, water or street lights. The property owner may also claim the amount by which the property taxes on the enrolled acreage exceed seven percent of his household income on his Michigan income tax. For those parcels enrolled in the open space program, the property is reappraised and the difference between the current market value of the unrestricted property and the value of the property is used to calculate the direct tax saving. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT•44 �The Farmland and Open Space Preservation program has proven to be fairly successful among property owners and a direct result of that popularity has been a reasonably successful tool for minimizing the extent of farmland conversion throughout the State of Michigan. Since its inception in 1974, a total of 17,500 property owners have entered into contracts with the State of Michigan effectively enrolling approximately 3,550,000 acres in the program. In Monroe County, a total of 70,042 acres have been enrolled in the program representing nearly 20 percent of the county's total land area. The greatest participation in the program within the county is in the four western townships of Milan, Dundee, Summerfield and Whiteford. Each township has over 30 percent of their respective land areas enrolled in the P.A. 116 program. • ~i~h!-!o=F~r~ !c! In 1981, the Michigan legislature passed "right-to-farm" legislation, the intent of which is to give farmers some protection against nuisance suits filed by adjoining non-farm property owners. The legislation itself is meant to be non-regulatory in nature and is intended to establish a general policy regarding the relationship of agricultural land to non-agricultural land. The intent of this bill is clearly expressed in the following passages taken directly from the legislation. Sec.3(1) A farm or farm operation shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance if the farm or farm operation alleged to be a nuisance conforms to generally accepted agricultural and management practices according to policy as determined by the director of the Department of Agriculture. (2) A farm or farm operation shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance if the farm or farm operation existed before a change in land use or occupancy of land within one mile of the boundaries of the farmland and before such change in land use or occupancy of land the farm operation would not have been a nuisance. The Michigan Department of Agriculture has subsequently developed guidelines for different categories of agricultural operations for the purpose of assisting in the interpretation of this legislation. Included below is a policy statement developed by the Department of Agriculture relative to this legislation. It is the policy of the Director of the Department of of Agriculture that a "farm operation" shall be conducted with due consideration to noise, dust, odors and fumes normally associated with such an operation. A farm operation shall not be restricted to a time of day or days of the week but shall be conducted according to generally accepted agricultural and management practices. Agricultural and management practices are in turn subject to varying conditions, which include but are not limited to: geographical location, weather; soil type and conditions, type of crop or livestock and management system. 45•AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT �• l r r [ -- The ultimate impact and overall effectiveness of this legislation will depend on court interpretation of the act, especially the concept of "generally accepted agricultural practices". This legislation does, however, represent another positive step towards the development of a comprehensive agricultural preservation program for the State of Michigan. • Agricultural_ZoninK State actions not withstanding, the real battle for the preservation of farmland is being determined at the local level. Any attempt to preserve farmland requires the ability to control the use of land, especially the encroachment of urban uses into existing agricultural areas. Within the State of Michigan, the authority to control land use has been allocated to local units of government in the form of zoning. The ability of a local unit of government to preserve farmland, therefore, rests heavily on the requirements of their local zoning ordinances. For all its potential as a useful agricultural preservation technique, zoning more often than not falls far short of its expectations. Many agricultural zoning districts are agricultural in name only and represent little more than holding zones for future urban development. Also, somewhat ironically, farmers themselves often represent obstacles to the establishment of effective agricultural zoning districts. A farmer may not wish to preclude an opportunity to sell his property for non-farm development at a future date through the imposition of strict land use controls. Finally, zoning changes at the local level are often relatively easy to obtain, thereby diluting the intended effectiveness of an agricultural zoning district. The ability of a local community to restrict development through the establishment of agricultural zoning districts rest largely on two major factors: 1) the exclusion or near exclusion of nonfarm land uses within agricultural districts; and 2) the establishment of sufficiently large minimum lot sizes to discourage the development of single family homes in agricultural areas. Large lots, however, also take away more land per house which can contribute to the loss of farmland unless lot sizes are set sufficiently high enough to effectively discourage non-farm residential development. Fourteen of the fifteen townships in Monroe County have developed agricultural zoning districts (Exeter Township is currently in the process of developing a zoning ordinance). The characteristics of these ordinances are displayed in Table 4. Minimum lot sizes with these agricultural districts range from 0.69 acres in Raisinville Township to 40 acres in Milan Township. Each township permits the development of non-farm single family dwellings in agricultural districts with the exception of London Township and Summerfield Township which prohibit this form of development in their respective Prime Agricultural Districts. The 40 acre minimum lot size requirement in Milan Township is also effective in limiting nonfarm residential development in the agricultural district. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT• 46 �Minimum acreage requirements of five or ten acres are not effective in limiting the amount of non-farm development that may occur in an agricultural area. These minimum requirements may, in fact, be more wasteful of land than one or two acre minimums. Many non-farmers who develop single family homes in agricultural districts, actually prefer five or ten acre estates to smaller lots. The placement of a single family home on these parcels, however, only occupies a small portion of the lot with most of the remaining acreage not being used for any productive purpose. This particular problem is compounded by the State of Michigan's current subdivision regulations which do not regulate the division of land into parcels exceeding ten acres in size. This results in a proliferation of parcels which barely exceed the ten acre limit and are often long and narrow. Such parcels frequently have unsuitable access, may have limited useage, or result in misuse of prime agricultural land. Any attempt to develop an effective agricultural zoning district needs to recognize the dynamics and realities of the private land development market and the interest of many farmers to split off several acres of his property for the eventual development of non-farm related single family homes. The integrity of the agricultural zoning district and the needs of the property owner can be balanced by allowing for a limited single family residential development. This can be effectively accomplished by developing a sliding scale whereby the number of permitted single family units is based on the size of the existing agricultural parcels. Larger parcels are allowed more lot splits than smaller parcels. The sliding scale technique is made more effective when it is accompanied by a requirement that these non-farm residential units be clustered together in a specific portion of the original parcel. This helps maintain the integrity of the agricultural district. Conc lus ions The importance of Michigan's prime agricultural acreage to the economic well being of the entire state in general and to Monroe County in particular is a well established fact. Given this importance, the development of programs to preserve this agricultural land should be apparent. The State of Michigan recognizes the importance of agriculture to the state and has developed a number of programs which are intended to help maintain the viability of agriculture. The Farmland and Open Space Program, the Right-to-Farm Act and the identification of food processing as a target industry by the Michigan Department of Commerce each represent positive steps forward in the maintenance and preservation of Michigan's most productive agricultural land. These existing state policies could be enhanced by the revision of the state's subdivision regulations to modify existing land subdivision practices which help promote the conversion of prime agricultural land to non-farm uses. 4 7•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �Table 4 CHARACTERISTICS OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS Monroe County, Michigan ZONING DISTRICT LOT SIZE (Acree) FRONT AGE (Feet) Ash Agricultural Preservation and Rural Estates 1.5(1) 330 Bedford Agricultural 5 330 Berlin Agricultural 1 150 Dundee Agricultural 10 300/660/190(2) Erie Agricultural 5(3) 100 Frenchtown Agricultural 5 300 Ida Agricultural 1.43 300 LaSalle Restricted Agricultural Agricultural 1. 7 1.4 300 250 London Prime Agricultural Reserve Agricultural 20 5 660 330 ~Ii lan Prime Agricultural 40 660 '!!!" Monroe Agricultural 5 250 - Raisinville Agricultural 0.69 150 Summerfield Prime Agricultural District 2.3 Acres (100,000 sq. ft.) 500 Reserve Agricultural District 1.4 Acres (60,000 sq. ft.) 300 TOWNSHIP l - Whiteford i1 fl General Agricultural Reserve Agricultural 5 5 (1) A 5 acre minimum lot size is required for non-farm residential uses in this district. All general agricultural uses require a minimum lot size of 10 acres. (2) 300 feet of frontage is required for parcels 10 acres or larger, 660 feet is required for parcels less than 10 acres; 190 feet is required for residential homesteads . (3) Some uses may be permitted on lots with a minimum area of 20,000 square feet and a minimum width of 100 feet . 330 330 AG R ICULTURAL C OM PO NE N T •48 �Within Monroe County, the importance of preserving prime agricultural land is well recognized also. The important role of agriculture is recognized in both township land use plans and zoning ordinances; many of which have established agricultural districts for the expressed purpose of preserving prime agricultural land. Several of these plans and ordinances are more effective than others in accomplishing this objective. Other zoning ordinances and plans need to be modified in order to be more effective tools for preserving farmland. Local units of government should be encouraged to consider making these necessary revisions. Monroe County is also fortunate to have a well organized and informed agricultural community which represents a natural constituency to support the development of more effective farmland preservation programs. Many local farmers are members of local planning commissions and are therefore in a position to help establish agricultural preservation policies at the local level. There is also a great deal of cooperation among existing agricultural service organizations in promoting and encouraging agriculture in the county. The Cooperative Extension Service, Soil and Water Conservation District and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service are important components of any successful agricultural preservation program. Some consideration was also given to the extent to which other agricultural preservation programs should be introduced to Monroe County. Many of the programs that have been implemented in other areas of the country require action by state legislatures, and are therefore beyond the scope of this plan in terms of implementation. Other, more unique farmland preservation programs, such as transfer of development rights or purchase of development rights, are either too expensive or too complicated to administer to be given serious consideration for implementation in Monroe County. These techniques are also better suited for use in agricultural areas that are experiencing extensive urban development pressures. This is not the case in Monroe County with the exception of some agricultural areas adjacent to the county's more urbanized communities. To be successful, any agricultural preservation progr~m has to consider the social, political and economic context within which it must function. Existing state legislation relative to farmland preservation establishes the larger context within which local programs will operate. Local communities are left to determine the exact nature of the farmland preservation programs that are best suited for their individual communities. Establishing a county-wide policy is difficult considering the fact that land use controls are administered at the township, city or village level. Given these factors, the most appropriate strategy is to continue nurturing the positive attitude that already exists on the part of local units of government relative to agricultural preservation. This can be accomplished by encouraging local units of government to continue modifying their land use plans and zoning ordinances to discourage the conversion of farmland to urban uses, and to discourage the premature extension of public utilities into prime agricultural areas. These activities can be important in maintaining the stability and viability of agriculture in Monroe County. 49•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT �The Monroe County Planning Commission can help facilitate the preservation of farming through the following actions: • Encouraging local units of government to adopt more effective agricultural zoning districts that discourage the development of nonfarm single family residential units. This can be done through the Partners-in-Planning Program. • Work with local communities to revise their existing land use plans to give a more prominent place to agricultural land. This can also be accomplished through the Partners-in-Planning Program. • Discourage the premature extension of public water and sanitary sewer lines into those areas of the county that are characterized by prime agricultural land. The regional clearinghouse review process is one tool that can be used to accomplish this objective. • Discourage the rezoning of agricultural land to non-farm uses. • Encourage property owners to enroll prime agricultural land into the P.A. 116 Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, and continue monitoring the amount of farmland in Monroe County that is enrolled in the program. • Continue working with the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce on the expansion of existing agricultural-related businesses and the development of new agribusinesses. • Work with the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service and the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District on farmland preservation issues. -n AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT• 50 �n ffl n -n BIBLIOGRAPHY �A number of definitive texts have been published in the last several years regarding the issue of farmland preservation. Several of these publications were used extensively in the preparation of this study. Without these publications, the completion of this study would not have been possible. A complete list of these reference materials is included below. 1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. National Agricultural Lands Study Final Report. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. January, 1981 2. Coughlin, Robert E., and Keene, John C., National Agricultural Lands Study. The Protection of Farmland: A Reference Guidebook for State and Local Governments. U.S. Government Printing Office. 3. Fletcher, W. Wendell, and Little, Charles E., The American Cropland Crisis, Bethesda, Maryland. The American Land Forum, 1982. 4. Kestenbaum, Martha J., Food Processing Opportunities in Southeast Michigan, Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Edison Company - Market Development. January, 1983. 5. U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Survey of Monroe County, Michigan. · November, 1981. 6. U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Census of Agriculture 1982. 7. Michigan Department of Agriculture Guidelines on the Right to Farm Act. Soil A few comments regarding the use of these reference materials is also appropriate. In several instances, direct passages from these sources have been included in the text. The use of footnotes, however, has been eschewed to facilitate the easier reading of the report. Since this report is not intended to have an academic orientation, we felt that this approach of citing references at the end of the report was justified. Acknowledging references, however, is obviously important. For this reason, the following list has been prepared which highlights on a chapter-by-chapter basis those publications that were used to prepare each section of the report. • Chapter One Two primary sources were used in preparing this overview of agriculture: the final report of the National Agricultural Lands Study and the American Cropland Crisis. Each publication provides a lucid and incisive explanation of those factors that have a direct influence on agriculture in the United States today. AGRICULTURAL COMPONENT• 51 �• Chapter Two The primary source used to prepare this chapter was the U.S. Census of Agriculture. Data for each census between 1959 to 1982 represents the primary data source for agricultural information relating to Monroe County and the surrounding counties of southeast Michigan. Another useful source was the market development report on food processing prepared by the Detroit Edison Company. This particular report was used to help describe the economic importance of agriculture to the State of Michigan. • Chapter Three The Monroe County Soil Survey was used to describe the characteristics of the different soil types that are considered highly suitable for agriculture. • Chapter Four The National Agricultural Lands Study, specifically the publication entitled The Protection of Farmlands: A Reference Guide for State and Local Governments, was used extensively in the preparation of this final chapter. Many of the descriptions of the different farmland preservation programs that are being used throughout the country were taken directly from this publication. Descriptions of the Michigan Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, and the Right to Farm legislation were taken from printed descriptions of each program which have been developed by the State of Michigan. Existing zoning ordinances for each township were also used for information on the requirements of their respective agricultural zoning districts. f f 52•AGRICUL TURAL COMPONENT - �MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Richard Petticrew, Chairman Frank Kuron, Vice-Chairman Dwight DuRocher, Member Richard Reed, Member Dorothy Navarre, Member Jerry McKart, Member Frank DeSloover, Member Neil Blakeman, Member Donald Arnold, Member MONROE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Bernard Felder, Chairman Robert Weiss, Vice-Chairman William R. Terry, Secretary Neil Blakeman, Member Harry Benson, Member Robert Meiring, Sr., Member Larry Rutledge, Member Kenneth Swick, Member James Eads, Member Jack McDonald, Member John Britton, Member MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Royce R. Maniko, AICP, Director Dennis A. Ahonen, AICP, Principal Planner Glenn Wynn, AICP, Planner Frank J. Nagy, Planner Lee Markham, Planner Leslie Walter, Assistant Planner Roger Storm, Assistant Planner R. B. Williamson, Graphic Arts Supervisor P. K. Hauser, Drafting Specialist Jerry Oley, Printer Crystal Reed, Secretary Pat Lewis, Secretary � 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 Monroe-County_Comprehensive-Agricultural-Plan-Update_1985 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Monroe County Planning Department, Monroe County, Michigan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1985-05 Title A name given to the resource Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Agricultural Component Description An account of the resource The Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update, Agricultural Component was prepared in May 1985 by the Monroe County Planning Department. Subject The topic of the resource Comprehensive plan publications Monroe 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/c9780f149bdf08b8b64a41f2cc06504f.mp4 5d4974a7d45c06ae802e9f3b1d792b16 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7766bf419342c25cb6f45ca4ccbee2ea.pdf e71fc46439db6b31a150f2d54e25afe6 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Wayne Monroe (00:38:30) (00:00) Personal Background • Born in Byron Center, MI • Describes his parents’ employment o Father was a teacher (01:20) The outbreak of the War and the bombing of Pearl Harbor • Was in school when he heard about it o Too young to be drafted o Teacher was drafted • Learned most of what he knew about the war from newspapers (02:52) Enlisting in the Navy • Joined when he was still in high school in 1944 • Physical performed in Detroit • Describes Great Lakes Naval Station o What it looked like o Basic training (10 weeks long) o Required courses (6 weeks of classroom work) (05:25) Shipped to San Francisco • Placed on an oilier named Kaskaskia (06:50) Pacific Theater in 1945 (08:15) War Duties • Provided fuel for other ships • Lived on the boat – did not set foot on land for six months (10:52) Encounters with Japanese forces • The closer to Japan he got, the more kamikazes he saw o Kamikazes were mostly hit fighters o Many kamikaze pilots jumped ship before the plane exploded o Describes an instance where his ship almost got hit � A different US ship got hit o Describes a scenario where kamikazes interrupted the fueling of two ships • Most of the larger battles were over by the time he got to the Pacific Theater • Describes an encounter with a Japanese submarine (16:57) The Ship • One of five of its class; from Boston �• • • • • Able to stay with fleet – refueled at 30 knots Took injured people o Able to board injured onto other ships o Brought in replacements for injured soldiers Large cooler inside stored food Ship had128 men; was 552 feet long Describes a scenario where a carrier once came too close and hit his ship (20:25) Okinawa Mission • Describes encounters with “suicide swimmers” • Mentions that he was below deck most of the time, and couldn’t actually see most of the action (23:18) Other Missions • Went to Northern Japan following the battle at Okinawa o Involved in bombarding • Describes hearing about the atomic bomb dropping and Japan’s surrender • Went to Tokyo after the end of the war o Mentions that there was still some activity following the war’s end o Treated well by the Japanese, but once witnessed a man who fell on his sword (28:20) Life After Japan • Watched the signing of the armistice • Ship fueled in Shanghai o Describes Shanghai o Stayed until Christmas • Went to Taiwan for one week, then Hong Kong o Describes Hong Kong • Went to Saudi Arabia for fuel o Mentions and describes a stop in Singapore o Describes Saudi Arabia (32:55) Return to the United States • Returned to San Francisco on 1 July 1946 o Went to GLNS from there o Returned to Byron Center from GLNS • Accepted a job with his father at Reynolds Aluminum (35:12) Reflections on the Navy • A “nice experience,” but would not do it again • Got very little sleep, due to the busy schedule • Tells a story about being fired at while entering the mess hall • Tells a story about a young officer who learned to shoot at anything that moved �(38:30) The Crew • Some members were experienced, yet others were not o The ship was under repair when he joined � Many older members were transferred � Many new recruits were placed on the ship • Many fellow crew members earned enough points to leave o Many soldiers had “frozen” points – were not allowed to leave o Older soldiers had skills that were needed • Describes the upward mobility within the Navy o Was offered promotions, but did not take them � 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 MonroeW Title A name given to the resource Monroe, Wayne S. (Interview outline and video), 2007 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Monroe, Wayne S. Description An account of the resource Wayne Monroe served in the US Navy between 1944 and 1946. Her served as a crewman on USS Kaskaskia, a large oiler, and saw action at Okinawa, where he witnessed kamikaze attacks. After the war, he sailed to Japan, China and Arabia before returning home to be discharged. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Byron Area Historic Museum (Byron Center, Mich.) BCTV Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans United States. Navy World War, 1939-1945--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 2007-10-23 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/9f664da5b8e861c7e3825628c4716ed3.m4v b9454dcbadc446d4cc50c5ad3b6ba2da https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2228515ed2071d3bc85e6d424c0dab6a.pdf 106dbe849d45e53b145db2b24d0c4ce5 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Interviewee’s Name: Walter M. Monson Name of War: Korean War Length of Interview: (00:28:45) Pre-Enlistment Enlisted in the US Army (1:20) Completed college in January of 1953 (1:40) Waited to be drafted, but since he was married, he decided to enlist on April 10, 1952 (2:15) Went to Detroit, MI to be inducted, and was sent to Fort Custer, MI (2:30) Grew up in Saginaw, MI (13:00) Married during Senior year of college, 1951 (21:30) Enlistment/Training Trained at Ft. Custer for 2-3 months (2:40) Was trained in Training, Information and Education (2:50) Stayed there until basic training at Breckinridge, KY (3:00) Trained in heavy weapons: machine guns, mortars (4:20) Went into Counter-Intelligence after basic training was over (4:45) Trained for that at Fort Halliburt (5:00) Had courses in Communism, typing, writing (5:30) During the interview for the Corps, was asked many questions he did not know (7:30) Had a second interview by three Colonels, very laid-back interview (9:20) If he failed the interviews, he would be sent back to heavy weapons unit and shipped to Korea (11:45) Active Duty Discharged at Corporal rank (0:27) Served in Baltimore, MD (0:30) Lived at Ft. Halliburt (1:10) Was in charge of top-secret files in the Counter Intelligence Corps (6:00) Was an analyst in the Corps (6:15) Kept in touch with family by letter (12:00) Wife came to Baltimore after he completed training, but moved back to Saginaw shortly after (12:50) Food was not too bad in Baltimore, always hungry though (13:30) Always went out for pizza and beer on Friday nights (13:50) Had weekends off most of the time, unless they had KP duty (13:55) His job was to analyze intelligence reports (15:00) For fun, went to Washington, D.C, went to the movies, took some vacations (15:20) When on base, stayed in the barracks with 40 other men (16:50) Worked under a Major, had a very professional relationship (19:00) �After the Service Was discharged early because of a new Army regulation regarding seasonal jobs (22: 15) He had a teaching contract in Grand Rapids, MI, and was released early (22:30) Taught woodworking at South High School for 10 years, then went into administration (23:00) Had many friends, but never kept in touch with them after his discharge (23:50) Had a debriefing interview upon discharge (24:30) Received college training, his masters degree, through the GI Bill (26:45) Did not think the Army was a good experience at the time, but eventually came to see it that way (27:20) � 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 MonsonW Title A name given to the resource Monson, Walter M. (Interview outline and video), 2005 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Monson, Walter M. Description An account of the resource Walter Monson entered the US Army in April of 1952. Upon completion of Basic Training at Forts Custer in Michigan and Breckinridge, Kentucky, Walter was stationed at Fort Halliburt in Baltimore, Maryland. After several interviews, he became an intelligence analyst for the Army. Upon completion of his service, Walter moved back to Michigan and taught with Grand Rapids Public Schools. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Monson (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American United States. Army 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 2005-05-19 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/b9790768d8a0129aa0ec0e06496feefc.pdf 07bbcf3722b46087bf9071ca92b7cecc PDF Text Text �Montcalm County GENERAL PLAN Prepared Under the Direction of the Montcalm County Planning Commission By the Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. 715 N. Cedar Street, Suite 2 Lansing, Ml 48906-5275 517/886-0555 Ph. 517/886-0564 Fax www.pzcenter.com July 2006 �MONTCALM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Franz Mogdis, Chairman (Business & Industry, Stanton) Pete Haines (Education, Greenville) John M. Johansen (County Commission, Gowen) Phil Lund (Citizen-at-Large, Sheridan) Bruce Noll (Agriculture, Carson City) S. Michael Scott (Village & Cities, Howard City) Lonnie Smith (Environment & Human Services, Sand Lake) Don Smucker (Townships, Stanton) Lisa Lund, Recording Secretary PLANNING & ZONING CENTER, INC. ASSOCIATES Mark A. Wyckoff, FAICP, President John Warbach, Ph.D., Principal Carolyn A. Freebury, Vice President Evan Cunningham, Research Associate Andrea Hoag, Research Associate �TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction .......................................................... ........................................ 1-1 Introd uction ...................................................................................................................... 1-1 Overview of the Plan and its Uses .............................................................................. 1-2 Specific Purposes of the Montcalm County General Plan ........................................... 1-3 Vision-Based Plan ...................................................................................................... 1-5 Legal Basis ........... ...................................................................................................... 1-5 Overview of the Planning Process .................................................................................... 1-6 How to Use the Plan ........................................................................................................ 1-7 Chapter 2: Vision, Goals, Objectives and Strategies ................................................... 2-1 Vision Statement .............................................................................................................. 2-1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2-1 Goals, Objectives and Strateg ies ..................................................................................... 2-5 Chapter 3: Best Practices .............................................................................................. 3-1 Introduction ........................... ........................................................................................... 3-1 Ten Best Practices ........................................................................................................... 3-1 Protection of Ground and Surface Water Quality ........................................................ 3-1 Protection of Natural Character .................................................................................. 3-4 Protection of Agricultural Land and Agricultural Character .......................................... 3-5 Promote Very Low Density Residential Development ................................................. 3-9 Protect Rural Character along Rural Roads ................................................................ 3-12 Pursue a Compact Development Pattern in and around Existing Cities and Villages ............ ........................ ............................................... 3-14 Provide a Wide Range of Affordable Housing Opportunities and Choices .................. 3-15 Create Walkable Communities with a Strong Sense of Place ..................................... 3-17 Increase the Range of Transportation Choices ........................................................... 3-18 Keep Local Plans and Zoning Ordinances Up to Date ................................................ 3-19 Chapter 4: Economic Development ........... .................................................................. 4-1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 4-1 Economic Development Based on Smart Growth Principles ............................................. 4-2 Develop a Common, Countywide Vision of a Sustainable Future ............................... 4-2 Protect the Natural Resource Base and Quality of the Natural Environment. .............. 4-2 Protect Existing Income Sources, Wealth Generators, and the Existing Tax Base ..... 4-2 Maintain Quality Physical Infrastructure ...................................................................... 4-3 Provide Land Properly Planned , Zoned and Serviced with Utilities and Quality Roads to Accommodate New Businesses and Affordable Housing .......... 4-4 Provide a Quality Education and Wide Variety of Cultural Opportunities .................... 4-4 Protect and Enhance Unique Aspects of Each Community ........................................ 4-4 Better Understand the Relationship Between Public Service Costs and New Development and be Careful What Local Governments Subsidize ............... 4-5 Do Not Let Proposed Increases to the Tax Base Drive New Development Approvals 4-5 Consider the Impacts of all Plans and Incremental Land Use Decisions on Adjacent Jurisdictions and on Future Generations ................................................ 4-6 Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 �TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Chapter 5: Future Land Use ......................................................................................... 5-1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 5-1 Existing Planning and Zoning ........................................................................................... 5-1 Existing Local Plans ................................................................................................... 5-1 Existing Zoning ........................................................................................................... 5-1 Plans and Zoning Ordinances of Communities Abutting Montcalm County ................. 5-3 Future Land Use and Policies .......................................................................................... 5-5 Future Land Use Policy ............................................................................................. 5-5 Key Future Land Use Policies Map ............................................................................ 5-5 Land Use by Sub-Area of the County ............................................................................... 5-10 Sub-Area One ............................................................................................................ 5-1O Sub-Area Two ............................................................................................................ 5- 12 Sub-Area Three .......................................................................................................... 5-13 Sub-Area Four ............................................................................................................ 5-14 Sub-Area Five ............................................................................................................ 5-15 Sub-Area Six .............................................................................................................. 5-16 The Management of Different Land Uses in the Future .................................................... 5-17 Agricultural , Forest and Rura l Land Conservation ...................................................... 5-17 Rural Residential ........................................................................................................ 5-18 Residential ................................................................................................................. 5-18 Commercial ................................................................................................................ 5-19 Industrial .................................................................................................................... 5-19 Waterfront Residential ................................................................................................ 5- 19 Sensitive Lands and Water Quality Protection ............................................................ 5-19 Parks and Recreation ................................................................................................. 5-20 Community Services Area & Future Land Use .... ....................................................... 5-20 Chapter 6: Transportation & Other Infrastructure ....................................................... 6-1 Introduction .......................................... ............................................................................ 6-1 Transportation .................................................................................................................. 6- 1 Countywide Transportation Plan ................................................................................. 6-1 Roads ......................................................................................................................... 6-1 Airports ....................................................................................................................... 6-3 Public Transit ............................................................................................................. 6-3 Non-Motorized Transportation .................................................................................... 6-3 Public Sewer and Water ................................................................................................... 6-4 Communications .............................................................................................................. 6-4 Natural Gas & Electric ...................................................................................................... 6-5 Schools ............................................................................................................................ 6-5 Medical Facilities .............................................................................................................. 6-5 Police and Fire Facilities .................................................................................................. 6-5 Local Government Facilities ............................................................................................. 6-6 Parks & Recreation Facilities ............................................................................................ 6-6 Chapter 7: lnterjurisdictional Coordination & Plan Implementation .......................... 7-1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 7- 1 Focusing on Priorities .................... ................................................................................... 7- 1 Annual Tasks ............................................................................................................. 7-2 Top Priorities .............................................................................................................. 7-2 Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 ii �TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Addressing Issues of Greater than Local Concern .................. .......... .................... ........... 7-4 Role of Key Players ............................ ...................... ................... ....... .............................. 7-6 Conclud ing Thought ......................................................................................................... 7-9 LIST OF MAPS 1-1 3-1 3-2 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 Montcalm County Location and Local Jurisdictions .................................................. 1-1 Montcalm County Watersheds ....................... ......................................................... 3-3 Green Infrastructure of the Grand Rapids Metro Reg ion .......................................... 3-5 Montcalm County Composite Zoning ........................................................................ 5-2 Existing Land Use/Land Cover ................................................................................. 5-6 Key Future Land Use Policies .................................................................................. 5-7 Montcalm County Sensitive Lands ........................................................................... 5-8 Montcalm County Sub-Areas ............ ........................................................................ 5-11 LIST OF TABLES 7-1 Issues of Greater than Local Concern .....................................................................7-5 7-2 Traditional Responsibilities of the Local Government Decision-makers ................... 7-7 LIST OF FIGURES 1-1 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7 3-8 4-1 4-2 4-3 7-1 7-2 A Notice of Three Futuring Meetings ..... ............. .............................................. ........ 1-6 Lake or River Overlay Zone ..................................................................................... 3-2 Before and After Buildout in Three Montcalm County Townships ............................. 3-6 The Bundle of Rights Associated with Land ............................................................. 3-7 Quarter-quarter Zoning ............................................................................................. 3-9 Cluster Development in a Conservation Subdivision Compared to Strip Residential and Conventional Subdivision ................................................... 3-10 Protection of Roadside Vegetation ..................... ...................................................... 3-1 3 Encourage Compact Settlement Pattern in and near Existing Cities and Villages .... 3-15 Plans and Ordinances Should be Updated Regularly ............................................... 3-20 Quality Infrastructure is Essential to Economic Development.. ................................. 4-3 Planned Compact Settlement Patterns Cost Less in Public Services ....................... 4-6 Smart Growth Techniques to Build Sustainable Communities .................................. 4-7 Education is the Top Implementation Priority of the Montcalm County General Plan ............. ............................................................. 7-2 Examples of Issues of Greater than Local Concern .................................................. 7-4 LIST OF PHOTOS 1-1 3-1 3-2 3-3 Flat River in Montcalm County ................................................................................. 1-3 Older, Existing Neighborhoods can be a Source of Affordable Housing ................... 3-16 Fred Meijer Heartland Trail ....................................................................................... 3-18 More Sidewalk Connections such as This One are Needed in Montcalm County ..... 3-19 John f:/winword/Montcalm/plan feb 06/Plan Table of Contents .doc Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 iii �I I I Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Montcalm County is in the heart of mid-Michigan. It is located just north of the Grand Rapids and Lansing metropolitan areas, and south of the Big Rapids and Mt. Pleasant economic areas. Montcalm County is one-quarter larger than an average courty and has 20 townships and 9 incorporated cities and villages. See Map 1-1 . Montcalm County has long been the home of farms and 5 state game areas, traditional Michigan small towns and the refrigeration capital of the world. While recent global economic changes have resulted in the closure of Electrolux, a refrigeration factory in Greenville, putting more than 4,500 people out of work (including supporting industries), the people of the county are resilient and looking for guidance on how to begin building a new future for the county. This Plan can be one of the foundation stones to that new future. Map 1-1 Montcalm County Location and Local Jurisdictions Lakeview M-46 Home Township M-46 Winfield Township Township McBride M-91 □ Maple Valley Township Douglas Township Day Township Ferris Township Stanton M-66 Sidney Township Montcalm County ~ ......._____ ,-- Crystal Township Sheridan ,- I Soutx. \4"ic.b1~ Ccn\4.'t' lllf Ctt.-ographM: lnfonrwtson. °'-"Pl ur lnfurm,H1un To..:hoobJg\Map Pre-pared by th,.• Land lnfor.n.itton AettS~ A")OCUltion, Januar1 JOO~ Evergreen Township M-57 Fairplains Township Bushnell Township Bloomer Township This chapter explains the purpose of the Montcalm County General Plan and describes the process by which the Plan was prepared. It also explains the relationship of the Plan to supplemental studies such as the Montcalm County Fact Book, the 2003-2008 Montcalm County Recreational Plan and other related studies. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-1 �This is the first County Plan addressing land use and infrastructure on a countywide basis since 1971. Montcalm County is now in transition, economically, politically and from a land use perspective. This Plan explains the importance of protecting the small town and rural character of Montcalm County as well as its agricultural economic base and gives guidance on how to do that. This Plan is based on the Ten Smart Growth Tenets and the Community Planning Principles of the Michigan Association of Planning (see Appendix A). These principles focus on conservation of renewable resources for their economic development and rural character values, and contiguous compact development around small towns because of the economic efficiency of public services, and social benefits a compact land use pattern offers. This Plan has a key policies map in Chapter Five with a description of generalized future land use. The Plan largely relies on the informed action of the local units of government and property owners in the county for its effective implementation. This Plan is based on the authority granted to County Planning Commissions in P.A. 282 of 1945, as amended. Generally, the purpose of this General Plan is to provide policy that guides decision making for future land and infrastructure development within Montcalm County. Specifically, a vision, goals, objectives and strategies are outlined; key planning issues in the context of best practices and economic development are identified; community character, existing and future land uses are described; transportation and other public infrastructure policies are identified and specific implementation measures are recommended. Overview of the Plan and its Uses This Plan is of the General Plan variety. That is because Montcalm County does not have county zoning and this Plan does not recommend that the County adopt zoning. However, this Plan encourages units of government to work cooperatively to achieve the common vision for Montcalm County described in this Plan. This General Plan takes a county-wide view, in contrast to local plans which tend to only look inward. As a result, this Plan looks at the whole county from the standpoint of land use, economic development, infrastructure and intergovernmental cooperation. It proposes compatible land uses along jurisdiction borders. Local governments are encouraged to prepare local plans and zoning ordinances consistent with this Plan. Detailed local plans and local zoning should guide site specific decisions in every local unit of government in the County. This Plan is adopted by the Montcalm County Planning Commission to promote public health, safety, and welfare through planning for the appropriate use of land and water resources and the provision of adequate public facilities and services. Although this Plan states specific land use and development policy and proposes specific land use arrangements, it has no regulatory power. It will be implemented by local zoning decisions, public facility and infrastructure improvements and the actions of private property owners acting consistent with the Plan. The land area covered by this Plan includes the entire area of Montcalm County and all 29 incorporated units of local government in the county. It is intended to promote sensible and sustainable interjurisdictional land use planning. It is hoped that this Plan will guide the formation of township, city and village plans consistent with it and that subsequent local zoning and infrastructure decisions will also be made consistent with it. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-2 �This Plan has a time orientation of twenty years into the future (through 2025). It is heavily influenced by the "Concept of Sustainability" that a community should make decisions today that meet the needs of the present without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Photo 1-1 Flat River in Montcalm County Photo provided by the Montcalm Alliance Specific Purposes of the Montcalm County General Plan • To prepare a plan that is consistent with the County Planning Act, P.A. 282 of 1945, as amended; To provide the framework for the Montcalm County Planning Commission to serve in • a proactive, coordinating capacity for all land use and infrastructure planning committees and commissions within the county; • To prepare a plan that is technically sound, internally consistent, and that focuses on current issues and future needs; To provide a legal basis for County Planning Commission review of local master • plans, and county park and recreation plans (a mandatory responsibility); • To provide a legal basis for County Planning Commission review of township zoning ordinances and zoning amendments (a mandatory responsibility); • To provide a legal basis for County Planning Commission review of proposed PA 116 (Farmland and Open Space Preservation) contracts (a mandatory responsibility); • To provide a basis for County Planning Commission review of future County infrastructure proposals (a mandatory responsibility); • To provide a basis for future county grant requests; • To provide a countywide economic development/infrastructure development framework for local planning (a valuable asset when seeking grant assistance and encouraging new business development in the county); Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-3 �• • • • • • • • To provide an incentive for joint local planning; To serve as an educational tool to assist with education of local government officials and citizens on smart growth; To provide a basis for provision of technical assistance to local governments on contemporary local planning and zoning tools (such as those related to farmland protection and provision of affordable housing); To provide a means for county residents to participate in determining the future of their county; To provide a broad framework for the county's decision-makers to assist them in both long-term and day-to-day matters; To minimize land use conflicts and inappropriate uses of land; To designate areas of land for uses in keeping with the natural soil properties, vegetation, terrain and availability of public sewer and water in anticipation of future development; To provide for an improved system of public services according to current and projected needs. In early 2003, Michigan's Governor, with the assistance of the head of the House and Senate appointed a 30+ member Michigan Land Use Leadership Council comprised of heads of all the major state departments and representatives of the major stakeholder groups. Their challenge was to prepare a set of recommendations on ways to improve land use policy and decisions in Michigan. Early in the process, the Council settled on the following Ten Smart Growth Tenets as critical to guiding future land use in Michigan. Those tenets are incorporated into this Plan as important to guiding future land use in Montcalm County. Ten Smart Growth Tenets 1. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration; 2. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place; 3. Preserve farmland, open space, natural beauty and critical environmental areas; 4. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective; 5. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities; 6. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices; 7. Provide a variety of transportation choices; 8. Create walkable neighborhoods; 9. Mix land uses; 10. Take advantage of compact development design. Source: Michigan Land Use Leadersh ip Council Final Report, Aug. 2003 Smart Growth Definition Smart Growth is a term that may not be familiar to all readers. Smart Growth means using comprehensive planning to guide, design, develop, revitalize and build communities for all that: • have a unique sense of community and place; • preserve and enhance valuable natural and cultural resources; • equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; • expand the range of transportation, employment and housing choices in a fiscally responsible manner; Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-4 �• • value long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over short term incremental geographically isolated actions; and promotes public health and healthy communities. Smart Growth is characterized by compact, transit accessible, pedestrianoriented, mixed use development patterns and land (re)use which epitomizes the application of the principles of smart growth. In contrast to prevalent development practices, Smart Growth refocuses a larger share of regional growth within central cities, urbanized areas, inner suburbs,[small towns], and areas that are already served by infrastructure. Smart Growth reduces the share of growth that occurs on newly urbanizing land, existing farmlands, and in environmentally sensitive areas. In areas with intense growth pressure, development in newly urbanizing areas should be planned and developed according to Smart Growth principles. Adapted from American Planning Association Smart Growth Policy 2002 http://www.planning.org/policyguides/smartgrowth.htm Vision-Based Plan This Plan is vision-based, with strategies intended to guide future county actions and decisions. It is not intended to establish precise boundaries of land use areas or exact locations of future types of developments. Maps should be considered as general guides, and the Plan's function is to guide growth toward long-range, broad-based goals, and only generally indicate the location of future development. Site specific decisions are left to local units of government. A primary challenge of a vision-based General Plan is to combine the needs and desires of the citizenry with the land's suitability and capability for sustaining those needs and desires, as matched by the ability of a municipality to provide public services throughout its jurisdiction. Such planning will minimize the potential for land use conflicts and inappropriate uses of land, for the long term betterment of all residents. This is a very substantial challenge given the over zoning for low density residential development revealed in the buildout analysis of existing zoning ordinances and published in the Montcalm County Fact Book. Most local units of government in the County have zoned land at a density far greater then current use, and far beyond the ability of existing public services to meet the need inherent in the thousands of new dwellings permitted by existing zoning. It is hoped the alternative future vision and land use pattern in this Plan will help guide changes to local zoning that are more realistic than existing zoning as reflected in the buildout analysis. Legal Basis The County Planning Act (Act 282 of the Public Acts of 1945), states, in part, that: • "Sec. 1. Any county is hereby authorized and empowered to make, adopt, amend, extend, add to, or carry out a county plan as provided by this act and create by ordinance a planning commission with the powers and duties herein set forth." • "Sec. 4. It shall be a function of the county planning commission to make a plan for the development of the county, which plan may include planning in cooperation with the constituted authorities for incorporated areas in whole or to the extent which, in the commission's judgment, they are related to the planning of the unincorporated territory or of the county as a whole. The county planning commission may serve as Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-5 �a coordinating agency for all planning committees and commissions within the county." OVERVIEW OF PLANNING PROCESS The planning process followed to prepare this Plan carried on a Montcalm County tradition of providing broad public input opportunities. Stratified random sample opinion surveys of residents were conducted in 1999 and 2002. A survey of local leaders was conducted in 2004 and three "visioning" town meetings were held in 2005 at the TriCounty High School outside Howard City, at the Community Room in the Central Services Facility of the Greenville Public Schools, and at the Montalm Communi'~Y College. Notices of each meeting were announced in the Greenville Daily News, and posted locally (see Figure 1-1 ). These town meetings allowed citizens an opportunity to identify prouds, sorries and images of the future that they would like to see become a reality. The planning process also included many meetings of the County Planning Commission, presentations to the Montcalm County Townships Association and to the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners. Figure 1-1 A Notice of Three Futuring Town Meetings A "Visioning" Session TOWN MEETING "Creating a Common Vision for The Future of Montcalm County" ATTEND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SESSIONS: April 18, 2005, 7:00 PM Media Center, Tri-County High School 21338 Kendavllle Road, Howard City April 25, 2005, 7:00 PM Community Room, Central Services Facility Greenville Public Schools, 1414 Chase Road, Greenville April 28, 2005, 7:00 PM Room 305 Doser Building, Montcalm Community College 2800 College Drive, Sidney The citizens of Montcalm County are invited to attend a town meeting to help chart the future of Montcalm County. Input will be used to prepare the County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting is an opportunity for area citizens to help guide future land use planning and development related decisions in Montcalm County. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! JOIN IN THIS INTERESTING AND EXCITING EFFORT! As part of the planning process, the Montcalm County Fact Book was prepared in order to update demographic, economic, natural resources, transportation, and public facilities information. The Montcalm County Fact Book includes data, tables, charts and maps that provide a snapshot view of the county in 2005 that serves as the basis for formulating goals, policy and strategies for the future. It is available on the County website at www.montcalm.org. HOW TO USE THE PLAN There are seven critical components to using this Plan as a decision making guide. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-6 �• • • • • • • First is the background information in the Montcalm County Fact Book, as a separate document that provides basic information and trends in demographic, economic, land use, natural resources, tax base, transportation and public facilities of the county. The second component is the vision, goals, objectives and strategies in Chapter Two. These are based on public input, and reflect where citizens want their county to be over the next twenty years. Third are the best practices available to local governments to implement the Plan in Chapter Three. Fourth are the ten guidelines for effective county economic development in Chapter Four. Fifth are the future land use policies in Chapter Five necessary to achieve coordinated land use decisions in Montcalm County. Sixth is the discussion of transportation and other infrastructure in Chapter Six. The importance of improving roads, sewer, water and other infrastructure over the next 20 years is emphasized. Seventh are the implementation strategies and interjurisdictional coordination steps found in Chapter Seven. They outline the roles and responsibilities of the county, townships, cities and villages in carrying out the recommendations of this Plan. This Plan is a statement by the County Planning Commission regarding the present and desired future character of the county and strategies to assure that character. As a formal and tangible document, this Plan is intended to instill a sense of stability and direction for county, city, village and township officials, and for Montcalm County citizens and businesses. Every effort has been made to present factually correct and up-to-date information in this Plan and the accompanying Montcalm County Fact Book. Information was obtained from local, state and federal sources. Ultimately though, this Plan is a general document, and any site-specific decisions should be thoroughly investigated with original research materials before proceeding. The Plan is not regulatory like zoning. It is a policy guide to give direction to many future actions, including changes to local plans and zoning ordinances. MW:E:\word\montcalm\Plan feb 06/Chapter 1 Introduction.doc CAF:C:\G-Drive\W INWORD\PROJECTS\Montca lm County\Final General Plan March 2006\Chapter 1 Introducti on (3 06). doc CAF C:\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan July 2006\Chapter 1 Introduction (7 06) .doc Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 1-7 �Chapter 2 VISION, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & STRATEGIES VISION STATEMENT Introduction Montcalm County residents, businesses, and visitors have diverse needs, wishes, and dreams, and satisfying them is a big challenge for any community. This chapter describes those needs, wishes, and dreams in a vision for the future of Montcalm County, and includes goals, objectives, and strategies to reach that vision . The vision statement that follows describes Montcalm County as residents at several town meetings held in 2005 countywide wanted it to be in the year 2025. The results of the 1999 Montcalm County Citizen Survey and a follow-up 2002 survey were also considered . The vision is organized into topic areas that separately focus on key elements of the county . What emerges when all sections are read together, is a complete image of Montcalm County, as residents would like it to be in 2025 and beyond . The vision statement was the basis for goals, objectives, and strategies of this Plan . When reading this vision , it is necessary to mentally "transport" yourself into the future to the year 2025. Thus, there are references "back" to the early 2000's. 21st Century Montcalm County Montcalm County residents and businesses enjoy a high quality of life and are reaping the benefits of commitments to future generations made years ago. Beginning in the early 2000s, proactive policies and initiatives, economic development plans, and resource preservation plans were undertaken which went well beyond common practice of the day. These initiatives improved the quality of life, and retained and attracted people and businesses to the county. The results of this hard work are obvious to visitors and residents alike. Montcalm County has become a true reflection of sustainability (meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to me,e t their own needs). Businesses, neighborhoods, parks, schools, local government, agricultural and natural resources are healthy and self-sustaining in 2025. When asked about Montcalm County, residents use terms like "prosperous," "successful, "safe," "rural, "clean, "healthy, and "well-educated. Residents are also quick to say that Montcalm County is an outdoor recreation paradise and a great place to raise families or retire. 11 11 11 11 11 Economic Development - A County of Opportunity The cities, villages, townships and county continue to work together on an aggressive economic development program aimed at retention, expansion, and attraction of business and industry within the county. The primary Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-1 �objective is to create and maintain a healthy and growing economy in Montcalm County with high paying jobs. To appreciate the success of this initiative one needs only to visit the county's clean, harmonious, and compact industrial and business districts, and successful farms. A high quality-of-life, a sense of security, and strong community values are part of the attraction of new jobs to the county. By continually reinvesting in schools, transportation, health care, police and emergency services, compact and efficient sewer and water systems, and utilities, communities within the county satisfy basic industry requirements rivaling any community in Michigan. A marketing program which proactively solicits business and industry, is a significant factor in the economic success of the county. Revitalized older neighborhoods provide affordable housing opportunities for families of various sizes and ages. This is due to significant reinvestment by owners, but also to strict enforcement of the local building, housing, and rental codes. Many of the county's least expensive neighborhoods are some of the most popular for first time homebuyers. New subdivisions are located close to existing cities and villages and, through clustering and conservation principles, protect sensitive environments, natural scenery and prime agricultural lands. Where the visual character, sounds, dust, smells, and level of activity of commercial and industrial development are not compatible with residential neighborhoods or other noise sensitive land uses, they are separated or buffered. Where commercial development can serve residential needs, it is built adjacent to residential neighborhoods with an architectural design and layout that fits the character of the neighborhoods. Scenic Natural and Agricultural Landscape Character Preserved The most common landscape view in Montcalm County continues to be a mix of farm fields, meadows, wetlands, river and lakeshores, and woods. Rather than succumbing to sprawl and the attendant loss of natural visual character that is occurring throughout the rest of the State, the alluring characteristics that initially attracted residents and businesses to the county have been maintained, and in some cases enhanced. (The visual character of a community is set by the style, size and upkeep of its homes, businesses and civic places such as parks, stores, schools and government buildings. It is also set by the presence or absence of water and vegetation, hills and highways.) The rural landscape does more than simply provide scenery. The benefits of nature to residents ' mental well-being and the attraction for visitors are important. Montcalm County is recognized as having a unique combination of soils, climate, and water resources that enable its innovative farmers to grow diverse, high quality, high-yielding crops which are managed in a sustainable manner that continues to make agriculture a vital sector of the economy. Woods and fields help with water infiltration, maintaining biological diversity, and providing habitat for wildlife. Property owners have coordinated the retention of green space connections to create ecological corridors, enhance Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-2 �recreation, and provide a more continuous natural scenic view. Streams and lakes have buffer plantings that help protect water quality. New growth and development have occurred in compact form and in locations that retain ample open space throughout the county, reinforcing the scenic visual character rather than detracting from it. In Montcalm County, large-scale changes to the landscape (especially of vegetation, views, open spaces, and the water's edge), are minimized by encouraging thoughtfully designed and buffered new development, and redevelopment, in select locations. Places that were unattractive or lacked scenic character in 2005 were improved. This philosophy was applied to both residential and nonresidential development. Existing and new development, particularly along transportation and scenic corridors is screened with buffer plantings in character with a rural, nature-oriented landscape. Parking lots, big buildings, and outside storage areas are buffered by landscaping and natural vegetation. The number of signs has been reduced and remaining signs are well designed to enhance commerce and direction-finding without detracting from scenic views. A public well-versed in land and water protection approaches is deeply involved in making decisions about preservation. Working with conservancies and the State Purchase of Development Rights Program, key parcels are preserved through development rights purchases, donations, and other approaches over the past two decades. As a result, wetlands, forests, farmland (particularly prime farmland), and green spaces that comprise the rural character and ecosystem of the county are permanently protected. City and Village Centers Montcalm County citizens and officials long ago recognized that for a city or village to remain "economically viable," it must be a vital place for citizens and businesses. Structures and places of historical and architectural significance are protected and renewed and serve as reinforcing elements of visual character. City and village sidewalks are lined with shops and amenities and as a result are full of people. Community events make these centers the place to be on a regular basis. Parks and streets lined with stately trees welcome visitors and residents alike. Strip commercial corridors are attractive and fit into the rural setting. New developments complement existing transportation systems and serve the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and automobile drivers safely and efficiently. The cities of Greenville, Stanton and Carson City, as well as the villages in the county are known as walkable communities, providing safe connections, separate from roads when practical, between residential areas and the many types of destinations within the community: shops, businesses, public buildings, churches, schools, parks and restaurants. As a result of its increased walkability, more active residents enjoy a greater level of health than in 2005. Links continue to be established between residential neighborhoods and commercial and industrial development to provide safe, attractive and low cost pedestrian and bike routes as alternatives to automobile circulation. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-3 - - - ---- -- --- --- --- - - �There are also links to greenways with trails that extend beyond Montcalm County into the surrounding region. These greenways serve both as recreational opportunities in themselves and to connect destinations such as communities, parks, and schools. Quality of Life - A County of Education and Stimulation The county has long held education as a critical element of quality of life. The public and private school systems including pre-school, K-12 plus the Montcalm Community College, provide excellent educational opportunities. Students are well disciplined, computer literate, and ready to pursue any endeavor. Citizens can continue higher education, obtain technical, jobrelated training, and can take adult enrichment courses in a wide variety of subjects. Lifelong learning is a way of life in Montcalm County. Music, art, and museum events in many civic and private facilities continue to provide entertainment for all generations of Montcalm County citizens. Quality of Life - Recreation The county has long held recreational opportunities as an important aspect of quality of life. Montcalm County residents enjoy a variety of recreation opportunities at local and county parks, National Forest lands, State Game Areas, public access sites, golf courses, and other facilities. Trails link many parts of the county, extend beyond the county and provide opportunities for fitness and enjoyment of the outdoors. Boating, fishing and swimming on the inland lakes continues to be a popular pastimes. Montcalm County has established one of the most comprehensive regional recreation programs found in the State. The public schools provide ample indoor recreation opportunities during the winter months. Friendly, Cooperative Community County business and government leaders long ago recognized that working together is critical to the long-term economic and cultural vitality of the county. Civic groups also play an important role, assisting in keeping Montcalm County clean, attractive, and healthy with a sustainable environment and positive community spirit. Participation in community events, music concerts, and festivals is high. Montcalm County is a friendly and caring place to live and visitors feel the hospitality. The community is supportive of its citizens and helps provide mentoring and constructive guidance. Members of all generations of the community share in its identity. Both cultural and natural resources are preserved through wide community support by citizens who understand the value and principles of preservation. Leaders work to encourage a high level of citizen involvement from both residents and nonresident property owners. In return, leadership is responsive to the direction expressed by citizens. Leaders hold the public's trust when enforcing regulations that protect the environment, implement the County General Plan, and otherwise ensure protection of public health, safety, and welfare. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-4 �Intergovernmental Cooperation/Coordination A shared set of policies structured around a common vision of the future serves as a framework for decision making between all governmental entities in Montcalm County. The common vision and related policies recognizes the autonomy of each unit of local government, but also establishes a mechanism for addressing issues of greater than local concern. Communities apply the dual principles of respect and cooperation on issues of mutual interest. Cooperation promotes achievement of area-wide interests and the uniqueness of each local government is celebrated. Coordination of costs, timetables, responsibilities, and resources to continue upgrading the quality of life of the area are all included as an integral part of these cooperative policies. All county and local public services and facilities are coordinated, as are state, federal and private services and facilities when appropriate to do so. While local land use decisions are guided by local zoning standards, issues of greater than local concern are subject to input from surrounding local governments both within and outside the county before a final decision is made. Special ad hoc committees aid communication among county and local governments in this process and promote adequate oublic participation. ~ GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES The goals, objectives and policies that follow were based on the results of a survey of local leaders and the visioning sessions held in Montcalm County in 2005. Goal: Goals are broad-based statements of intent and establish the direction for the Montcalm County General Plan . Goals could generally be thought of as the desired "ends" of successful implementation of the County General Plan. Objective: Objectives are the stated "means" of achieving each goal, or the tasks to be carried out in the process of realizing goals. Strategies: Strategies are action statements in order to accomplish the goal and objective. I. GOAL - INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS AND COMPETITION IN THE COUNTY. A. Objective - Ensure land suitable for commercial and industrial development is adequately served with public sewer, water, and other essential public services and facilities. B. Objective - Increase awareness of available land and strengths of area businesses. C. Objective - Promote involvement of county and local governmental units in economic development decisions. D. Objective - Encourage the establishment of businesses that provide yearround employment and offer quality jobs. E. Objective - Promote measures and activities which result in diversification of the economy. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-5 �r 1. Strategy - Encourage the county's Economic Development function to prepare a 5-year countywide economic development plan and update the plan on a regular basis in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission, and other appropriate entities. 2. Strategy - Allow for publicly funded economic development activity based on the following criteria: a) Development will either preserve or create jobs according to ratios endorsed by the Economic Development Administration , U.S. Department of Commerce. b) Development will accompany or result in a significant amount of private sector leverage using brownfields, renaissance zones, tax abatement and related tools. c) Development will result in a significant return on the investment of public funds . 3. Strategy - Enhance the future viability of agriculture and natural resources enterprises by working toward ensuring that further processing of agricultural and natural resource products harvested from the county will , where feasible , be undertaken within the county. 4. Strategy - Establish a Convention and Visitors Bureau which in cooperation with existing Chambers of Commerce promote Montcalm County tourism attractions for day visitors from the surrounding counties. 11. GOAL-VILLAGE AND CITY CENTERS HAVE AN ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VITALITY. A. Objective - Create vibrant and bustling villages and cities that are functional, people-oriented, and the center of cultural activity within the county. 1. Strategy - Existing civic and cultural facilities are retained in village and city centers and new or expanded civic and cultural facilities are placed in or very close to village and city centers. 2. Strategy - Maximize existing public infrastructure by utilizing brownfield redevelopment strategies to revitalize areas of the county. 3. Strategy - Encourage revision of city, village and township zoning ordinances, if necessary, to permit mixed use development in city and village downtowns and other important nodes in order to increase the base population near businesses and cultural facilities . 4. Strategy - Encourage the preservation of historic structures through maintenance and renovation that retains historic character. 5. Strategy - Encourage pedestrian activity in cities and villages through the design and construction of sidewalks and small public spaces that are safe and filled with art and other amenities. 6. Strategy - Promote voluntary participation in community and cultural activities. 7. Strategy - Encourage businesses and institutions to install public art, flowers, trees, benches and fountains . 8. Strategy - Expand the number and type of festivals and fairs and participation in community events. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-6 �----... 9. Strategy - Support use of housing programs to assist with new housing or rehabilitation of housing in cities and villages in the county. 10. Strategy - Evaluate and support where appropriate, new tools and incentives to facilitate economic development in cities, villages and townships. Ill. GOAL - GUIDE THE TYPE AND AMOUNT OF GROWTH. A. Objective - Encourage county and citizen understanding of, and involvement in the growth management process. 1. Strategy - Provide educational, opportunities and leadership on planning and zoning techniques to manage growth in general, and the specifics of this Plan as may be available from MSU Extension, the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission, the Michigan Association of Planning and related organizations. 2. Strategy - The County Planning Commission and local jurisdictions meet annually to discuss growth and land use issues. 3. Strategy - Review this General Plan every five years and update as necessary. IV. GOAL - ESTABLISH A SET OF LOCAL REGULATIONS AND A PROGRAM OF LOCAL ENFORCEMENT THAT PROTECTS QUALITY OF LIFE AND IS FAIR AND CONSISTENT FOR PROPERTY OWNERS. A. Objective - Explore the options to ensure that every local jurisdiction which has zoning does so consistent with this County General Plan and any adopted city, village or township plan. 1. Strategy - Educate officials and the public about the benefits, attributes, powers and limitations of zoning. 2. Strategy - Work with local authorities to ensure local zoning in all areas of the county that prevents over-crowding of land, loss of prime agricultural land , overuse of natural resources and promotion of economic development where there are adequate public services as this Plan indicates. 3. Strategy - Through coordination of local authorities with county and state authorities, ensure that areas with limitations for development are protected if they possess any of the following conditions: a) Flooding, as determined by National Flood Hazard maps b) Inadequate drainage as determined by county Drain Commissioner c) Soil formations with contra-indications for development as determined by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) d) Topography with steep slopes as determined by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. e) Inadequate water supply and sewage disposal capabilities as determined by the District Health Department and/or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). f) Wetlands as determined by the MDEQ . g) Prime and unique farmlands as determined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. 4. Strategy - Encourage the development and maintenance of formal site plan review procedures and standards in city, village and township zoning Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-7 �... r ordinances for environmental protection of each of the environmental features listed above, and for groundwater protection in rural areas of the county. 5. Strategy - Urge adoption where they do not exist and promote fair and effective administration of junk and related ordinances at the township, city and village level. 6. Strategy - Promote the fair and effective administration of the County construction code, junk ordinance, private road ordinance and addressing ordinances. B. Objective - Encourage city, village and township zoning ordinances to be consistent with this Plan, kept up-to-date and enforced in a professional, fair and consistent manner. 1. Strategy - Encourage local officials to stay abreast of changing laws and regulations regarding planning and zoning and implement changes when necessary. 2. Strategy - Provide annual training for city, village and township planning and zoning commissioners on basic and advanced principles, procedures, laws, cases, tools and techniques to guide quality community development. 3. Strategy - More clearly define terms in local zoning ordinances to avoid confusion . 4. Strategy - Encourage city, village, and township zoning ordinances to be enforced in a consistent and fair manner. 5. Strategy - Modernize and utilize clearly defined procedures for granting or denying variances and rezoning efforts in an objective measurable manner consistent with the County General Plan . 6. Strategy - Encourage cities, villages and townships to make zoning variances the exception rather than the rule. 7. Strategy - Educate the public regarding the role of the city, village and township planning commission , zoning board of appeals and the zoning procedures outlined above. V. GOAL - REVIEW EXISTING AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AS THEY RELATE TO NON-FARM RESIDENCES. A. Objective - Preserve Montcalm County's unique agricultural sector and promote mutually healthy relationships between farm and non-farm residential neighbors. 1. Strategy - Encourage farming operations that utilize the Michigan Right-toFarm Act to solicit dialog and input from local communities and governing bodies. 2. Strategy - Encourage those farm practices that minimize odor, noise, and environmental risk and maximize natural resource conservation . 3. Strategy - Encourage farmers to participate in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) . B. Objective -Assure the sustainable use of the unique combination of soils, climate, and water resources that characterize Montcalm County agriculture. 1. Strategy - Encourage the development and use of sustainable cropping systems that preserve and enhance the quality of agricultural soils. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-8 �r 2. Strategy - Manage irrigation systems according to Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Irrigation Water Use. 3. Strategy - Encourage continuing sustainable production of the diverse, high quality, high yielding crops in which Montcalm County has a unique position in U.S. agriculture. VI. GOAL - PRESERVE MONTCALM COUNTY'S NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE BEAUTY OF ITS LANDSCAPE. A. Objective - Provide for planning mechanisms and regulatory techniques that will preserve forests, wetlands, and other natural resources as Nell as farms and other vegetated landscapes. 1. Strategy - Encourage city, village, township and the county to support applications of agricultural land owners to enroll in agricultural land preservation programs like PA 116, Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Transfer of Development Rights (TOR) programs. 2. Strategy - City, village and township planning commissions are encouraged to work with the County Planning Commission to develop design guidelines for small parcels and large parcel development that promote voluntary approaches to the protection of natural resources and scenic quality. 3. Strategy- The county and local governments encourage the creation of conservancies and land trusts to acquire or obtain development rights to natural resource and scenic parcels that have been identified as important to preserve. 4. Strategy - The county and local governments support the voluntary donation of conservation easements for important natural resources and scenic areas, especially roadside areas along scenic corridors. 5. Strategy - Encourage careful land use management on the part of county officials and landowners alike. 6. Strategy - Encourage cluster zoning and open space preservation techniques in rural areas and compact settlement patterns in villages, cities, and in townships with urbanized areas where the proper infrastructure is available. 7. Strategy - Further develop and refine local greenbelt zoning techniques via maps and other tools to consistently protect and preserve sensitive environmental areas. 8. Strategy - Work with individual jurisdictions to establish uniform floodplain protection ordinances. 9. Strategy - Work with the County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, and local jurisdictions to refine private road standards to limit construction on steep slopes and to restrict private roads that contribute to erosion . 10. Strategy - Urge cities, villages and townships to adopt ordinances that limit construction clearing on steep slopes and set performance standards for any construction on steeper slopes. 11 . Strategy - Develop design guidelines that illustrate the least damaging building approaches for slopes. ---------~-- - . Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-9 �• B. Objective - A greenspace system of interconnected, undeveloped land, buffers, ecological corridors, forests, floodplains, wetlands, and other open space in private and public ownership is identified and protected in Montcalm County. 1. Strategy - Develop guidelines for property owners, developers, communities, and business owners on how to preserve or sensitively develop near wildlife corridors. 2. Strategy -Adopt conservation subdivision (a subdivision that groups lots together on a portion of a property in order to save large blocks of o:,en space) and cluster ordinances and promote the use of these techniques for new development of both residential and commercial development. 3. Strategy - Develop educational materials and programs for residential and commercial property owners on how to foster wildlife while protecting properties from wildlife damage. C. Objective - The identity and location of threatened and endangered species is documented and plans for their protection are drafted and implemented. 1. Strategy - Urge volunteer groups to document the identity and location of threatened and endangered species and develop protection plans. 2. Strategy - Urge volunteer groups to provide educational programs for the public regarding the value of preserving wildlife habitat and alternative preservation methods. 3. Strategy - Urge volunteer groups to develop and implement preservation plans for areas of threatened and endangered species. 4. Strategy - As the above strategies are implemented, an effort should be made to include the Conservation District, County Farm Bureau and related organizations. VII. GOAL - PROVIDE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY. A. Objective - Ensure a wide range of housing choices. 8. Objective -Allow for reasonable and fair l,ow to moderate-income housing where compatible with other housing types. C. Objective - Priority should be given to meeting the most urg,ent unmet housing needs of the physically and developmentally disabled, those with low and moderate incomes, the elderly, and those who are on public assistance. D. Objective - Continue to provide for compatibility among and between housing types for neighborhood stability. E. Objective - Encourage senior-friendly housing. 1. Strategy - Encourage local governments to allow for mobile home parks and manufactured homes in local zoning districts that are appropriately sited for those uses. 2. Strategy - New housing developments/subdivisions should occur only in areas where soils are suitable for on-site sewage treatment and for adequate and protected on-site water supply; and/or public sewer and water are available or economically feasible. 3. Strategy - New housing developments should be compatible with existing and planned , neighboring land uses. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-10 �4. Strategy - Senior-friendly housing should be available in all cities and villages in the county . 5. Strategy - In the downtown area, encourage development of mixed-use housing , especially above retail establishments. VIII. GOAL- PROVIDE AN ATMOSPHERE WHEREBY AREA YOUTH HAVE A STAKE IN THE COMMUNITY. A. Objective - Develop and promote area recreational and cultural opportunities targeted to meeting the needs of youth. 8 . Objective - Encourage continuation/expansion and better awareness of the local recreational and cultural opportunities. C. Objective - Encourage involvement of youth in their community. 1. Strategy - Provide direction and policy assistance so that entities like Montcalm Community College can attract the best students, faculty, and facilities in conjunction with the state-wide network of 4-year institutions. 2. Strategy - Involve youth , whenever and wherever possible, in local governing , planning and collateral activities. 3. Strategy - Utilize existing recreational centers. 4. Strategy - Utilize existing cultural centers such as Montcalm Community College to expand and enhance the diversity of cultural information available. 5. Strategy - Support Community College/Public School System collaboration on educational initiatives such as the Tech-Prep Partnership. 6. Strategy - Support and expand the activities of Montcalm's 4-H community. IX. GOAL - MAINTAIN THE VIABILITY OF THE PRIMARY LAKE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES IN THE COUNTY. A. Objective - Support local planning and zoning mechanisms to maintain current levels of attractiveness and viability of the inland lakes in the county. 8. Objective - Execute steps necessary to achieve improvement and enhancement of overall water quality for these lakes and connecting waterways. 1. Strategy - Encourage strict enforcement of local lakefront zoning that protects water quality and minimizes risk of overuse of lake resources. 2. Strategy - Utilize and promote lake boards and other forums to educate lake residents regarding fertilizer practices and other actions that could affect water quality. 3. Strategy - Utilize and promote lake boards and property associations to implement best management practices as recommended in lake studies including the importance of watershed management strategies and sanitary sewers. 4. Strategy - Encourage the development of appropriately sited access sites/boat launches for all citizens . 5. Strategy - Develop increased waterfront access opportunities for all of Montcalm residents Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-11 . - �X. GOAL - PROVIDE UPGRADED TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND BETTER MANAGED ACCESS WHERE SUCH FACILITIES WILL PROVIDE THE GREATEST BENEFIT TO THE PEOPLE, BUSINESSES, AND TOURISTS IN THE COUNTY AS A WHOLE. A. Objective - Safe and efficient movement of people and goods with a variety of transportation modes. 1. Strategy - Prepare a countywide transportation plan addressing all transportation modes. 2. Strategy - Encourage the expansion of Greenville's dial-a-ride transit service to a countywide demand responsive transit system utilizing existing resources such as EightCAP. ,e::c--.. 8. Objective - Provide reasonable access by all segments of the population to jobs, services, recreation, and other opportunities. 1. Strategy - Encourage transportation infrastructure development that complements anticipated future land use patterns. 2. Strategy - Encourage MOOT to finance access management plans along each state highway in the county, and promote a uniform approach to access management regulations across the county. 3. Strategy - Pave or improve only those roads where soils and other natural features will support increased development. 4. Strategy - Facilitate a coordinated approach to transportation planning and financing among responsible government units. 5. Strategy - Encourage planning and zoning for only noise compatible land uses along state highways. 6. Strategy - Utilize where feasible , the resources of the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission. XI. GOAL - PROVIDE A RANGE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES CONSISTENT WITH THE RURAL CHARACTER OF THE COUNTY, WHICH MEETS PRESENT AND FUTURE NEEDS OF EXISTING COMMUNITIES AND SUPPORTS THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE OF RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. A. Objective - Public sewer and water is provided to businesses and residents efficiently and in locations in which development does not negatively affect natural resources and community character. B. Objective - Public facilities, services, and programs provide for the health and safety needs of Montcalm County citizens, workers, and visitors. C. Objective - Police, fire and emergency services are consistent with public need and the ability to finance improvements in the most cost-effective manner. D. Objective - Solid waste, recyclable and hazardous materials are disposed of safely, effectively, and efficiently according to the adopted County Solid Waste Management Plan. E. Objective -Cities, villages and townships should detail when, and under what circumstances sewer and water service will be extended to new areas consistent with the goals and objectives of this Plan and any relevant local plan. F. Objective - Police, fire, and emergency services respond as rapidly and effectively as possible in a largely rural county. G. Objective - Residential development without public sewer or water service is limited to locations within the county where construction of on-site Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-12 �septic systems or on-site wells is not limited by soils. H. Objective - Review sale of public land for other possible public uses prior to sale. 1. Strategy - Encourage expansion of sewer and water into an area only when consistent with the planned intensity of land use for that area and scheduled as to affordability as determined by the respective city, village or township . 2. Strategy - Encourage county participation in regional management of solid waste and recycling . 3. Strategy - Cities, village and townships in the county should adopt site plan review regulations to protect groundwater and septic system inspecti n programs to protect the quality of groundwater, inland lakes, and streams. 4. Strategy- Expansion of public facilities (especially sewer and water) should be timed to guide future development into particular areas consistent with the demand for additional service. 5. Strategy - Encourage the District Health Department in cooperation with the MDEQ to develop a program to maintain the quality of water wells by establishing wellhead protection zones around municipal water wells. 6. Strategy - A county capital improvement plan should be annually prepared and updated listing proposed public improvements by location, cost and means of financing for the next six years. All proposed county facilities should be reviewed and approved by the County Planning Commission as consistent with this Plan prior to final approval and construction (as is provided by Section 5 of the County Planning Act, P.A. 282 of 1945, as amended). 7. Strategy - Every five years, if feasible, assess the future land use and facility needs of governmental offices, schools, hospitals, parks and cemeteries to provide adequate services without harming the quality of surrounding areas. 8. Strategy- Develop a map for the whole county that indicates the appropriate location of new public facilities , extensions of sewer and water service, and new development. 9. Strategy - Review the county's ability to satisfy long-term solid waste disposal needs in a cost effective manner and expand recycling services through fiveyear reviews of the County Solid Waste Plan. 10. Strategy - Coordinate infrastructure construction , repair, or maintenance with road construction , repair, and maintenance. 11 . Strategy - Cooperate regionally in the provision of public safety and emergency services, community facilities , and programs. 12. Strategy - Provide educational opportunities to residents regarding emergency, social and health services, and self-help actions to reduce risk. 13. Strategy - Coordinate service provision with other interested public agencies such as schools. 14. Strategy - Encourage notification of the County Planning Commission prior to the sale of public land, so the Commission can ensure that local governments have the first opportunity to consider acquiring it. XII.GOAL- ENCOURAGE COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES. A. Objective - Provide for better living conditions and business opportunities for the largest contiguous area possible. 1. Strategy - Encourage the involvement and cooperation of local governments, citizens, businesses, and public educational institutions in the development Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-13 �r and construction of sanitary sewer and water systems as appropriate for future growth . 2. Strategy - Form advisory boards and (where possible) unified operational boards to more cost effectively deliver public services across multiple jurisdictions where feasible . 3. Strategy - Educate local leaders on local land use issues/economic issues/economic development programs. 4. Strategy - Encourage local leaders in jurisdictions that are adjacent to on another to work with each other on planning and zoning issues (to promote continuity between these jurisdictions). XIII. GOAL - PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SERVE PRESENT AND FUTURE NEEDS WHILE CONTRIBUTING TO THE AREA ECONOMY. A. Objective - Maintain and periodically update a County Recreation Plan. B. Objective - Coordinate efforts with local jurisdictions and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to implement the recommendations of the County Recreation Plan. C. Objective -- Identify and explore new opportunities for recreational projects with local jurisdictions as a means of better serving residents and enhancing tourism. D. Objective - Link new and existing recreation facilities with non-motorized trails. E. Objective - Improve youth recreational opportunities throughout the county including indoor and outdoor sports activities. F. Objective - Expand recreation opportunities to include heritage, ecological, and agricultural experiences. G. Objective - The parks and state game areas are protected and expanded where appropriate. 1. Strategy - Support coordinated recreation planning at the state, county, and local level and involve private partners and the schools. 2. Strategy - Develop a funding program for the purchase of recreational lands in planned areas where a need has been determined or where a special opportunity exists. 3. Strategy - Develop a funding program for enhancing recreational programs and facilities throughout the county. 4. Strategy - Give priority to funding recreational projects that utilize existing facilities , underutilized facilities, and those locations that do not generate increased traffic in light traffic areas. 5. Strategy - Support development of a Montcalm County Heritage Trail which links cultural and historic attractions across the county. 6. Strategy - Promote opportunities for eco-tourism and agri-tourism . 7. Strategy - Support trail links throughout the county with a special focus on preservation of abandoned railroad right-of-way. 8. Strategy - The county parks system is expanded and developed to provide quality facilities to all residents in all areas of the county. 9. Strategy - A county trail authority is established as part of the county park system to oversee and maintain the county's trail system . 10. Strategy - A variety of recreational opportunities are made available to all county residents in locations that are accessible in all parts of the county . C:\G-Drive\WI NW ORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan July 2006\Chapter 2 goals_obj ectives (7 06).doc Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 2-14 - - -__ -- �JI Chapter 3 BEST PRACTICES INTRODUCTION This chapter describes 10 best land use practices and relates them to the Smart Growth Tenets in Chapter One and the Vision, Goals, Objectives and Strategies in Chapter Two. The County Planning Commission will work with local governments in the county to actively pursue use of these best practices over the next five years. 1. Protection of ground and surface water quality: develop watershed management plans for each watershed and promote a uniform set of local zoning standards (including for keyhole development). 2. Protection of the natural character of wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife habitat, especially along lakes, rivers, streams, creeks and drains in the county, and the preservation of public parkland, state game areas, and other special natural landscapes. 3. Protection of agricultural land as well as the agricultural character of the county. 4. Promote very low density residential development or clustering of homes on rural lands not protected for long-term agricultural use with more than 50% of each parcel permanently preserved for open space. 5. Protect rural character along county roads. 6. Pursue a compact settlement pattern in and around existing cities and villages while discouraging new scattered residential development in rural parts of the county. 7. Provide a wide range of affordable housing opportunities and choices, especially in and immediately adjacent to existing cities and villages. 8. Create walkable communities with a strong sense of place, which promote active living and encourage more mixed use development. 9. Increase the range of transportation options within and between cities and villages including the continued construction of non-motorized connections to public places and nearby communities. 10. Keep local plans and zoning ordinances up-to-date, predictable, fair and cost effective, as well as compatible with those in adjoining jurisdictions and with the County Plan. TEN BEST PRACTICES 1. Protection of ground and surface water quality: develop watershed management plans for each watershed and promote a uniform set of local zoning standards (including for keyhole development). Quality ground and surface water (lakes, rivers, streams, drains and wetlands) is critical to attracting and keeping businesses in Montcalm County and to maintaining a high quality of life. A watershed is the land area that drains snow melt and rainfall runoff to the lowest point in the watershed, which may be a lake, wetland, stream or river. Drainage can occur across land or via county drains, creeks, streams and rivers. Generally, overland flow is collected by the drain and stream system and conveys it to larger bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. Water that infiltrates the ground usually reappears as stream flow at a lower elevation. Watershed management plans provide a means for communities to focus attention on surface waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands, and direction on how to Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-1 --- - -- - - - --~== �protect or improve the quality of those waters. An important component of a watershed plan is an inventory that describes the location, extent, and quality of waters in a watershed. A watershed plan should also describe threats to water quality and goals, objectives and strategies for overcoming those threats. Map 3-1 shows the watersheds in Montcalm County and a general description of each can be found in Chapter 4 of the Montcalm County Fact Book. Because a watershed may cross many jurisdiction boundaries, a uniform set of standards and related water protection regulations should be adopted by each of the jurisdictions in each watershed. These standards and regulations should address the percent of impervious cover of new development, vegetative buffers along water bodies, building and septic system setbacks from water bodies, larger minimum lot sizes and widths, the disposal of hazardous wastes, fertilizer use, soil erosion and sedimentation control, and other factors affecting water quality. An overlay zone is one regulatory approach to applying standards that apply to specific geographic area, such as those for protecting water quality, to the shoreline area of a water body. Underlying zoning standards in the city, village or township zoning ordinances still apply. Floodplains have long been protected by use of overlay zones . However, a waterfront overlay zone is also a good technique for applying any of the regulations listed in the previous paragraph. The Community Planning Handbook published by the former Michigan Society of Planning (now Michigan Association of Planning) and Filling the Gaps by the DEQ provide clear guidance and sample ordinance language for most of these standards. See Figure 3-1. Figure 3-1 Lake or Overlay River Zone R-4 R-2 OVERLAY ZONE Lake Lake or River Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-2 COM �, ~ ) s: ~ 0 :::, 0 0) I» 3 3 0 :::, ~ ~~ c... 0 s. 0 W"< C C OJ :::, "O IN:::, Wo'< OG) 0) (t) Montcalm County w♦• Major Waters/reds :::, (t) -, ii> :::, :E S- I» ~ -u ~Cf eil :::r Legend CD C. Watersheds - U.S. Highway Streams - State Highway Drains Lower Grand - Roads Jurisdictions Maple Lakes Sections Muskegon u, Pine Source: Michigan Center for Geographic lnfonna1ion, Depl oflnformahon Technology Map Prepared by !he Land Information Access Association. January 2005 MIies 10 ~ �r 2. Protection of the natural character of wetlands. floodplains. and wildlife habitat. especially along lakes. rivers. streams. creeks and drains in the county. and the preservation of public parkland. state game areas. and other special natural landscapes. Montcalm County is rich in lakes, rivers, creeks and streams that provide a sense of naturalness. There are also five state game areas, national forest lands, county and local parks. Although some of these lands and waters are publicly owned, the vast majority are in private ownership. This combination of ownership requires county, state and federal agencies to become partners with private property owners to protect sensitive natural resources. This means that all county residents need to be provided educational opportunities about their role in the management of those resources If they are owners of sensitive natural resource lands, there are best practices they can each implement. If they are not owners, but are park or game area users, or hunt on private lands, they should be provided with educational opportunities on management practices being applied, and how they can participate as stewards as well. The county and local governments within the county can provide a structure for the protection of sensitive natural resources through a linked greenspace system. A greenspace system has two basic parts. One is a system of linked recreation facilities, such as greenway trails, bike routes, parks, game areas and other preserves. These should also be linked to cultural features such as libraries, schools and shopping nodes. Neighborhoods should also be linked to the system so people can use the greenspace system as an alternative to automobile transportation and for recreation. The second is corridors of linked undeveloped, natural areas. These include drains, creeks, streams, rivers, wetlands and lakes and blocks of natural vegetation such as a vegetative buffer zone along the shores of water bodies, woodlands and vegetative screens along roadways to provide both nature-oriented scenic beauty and wildlife corridors. In addition to protecting these important natural features, a greenspace system adds immeasurably to the quality of life of people near any part of the system. A greenspace system can also be a powerful marketing tool for attracting employers and employees. Montcalm already has an excellent start on a greenspace system with the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, White Pine State Park (a trail), the five State Game Areas, the Manistee National Forest land, numerous local parks, and abundant natural features. Once completed, the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail will connect walkers and bicyclists from Greenville to Edmore and Vestaburg and on to Alma in Gratiot County. The White Pine Trail already connects Comstock Park to Cadillac. A more extensive trail system that includes other off-road trails and marked bicycle routes along roads should be part of the greenspace system. A greenspace system should be based on a public/private partnership to manage open space for natural resource protection, recreational benefit and the amenity value of connected natural elements such as woodlands, wetlands, other natural vegetation , wildlife habitat, parks and game areas. Public partners can cooperate by linking public parks, game areas and other public facilities to the greenspace system, and by managing county drains as natural corridors. Private partners can cooperate by granting easements for trails, dedicating space along trails and roads to be managed as natural habitat and managing creek, stream, river and lake shores as natural corridors. Map 3-2 illustrates green infrastructure in the Grand Rapids metro region . Mapping green infrastructure is the first step to preparing a plan for a greenspace system. Map 3-2 is from a new publication, entitled West Michigan Tool Kit for Local Green Inventories published by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. It lays out the initial steps for Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-4 �r preparing a greenspace plan and gives several examples from West Michigan communities. Map 3-2 Green Infrastructure of the Grand Rapids Metro Region Green Infrastructure Grand Rapids Metro Region - ............ ",.• .•.· .. : • ........- .....:.·...... Legend ♦ Hubs & Links Dedicated Open Lands _ existing • :a-.. proposed '• ., "."' .. Regional Recognized Farm lands Potential Hubs or Sites 1. GVSU Campus 2 Am • 11 Park 3 Millennium Park 4 Reeds Lake Area 5. Meijer Garden Area 3. Protection of agricultural land as well as the agricultural character of the county. Agriculture is arguably the most important economic sector in Montcalm County, where as it is #2 in the state as a whole. While there are a number of international threats to the agricultural sector, in order to protect the long term viability of local farming, farmland needs to be protected. Montcalm County farmland is threatened by the rapid development of non-farm residences in farming areas. The division of farmland into 2-20 acre lots results in the rapid loss of farmland. This loss is aided by local zoning which often favors non-farm residences over farming. This is unfortunate since farmland typically generates more tax revenues than public service costs, while non-farm residences are the reverse. A buildout analysis performed by MSU students graphically illustrates this problem. Some illustrated examples from that analysis are presented in Figure 3-2. Go to http://www.rsgis.msu.edu/dmoy/montcalm for the full analysis. One of the best solutions is for local governments to zone farmland for its agricultural value, not for its speculative development value. That is usually accomplished using a combination of quarter-quarter zoning, open space zoning, purchase of development rights and transfer of development rights. These techniques are discussed more fully over the next few pages. Agriculture is also a key component of Montcalm County's quality of life. The low population, low density, farm field characteristic that agriculture provides is enjoyed by Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-5 �r the non-farm population as an amenity. However, farmers essentially provide this amenity for free. In order to continue to enjoy this amenity, Montcalm County communities in cooperation with its farmers will have to take steps to preserve farmland . Figure 3-2 Before and After Buildout in Three Montcalm County Townships As Illustrated by MSU Landscape Arch itecture Students in 2005 Richland Townshi Cato Township Re nolds Township o to http://www.rs is.msu.edu/dmo /montcalm Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-6 �r Over 73,000 acres of farmland in the county is temporarily preserved through the Michigan Farmland Development Rights Agreements Program (formerly the Farmland and Open Space Protection Program or PA 116 Program). This is an area approximately the size of three townships. The Farmland Development Rights Agreement Program enables a landowner to enter into a development rights easement (the owner agrees not to develop the land) in exchange for property tax relief. Development rights are severable, separately conveyable rights in land like an easement, or mineral rights (see Figure 3-3). The landowner can enter into this agreement for a specified length of time (1 Oto 90 years). If the owner decides to develop the land before the agreement expires, he/she is liable for repayment of abated taxes. A standard practice is to place a lien on the land for the amount due the state. Map 4-7 in the Montcalm County Fact Book displays the lands enrolled in the program as of 2003. Figure 3-3 The Bundle of Ri hts Associated with Land A companion state program that is funded by repayment of PA 116 liens is called the Farmland Development Rights Purchase Program. This program permanently protects certain parcels of land from future development. This purchase of development rights (PDR) program involves farmers willing to sell development rights. It provides a payment to the land owner of the value of the development rights on the land. An advantage of the PDR program for the farmer is that he/she captures the development value now without developing the land, and then later can still sell the farmland for its farming value to a nearby farmer. In the meantjme, the property is taxed only on its farmland value. Some land owners donate some or all of the development rights to agricultural land , wh1 ich amounts to he donation of an agricultural easement. This is done in order to gain tax benefits and in some cases, the satisfaction of preserving the land in an undeveloped s ate. The donation could be to a land conservancy or a public entity. In order for Montcalm County farmers to participate in the state PDR program, the county or townships within the oounty will have to have an agricultural protection plan. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-7 �r This could be a separate plan or an amendment to this General Plan. A farmland protection plan would identify the types of land the county wants to protect and a means of prioritizing the selection of that land. A local funding match is required for participation in the state PDR program. This match can come from local general funds, a millage or from participating farmers. Development rights can also be transferred. In a transfer of development rights (TOR) program, development rights are purchased in an area the community has determined should not receive substantial development (called a sending zone), and transferred to an area less sensitive to development (called a receiving zone). In the receiving zone, development on land that has received a transfer of development rights can do so at an increase in density over current zoning. Farmland is usually in the sending zone and land in or adjacent to cities where there is adequate public sewer, water and roads, is usually in the receiving zone. See Figure 4-3 in Chapter 4 for an example. Because a publicly financed PDR program can only preserve a limited number of acres of farmland, and farmers may opt out of PA 116 programs or choose not to participate in a PDR program, and TOR is difficult to do without county zoning, other means to protect farmland will be needed. Zoning for very low density non-farm and cluster developments can protect farmland and limit the number and impact of non-farm residences. These could be especially important tools as it could take more time to design a county PDR program and develop the political backing for it, than for the local application of certain zoning tools. Montcalm County townships interested in protecting farming could rezone areas that are used for agricultural protection, and are presently zoned at densities that range from 1 dwelling unit per acre to one dwelling unit per 10 acres to a much lower density. Communities that are zoned at densities of from 1 dwelling unit per 1-10 acres generally find over time that it is difficult to efficiently and cost effectively provide public services, and the influx of scattered non-farm residences affect the ability of farmers to continue commonly accepted agricultural practices. Quarter-quarter zoning is a well-established farmland protection technique. Quarter-quarter zoning restricts the number of new nonfarm residences to one dwelling per 40 acres and each dwelling is on a lot that is not more than 2-3 acres in size in order to preserve the maximum amount of farmland. Bloomer, Pine, Sidney and parts of Eureka Township use this technique. See Figure 3-4. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 . 3-8 �r Figure 3-4 Quarter-Quarter Zoning Quarter /Quarter Zoning = Section = 640 acres 1 non-farm dwelling per 40 acre s 1/4 section Farmer A 160 acres 160 acres 4 non-fa.rm units Farmer B FarmerC 80 acres 120 acres 2 3 non-fa.rm units non-farm units Fanner D 240 acre ■ 6 non-farm units Farmer E 1 I non-fa.rm unit quarter / quarter sect l on = 40 acres f In determining where Montcalm County and its townships should prioritize its efforts to protect farmland, emphasis should be placed on land already in agriculture. Montcalm County farmers are successfully farming on all types of land, not just the land classified as "prime" farmland by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Placing farmland protection efforts on an productive farmland will better reflect the investment land owners have made in their farms and help sustain the rural character of the county. 4. Promote very low density residential development or clustering of homes on rural lands not protected for long-term agricultural use with more than 50% of each parcel permanently preserved for open space. Rural lands in Montcalm County communities will not remain rural if they do not encourage very low density residential development and the preservation of open space. Clustering of homes on rural lands that are not protected for long-term agricultural use can preserve undeveloped land for farming or use as amenity open space. All of the units allowed under quarter-quarter zoning could be clustered together, but clustering can also be used to preserve open space as well as it can be used for farmland protection. Clustering is an approach that places residences in a more compact form than in a strip residential or conventional subdivision development pattern. Clustering can be accomplished by means of a "conservation subdivision." See Figure 3-5. For example, in a district zoned at a density of 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres, a 230 acre parcel could accommodate 23 homes. If that 230 acre parcel is developed with a maximum lot size for each dwelling of 2 acres, the 23 homes would require only 46 acres for development and 1;84 acres would remain undeveloped , and if suitable, available for farming. A conservation easement would be placed on the undeveloped portion so that it would never be developed , but it could still be used for farming. The 23 homes on 2 acre lots would have the benefit of 184 acres of surrounding open space. The size of lots should be determined in part on the size needed for an on-site septic system, as determined by the District Health Department. This technique works as well Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-9 �r for farmland protection as forest land or open space protection. Figure 3-5 Cluster Development in a Conservation Subdivision Compared to Strip Residential and a Conventional Subdivision 230 Acre parcel with derisity = 1 dwelling unit per 1O acres. Conventional strip residential development 17 home sites and 14 driveways (some shared) on the public road. No large open spaces. Conventional subdivision development 17 home sites. Three have access to existing public road, rest to a new road. No large open spaces. i j _ _ _ _i, ! i i I ·-··-.. -··-..-·-.. -··-··i··-··--Road - · ...-•-••-•-u-••-U-••-••-••-.-..--•.- -..-•__.. i j Conservation subdivision. 23 home sites. Extensive open spaces, some of which can remain income producing. Meets 10 acre density but with maximum 2 acre lot size. All homes are served from two new cul.de-sac roads. i i ' j i i i i i i i i i i i Reserved Open Space (through conservation easement) Open space that could be used for trails. Can be designated for agriculture or forest management. Can be allowed to grow up as meadow and woods. Can never be used for more houses. lmportant location for open space. i -------··--· - ·- -Road Since 2001 , ctustering is a required option for preservation of open space in communities with zoning (unless they are exempt communities) due to amendments to Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-10 - - -- - -- -- - -- - --- - --- - -- -- �r IT' all three zoning enabling acts (City-Village Zoning Act, PA 207 of 1921 as amended; Township Zoning Act, PA 184 of 1943 as amended); and the County Zoning Act, PA 183 of 1943 as amended . These amendments mandated that every non-exempted community with zoning must permit owners of certain residentially zoned property to have the option of developing all the permitted dwelling units on a portion of the property, if they left the balance of the property undeveloped . The undeveloped portion of the property must be permanently protected with a conservation easement or other legal restriction. In townships, this open space requirement is 50% of the total parcel area and in cities and villages it is 20%. Townships are exempt if their population is under 1,800, which exempts Bushnell, Day, Ferris, and Pine Townships in Mor.tcalm County. See Planning & Zoning News, February 2002 for more detailed information on this law. Montcalm County communities that are not exempt were supposed to adopt open space zoning by 2003, unless they opted out through a referendum. Exempt Montcalm County communities would also benefit by adopting open space zoning. However, the law does not provide many details in how to set standards for an open space ordinance, and certain standards should be adopted by local jurisdictions as part of their ordinance. These standards should include: • A precise definition of "open space." • A standard of what lands should be excluded when meeting the open space percentage requirement, such as wetlands, steep slopes, floodplain and other unbuildable lands • A review process • A description of the submittal process • Standards for permanent maintenance of preserved open space • How open space can be used • Whether density bonuses can apply • Others. MSU Extension offers sample ordinance language for open space zoning on the internet at: http://www.msue.msu.edu/portal/default.cfm?page id=133341 &pageset id=28882. A key consideration when designing clustered open space projects is the design standards for roads in the development. Montcalm County communities should either require all such roads to be public, or adopt private road standards that reflect public road standards. Private roads and driveways built to public road standards will better ensure fire trucks and emergency vehicles can use the roads when needed , and the Road Commission could accept the roads as part of the county road system at some future time if they were adequate ly built to begin with . It is very important that as development occurs in Montca lm County that public health be protected in the disposal of human waste. The conventional approach in areas that are not served by public sewers is to use on-site septic systems. It is the responsibility of the District Health Department to ensure that an adequate space is available on residential lots for a septic drain field as well as for a replacement field in areas where the original drain field is expected to have a limited life span. Often cluster projects are not viable without alternative waste treatment systems that treat the waste of all dwellings in a small community system, rather than individual septic systems. It is important that Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-11 �r r communities work with the Health Department in the implementation of standards for alternative waste treatment systems. 5. Protect rural character along county roads. Montcalm County enjoys a rural visual character because of the extensive farm fields, hedgerows, pastures, meadows, forests, wetlands and long distances between houses in rural areas. Recent development trends and the buildout analysis suggest that the county's rural character will not last very long if those trends continue. Strip residential and commercial development will, over time, obliterate the scenic view of farms and natural vegetation. It is possible to retain rural character along roads even as rural areas develop. In addition, areas that have lost rural character can regain it to an extent. The secret to maintaining or recovering rural character involves two basic approaches. These are: • Maintain natural vegetation along roadsides. By natural vegetation is meant trees, shrubs, wetland, meadow and prairie herbaceous plants and grasses, and groundcovers that are native to the area or naturally occurring (many plant species look like they are native, and grow in the landscape without humans planting them , but are not native to this continent). Herbaceous plants are not woody shrubs and trees, but include wildflowers, sedges, and similar plants. Vegetation that looks natural does not include ornamental vegetation . Ornamental plantings are those the horticulture industry has bred and cultivated for a more uniform, predictable, urban garden appearance. Ornamental plantings include lawns and regularly spaced shrubs and trees. Natural or native vegetation also has the advantage of requiring far less maintenance than ornamental plantings. Figure 3-6 illustrates this concept. • Maintain or establish natural vegetation screening. In areas where development already exists or is anticipated, buffer plantings that effectively screen the development will reduce the visual impact of that development and give the community a more rural appearance. Where a rural character is important, the vegetation screening should utilize naturally occurring plants in a natural looking planting. In cities and villages where a more urban look is desired, ornamental plantings are appropriate. But when used along highways, be sure only salt tolerant species are planted. In most communities, to achieve a natural appearing landscape, the landscaping requirements in the zoning ordinance need to be changed to avoid evenly spaced plantings, and to encourage more natural planting patterns in wider buffers. The retention of existing vegetation should be strongly encouraged. This may take notifying property owners and developers that the community does not want existing vegetation cleared until a site plan can be agreed upon. ~ There is a need for a strong education element regarding the maintenance of rural character. Widely circulated and promoted design guidelines are a helpful tool. One conventional development approach is for commercial land speculators to clear-cut parcels they are trying to market in order for potential buyers to better see the possibilities of the site. The conventional approach is also to clear vegetation from in front of commercial establishments so that business owners can use their facades as advertising . Residential subdivision developers often clear their site in order to showcase their homes. However, continuation of those approaches will lead to the elimination of rural character. Buyers of homes in subdivisions in rural areas may be happy with a Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-12 - -- - - --~--- - - - - �clear-cut site when they first move in, especially when the surrounding properties remain undeveloped. However, when the adjacent developments are also clear-cut, large areas of the county will lose rural character. A better approach is for subdivision developers to leave a vegetative buffer along the road as part of their open space. That open space should also wrap around the subdivision to buffer it from adjacent developments and to provide a vegetative amenity to home owners. Figure 3-6 Protection of Roadside Vegetation /1, Elevation View \ Please leave a strip of nature along the back of your property for wildlife and connect with others on adjacent properties. 100' Buffer Strip ,I Please do not clear a strip of at least 100' along the road. If already cleared plant north woods trees, shrubs and wildflowers or simply let nature take over. I 0 ~ 0::: ___________ MEADOW .___ ,, ---------- Plan View In addition to vegetation management, other visual character factors, such as signs, need to be considered and good design principles encouraged. Signs are important in business and for way-finding. However, signs that are pleasing to the eye and not intrusively large in the landscape should be encouraged. Regulations that deal with visual character need to be clear, reasonable and fairly administered. All property owners should be affected equally. Jurisdictions within the county need to cooperate, so one community with visual quality oriented regulations does not have to compete with adjacent communities without different regulations. Another tool to encourage retention of rural character is the scenic easement. This is an agreement by a landowner to limit visually disruptive activities on the roadside strip of Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-13 �their land. It is a legally-binding, permanent agreement that prevents certain activities such as vegetation clearing, building structures above a small maximum size, building signs above a small, maximum square footage or height and other conditions. If the landowner sells the land, the conditions spelled out in the scenic easement carry with the land. The width of the roadside scenic easement is negotiated and depends on various factors, such as the slope of the land, the view from the road, what is beyond the easement and other factors. 6. Pursue a compact settlement pattern in and around existing cities and villages while discouraging new scattered residential development in rural parts of the county. Communities that accept scattered, strip residential development instead of directing new development in and around existing cities and villages in a compact pattern risk future difficulty in providing public services, a negative fiscal impact on the community and a loss of community character. Strip residential development is characterized by the gradual development of residential lots along rural roads. Lot size will likely vary from one or two acres up to ten or twenty acres. However, these lots are often narrow along the road, and may include "flag lots," which are parcels with narrow road frontage, but an expanded portion away from the road. ,,.--...._ r Strip residential development has many negative impacts on communities. With many closely spaced driveways on roads where people expect to be able to drive fast, conflicts arise from residents turning into and out of driveways. It extends the service area for public safety and emergency response and often makes it difficult for response teams to find people needing help. It increases the number of miles that road maintenance crews need to service quickly. It also dramatically changes the character of a community from rural to suburban. Strip commercial development has many of the same negative impacts as strip residential development. An additional negative impact is that in most cases, strip commercial development requires shoppers to use their cars, as such developments are often located away from residential neighborhoods. This leads to many more trips for families to take and more cars on the road. If new residential and commercial development occurs in a compact pattern, close to where people already live, and close to existing public facilities, the burdens on communities to extend public services and expanded transportation infrastructure will be less. There will also be less rural development pressure that could convert land with rural character to a suburban and urban character. It is important for cities and villages to maintain their unique character and strip commercial development outside of already developed areas is one of the most destructive changes to communities. Compact settlements can still have natural elements, attractive character and recreational opportunities through greenway trails, design guidelines and land preserved as parks. Generally, if residential density is at least 4 dwelling units per acre, and extending as high as 12 units per acre in the most intensively developed residential neighborhoods close to commercial areas, public sewer and water can be cost effectively provided. Figure 3-7 illustrates the basic characteristics of a compact settlement pattern. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-14 �Montcalm County cities and villages should encourage infill development first on land presently served by public sewer and water, then support incremental expansion of public sewer and water around existing cities and villages to accommodate new residential and jobs development (this utilizes the investment already made in public infrastructure and keeps public service costs as low as they can be when accommodating new users). It also promotes a strong sense of community and leads to broader support for a variety of cultural activities which greatly enhance quality of life and improve the attractiveness of communities for economic development. Figure 3-7 Encourage Compact Settlement Pattern in and near Existing Cities and Villages INDUSTRIAL PARK NEW JOBS ENCOURAGE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ENCOURAGE NEW BUSINESS ACTIVITY WITHIN EXISTING VILLAGE THAT REFLECTS VILLAGE CHARACTER DISCOURAGE STRIP DEVELOPMENT AT EDGE OF VILLAGE •••••••••• .•..•· ... DNEW OWTHWITHIN PUBLIC SERVICE BOUNDARY ' - ······· ······•· ! ~ : ······ : ·········••..i~ 7. Provide a wide range of affordable housing opportunities and choices, especially in and immediately adjacent to existing cities and villages. Montcalm County communities should be developing ways to ensure a greater provision of affordable housing . This is important in meeting not only the needs of existing residents, but also to let future businesses know that future workers have a wide variety of housing choices in the county. Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of the occupant's income. There is a range in the price of affordable housing depending on a family's income, but generally, the provision of affordable housing is targeted toward low and moderate income families. Affordable housing types include manufactured and mobile homes, older homes in established neighborhoods, new homes priced to fit the budgets of low and moderate income families, apartments, condominiums and others. Communities should ensure a mix of affordable housing types that includes both older Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-15 �,,,.-- T and newer homes. An effort should also be made to build housing that is elderly-friendly to both allow residents new housing options in the communities they have long lived in as they age, and so that former residents can come home to be with family as they age. Manufactured home parks provide one affordable housing alternative. However, such parks should only be located in or near existing cities and villages where public sewer and water are available and roads are adequate to handle increased traffic. lnterjurisdictional coordination on local planning and zoning is necessary to achieve this result. Older existing neighborhoods can be an excellent source of affordable housing, if gentrification has not occurred on a large scale. To ensure the housing stock, it is important that homes and yards be properly maintained and that housing and blight codes be enforced. According to the Affordable Housing Network (www.nahn.com), new high performance, energy efficient infill housing is a good way to provide affordable housing. Such homes can not only be built within an affordable budget, they remain affordable to heat and cool. Many existing neighborhoods in Montcalm County cities and villages have vacant residential lots where infill housing could be placed. Volunteer groups, such as Habitat for Humanity are also available to help families reach home ownership and self-sufficiency. Support for these valuable organizations should remain strong. Photo 3-1 Older, Existing Neighborhoods can be a Source of Affordable Housing Photo by Franz Mogdis --- The federal government has programs for states and local communities to cost share efforts to provide affordable housing. Many of these programs are most cost effective to administer at the county level. US Housing and Urban Development programs include: Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-16 �• HOME Investments Partnership Program. HOME provides formula grants to States and localities that communities use-often in partnership with local nonprofit groups-to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people. • Self-help Home Ownership Program (SHOP). SHOP provides funds for eligible national and regional non-profit organizations and consortia to purchase home sites and develop or improve the infrastructure needed to set the stage for sweat equity and volunteer-based homeownership programs for low-income persons and families. Eligible homebuyers are low-income families that cannot afford to buy homes at market rates but will provide a significant amount of sweat equity or volunteer labor to build one. The only eligible expenses for SHOP funds are land acquisition and infrastructure improvements that, taken together, may not exceed an average of $15,000 in assistanoe per home. Administration, planning and management development costs are eligible expenses, but may not exceed 20% of the grant amount. • The Homeownership Zone Initiative (HOZ). HOZ allows communities to reclaim vacant and blighted properties, increase homeownership, and promote economic revitalization by creating entire neighborhoods of new, single-family homes, called Homeownership Zones. Communities are encouraged to use New Urbanist design principals by providing for a pedestrian-friendly environment, a mix of incomes and compatible uses, defined neighborhood boundaries and access to jobs and mass transit. For more information on these federal programs, go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/index.cfm. 8. Create walkable communities with a strong sense of place. which promote active living and encourage more mixed use development. According to Walkable Communities Inc., "Walkability is the cornerstone and key to an urban area's efficient ground transportation. Every trip begins and ends with walking. Walking remains the cheapest form of transport for all people, and the construction of a walkable community provides the most affordable transportation system any community can plan, design, construct and maintain. Walkable communities put urban environments back on a scale for sustainability of resources (both natural and economic) and lead to more social interaction, physical fitness and diminished crime and other social problems. Walkable communities are more liveable communities and lead to whole, happy, healthy lives for the people who live in them." Walkability has become one of the quality of life features that helps attract employers and employees to a community. All the cities and villages in Montcalm County communities would benefit from walkability and bikability in order to elevate the quality of life and economic sustainability of the community. Walkable communities are characterized by convenient, safe and attractive walking and biking connections to the places people live and the destinations they frequent. Typical destinations include schools, libraries, neighborhood shopping, local government buildings, job centers and parks. Sidewalks are appropriate for walking connections if they are located on both sides of the street, are at least 5' wide, kept in good condition, do not have dead ends, are separated from automobile driving lanes by lawn, street trees or other vegetation and can be monitored by the public. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-17 �Bicycle lanes should be in the street, and properly marked by road striping and signs. National accident data indicates that it is safer for cyclists to ride in the street than on sidewalks. If there are very few driveways along a segment of road, or if the pedestrian and bicycling route is completely separate from the automobile route, then a shared use pathway, which should be at least 1O' wide is acceptable. Michigan communities are increasingly concerned about the health of their citizens and more and more are encouraging an active lifestyle. An active lifestyle is facilitated by opportunities to walk and bike both for recreation and for everyday activities, $UCh as commuting to work, or going to lunch from work, returning rental movies, or going to the library. These activities become very difficult or even unsafe if the pedestrian and bicycle connections are incomplete or non-existent, unsafe, indirect or poorly maintained. For more information visit www.walkable.org. Photo 3-2 Fred Meijer Heartland Trail ~ Photo provided by the Montcalm Alliance 9. Increase the range of transportation options within and between cities and villages including the continued construction of non-motorized connections to public places and nearby communities. Montcalm County is primarily served by automobile transportation, although rail freight service, general aviation, limited public transit and two long, but unconnected non-motorized trails are also available. Giving Montcalm County a competitive advantage and giving residents a high quality of life means maintaining existing transportation infrastructure in excellent condition, improving it where needed and enhancing or expanding other, more limited elements of the transportation system. As the population ages, there will be a growing need to improve non-motorized connections between communities, as well as between neighborhoods and places people frequent. All Montcalm County communities should cooperate in the coordination and prioritization Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-18 �of transportation improvements. A coordinated approach can help ensure that citizens get the most "bang for their buck." One of the easiest approaches to increasing non-motorized connections between neighborhoods and popular destinations is for Montcalm County communities to require every new development and redevelopment to include sidewalks and bicycle paths. Over time, the new segments installed incrementally will connect. Where there are gaps, the communities can provide connections as funding permits. Creating a connecting system incrementally requires communities to plan for a system of non-motorized pathways by establishing standards for size and location. Where the communities need to supplement pathways constructed during new development and redevelopment, priority should be given to locations that serve the most dense development, connecting to the most important facilities. The communities need to decide for themselves which are the most important, but facilities that communities typically find important include parks, libraries, schools, churches and neighborhood shopping. Photo 3-3 More Sidewalk Connections such as This One are Needed in Montcalm County ,..-----..,,. Photo by Franz Mogdis 10. Keep local plans and zoning ordinances up-to-date. predictable. fair and cost effective. as well as compatible with those in adjoining jurisdictions and with the County General Plan. Because Montcalm County and the communities within the county are experiencing many changes, the county and individual communities need to be proactive in dealing with that change. This requires the county to review its plan and the communities within the county to review their comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances on a regular basis. Failure to do so will result in land use change becoming unmanageable. Local units of government in the county without an up-to-date future land use plan and zoning ordinance should create one, but should first explore the opportunity of doing so jointly using the new joint planning option provided by PA 226 of 2003. The regular review of plans and ordinances should include an evaluation of the impacts Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-19 �on, and compatibility with plans and ordinances of adjoining communities, both within and outside the county. Special attention needs to focus on compatible land uses along jurisdiction borders. There needs to be coordination of permitted land uses from one jurisdiction to the next, so that incompatible land use relationships do not develop. Local comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances and how they are administered are important factors affecting the economy of a county. One of the most important criteria for economic development is that the process for those who invest in development projects is predictable in terms of the regulations to which they must adhere and the time span of the permitting process, and that they will be treated fairly by government. The development community will generally support and follow regulations that promote a high quality of life if governments judge them fairly on their conformance with those regulations. Governments should make sure that their regulations match the community's goals and objectives. Conflicts in the development review process can arise when a community applies a different set of principles than planning and regulatory documents express. One way to make sure that all planning and regulatory documents reflect current community thought is to make sure they are up-to-date, and that all elected and appointed officials are clear on their intent and how they should be applied. Figure 3-8 Plans and Ordinances Should be Updated Regularly John t.Jwinword/Montcalm/plan feb 06/Chapter3 Best Practices.doc CAF : C :\G-Dnve\WINWORD\PROJECTS onlcalm Count.y\Ftnal General Plan March 2006\Cnapter 3 Best Pracoces (3 06).doc CAF C:\G-Dnve\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\F1nal General Plan July 2006\Cnapter 3 Best Practices [I 06).doc Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 3-20 �Chapter 4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION This chapter identifies some of the key elements for successful economic development in the County and the relationship of those elements to other parts of the General Plan. Economic development is a term that means different things to different people. Some of the common definitions are listed below: • "Efforts to increase the number of jobs and income circulating in a community. " The Handbook for Community Economic Development, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 1979, pg . 2. • "The process of intervening in the normal economic cycle in order to achieve a specific goal. Although the goal may vary, it is usually aimed at stimulating private investment within a specific area in order to generate employment, increase the tax base or increase the commercial viability of the area." Encyclopedia of Community Planning and Environmental Management, Facts on File Publications, New York, 1984, pg. 117. • "The preparation of land, tools, and capital required to make an area attractive to new industry and to enhance the capability of existing industry to expand." The Language of Open Space, City of Duluth, MN , 1975, pg. 59 . • "A development that provides a service, produces a good, retails a commodity, or emerges in any other use or activity for the purpose of making financial gain. '1 Or, "Any change in a community that enables greater production, increased employment, and a better distribution of goods and services." A Planners Dictionary. APA PAS #5xx/5xx, 2004 , pg . 157. • "The attempt to attract investment within a government's jurisdiction. " It can include measures "focused on outside business investment exclusively," to "locally initiated projects and efforts to diversify [local] economies," to measures designed to retain existing businesses, or combinations. The Urban Politics Dictionary. 1990, pg .172. Contemporary economic development initiatives usually involve elements of each of the definitions above. All such efforts are ultimately targeted at maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents in the community. Where there are plentiful jobs with wages sufficient to sustain families, communities are not merely viable, they are prosperous. Citizens expect government to do what it can to help ensure plentiful jobs and a sustainable future, but in a democracy like America where capitalism is the basis for the economic system, and where free trade laws permit products to be cheaply prepared by workers in other nations, and sold for low prices elsewhere, it is hard for government to consistently provide the elements for a changing economy that is increasingly defined by global forces. That of course is no reason for the federal , state, county or local government to not do all it can to help support a local sustainable economy. But at the county and local level, opportunities to directly and successfully intervene when a business is in trouble, or closing are often extremely limited-as was amply demonstrated with the recent Electrolux plant closing and job losses in Greenville. That case is an example of global free trade at work. It is much cheaper to pay workers in third world countries. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-1 �ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BASED ON SMART GROWTH PRINCIPLES So what can a county and local units of government do help retain businesses and build a sustainable economy? First, the county can continue to take the lead through its economic development arm , the Montcalm Alliance. Second, ten Smart Growth measures are listed below. These are all based on the principles of sustainable development. Sustainable development accommodates needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. 1. Develop a common. countywide vision of a sustainable future that is shared by local governments and widely supported by businesses and citizens in the county. Everyone needs to understand "We are all in this together." Losing jobs in Gr3enville, Edmore and elsewhere in the county hurts quality of life in the whole county, not just in those jurisdictions. lnterjurisdictional coordination and cooperation is essential to successfully implementing a common vision of the future. Recommended actions include: • Understand the county economy better-that includes its strengths, weaknesses and emerging threats. Work together to create a countywide 5-year strategic economic development plan which doles out responsibility for implementation to a wide range of individuals and groups who work cooperatively together. • Link the strategic plan to basic land use and infrastructure considerations as addressed in this Plan. • Set aside parochial considerations and be willing to cooperate night and day when the opportunity is presented for new jobs. That is how the Lansing area got selected for two new General Motors plants four years ago, and why they escaped with just one small plant closing in the recent round of cuts. • Identify and provide incentives for joint local planning and zoning between two or more units of local government. • Consider the benefits of combining local governments, cooperating on more shared services, and/or consolidating more governmental services in the County to improve economic competitiveness by more efficient use of taxes and eliminating duplication of services. 2. Protect the natural resource base and quality of the natural environment. Natural resources serve as the primary basis for the Montcalm County economy. A healthy economy and healthy environment go hand-in-hand. In particular, adopt policies to prevent premature land fragmentation , because that leads to land conversion , especially for single family homes on large lots in the country. Land fragmentation undermines the long-term viability of agriculture in a county that consistently ranks in the top 10 counties in Michigan for at least four agricultural products. Actions to take include adopting local policies and programs to protect: • Farmland (as described in Chapter 3) • Forestland (same approach as for farmland) • Mineral resources • Inland lake/stream water quality (as described in Chapter 3) • Sensitive environments (e.g. wetlands and floodplains) • Groundwater. 3. Protect existing income sources, wealth generators, and the existing tax base through strong business retention and entrepreneurial support policies. The ·n come existing businesses have provided to their workers has supported the local eco omy Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-2 �~ ( I ,,,---....._ for decades. It may well be the actions of budding entrepreneurs in the county today, that provide future support. Actions that could be taken include: • Find out what the needs of existing businesses are and work hard to do what can be done locally to retain existing jobs and businesses. • Better educate the public on the uniqueness and importance of agriculture in Montcalm County, and on the important role that sustainable use of irrigation water resources plays in making this diverse and productive agriculture industry possible. Use available measures to protect existing farms, the use of irrigation water and agricultural support and processing industries. Work to attract valueadded agricultural industries. • Explore the potential economic development benefits of an ethanol plant, biodiesel plant, or other agriculturally based value-added economic development opportunity. • Support entrepreneurial internet based business starts through local zoning that permits home occupations, provided adequate safeguards are in place to prevent incompatibilities with abutting property. 4. Maintain quality physical infrastructure. This is roads, sewer, water, storm drains, fire halls, police stations, schools and similar government buildings. This infrastructure is the skeleton around which businesses can grow new jobs and workers can be gainfully employed . • Maintaining quality physical infrastructure is so important and so directly tied to land use decisions that Chapter 6 focuses on transportation and other infrastructure. But in addition other steps should be taken: • Support high speed internet countywide as way to promote economic development; and • Support expansion of natural gas service and 3 phase electric power to attract new agricultural industry in targeted locations in the county (preferably if it is a factory, within community service areas as described in Chapter 5). Irrigation wells need the 3 phase electric power and natural gas is cheaper than LP gas where available. Figure 4-1 Quality Infrastructure is Essential to Economic Development Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-3 �5. Provide land properly planned, zoned, and serviced with utilities and quality roads to accommodate new businesses and affordable housing. Actions to take include the following: • Economic development should take place only within community service areas where public sewer, water, and paved roads are available, except for certain agricultural industries described above. • Plan and construct industrial parks that meet the certification requirements of the State of Michigan. Greenville has already done so, now it just needs help to fill it. Howard City and Edmore should follow Greenville's example and obtain certification for their industrial parks. • Assist local governments with efforts to improve the availability of and wider choice in affordable housing (ownership and rental). Affordable housing is a key economic development tool in areas with a well skilled workforce. Options are offered in Chapter 3. Intergovernmental cooperation is often critically important when expanding housing opportunities. • Promote development in the Montcalm County Tax Free Renaissance SubZones in Carson City, Stanton, Howard City, Edmore and Pierson and Montcalm Townships. • Reclaim brownfields after cleanup for redevelopment that helps the community achieve sustainability by reusing existing land and infrastructure. • Establish a countywide brownfield development authority . 6. Provide a quality education and wide variety of cultural opportunities. A well-trained workforce has long been a precursor to successful economic development. All local school districts need to focus on producing quality graduates with the skills to join the workforce or go on for further education. No child should be left behind. Actions that could be taken include the following: • Encourage local businesses to take an even greater role in helping shape the quality of education in local schools. • Continue to expand support for Montcalm Community College and the County ISO as tools for economic development. 7. Protect and enhance the unique aspects of each community in the county. Focus on those aspects which define its character and contribute to local quality of life. Protect indigenous visual character and set high standards for the visual and structural quality of all new job producing development. Some techniques are presented in Chapter 3, but the end result should be: • Retain small town and village character (do not turn small towns and villages into suburban looking strips) • Protect agrarian character (do not turn farmfields into large lot farmettes) • Protect scenic character (protect key viewsheds, keep buildings low, protect important open spaces and sensitive natural areas) • Protect lakes, stream and river corridors and link public access to them • Develop/protect/enhance good school systems. • Develop/nurture/protect/enhance cultural facilities (theaters , music and dance schools, museums, etc.) • Fight homogenization. Corporate businesses look the same from one community to the next, and whil,e it is good for that business identity, it robs the local community of its own identity. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-4 �/I 8. Better understand the relationship between public service costs and new development and be careful what local governments subsidize. For example: New development should always pay its own way except where the community consciously decides to subsidize it (as in elderly housing , or for a major new employer) . Otherwise the rest of the community ends out paying for the services to the new development, while also paying for all the services to existing development. • Many Michigan communities have granted long tax abatements only to have the benefited industry go bankrupt or leave before the tax abatemHnt period is up. Tax breaks should be sparingly used, and only when the benefits are clear and do not undermine the integrity of existing businesses. • Beware that when public services are initially installed (or upgraded), new development exploits excess capacity (such as a paved road , or a sewer line) . Once excess capacity is gone, significant new public service costs will appear-who pays then? It is important to stay ahead of public service demands and use infrastructure to guide future development rather than react to it. • The true public costs of new residential development are rarely borne entirely by the development unless it has a very high value relative to the services used . This is often not apparent because not all the public service costs are borne by the local government that has the power to approve the development. Most retail businesses also cost more to service than the revenues they generate when all public service costs are included. In contrast, most office and industrial development does pay its own way, as do 1-2 unit apartments and condominiums. Open space usually is a break-even proposition. • Be sure you know the infrastructure impacts of new development and who is to pay, before adopting new plans or approving new development proposals. • In the late 1990's a SEMCOG/Rutgers/MSU study revealed that compact growth in 18 of Michigan's rapidly growing communities which diverts half of the new development outside of easily serviced areas at only a 10% increase in density in the area expected and desired to attract new growth, will save : 12.7% of developable land (8164 acres) ; 13.2% of the agricultural land (5651 acres) ; 11 .9 % of fragile land (2198 acres) ; 11 .9% on local roads (189 lane miles) ; 15.1% and 18.1% respectively on water and sewer; as well as 6 .4% on housing costs and 3.2% on local government operating costs. See Figure • 4-2. 9. Do not let proposed increases to the tax base drive new development approvals, unless the development is located where all necessary public services are adequate. and the land is planned and zoned for that use. For example: • In many communities, diversification of the tax base is desirable (or even necessary to take some of the burden off existing taxpayers). However, if doing so increases public service costs more than tax revenues to pay for them , there may be a net loss in the community quality of life over time. • Diversification of the tax base in an agricultural townsh ip is almost certain to destroy the resource base and existing rural character, unless it is for a resource-based industry that must site close to the raw materials that feed it. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-5 -~- ~ ---------=--- �• Nonfarm residences in rural areas usually require far more in services than they typically pay for in taxes. In contrast, cornfields usually generate more in tax revenues than they demand in the way of public services. The sustainable option is farms. Figure 4-2 Planned Compact Settlement Patterns Cost Less in Public Services ~ ( Unplanned Growth 10. Planned Growth Consider the impacts of all plans and incremental land use decisions on adjacent jurisdictions and on future generations. Ask yourself: • Is the decision consistent with the golden rule? • What future choices are being limited or future problems would be created? • The decision is not sustainable if it robs future generations of the ability to meet their needs. Many of the ten Smart Growth measures discussed in this chapter are illustrated in Figure 4-3 which is from the Leelanau County General Plan. I' Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-6 �Figure 4-3 Smart Growth Techniques to Build Sustainable Communities LINK OPEN SPACES NEW DEVELOPMENT: Compact Close in to village PROTECT RENEWABLE RESOURCESFARM & FOREST LAND ,, SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ¼/;·1/ IEA::.~~----- - ---· YHOLE DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTED ~--=::::= UFFER TO ROTECT WATER QUALITY E:\word\Montcalm\Plan feb 06\Chapter4 Economic Development2.doc CAF: C:\G -Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm Counly\Final General Plan March 2006\Chapter 4 Economic Development (3 06).doc CAF C:\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan July 2006\Chapter 4 Economic Development (7 06). doc Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 4-7 �Chapter 5 FUTURE LAND USE INTRODUCTION This chapter describes a future land use pattern for Montcalm County and key policies to achieve that pattern. It examines existing zoning as shown on Map 5-1 the Composite Zoning Map, future land use plans of jurisdictions in the county and local plans and zoning ordinances of jurisdictions of communities abutting Montcalm County. Compatibility of land uses between jurisdictions is discussed as well as consistency with the Smart Growth Tenets (see Chapter 1), Vision, Goals, Objectives and Strategies (see Chapter 2) and Best Planning Practices (see Chapter 3). The planned overall future arrangement of land use along with a description of those land uses, and the future arrangement of land use by sector of the county are discussed. Policies Montcalm County and communities within the county should follow in order to achieve the desired future vision are discussed in order to sustain the quality of land and water resources, to provide public services in the most efficient and cost effective manner, to provide for the highest quality of life and to grow and sustain the economy. EXISTING PLANNING AND ZONING Eighteen communities in Montcalm County have their own zoning ordinance. Map 5-1 is a composite of those ordinances and shows the effective zoning for Montcalm County. Six townships are shown as blank on the Composite Zoning Map as those communities do not have a zoning ordinance. Montcalm County does not have a zoning ordinance and all cities, villages and townships are encouraged to adopt and maintain local zoning that is consistent with a local master plan and this County General Plan. Existing Local Plans Only three jurisdictions within the county indicated they have a future land use plan (also known as a master plan or comprehensive plan). This suggests that most communities in the county are zoning without planning first (a legal prerequisite), and thus are exposed to unnecessary legal risks if their zoning ordinances were challenged . Existing Zoning Large areas of Montcalm County are zoned for rural residential use, the bright yellow on Map 5-1. The density of this zoning district for most of the county is from one dwelling unit per acre to one dwelling unit per 10 acres. This permits extensive residential development that can result in the loss of the agricultural economy of those townships and of the rural quality of life. Incremental, scattered development, over time, can have a profound negative effect on agricultural businesses, the capacity of the road network, the capacity of communities to efficiently and cost-effectively provide public services , the quality of water resources (such as streams, rivers and lakes), and the extent of woodlands and undeveloped spaces that provide rural character and contribute to a high quality of life. This is evident in the buildout illustrations on Figure 3-2 in Chapter 3. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-1 �) ) 3: 0 :::, s: 0 r+ C') Q) () 3 ::J Q) (") 3 0 :::,C: s: c._() ~o ~ ru o, '< C: I N::J (") '"O 0 CJl No'< OG) 0) (t) ::J Montcalm County ru Composite Zo11illg ~+· (t) '"O ru ::J Legend - U S. Highway - State Highway • Roads Lakes Streams Drains Jurisdictions Sections 0 UI s= S':::, Commercial Industrial MHP-Manufactured Home Park Other (PUD. lnstltutlonal. Public) Residential :::, cc • Resource Protection (allows residences) Resource Protection (does not allcm residences) ' "'1 Rural Residential State Land • Source Michigan Center for Geographic lnfonnation . Dept of lnfommtion Technology Map Prepared by 1he Land lnfomution Access A.ssooi.ltion. January 2005 M~ea ,,3~ ,o �Three townships, Pine, Sidney and Eureka, have large areas zoned for resource protection, a classification that generally permits residences at a density of one dwelling unit per 40 acres. About one third of Eureka Township is zoned resource protection, while the rest of the township is either in public land ownership (Flat River State Game Area) or a residential use in and around the City of Greenville. About 90% of Bloomer Township is zoned Resource Protection, with residences permitted at one dwelling unit per 40 acres. The corridors of several roads are zoned for strip commercial development, such as M46 in Belvidere Township, Cato Township and Reynolds Township, M-82 in Reyrolds Township, M-66 in Belvidere Township, M-91 in Pine, Montcalm and Eureka Townships and M-57 in Eureka and Bloomer Townships. This promotes narrow lot commercial development, as well as a proliferation of driveways, congestion and unsafe driving conditions. Those road segments could develop in a way that is destructive of the economic vitality and character of those existing cities and villages. Strip development can also force communities to extend public services in an inefficient and costly manner. The total buildout population for Montcalm County ranges from 279,458 to 759,476 persons, depending on the density at which each zoning district builds out. Many districts permit a wide range of densities. This is between four and thirteen times the existing population of the county. As discussed in the Montcalm County Fact Book, this represents serious over-zoning and only serves to attract non-farm residences to the county in an unplanned pattern. With so few communities having master plans, there is little planning guidance for communities within the Montcalm County to guide growth and public investment in the future. This Plan will help provide guidance for those communities that choose to follow it, by adopting new plans, or amendments to existing plans and zoning ordinances to reflect the vision of this Plan. Plans and Zoning Ordinances of Communities Abutting Montcalm County How one community develops at its borders affects the communities on the other side of that border and vice verse. It is important for Montcalm County to understand the potential affect of adjacent community plans and ordinances while developing its own plan. The proposed arrangement of future land uses described in this chapter and the policies proposed to support that arrangement are compatible with existing plans in adjoining jurisdictions. Of the adjacent counties that share at least a dozen or more miles of common border, information was obtained from Mecosta County, Gratiot County, and Ionia County, but not from Newaygo County, Isabella County or Kent County. Gratiot County (the county east of Montcalm County), is largely agricultural in the four townships that border Montcalm County (Seville Township, Sumner Township, New Haven Township and North Shade Township). Gratiot County's 2002 Strategic Plan places its focus on economic development rather than land use, but does propose to retain a rural character. However, its 2002 Strategic Plan also proposes to encourage growth away from the highways, which could lead to a conversion of agricultural land to other uses in areas such as along the border with Montcalm County. ~ Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-3 �Gratiot County exercises zoning authority over six townships, only one of which (Sumner Township) is adjacent to Montcalm County. In Sumner Township (which is opposite Ferris Township in Montcalm County), minimum lot size for the agricultural district is 40 acres, which should help preserve agricultural use there. Zoning for the other three Gratiot County townships along the Montcalm County border is unknown. To the extent that agriculture is supported in Gratiot County along the border with Montcalm County, it is a compatible land use. Ionia County (directly south of Montcalm County) has an agricultural area in the eastern part of its border with Montcalm County, and in the western border section a combination of developed area in the city of Belding, undeveloped Flat River State Game Area and agriculture in Otisco Township. Ionia County has a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2002). A Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 2004 by the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners, but then rejected by voters in a referendum. Otisco Township, which is opposite Eureka Township in Montcalm County has zoning (2002). While much of the border area in Otisco Township is zoned rural conservation or agricultural conservation, the minimum lot size of these districts is 1 acre. If there is substantial development pressure, which is possible as Otisco Township surrounds Belding, is only about 4 miles south of Greenville and can serve as a bedroom community for Grand Rapids, about 20 miles away, Otisco Township could develop in a sprawling, Iow density pattern. The Flat River State Game Area straddles the Montcalm and Ionia County line south of Greenville and north of Belding in Ionia County. The game area wiU help retain substantial open space in this area, but will also serve as an attraction to rural development, which may substantially fiH the privately owned lands at a density that is not efficient or cost-effective to provide many public services. Mecosta County is directly north of Montcalm County. Mecosta County administers zoning for the four townships directly opposite Montcalm County. The Mecosta County Zoning Ordinance was last updated substantially in 2002. The entire border area on the Mecosta County side is zoned either Agricultural/Forestry (roughly 75%) and Agricultural (25% ). While these districts are intended to preserve agricultural and forestry resource production, minimum lot size is only 1 acre. Thus portions can develop in a sprawling pattern that would be difficult to efficiently and cost effectively provide public services to. It may also over time, serve to create a large population across the border from Montcalm County that will pass through Montcalm County and create demands on its transportation system. Because these counties all have rural populations, incompatible land uses are not common now, nor likely in the next 20 years. However, northeast Kent County is rapidly growing and more incompatibilities are likely there . Unfortunately none of the jurisd ictions in northeast Kent County responded to Montcalm County's request for a copy of the local plan and zoning ordinance. so compatibility of land uses could not be analyzed . Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-4 �FUTURE LAND USE AND POLICIES The future land use pattern envisioned in Chapter 2 is based on a sustainable economy (especially in the agricultural sector), the preservation of rural character, the provision of a variety of residential opportunities, protection of natural, visual and cultural resources, the provision of an efficient and diverse transportation network, and all the key infrastructure needed to support job development in the nine incorporated cities and villages in the county. The text below describes the existing and future land use pattern in Montcalm County. Existing land use/land cover in 2001 is illustrated on Map 5-2. Policies to achieve a desired future land use pattern are illustrated on Map 5-3. Floodplains and wetlands are illustrated on Map 5-4. Future Land Use Policy If the vision, goals, objectives and strategies recommended in this Plan are implemented, then over the next twenty years, the landscape of Montcalm County will change little except in and contiguous to the existing cities and villages in the county. In fact, future land use will look much like Map 5-2, Existing Land Use/Land Cover. More specifically: • Farms and forest land will remain the predominate land use; • Existing cities, villages and parts of adjoining townships will develop within compact community service areas; • Rural character, especially along the major road corridors, will be preserved; • Sensitive resources, especially streams, rivers, lakes, floodplains and wetlands will be protected; • Compact job centers and economic renaissance zones will continue to be developed in appropriate locations; • Commercial centers will be encouraged to expand where existing commercial use is established, and where attractively designed and in a compact pattern; • Single and multiple family development will largely occur in platted subdivisions served by public sewer and water; • Rural residential development will be limited, and not in a pattern that places the agricultural economy at risk; and when it does occur, it will do so consistent with best practices that protect natural resources and rural character. Key Future Land Use Policies Map Map 5-3 summarizes the key land use policies in this Plan. Key features of this map include the following: 1. Community Service Area Boundaries. These areas illustrate the maximum extent of dense residential development at 4-12 units per acre and intense job-based non-residential development. Infill, brownfield redevelopment and incremental expansion of urban services (especially sewer, water, storm drains and paved roads) is the desired primary order of development within these areas. Local planning and zoning that respects compatibility between land uses should guide the specific location and timing of development within these community service area boundaries. _,,.... ~ Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-5 �) ) c;;· 0 ~ ::J :::s C) cc 0) 3 i D) e,_() :::s ~o s: a. ru c;,'< C I ) m >< ~ O> I ' ' I\.) ::J c-o OG) CD I -N o'< O') ('O U) Montcalm County w♦• ::J ., ('O 2001 La11d Use Map ~ i D) :::s a. 0 7J ru ::J 0 < .., CD Legend 2001 Land Use • - U.S . Highway Streams - State Highway Drains Agricultural Roads Jurisdicbons Barren Water Lakes Sections Forested Wetlands • Rangeland Urban Source Michigan Center for Geographic Information, Dept oflnfonnation Technology Map Prepared by the Land Information Access Association, July 2005 M ies 10 (J1 �) " s: ~ 0 :::::, 'Tl g -~ s::: s::: r+ 3 ~ c.... () £.0 01 I o, ru ::I "O C. 01 '< C I\.):::::, -..Jo'< OG) 0) (t) :::::, ~ -0 ru :::::, e ** * - cw Key Policies Map Key (t) -, I ) Special Landscape Corridor - Public Facilities - (Town Halls, Fir• Stations, etc.) (/) Cl) Freeway Primary Road Collector Road or Local Parks Commercial Centers D Employment Centers Farm& Forest Land Conservation Renaissance Zones ["_:-j Community Service Area Boundaries • • • • • Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and White Pine Trall State Game Areas Manistee National Forest Floodplains Map prepared by Plannlng & Zoning Center, Inc:., with asslstanc:e from the Land Information Accen Association and FEMA. 10 hh•\ -0 2. c;· cii' (/) �) '\ s: 0 ::::, ....0 s: 0 ::, I» () 3 0) 3 0 0 c.._ () C: ~ o ()l I ex> ::::, '< C I\.) ::J s: Q) '<°"O o'< CJ) CJ1 OG) (\) I ::::, ~ 0) CD ::, w♦, CD -, Q!. ""O ru ::, V, ;::;: <' City & Village Boundaries (\) Sealoos ~ ::::, Sensitive Lands 0. - V, Streams Drains th• ll<n•llv• I 1110. l.1yn w11 romp°"cd from the followinir 1) 2001 Wdlan~ b) ruv,n .,,d l)flln•l•yn bufl<t'edll lt)Oft r) fllMA ort11d,,.,.,d117.or1tA d) l'11,cdl tlblod II dlhtt A11rlcullur• or"IL, l'.xcmpt that inltt90CCI lakeabulfertd al !()()ti sew~ ,l'ltfd d•I• provl<k(l tOll11")' ot lh• F.,pali1.1tio11 Oq,t ofM011IClllrn c....-,ty, l004 Mid1l)\lt1 t' n,u, lo, OC"t<f 11i1lc lnlom1aU,.,, Dtl( ol l11form&U011 'ltcltnology Map J'1q,eml by lht l-lfld b1fonnfttl011 A<C<lll AosodatiOll, nrc<tttbcr 2005 Miles 10 �2. Farm and Forest Conservation. In contrast, outside of Community Service Areas, future land development should be very limited (the white areas on Map 5-3). In farm and forest areas, the density of future residential development should not exceed 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres, although allowed units are encouraged to be clustered on small lots on a portion of the property, to minimize negative impacts from typical agricultural activities. It may be necessary to site limited agricultural related industrial facilities in this area, but generally speaking , such facilities should only locate in or adjacent to cities or villages with public sewer and water. 3. Commercial Centers. The red asterisk generally represents existing commercial centers in the county. In most cases these are in existing cities and villages or other rural settlements. Some are very small, but important service locations for residents in the area. All new commercial development should take place contiguous to these existing commercial centers and not in new locations as that only contributes to sprawl and strip development. 4. Employment Centers and Renaissance Zones. The purple asterisks and purple shaded locations are the existing home to many jobs, or the planned location for many new jobs. With the possible exception of certain new agricultural related industries, new job producing industries should be located inside Community Service Area boundaries or contiguous to existing employment centers. They should be located so as to not contribute to sprawl or strip development. 5. Roads and Highways. The dark black lines on the map are the state and interstate highways in the county. These are the backbone for efficient commerce and daily life. Every effort should be made to ensure their proper maintenance and improvement. 6. Trails. The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and the White Pine State Park Trail are Montcalm County jewels. They provide important recreational opportunities that should be built upon as the recreational part of a greenspace system throughout the county. 7. State Game Areas, National Forest and Local Parks. The other key skeletal pieces to a county greenspace system are the public lands. Lands in dark green are the five State Game Areas, while light green lands are part of the Manistee National Forest. Black asterisks are scattered local parks. The county should initiate preparation of a greenspace plan that over time links these facilities wherever possible by passive and active green spaces, while at the same time expanding the county parks to serve all areas of the county. 8. Special Landscape Corridors. The land alongside all the state highways is designated as special landscape corridors since the visual images most people have of the beautiful rural scenes in the county come almost exclusively from the view from the road . If the primary roads become lined with strip development (residential or commercial), with billboards and poorly maintained property, then the unique rural character of Montcalm County will be eroded , and with it much of what makes the county special to those who live there. 9. Other Public Facilities. While most of the key public facilities in the county are in the cities and villages , there are many township halls and fire barns in the most rural parts of the county that provide essential services and a community centerpiece (for a century or more in some cases). Many of these are historic structures that deserve to be well maintained as part of the history of Montcalm County. 10. Floodplains and wetlands . Map 5-3 includes floodplains in three light orange and Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-9 �yellow patterns. At the scale of the map they are hard to spot, but still very important. As circumstances in other parts of the nation have illustrated several times in the last few years, floodplains are dangerous places to live and they should be protected for the water storage and wildlife habitat benefits they provide. Only a few floodplains in Montcalm County have been mapped. FEMA should be requested to map the floodplains on all rivers and creeks in the county. Wetlands also provide these benefits and should similarly be protected. Map 5-4 illustrates all the "sensitive" lands in Montcalm County. This includes floodplains and wetlands in the county. LAND USE BY SUB-AREA OF THE COUNTY Map 5-5 illustrates six sub-areas of the county with a physical and community character somewhat distinct from the others. Boundaries were purposely selected to coincide with township boundaries and they are not distinct locations on the ground. Following is a brief description of existing and proposed future land use in each of these sub-areas. Readers will want to periodically refer to Maps 5-2, 5-3 and 5-4. All proposed future land use arrangements and policies presented in this chapter were developed based on a blending of: • The natural capacity of the land to sustain certain types of development and the important natural functions played by unique land and water resources in the area. • The relative future need for residential, commercial and industrial uses; as well as the existing land use distribution. • The relationship of agricultural and undeveloped lands to existing community character and the economic base of the county. • The capabilities of the transportation network to sustain different types of development in different areas of the county. • The compatibilities of various land uses when sited adjacent to one another. • The desires of local residents and public officials as expressed through their participation in visioning sessions and public Planning Commission meetings. Sub-Area One Sub-area one is in the far northwestern part of the county, and includes Reynolds, Winfield, Pierson and Maple Valley Townships, as well as Howard City, the village of Pierson and the unincorporated areas of Coral and Trufant. This sub-area is physically diverse. The western part of this sub-area, in Reynolds and Pierson Townships generally has very draughty, sandy soils. Farming in this area was attempted when it was originally settled, but few farms exist today. Forest growth succeeded farming, and there are extensive Manistee National Forest lands in Reynolds Township. US-131 provides excellent access to Grand Rapids and Big Rapids, and has resulted in rapid population growth. Streams and lakes have attracted home construction , and this development pressure places stresses on water quality. The Muskegon River flows through the northwestern part of Reynolds Township. Winfield Township , the township east of Reynolds has more productive soils with active farms, although ponding water can be a problem for both farming and building. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-10 �) s: ~ 0 :::, 0 ::, ..... 0 ru (") 3 e!. 3 c_O C C.11-< I 0 (") ~ C oC: ::J ..... ~'< ~ 01 O') ([) -0 ru '"O ::, C.11 OG) :::, ([) -, ~ -) ) CJ) Montcalm County C: tT Base Map (Shoiviug Property lines) )> ru :::, @ s» ti> 1=M!!fil! - U.S Highway Lakes - State Highway Streams Roads [ I Property Lines Drains Jurisdictions SecliOns Soun.'C M1ch1f;111 Center for Geographic Information, Dept oflnfom1a11on Technology Map l'rop,1rcd by 1hc l.1111d lnfonruu ion !\cress A<:;Ociation, Jamruy 2005 MIies 10 I �I I It is a scenic township, with lakes and rolling hills. Pierson Township, which is south of Reynolds Township also has a number of lakes, making resorts and lakefront living popular. Recreational opportunities are also provided by the White Pine State Park Trail, which extends roughly north-south through the sub-area parallel to and east of US-131 . Associated with several of the lakes in this sub-area are parks, such as Kramp Park and Trufant Petersen Park. Pierson Township also is served by US-131, putting pressure on it as a bedroom community for Grand Rapids. Maple Valley Township, which is south of Winfield Township has highly productive soils and good permeability except in its far western and northwestern parts. In those parts where soils have good permeability, the land is valuable for both agriculture and building homes. Where soils in this sub-area have poor permeability, land is poor for both agriculture and residential building. Homes need to be on very large parcels in order to have a better chance to find an appropriate place for a septic system. Maple Valley Township also has natural lakes and ponds, which provide groundwater storage. However, these are also sensitive and care must be taken to protect groundwater from pollutants. Future land use in this sub-area is expected to include many more single-family residences whose residents commute to jobs north or south of the county. There will be a mix of residential along with some agriculture, highway commercial at freeway interchanges, a small amount of industrial and abundant recreation. It will be important to retain rural character as development occurs. Because of the high development pressure, this will require the application of best planning practices discussed in Chapter 3, such as clustering, and vegetative screening. The village of Howard City, the village of Pierson and the settlement areas of Coral and Trufant are encouraged to develop within compact community service areas. Howard City has public sewer and water, while Pierson has public sewer. The extension of sewer and water should only occur in support of a pattern that retains the capacity of those communities to efficiently utilizes pub.lie investment. Howard City will likely receive the most opportunity for new businesses and should take the opportunity to insist on quality new development that is not only well constructed and looks good, but contributes to improved quality of life in the city and surrounding area. Future land use in the eastern part of this sub-area should stay primarily in agriculture and rural residential development. Townships are encouraged to adopt a density of one dwelling unit per forty acres for agricultural areas in order to help ensure a sustainable agricultural economy. Sub-area Two This sub-area includes Cato, Belvidere and Pine Townships, the village of Lakeview and the unincorporated area of Six Lakes. This is an important farming area, with productive soils distributed throughout the sub-area. Several lakes, such as Townline Lake, Six Lakes, Tamarack Lake and Rainbow Lake attract resort, seasonal and year around residences. The Flat River begins its journey to the Grand River in this area. The Langston State Game Area provides land for hiking, bird watching and hunting. This sub-area is served by M-46, which runs east and west, and M-91, which extends from the Lakeview area south to Greenville and into Ionia County. The M-46 corridor in the Lakeview area is relatively developed with residences, businesses and small Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-12 �industrial uses along a nearly one-mile segment. Most of Cato Township, Belvidere Township and Pine Township have productive soils, and potato, dairy and cash crops are successful there. In south-central Pine Township there is an area of very draughty, sandy soils where the Langston State Game Area is located. There are also oil and gas fields (including a huge underground natural gas storage facility) and gravel pits. Future land use of this area should remain primarily agricultural and rural residential. Lakefront residential and resort uses will continue around the several lakes in this subarea, but overbuilding should be resisted. The townships should encourage agricultural use on the productive soils that are distributed throughout this sub-area. This can be done through 40 acre minimum density zoning, conservation subdivisions, open space zoning, the purchase of development rights and other related techniques. The village of Lakeview is encouraged to continue to develop within a compact community service area, with incremental expansions of public sewer and water. This will be a much more efficient and attractive development pattern than to spread out along M-46. It will also make M-46 safer and less congested. M-46 and M-91 are identified as special landscape corridors. In order for these roads to maintain their rural character, townships and the Village of Lakeview should work with property owners along the corridors to utilize the best practices principles in Chapter 3, such as encouraging them to preserve or establish natural vegetative screening along the roads, limit the number of driveways by clustering new development, designing attractive signs and other steps to preserve rural character. The preservation of agriculture will also contribute greatly to protecting the rural character of this area. Sub-area Three Sub-area Three is in the northeast corner of Montcalm County and includes Home, Richland and Ferris Townships. The villages of Edmore and Vestaburg are in this subarea. This is also a productive farming area, with suitable soils when drained. There are numerous wetlands. The Edmore and Vestaburg State Game Areas are in this sub-area, on lands less suitable for farming. They provide recreational opportunities, such as walking, bird watching and hunting. The planned paving of the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail through this sub-area from Edmore east to Vestaburg and into Gratiot County to the City of Alma, will provide significant new recreational opportunities for many. Productive soils are distributed througout this sub-area, and farming remains very active in much of Sub-area Three. However, here there are more wetlands and poorly drained soils here than in some other areas of Montcalm County. The future land use of this sub-area should be primarily agricultural and rural residential. The townships are encouraged to help sustain the agricultural economy by instituting 40 acre minimum density zoning, open space zoning, clustering, conservation subdivisions and where warranted, purchase of development rights. Areas of eastern Richland and Ferris Townships are more conducive to a rural residential use than to farming. However, due to the lack of public sewers in this area, residential development needs to be on large lots, with a minimum size that should be determined in cooperation with the Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-13 �District Health Department. Sprawling, large-lot rural development can make the provision of public services less efficient and more costly for rural communities, so the application of best practices such as clustering can reduce some negative impacts on the community. The village of Edmore is encouraged to continue to develop in a compact pattern to efficiently utilize its investment in public sewer and water. The village of Vestaburg is encouraged to develop within a compact community service area when public sewer and water can be provided. M-46 runs east and west through this sub-area, and is designated as a special landscape corridor. M-66, which enters this sub-area from the south and ends at M-46 along the western edge of this sub-area, is also a special landscape corridor. In order for these roads to maintain their rural landscape character, townships and villages should work with property owners along the corridors to utilize the principles in Chapter 3 to preserve rural character, such as encouraging them to preserve or establish natural vegetative screening along the roads, limit the number of driveways by clustering new development, designing attractive signs and other steps to preserve rural character. In order to protect agriculture and rural character in Ferris Township, a zoning ordinance should be considered that is consistent with the policies in this Plan, as the township does not currently have zoning. The township should give consideration to entering into an agreement with adjoining townships and creating a joint planning commission with a single zoning ordinance instead of a separate plan and zoning ordinance. Sub-area Four Sub-area four is in the center of the county. It includes Douglas, Day, Sidney and Evergreen Townships, the Villages of Sheridan and McBride, the City of Stanton and the unincorporated area of Sidney. M-66 is the main road serving this sub-area. M-66 runs north and south, connecting M-46 which runs east and west to the north of this sub-area and M-57, which runs east and west to the south of this area, and Ionia County to the south of Montcalm County. Montcalm Community College is in Sidney Township. Soils in the Douglass and Day Townships are generally productive, with artificial draining seldom needed. Sidney and especially Evergreen Townships have extensive areas of poorly drained soils and wetlands, as well as some areas of productive soils. Large areas of these two townships are in the Stanton State Game Area, which provides opportunities for hiking, bird watching, other nature study and hunting. Productivity varies greatly in the southern part of this sub-area, with some pasturing taking place. The terrain is often rolling, and where slopes are steep, the risk of erosion is high. The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail runs diagonally southwest to northeast through this subarea and when completed will link Greenville to Stanton and then it continues on to Edmore. From Lake Road southwest of Sidney to McBride the trail is already paved. Future land use in this sub-area includes agriculture where soil is productive, rural residential where soils are not productive, and developed uses within the Stanton and Sheridan Community Service Areas. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-14 ---~=~------------- -- - �Existing farming can be used as a guide to selecting areas in which to promote agricultural sustainability. Townships should be encouraged to promote the agricultural economic sector by establishing 40 acre minimum density (only Sidney Township already has it), open space zoning, clustering and conservation subdivision design. Where agriculture does not have a history of success, rural residential uses should be permitted. However, due to problems associated with drainage, minimum lot sizes should be set in consultation with the District Health Department. Open space zoning, clustering and conservation subdivision design should also be encouraged in order to preserve rural character, undeveloped open space and wildlife habitat. The City of Stanton and Village of Sheridan should fully develop in an efficient, compact pattern within a defined Community Service Area in order to take advantage of the investment in public sewer and water before any extensions are considered. While the Village of Sheridan has a large capacity water system, it should consider extensions carefully, in order to make the most cost-effective use of its investment, retain its character and protect nearby farmland. In order to protect agriculture and rural character in Day and Evergreen Townships, plans and zoning that are consistent with the policies in this Plan should be considered as these townships do not currently have zoning. However, they are encouraged to consider a joint planning commission with one or more adjoining townships. Sub-area Five Sub-area five includes the City of Greenville, Montcalm Township, Eureka Township and Fairplain Township. It is served by M-57, which runs east and west and connects Greenville with Carson City to the east and Kent County and US-131 to the west. M-91 runs north and south through Greenville and connects it to Lakeview and Mecosta County to the north, and the City of Belding in Ionia County to the south. This is the most densely populated sub-area because of Greenville and the surrounding development associated with Greenville. Development also extends north along M-91 and east and west along M-57. The Greenville Airport is south of the city. This area of the county along with the US-131 corridor in the panhandle area are expected to receive the most new development over the next 20 years. There are productive soils in the area east of Greenville, in northern Fairplains Township, and eastern Montcalm Township. Nearly the entire southern part of this subarea has poor soils for either agriculture or development, and most of it is in the Flat River State Game Area. This State Game Area serves as a partial barrier to development south of Greenville, so any new interest in new development in the rural areas around Greenville will be forced north into Montcalm Township or will skip into Fairplain Township. Eureka Township, which surrounds Greenville, is zoned for resource protection in the areas east of Greenville and to the west and northwest of the city. Future land uses in this sub-area include a wide mixture of agriculture, rural residential, and built uses. Agriculture should be encouraged in those areas where it is productive, which generally is in portions of Montcalm, eastern Eurekaand northern Fairplains townships. Rural residential use should be encouraged in rural areas that are not Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-15 �productive farmland. However, many of the non-productive farmlands are also not suitable for residential use unless the lot size is very large due to soil suitability problems in siting septic systems. New residential, commercial and industrial uses should be developed in a compact pattern within the Community Services Area that encompasses Greenville. This includes existing commercial, industrial and residential areas. Greenville already provides public sewer and water, and it should fully take advantage of its investment in this infrastructure before extending services elsewhere. If the Electrolux factory is ultimately unmarketable, it should be leveled, the site cleaned of any contaminates and reused in a manner planned by Greenville citizens. The existing industrial parks should be filled before new land is committed to that purpose. Agriculture and rural character should be protected by establishing a 40 acre minimum density in the most productive farming areas and in resource protection areas. Open space ordinances, clustering, and conservation subdivision design should be used as appropriate. Immediate efforts to preserve visual character along M-57 and M-91 should be taken as these are important routes that contribute to the collective sense of the rural character of the area, and hence to quality of life. Protecting or enhancing quality of life is important, both for the happiness of existing residents and for the economy-attracting new business and retaining existing businesses. There are many signs, billboards and cluttered properties along these corridors that deserve attention. In order to protect agriculture and rural character in Fairplain Township, a more formal zoning ordinance based on a plan should be adopted that is consistent with the policies in this Plan. Establishing a joint planning commission with one or more neighboring jurisdictions is strongly encouraged. This sub-area is already rich in recreational opportunity. However, providing connections between residential areas and existing parks, the State Game Area and recreation facilities outside the sub-area should be pursued. Sub-area Six Sub-area Six includes Bushnell Township, Bloomer Township, Crystal Township and Carson City and the unincorporated area of Crystal in the southeast corner of the county. M-57 connects this sub-area to Greenville to the west and Gratiot County immediately east of Carson City. M-66 is a north-south route along the western edge of the sub-area. Carson City is at the eastern edge of the study area and the county. The Carson City Correctional Facility is located in Bloomer Township, southwest of Carson City, and serves as a regional job center. Oil production occurs in this sub-area. The soils in this area are generally productive when drained, but are highly diverse. Dairy farming is still active in the area. Large portions of Bushnell, Bloomer and Crystal townships are farmed. ,,,,---....__ Crystal Lake is the largest lake in the county (over 700 acres) , and attracts seasonal and year around residential development. Protection of water quality is especially important Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-16 --------------------------- - -- �~ I as much of the shoreline is sandy and shallow. Best practices for shoreline development should be pursued including limiting use of lawn fertilizers and preservation of a natural vegetative strip along the shore. The primary future land uses are expected to be agriculture and rural residential. Quarter-quarter zoning or 40 acre minimum lot size zoning should be pursed like Bloomer Township to help preserve agricultural land. However, Crystal and Bushnell Townships do not currently have zoning. In order to protect agriculture and rural character, zoning that is consistent with the policies in this Plan should be considered. Establishing a joint planning commission with one or more neighboring jurisdictions is strongly encouraged. THE MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENT LAND USES IN THE FUTURE This section discusses how different land use/land cover types should be managed in the future in order to meet the vision, goals and objectives of this Plan. This section is intended to expand upon the descriptions in the last section, and help communities within Montcalm County when developing or updating their comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances consistent with this Plan. ,,,--,_ j Agricultural, Forest and Rural Land Conservation Map 5-2, Existing Land Use/Land Cover (see also Maps 4-4 and 4-5 in Chapter 4 of the Montcalm County Fact Book) show that agriculture is by far the land use with the largest total area in Montcalm County. It occurs in large blocks and on many scattered parcels throughout the county. The exception to this pattern is in the far northwestern portion of the county, where forest is the dominant land use/cover type. On a county basis, about one-quarter of the land in Montcalm County is forest. Forests contribute to the county's rural character, provide raw materials for forest products, enhance biodiversity, provide wildlife habitat, slow stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and provide recreational opportunities. Much of Montcalm County's forest land is already in public ownership (either the Manistee National Forest or State Game Areas), and thus are protected. Farmland, forestry and related agricultural and forestry businesses should be protected through 2025 and probably far beyond. Together they occupy the largest area of any of the proposed land uses. The principal strategies to protect farms and forest land include: • Quarter-Quarter Zoning. Individual communities with extensive farmland and forests are encouraged to adopt quarter-quarter zoning. This means one dwelling per quarter-quarter section (about 40 acres) would be permitted. The dwelling would be placed on a new separate lot of not more than 1-3 acres in order to leave 37-39 acres still owned by the farmer for continued agriculture. If a farmer owned more than one quarter-quarter section, he could cluster the permitted dwelling units in one place to leave more contiguous land in farming. For example, if a farmer owned 120 acres, that is 3 quarter-quarter sections. Three two-acre lots could be placed in a cluster of lots on six acres leaving 114 acres in agriculture. Quarter-quarter zoning is used in areas where farmers are committed to farming. If a farmer wanted to stop farming, he or she would request rezoning out of the quarter-quarter district and into another zoning district, such as a rural residential district with a lot size of usually 2-10 acres/parcel. A landowner with less than a quarter-quarter section in a quarter-quarter zone, would have a Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-17 �nonconforming parcel that could still be used for a single homesite, but could not be split for other homesites unless it were rezoned into a zoning classification that permitted smaller lots. Adopting a minimum density of one dwelling unit per 40 acres would be especially important in the intensively farmed areas from the middle of Sub-Area 1 through Sub-Area 2, into the wdstern part of Sub-Area 3, the top half of SubArea 4, the southwest part of Sub-Area 4, the upper northeastern and eastern part of Sub-Area 5 and nearly all of Sub-Area 6. Bloomer, Eureka, Pine, and Sidney Townships already have this density for large portions of their townships. Winfield, Cato, Belvidere, Home, Maple Valley, Evergreen, Douglass, Day, Montcalm, Fairplain and Bushnell Townships should adopt one unit per 40 acre minimum density for large portions of their townships. Quarter/quarter zoning is the best way to do this. This would require Day, Evergreen, Fairplain and Bushnell Townships to create their own zoning ordinances or create joint planning commissions with neighboring jurisdictions. • PDR and TOR. Purchase of development rights (PDR) and transfer of development rights (TOR) are two techniques described in Chapter 3 that are even more effective than local zoning at preserving farm and forest land. Each involves paying the landowner for the value of the development rights on the land while ensuring its long term preservation as farm or forest land. Of course this is expensive. In PDR, government or a land conservancy purchases the development rights. In TOR, a developer does in return for the right to build at a higher density inside a Community Service Area. In TOR, the highest quality farm and forest lands in the county would be designated as sending zones and the land that could be served with public sewer and water the receiving area. This is largely land in existing cities and villages in the county, or land adjacent to those communities in abutting townships. In order for farmers to be eligible to participate in the state PDR program or a TOR program, the county would have to adopt a county farmland preservation plan, or every unit of government would have to do so separately and then enter into joint agreements for implementation. Rural Residential This area is intended to provide low density housing opportunities. Conservation subdivision design and zoning would be the governing principle. New development would be clustered on a small portion of the lot in order to preserve the balance for farm, forestry or other open space use. Chapter 3 illustrates how this is done. Development of this type would be limited in farm and forest areas, and on soils not well suited for farms or forest management; otherwise there will be too many dwellings in these sustainable resource areas. Densities would range from about 1 dwelling unit per 10 to 20 acres. There would be no minimum lot size smaller than ¼ acre and there would be maximum lot sizes of 1 to 3 acres, so that open space would be preserved. Homes should be clustered with a single access drive to limit the frequency of driveways on rural roads. Communities with sewer and water would not extend these services into the rural residential district. Design guidelines should be adopted to guide property owners in helping to preserve rural character. This area is not intended for long term agricultural protection, but there would be no overt actions to restrict agriculture. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-18 �Residential These areas would primarily occur within the community service area boundaries of the small towns in the county. This would include manufactured home communities and single family residential development at a density from 3 to 4 dwelling units up to 8 to 12 per acre. Residential development at this density would have an urban character. It is expected that these areas would be served by public sewer and water. There would be limited requirements for open space, relying, instead on public parks, except where the land were a planned unit development, or sensitive lands like wetlands were protected as part of the development. Design guidelines should be adopted to guide the residential development so that it is compatible with adjacent land uses. Commercial Commercial uses include neighborhood and regional stores, gas stations, specialty stores, offices and similar uses. Commercial uses should primarily occur within community service area boundaries and in identified commercial centers or in a few highway service areas. Commercial uses should be clustered in nodes instead of stripped along a highway and their layouts designed in order to manage access for safety and efficiency. Commercial uses should also be attractively designed in order to stimulate business activity and contribute to the quality of life of the county. ,,,.-----.._,., I Industrial Industrial uses include facilities for assembly and fabrication , materials storage, oil and gas processing and storage and agricultural and forestry processing. It also includes mineral extraction and airports. In general these uses should be located within community service areas where public sewer and water are required, in designated job centers and renaissance zones. Care should be taken to adequately protect sensitive natural resources from damage or pollution, and to adequately buffer adjacent uses (especially residential) or establish transitional uses between industries and incompatible land uses. Some agriculture-related industries may need to be established outside of community service areas, and in agriculture areas, but they should have adequate protections for water resources, rural character and adjacent land uses. Waterfront Residential There are many lakes and rivers in Montcalm County that are extensively developed with resorts, seasonal and year around homes. It is important for long term water quality in these lakes and rivers that waterfront home owners be good stewards of those waters. It is likely that waterfront properties will be developed and redeveloped over the next twenty years. The trend for waterfront development in Michigan is for much larger homes to be built. Good stewardship of Montcalm County waters means that land owners need to build on and manage waterfront properties with the least possible impact on water quality. That means keeping impervious area low. The Flat River Natural Country-Scenic River regulations can help guide waterfront protection standards for other rives and lakes in the county, and watershed protection groups identified in Chapter 4 of the Montcalm County Fact Book can also assist townships in adopting standards for water quality protection. Sensitive Lands and Water Quality Protection Drains, streams, rivers, floodplains and wetlands are among the sensitive lands in Montcalm County that should be protected. These are shown on Map 5-4. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 5-19 �Land adjacent to lakes, rivers, streams and drains should receive protection. This would include vegetation buffers, principal structure setbacks, limits on imperviousness, fertilizer limitations, livestock exclusion , restoration of riparian habitat, exclusion of sanitary sewer or septic system connections to storm drains, moderation of input flow rates, restrictions on development in floodpla ins and wetlands, and erosion and sedimentation control. Drains would still have to be managed to provide adequate flow. The primary purpose of county storm drains is to prevent flooding and permit farming of wet fields. Historically this has been accomplished by periodic dredging and vegetation clearing . The measures listed above do not necessarily impede flow, if implemented correctly. Vegetation can be managed on the banks but not in the channel. Trees on the south bank can shade the stream bed to the point that flow impeding vegetation does not grow. These measures would help protect water quality, provide shade for fish and habitat for wildlife as well. Parks and Recreation The recreation system in the county consists of existing national forest land , county and local parks, the state game areas, and linear trails. Continued development of these recreation areas is important to the quality of life and competitive economic advantage of Montcalm County. The Montcalm County Recreational Plan should be updated every five years in a manner consistent with the vision, goals and objectives in this Plan. Community Service Areas & Future Land Use The exact location of the Community Service Area Boundaries on Map 5-3 should be determined by each local jurisdiction as new plans and updates to existing plans are made. A Community Services Area Boundary should be based on the principles and policies in this Plan , such as the Smart Growth Tenets and Best Planning Practices, and should be drawn in a manner compatible with plans of adjoining jurisdictions. Similarly, the specific location of future land uses should be established by the cities, villages and townships in the county consistent with locally adopted master plans and zoning ordinances. Those ordinances should be prepared with active involvement of adjacent units of government, with an eye to ensuring compatibility between land uses within the jurisdiction and between those in neighboring jurisdictions, and in a manner that is consistent with the vision , goals, objectives, strategies , policies and best practices advocated in this Plan. John f:/winword/Montcalm/plan feb 06/Chapter 5 FLU.doc CAF: C:\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan March 2006\Chapter 5 FLU (3 06).doc C:\G-Dnve\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Flnal General Plan July 2006\Chapter 5 FLU (7 06).doc Montca lm County General Plan July 2006 5-20 �Chapter 6 TRANSPORTATION & OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE INTRODUCTION This chapter briefly examines the infrastructure policy necessary to implement the vision described in Chapter 2, the best practices described in Chapter 3, the economic development recommendations in Chapter 4, and the land use policies in Chapter 5. The word "infrastructure" is used broadly to refer to the large-scale public systems, f,ervices, and facilities within the county that are necessary for economic activity and improved quality of life, including : roads, airports, rail, public transportation , non-motorized transportation , public sewer and water, communications, power, schools, medical facilities, police and fire facilities, local government facilities , and parks and recreation facilities. For a description of existing Montcalm County infrastructure, see Chapter 6 Transportation and Chapter 7 Public Facilities and Services in the Montcalm County Fact Book. TRANSPORTATION Countywide Transportation Plan A coordinated and well-integrated transportation system is the backbone of any economic development program. A quality system of interconnected city streets, county roads and state highways is critical for efficient commerce. Rail and air service are essential for a diverse economy. Alternative transportation options including public transit and an integrated non-motorized system are important options for workers, children and the elderly. These elements should all be carefully considered and addressed in a new county transportation plan. The plan should identify short and long range road connections, bypasses, lane additions, road closures, intersection and bridge improvements. It should focus first on maintenance of the existing paved road system and not on newly paving existing gravel roads, except where necessary to achieve other economic development objectives. It should support the preparation of access management plans for each state highway and necessary transportation improvements for new economic developments. It should be a top priority in 2006. Roads The road system in Montcalm County is well established, and largely in good condition. It is very important that this system be properly maintained and incrementally expanded according to a county transportation plan when the need for such expansion is evident. In most cases, road (as well as sewer and water) expansion costs should be borne by the private sector as each new business, subdivision or condominium development is constructed. It is very important that new commercial development not simply strip along existing state highways and county primary roads. This usurps the road capacity for businesses that is paid for by all travelers. Two, much better alternatives, are commercial node development where commercial development builds back from a highway with its own internal street system. The second is that as each new strip commercial development takes place, it builds an increment of a parallel connecting road system, so that short trips can be taken between businesses without going back onto the major arterial. These alternatives will be most important to pursue on the state highways around Greenville, Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 6-1 �t Stanton, Edmore, Lakeview and Carson City. It may be necessary for developers to build longer segments of these parallel roads and then enter into payback agreements with abutting property owners, or for the county to bond for some of the segments and be paid back by special assessment of the benefiting properties. These and other financing options should be explored at the appropriate time. Access Management Along the 2-5 lane state trunklines throughout Montcalm County (and in particular on M57, M-91, M-66, and M-46), are hundreds of unnecessary existing driveways, poorly designed driveways, driveways that are too close to intersections and other drivewclys, unconnected parking lots and few service drives. This leads to unnecessary risks of traffic crashes, congestion and reduced traffic flow. Over time, these problems can all be corrected, or at least improved, and future problems can be prevented through a coordinated system of local access management regulations. That means vehicular crashes can be minimized, damage to vehicles reduced, and personal injuries and deaths can be prevented . Such a benefit cannot be readily calculated, but it is huge, well worth doing and well within the ability of local governments in the county to achieve. Montcalm County should work with local governments along M-91 , M-46, M-57 and M66 to lobby the Michigan Department of Transportation (MOOT) to finance access management plans for each of these corridors. MOOT finances 6-8 such projects each year. MOOT requires local governments to agree to adopt uniform access management regulations (based on an MOOT model ordinance) at the completion of the corridor study. These studies are very effective at achieving intergovernmental cooperation and coordination as well as at saving lives and preventing future property damage. However, given the status of local zoning in the county (several townships do not have zoning), this means that only M-91 , M-46 and M-57 from the Kent County line east to Greenville would presently be available for funds for such a project. Unzoned townships do not typically qualify for assistance. Often MOOT funds such studies for 15-30 mile segments, so local governments in adjoining counties may also need to be involved in order for such a project to receive funding priority for access management studies by MOOT. The MOOT Transportation Center in Howard City is the office that would need to initiate a funding request for an access management plan in Montcalm County. The County Planning Commission should be alert to future opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of poorly designed highway access through various land use planning and access management techniques and share these with local governments so they can be incorporated into local zoning ordinances. Highway Noise A little considered , but very important future issue will be the impact of noise that comes from high speed highways-and in particular, the freeway portion of US-131 . Currently, traffic volume on US-131 is fairly high for a rural freeway segment. Existing land use adjacent to the freeway is largely limited to farming , forest management, very low density residential-so few people are negatively affected by highway noise. But highway noise will rise as traffic volumes increase. While existing land uses are not proposed to be changed over the life of this Plan , it will be important to understand that if any new subdivisions are approved within 1/6 mile of the freeway portion of US-131 , that those developments are not eligible for future noise walls or other noise mitigation assistance from MOOT, should highway noise become a problem . This is because both federal and state policies do not cover highway noise mitigation in the situation where a noise sensitive land use (like a residential subdivision) moves in close to the highway noise source-after the highway was constructed . The cost for any future noise Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 6-2 �mitigation measures would have to be borne by the landowners in the subdivision. Of course such a situation is highly preventable by only allowing noise compatible land uses next to high volume highways. These include land uses like farms, forestry , and open space uses (among others). If noise sensitive land uses like homes, churches and schools are proposed next to the highway, they should be required to be sound proofed and designed to minimize highway noise impacts. MOOT is working on sample zoning regulations and design guidelines to assist local governments with this task. The County Planning Commission should be alert to future opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of highway noise through various noise compatible land use planning and regulatory techniques and share these with local governments so they can be incorporated into local zoning ordinances. Airports Airports are important for attracting some types of economic development. As a result, airports are an important local asset that should be carefully managed and maintained to meet the demand for future air travel and air freight shipment. The Greenville Municipal Airport and the Lakeview Airport are low volume local airports (about 39 aircraft operations/day). Mayes Airport in Carson City has about 48 operations a month. These facilities provide an important opportunity for specialized aircraft and single engine airplanes that is convenient and relatively cheap for the users. These attractive features should be nurtured and used to attract additional users with air service related economic needs. Local zoning ordinances should include airport overlay zones to ensure the height of future structures in the area of the airport (up to ten miles away) do not exceed allowable maximum heights as established by the FAA. Public Transit Presently Greenville has a limited "dial-a-ride" service that provides public transportation to a small clientele in the southwest part of the county with four daily stops in Stanton, Monday through Friday. While few people are served , for many of those served , the bus is an important lifeline to work, medical care, shopping and education. As the existing population ages, and as new jobs develop in the county, the demand for fixed route, short headway, public transit service between the small cities in the county will grow. It is important for the county to stay on top of this rising demand and to take the necessary steps, in cooperation with other benefited parties and jurisdictions, to provide public transit at a level of service necessary to meet the needs of an expanding ridership. t Non-Motorized Transportation A well coordinated and integrated system of pedestrian sidewalks, bicycle trails and pathways that link common destinations is critical to a high quality of life and to active healthy living . The most important livability improvement a city or village can usually make is to add an integrated sidewalk system if it does not already have one. Similar livability benefits can occur in townships-even very rural ones-if the pathways are connected and lead to common destinations like schools, recreation facilities and retail areas. Key parts of such a system are already in place in some parts of the county, with the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and the White Pine Trail State Park being the skeleton for a much larger system. But expansion is necessary in order to reach critical mass where use levels are high . In rural areas, trails should be designed for bicycle and pedestrian use in the summer and snowshoeing , cross country skiing and snowmobile use in the winter. This is the kind of quality of life improvement that can help attract new jobs and residents to a community. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 6-3 �rPUBLIC SEWER AND WATER For most new commercial, office or industrial development in Michigan, and for all higher density residential development, the presence of both public sewer and water is an essential element for economic viability. In most rural communities, these public services are either in limited supply, or are not associated with a quality road system that has unutilized capacity. Yet in Greenville, Stanton, Lakeview, Carson City, Edmore, Sheridan, and Howard City, these elements are all in place. Pierson and Crystal Township have public sewer systems but no public water systems and the serviced area is not on a state highway. Rather than spending significant public and private resources to build new sewer and water infrastructure elsewhere in the county, it is most costeffective to wisely use the infrastructure that is already in place. The vision, goals and strategies in Chapter 3 and the future land use pattern presented in Chapter 5 proposes new high density residential and economic development largely in those seven communities in the county that already have existing public sewer and water systems. As each new increment of development takes place, the sewer and water would be extended out from existing lines and linked to create loops with adjacent development. This would occur as the new streets in this area were constructed. It will be necessary to ensure that the site plan review standards in each local zoning ordinance adequately require use of public sewer and water by extending existing public sewer and water infrastructure as each new development occurs in order for this vision to become a reality. It is also important to ensure that new development does not underutilize property. Since property served by both sewer and water is a relatively scarce commodity, and several of the municipal systems are nearing capacity (notably Carson City and Lakeview with 20 and 30% remaining capacity respectively), it is important that as each new development occurs, it is dense and intensely uses these vital urban services so that there is little pressure to develop on rural land elsewhere in the county where there are limited public services. Another important policy is to not extend public sewer or water into any areas not shown as a community service area on Map 5-1. Small settlements and lakefront owners interested in protecting lake water quality that lack sewer or water service and wish solve a contaminated groundwater problem with public sewer and/or water service may need financial assistance from the county in backing sewer or water bonds. These should all be independent facilities, rather than lengthy extensions of existing facilities. COMMUNICATIONS The lines between traditional communication competitors such as television , radio , internet and telephone, are rapidly being obscured. The lines will continue to blur for some time. The important concern for Montcalm County is to not get lost in the transformation. High speed communications are essential to contemporary business models and to a high quality of personal and family life. Any opportunities the county has to assist in upgrading communication options should be seized. A dozen urban communities in Michigan are in the process of offering high speed wireless service to all businesses and citizens. Oakland County is among them . While the resources available to Oakland County far outpace those available to Montcalm County, the benefits to future job and residential growth in the county cannot be overlooked. While no rural county in Michigan has yet gone down this path, some will. When the opportunity is ripe, Montcalm County needs to be ready. The early adaptors will have a significant leg up on the last ones in, and when it comes to attracting new high tech economic development Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 6-4 �(every community's dream), high speed communications is essential. NATURAL GAS & ELECTRIC The presence of natural gas and 3-phase electric service is another critical component of new job producing development and higher density residential development. Again, these services are already available in the cities and villages of the county, but not in many of the rural parts of the county. Public resources should not be spent to promote improvements to natural gas or electricity service outside existing cities and villages unless there are extenuating benefits (such as an agricultural processing facility needed them and could not locate elsewhere, and the business would generate many jobs for a long time) . SCHOOLS High quality K-12 educational facilities have long been a factor in attracting new businesses to a community, because it is easier to attract employees to an area with a reputation for quality schools. This reason alone (and there are many more) justifies a huge public effort to build and maintain quality schools. It is at least as important to ensure that the Montcalm Community College remain a viable institution which produces graduates with skills that employers need. New businesses are attracted to areas that have a well-trained workforce, and the necessary vehicles (like a community college) to quickly train many more workers. Continuing education opportunities are also of growing interest to retired persons and few sources of local circulating income are more stable than the pensions of retired persons. In short, there is never too much importance placed on building and maintaining a quality educational system in a community. While the county has little ability to influence decisions related to improvements to public schools, it should always help facilitate decisions that improve the economic competitiveness of the county and that help to better meet the educational needs of its citizens. When it comes to siting new school facilities, the county should be an active player and attempt to strongly influence siting decisions so that new school facilities are located in already developed or developing areas and strongly discourage, the location of new schools in rural locations without adequate public roads, sewer and water facilities. MEDICAL FACILITIES Rural communities are often at a significant disadvantage when it comes to attracting new jobs because they have limited medical facilities . However, Montcalm County has a much broader range of medical facilities (and even four hospitals-in Greenville, Lakeview, Carson City and Sheridan) within the county than is typical. Again this is an economic development and quality of life asset that should not be overlooked. As with schools, the county has little direct ability to influence the scope and quality of available medical facilities, but it should always try to facilitate improvements that enhance the ability to attract new jobs and better meet the medical needs of its residents. POLICE AND FIRE FACILITIES Presently the police, firefighting and EMS services within Montcalm County are being adequately met through a series of inter-jurisdictional cooperative agreements. This is a great way to cost-effectively provide the needed services. However, future physical facilities like fire halls and police stations should be located within established developed areas so that these new public facilities do not contribute to sprawl. Continued cooperation in the provision of these services is key to keeping them fiscally viable. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 6-5 �~ LOCAL GOVERNMENT FACILITIES The same can be said about city, village, township and county general government buildings. They should be located within established cities, villages or well developed suburban areas-not in the "middle of nowhere." Where and how the public spends infrastructure dollars greatly influences private sector spending on new development. The public sector should lead by engaging in new facility siting practices that result in locations that are consistent with the policies of this Plan. Similarly, the public should always build buildings using quality materials that last, and use well designed exteriors so as to set the bar on quality design for the private sector to emulate. PARKS & RECREATION FACILITIES Last but not least, the number, size, location and characteristics of public parks and recreation facilities in the county has a lot to do with citizen contentment over quality of life. The five state game areas and Huron-Manistee National Forest land in Montcalm County are very important resources in this regard, but alone they cannot meet the daily recreation needs of local citizens. Active living leads to healthy people and high satisfaction over living choices. It also leads to fewer and often less serious medical needs. Thus, it is important that local parks and recreation facilities be constructed and maintained in locations that best meet the needs of the people who will use them. The county has a County Park and Recreation Plan that contains an inventory of existing county park and recreation facilities, needs and a strategy for future improvements. The county owns five recreation areas totaling about 100 acres, but they are concentrated in the northwest part of the county and not all areas of the county are adequately served with park and recreation facilities. The County Park and Recreation Plan is a prerequisite to eligibility for state and federal funds targeted at park and recreation facilities. It is very important for the county to continue to prepare and update the County Park and Recreation Plan at least every five years, and then to pursue state and federal funds to help pay for future parkland acquisition and improvement. Of course some county and local funds will be necessary to meet match requirements on grants, but parks are basic elements of local quality of life which are essential to citizen happiness. This is true, whether you are a local resident, a visitor or a potential new employer eyeing the area for quality of life indicators. Besides, paying for a fraction of a park or recreation facility while another governmental level pays for the rest, is only fiscally sound common sense if the facility is properly designed and located for cost-effective future use. E:\word\Montcalm\Plan feb 06\Chapter6 Trans & Other lnfra2.doc CAF C::\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan March 2006\Chapter 6 Trans & Other Infra (3 06).doc CAF C:\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan July 2006\Chapter 6 Trans & Other Infra (7 06).doc Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 6-6 �Chapter 7 INTERJURISDICTIONAL COORDINATION & PLAN IMPLEMENTATION INTRODUCTION As important a benchmark as this General Plan represents, the initiatives proposed in this Plan will not implement themselves. It will take the concerted efforts of citizen3, elected officials and local and county administrative officials to bring this Plan from concept into reality. It will take continued support and commitment for many years. However, the goals of this Plan and the strategies proposed to implement it offer the promise of a much better future than that likely to occur if recent trends continue unchanged. Benefits to all groups will be numerous and most visible in terms of an increased quality of life that can attract new businesses and jobs, and greater satisfaction of residents. An increased quality of life comes from new jobs, an enhanced agricultural sector, creation of more distinctive residential neighborhoods and commercial areas and retention of the rural scenic character of the landscape. Many indirect benefits will also occur. These include improved access to information needed for decision-making and better cooperation among units of government. The central ingredients to successful Plan implementation will be: • Commitment by the County Planning Commission, the County Board of Commissioners, citizens and support from local units of government. Implementation of the General Plan will require the county and local governments, businesses and citizens to drop some old habits and adopt some new approaches. This is not always easy to do. However, the desired vision will not be reached without commitment by all involved. • A better educated citizenry and local officials. While many citizens and officials want trends to change, they lack the knowledge to make them change or do not understand the cause and effect link of actions they take on an ongoing basis. Information about more appropriate residential development patterns, the fiscal and land use constraints of extending urban services, modern farming and forestry methods, scenery and open space preservation , natural resource protection and other tools to sustain the quality of life in Montcalm County need to reach citizens and officials or they will not understand why and how local decision-making must change. The Montcalm County Fact Book, the internet based Community Information System and this Plan are important first steps in helping to improve future land use decision making. See Figure 7-1 . FOCUSING ON PRIORITIES It is easy for a Planning Commission at either the county or local level to become distracted with ongoing tasks or ad hoc, controversial issues. Still, the Commission needs to prioritize its tasks. Time needs to be set aside for high priority items. These include the preparation of an annual report and work program for the next year, and when appropriate, the five-year Plan update. These are discussed below. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-1 �Figure 7-1 Education is the Top Implementation Priority of the Montcalm County General Plan Annual Tasks An annual report on all activities undertaken by the County Planning Commission with a special focus on actions taken to implement the Plan should be made to the County Board of Commissioners. A proposed work program that identifies priorities and projected expenses for the next year should also be prepared and submitted in time to be included in the annual budget process. The Planning Commission should begin reviewing all proposed new public facilities in the county for consistency with the Plan. Periodically, and at least once each five years, the General Plan should be thoroughly reviewed and updated by the County Planning Commission. Top Priorities The Planning Commission can not be expected to accomplish all of the strategies listed in the goals, objectives and strategies. Many of these can only be accomplished by other agencies or groups. It is important that discussions begin with those groups so that they understand the goals, find agreeable common ground where there are differences and obtain a commitment to the action. One approach to establishing priorities is to use the following standards: • Make a high priority of those actions that are the precursor to other steps. One example is the recommendation in Chapter 4 to develop a 5-year countywide strategic economic development plan . • Those actions that are assigned to a particular group are a high priority. • A lower priority may be those actions that are not assigned to a group or that broadly identify the "county," as the responsible party. • If an action does not list a responsible party, it remains a lower priority until a group or agency steps forward to take ownership of it. The following activities should be the key priorities of the Planning Commission for the next five years: Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-2 �• • • • • • • • • • Educate all local units of government in the county about the vision , goals, objectives and strategies of the County General Plan and provide technical assistance in the integration of these elements into local plans and zoning decisions. Educate all citizens about the vision , goals, objectives and strategies of the updated County General Plan and provide technical assistance in the integration of these elements into property owner development and redevelopment efforts. Directly use this Plan in the analysis and review of proposed rezonings , zoning text amendments, and new or amended master plans submitted to the County Planning Commission for statutory review and approval. This means recommending approval for actions consistent with the Plan and denial or modification for actions inconsistent with this Plan. Exercise review authority in ways to improve local decisions by guiding decisions toward integrated and coordinated solutions based on the core objectives and strategies in this Plan. Provide training and technical assistance to local governments on general planning , zoning and capital improvement programming. Many County Planning Commissions in Michigan host an annual one day conference for local governments in the County, others offer periodic workshops on key topics. Both are great ways to meet the local planning commission education needs in the land use arena. Monitor local and county agency decisions and periodically inform local governments and the County Board of Commissioners on the status of efforts to improve land use decision making in Montcalm County. Strongly advocate that the county budget and provide for digital air photos of all the land in the county. These photos should be taken during flights in 2010 (to correspond to the next Census). Strongly advocate that FEMA complete mapping of floodplains throughout the county. Join efforts with others outside the county to modernize planning and zoning enabling legislation and to authorize new tools to better manage growth and preserve open space. Update the Montcalm County Data Book online on at least an annual basis and major updates to hard copy consistent with the next update to the Plan in late 2010 and 2011 when new Census data is available. The County Planning Commission should also be involved with others and champion the preparation of the following additional plans in the county: • A county transportation plan • A county strategic economic development plan • Access management plans for M-57, M-66, M-46 and M-91 . • An agricultural protection plan in conjunction with townships with zoning , so that farmers in the county are eligible to participate in the state PDR program. Watershed management plans of each river watershed and major lake • watersheds. • A greenspace plan for a linked system of greenspaces throughout the county . • Periodic updates to the Montcalm County Recreational Plan . The number of county parks should be expanded per the Montcalm County Recreational Plan , but special attention should be given to establishment of new county parks in the parts of the county without any. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-3 �ADDRESSING ISSUES OF GREATER THAN LOCAL CONCERN Local jurisdictions frequently face issues that have implications beyond the jurisdiction (both intra-county and inter-county) . Public interests that are broader than simply local interests include (but are not limited to) those in Table 7-1 . Examples of common issues of greater than local concern are illustrated in Figure 7-2. Figure 7-2 Examples of Issues of Greater than Local Concern PROTECT PROTECTION OF FLOODPLAINS WATERSHED MANAGEMENT BUFFER ZONE GRAVEL PIT INFRASTRUCTURE EXTENDED .· '~--. •\ ·t ~--~>~~.. \\.' -~ \ Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-4 �Table 7-1 Issues of Greater than Local Concern Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources • Watersheds and water quality • Wetlands protection • Floodplain protection • Land pollution (contaminated sites) • Soil conservation and stormwater pollution • Air pollution • Groundwater pollution • Oil and gas pollution • Noise pollution • Water pollution of inland lakes, rivers and streams • Protection of areas with steep slopes • Wildlife corridors and fish and wildlife habitat protection • Protection of unique and endangered species • Protection of agricultural land • Sustainability of privately owned forest land • Water surfaces that are under control of multiple local jurisdictions, especially as relates to keyhole development Use of public access sites • • Maintaining a "sense of place" where that sense is the major attraction for tourists and the service sector economy. Siting Public Facilities or Providing New Public Services • Solid waste and recycling • Emergency services (fire, ambulance, police) - to achieve greater efficiency • Transportation/roads • Public transportation • Trails (siting of) - federal, state, local, and property owners • "Regional" park facilities • District library and district boundaries for libraries • Mental and other health facilities • Provision of senior services - location of facilities, including handicapped services • Extension of sewer and water utilities • Schools (especially if a new school, or consolidation of schools is considered) Maintaining a Sustainable Economy and Promoting Economic Development • Real (livable) wages, job opportunities for young adults and families with children • Adequate lifelong educational opportunities for all citizens: health of the Montcalm Community College • Adequate affordable housing for middle and low income persons. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-5 �Table 7-1 (Continued) Issues of Greater than Local Concern Land Use • LULU's (locally unwanted land uses that meet a regional need) , such as gravel pits, junk yards, landfills, communication towers, electric generating windmills, etc. • Large scale development (shopping center, airports, etc.) • Zoned density in some rural areas while low, is too high to cost effectively service • Compact settlement pattern vs. dispersed settlement pattern and the associated impacts on infrastructure extensions or establishment of infrastructure • Siting affordable housing-especially mobile home parks • Lack of similar regulations and uneven enforcement across jurisdiction boundaries • Compatibility of land uses along jurisdiction boundaries regarding zoning and land use issues • Loss of rural open space-especially along roads in the county • Regional focus on open space preservation and farmland preservation • Protecting important viewsheds and rural corridor views. Other • lnterjurisdictional equity issues • Intergenerational equity issues • Sustainability. In many instances, these issues of greater than local concern revolve around common environmental features (which do not respect municipal boundaries) , or infrastructure, economic development and the needs of special populations. It takes a basic change of attitude toward other jurisdictions to effectively deal with issues of greater than local concern. It takes recognition that all the citizens are in the same boat together. In the aggregate, they all face the same potential loss or gain. It takes acceptance that the other jurisdictions are not in competition or opposition , at least not on every aspect of the issue. It takes the ability to exercise mutual respect in areas of overlapping responsibilities and mutual support where responsibilities are separate, but compatible in pursuit of common goals and a common vision of the county. By jointly engaging the issues, common ground can usually be found . It is the common ground that is most often used as the basis for effective interjurisdictional cooperation . ROLE OF KEY PLAYERS It will take the efforts of many different groups to implement the Montcalm General Plan . Key among them are the local planning commissions and governing boards, the County Board of Commissioners and the County Planning Commission. The framed text on Table 7-2 on the next three pages lists the traditional roles and responsibilities of local planning commissions, local governing bodies, the County Board of Commissioners and the County Planning Commission . These traditional roles are proposed to be continued . Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-6 �Table 7-2 Traditional Responsibilities of The Local Government Decision-makers County Board of Commissioners The County Board of Commissioners must take the lead in order to support continued planning in Montcalm County. Its basic statutory and administrative responsibilities are as follows (not all of these are currently being performed): • Adopt the County General Plan • Periodically hold a joint meeting with the County Planning Commission to go over is~-ues of common interest. • Approve funding for the planning/zoning program each year including funds for training and continuing education of commissioners and staff, and for public and local official education on planning and zoning. • Approve hiring of consultants as recommended by the County Planning Commission and pursuant to an approved work program and budget. • Ask the Planning Commission to prepare an annual report of activities and a proposed work program for the next year, in enough time to be considered in the budget process. • Ask the Planning Commission to review proposed capital improvements for consistency with the Plan prior to the County Board or other public agency action. • Initiate and coordinate activities with representatives of other units of government on various issues of greater than local concern. • Support efforts by the Planning Commission to educate citizens and local officials on a wide variety of land use and Smart Growth issues. County Planning Commission The County Planning Commission was created by the County Board of Commissioners on September 8, 2003 pursuant to the requirements of the County Planning Act, PA 282 of 1945. Currently, the County Planning Commission is responsible for: • Preparing and maintaining a plan for the development and protection of the County. It will be the first to adopt the General Plan. • Making recommendations on proposed Township plans and/or rezoning or text amendments. • Attempting to prevent incompatible planning and zoning along governmental boundaries. • Reviewing and commenting on proposed new public lands, facilities or improvements for consistency with the General Plan. • Review and comment on proposed PA 116 Farmland and Open Space Enrollments. • Periodically reviewing and/or preparing various state or federal grant applications. • Receiving, storing and sharing data from the Michigan Resource Inventory Program and helping to keep the County Community Information System filled with valuable and contemporary information. • Providing information and education services for the U.S. Bureau of the Census. • Receiving citizen comments on local planning and zoning issues and acting upon or referring those comments as appropriate. • Educating citizens and representatives of local units of government on various county planning and Smart Growth development issues. • Learning about and staying up-to-date on the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and on various tools available to implement local plans. • Coordinating planning and associated development regulations with other governmental units and public agencies. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-7 �Table 7-2 (Continued) Traditional Responsibilities of the Local Government Decision-makers Local Governing Bodies Local city or village councils and township boards of trustees also have specific planning and zoning responsibilities. These include: • Appointment of qualified persons to serve as members of the local Planning Commission/Zoning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. Adoption of ordinances recommended by the Planning Commission for implementation of the local • future land use plan, including when supported by the governing body, a zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. • Providing an adequate budget for the Planning Commission to carry out its responsibilities including keeping the Plan and Zoning Ordinance current, and receiving proper training on their roles, responsibilities and new tools and techniques for improving the community. • Providing adequate staff and financial resources (including setting fee levels) for proper enforcement of adopted regulations. • Conducting required public hearings prior to acting on zoning, subdivision or infrastructure development matters. • Receiving and acting upon citizen complaints related to planning and zoning issues and as appropriate, referring matters to the Planning Commission for action. Coordinating actions with representatives of other units of government on issues of greater than • local concern. Local Planning Commissions Planning commissions in cities and villages in the county are organized under the Municipal Planning Act, PA 285 of 1931. Township planning commissions are organized under PA 168 of 1959. Some of their principal responsibilities include: • Creating, adopting and maintaining a local comprehensive (or master) plan to guide future land use change and to serve as the legal basis for the local zoning ordinance. • Creating, maintaining and administering responsibilities under the local zoning ordinance (for those municipalities with local zoning) adopted pursuant to the City-Village Zoning Act, PA 207 of 1921 or the Township Zoning Act, PA 184 of 1943. • Advising the local governing body on proposed rezonings, text amendments, plats, land divisions, capital improvements and related planning and zoning decisions. • Responding to the recommendations of the County Planning Commission on planning and zoning issues. • Making recommendations on special projects or delegated responsibilities (e.g. zoning ordinance enforcement). • Working with property owners in order to try and achieve good development (or redevelopment) . • Educating citizens on the values and benefits of planning. • Receiving citizen comments on local planning and zoning issues and acting upon or referring those comments as appropriate. • Learning about and staying up-to-date on the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and on various tools available to implement local plans. Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-8 �CONCLUDING THOUGHT This General Plan represents hundreds of hours of input by the County Planning Commission, citizens and local government officials in Montcalm County over the past year. The circumstances it is intended to address did not occur overnight and they will not be resolved overnight. However, this Plan sets forth another option to a future that will occur if existing trends and uncoordinated decisions continue. Existing trends are fueled to a very great extent by existing plans, regulations and institutional relationships. To create a future different from existing trends, then current plans, policies, regulations and institutional relationships must also be changed . Perhaps the catalyst for that change is for the preferred vision of Montcalm County, and what it takes to get to that vision , to be part of the "story" of Montcalm County that every resident, of every age, knows by heart. So, for example, if all Montcalm County residents know by heart that clustering, conservation subdivisions, community service districts, and farmland preservation are necessary for Montcalm County to remain largely rural, prosperous and continue to have a high quality of life, there is a greater chance that Montcalm County will have these characteristics. It is up to the County Planning Commission with support of the County Board of Commissioners to achieve this level of citizen understanding of and support for this vision and this Plan. E:\word\Montcalm\Plan feb 06\Chapter 7 Implementation lnterjuris Cooper2.doc GAF : C:\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Chapter 7 Implementation lnterjuris Cooper2 (3 06).doc CAF : C:\G-Drive\WINWORD\PROJECTS\Montcalm County\Final General Plan July 2006\Chapter 7 Implementation lnterjuris Cooper (7 06).doc • Montcalm County General Plan July 2006 7-9 �re RESOLUTION 2006-25 ADOPTION OF MONTCALM COUNTY GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, the Montcalm County Planning Commission has prepared a General Plan to guide future land use and infrastructure decisions in the County; and WHEREAS, the public provided input to development of the Plan via four Tovm Meetings during the planning process; and WHEREAS, the Montcalm County Planning Commission has solicited public comment from all jurisdictions within the county and abutting the county, as ½ell as from the public, and has received \-\Titten an oral comments on the draft Plan; and \IVHEREAS, the fontcalm County Planning Commission has conducted a duly advertised public hearing to receive public comment on the draft Plan; and WHEREAS, the Montcalm County Planning Commission has reviewed public comments to the draft Plan and prepared amendments to the draft General Plan in response to public comments, which amendments are attached to this Resolution; and • WHEREAS, the Montcalm County Planning Commission has duly reviewed the draft General Plan for the development of the County pursuant to the authority of Act 282 of 1945 (known as the County Planning Act). NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners adopt the Montcalm County General Plan, as amended. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be published inside the back cover of each printed copy of the Montcalm County General Plan, along with the Resolution adopted by the Montcalm County Planning Commission, to certify that all maps, charts and descriptive and explanatory matter therein are a part of the Plan. STATE OF ~ICHIGA"'\ .. COL~TY OF .10~TC-\L\1 } }SS. } I, the undersigned, duly qualified and acting Clerk of the County of Montcalm, Michigan (the "County'') do hereby cenify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Resolution 2006-25 adopted by the Board of Commissioners at a regular meeting on the 10th day of July. 2006. the original of which is on file in my office. Public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in compliance ,\ith Act. 'o. 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 19 6, as amended, including in the case of a special or rescheduled meeting, notice by posting at least eighteen (18) hours prior to the time set for the meeting. 2006 _ A.i;;. Vl!Th'ESS \\'HEREOF, I have h e r e t o =offi]l~ture on this 12th day of July, ~~OALU County of fontcalm, State of Michigan �Resolution of Adoption of Montcalm County General Plan Whereas the Montcalm County Planning Commission has prepared a General Plan to guide future land use and infrastructure decisions in the County; and Whereas the public provided input to development of the Plan via four Town Meetings during the planning process; and Whereas the Montcalm County Planning Commission has solicited public comment from all jurisdictions within the county and abutting the county, as well as from the public, and has received written and oral comments on the draft Plan; and • Whereas the Montcalm County Planning Commission has conducted a duly advertised public hearing to receive public comment on the draft Plan; and \Vhereas the Montcalm County Planning Commission has revievved public comments to the draft Plan and prepared amendments to the draft General Plan in response to public comments, which amendments are attached to this Resolution; and \r\7hereas the Montcalm County Planning Commission has duly reviewed the draft General Plan for the development of the County pursuant to the authority of Act 282 of 1945 (knovvn as the County Planning Act); and Now therefore be it resolved that the Montcalm County Planning Commission does on the date listed below, hereby recommend that the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners adopt the Montcalm County General Plan, along with the amendments attached to this Resolution, and does direct the Chairperson of the County Planning Commission to deliver a copy of the recommended Plan to the County Board of Commissioners and following their adoption, to the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission along ·with this Resolution as certification of the adoption of the Plan; • Be it also resolved that this Resolution be published inside the back cover of each printed copy of the Montcalm County General Plan to certify that all maps, charts and descriptive and explanatory matter therein are a part of the Plan as so signified by the signature of the Chairperson of the Montcalm County Planning Commission, and the Chairperson of the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on this Resolution. �• Roll Call Vote: Bruce Noll- Yes Lonnie Smith- Yes John Johansen- Yes S. Michael Scott- Yes Franz Mogdis- Yes Don Smucker- Yes Pete Haines- Yes Phil Lund- Absent 7 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent Date: June 15, 2006 I • Signa Monte _ · g Commission E;\ word\ Montcalm\Montcalm county plan resolution2.doc • � 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 Montcalm-County_General-Plan_2006 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Montcalm County Planning Commission, Montcalm County, Michigan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006-07-12 Title A name given to the resource Montcalm County General Plan Description An account of the resource The Montcalm County General Plan was prepared under the direction of the Montcalm County Planning Commission by the Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. in July 2006. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Planning & Zoning Center, Inc. (consultant) Subject The topic of the resource Master plan reports Montcalm 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/acb0e82aea3a091433cb897d80c8f333.pdf 2532fd72a537f4ac44836d8c6564b17c PDF Text 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 Incunabula Description An account of the resource The term incunabula refers to books printed between 1450 and 1500, approximately the first fifty years following the invention, by Johann Gutenberg of Mainz, of printing from moveable type. Our collection includes over 200 volumes and numerous unbound leaves from books printed during this period. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1450/1500 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Incunabula Collection (DC-03) 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 </a> Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 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 DC-03 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 it la nl de 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/. Title A name given to the resource Repertorium utriusque iuris [folium 10] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_010Monte1480 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Monte, Petrus de Description An account of the resource One leaf of Repertorium utriusque iuris by Petrus de Monte and edited by Comes de Alvarotis. Illustrated with red rubricated initials. Printed in Padua by Johannes Herbort, de Seligenstadt in 1480. [GW M25372; ISTC im00844000] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Padua: Johannes Herbort Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 Del Monte, Pietro, 1457-1509 Language A language of the resource la 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 application/pdf Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1480 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alvarotis, Comes de (editor) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/723b9814a67b9b5c7f2bb1cc4b242621.pdf 003e1e835200ba03ec77bfc7bdf8b7be PDF Text Text Speaking Out Western Michigan’s Civil Rights Histories Grand Valley State University Special Collections Interviewee: Anthony Moore Interviewer(s): Brandon Golden Supervising Faculty: Melanie Shell-Weiss Location: Grand Valley State University Special Collections Date: October 19, 2011 Runtime: 01:03:04 Biography and Description This is an interview conducted to evaluate the successes, failures, and impact of the civil rights movement at home and abroad; as well as the prospect of how one man wishes to make an impact while serving his community as a future law enforcement office. Transcript BG (Brandon Golden): So first just tell me who you are and just a little bit about yourself. And we will start with that AM (Anthony Moore): My name is Anthony Allen Moore, I’m 36 years old and I am married. I’ve been married for 16 years and have a 12 year old son . I’ve been a resident of Michigan for most of my life and a resident of Grand Rapids, MI for a good portion of my life. I also go by the nicknames Tony, Antonio and some other names that we will get into later. BG: Alright, some conversations that we have had before you have mentioned some of your experiences in Benton Harbor and Chicago could you elaborate on those just a bit? AM: I was born in 1975 in Benton Harbor/Saint Joe area to my mother and father. From there I moved and grew up in Chicago, Benton Harbor, then Grand Rapids. Most of my time spent when I was younger in Benton Harbor then in Chicago. My Dad’s side of the family is from Chicago and my mother’s side is from Benton Harbor. Both me and my twin brother, oh I should say I have a twin, me and my twin brother stayed with our grandparents off and on for most of the years. BG: Ok. Growing up in Benton harbor and Chicago, could you elaborate on some of your experiences with the education system? AM: I didn’t go to any schools in Benton Harbor. I did start my early educational history in Chicago, spent a little time in Chicago. The school system there… we went to school in the same area that we went to projects, we lived in the projects, Alden Gardens in Chicago, and there was a school there. I can’t remember the school name, and I think that is where me and my twin brother started our education. The educational system in Chicago at the time was not a great educational system for African Page 1 �Americans, or inner city, or poverty level people. It was not geared towards that it seemed like, I remember not getting a good educational background there. There is an incident that I remember, when it came to counting, counting from 1 to 100, and we did it with Trix the cereal, and we would, every time you count you would fill the bowel up with a Trix and I could never get up to 100. It was always everyone else would have a full bowel, I would always maybe get up to 30 or 40 or something like that and couldn’t go any further. Um and then not being able to read well, not really doing anything quite well. I remember everyone being able to read if they were, especially if they were not black they usually seemed to have a better education than myself or other folks from the same area that I grew up in. We never got the help that other kids got. Even though the school itself was in or near the Projects, it was a public school so everyone went there, but it just seemed that if you came from the projects or were African American, you never really got the same attention that the other people did. I never got the one on one attention that I saw other students get. I remember kids coming in with backpacks and good school clothes especially again if they were not black or didn’t come from the projects that I came from. You know they had lunch boxes I didn’t have a lunchbox I always had the paper bag. We didn’t have backpacks you know, we just kind of carried you know whatever we had, then we had the same backpack for a couple years or whatever. We didn’t get new clothes every time school year came around or even different seasons we’d start off in the spring and usually you know, I remember having the same pair of the pants all the way through to the end of the school year. You had you know your pants you had during the week and then you had your shoes and your one pair of boots. You had to make them last, you didn’t get that. Me and my twin brother, my mom had to do two of us and she really uh didn’t have money to spare. And actually at that time we were living with my father’s mother during that time and she was not a wealthy woman by any means. So she did what she could, she made pretty much a lot of our clothes, I remember her making our own coats she made some of our shirts. She tried, she did a lot, actually some of our, she would try to help us with our studying. For me, it was not a good time because I didn’t learn, I don’t remember too much anything that I learned then I remember always asking for help and acting out because I never really got that help. I remember my mother was always talking to me about my behavior, or why I wasn’t doing what I supposed to be doing in class. Then I remember my mother always trying to uh find some means of getting me more help, and that really just wasn’t a good fit for me. I have told this to several people as I’m older now, I’ve said that I would never ever go back to Chicago for education nor would I put any of my children in that system. I do admit now that they have some of the best programs in the nation, but so far as their education goes especially high school and some of their academies their specialty schools and private schools and their universities, admittedly they do have some of the best programs, but when I was coming up they just did not have that and it seemed like it was just not geared for us especially if you came from the projects, black and uh you didn’t have money. It seems like whether you were affiliated with certain groups, gangs or whatnot you really wanted… it didn’t seem like you were expected to do much. I didn’t get the attention that every other kid did, especially if they were not black and from the project or especially from the area I grew up in. BG: Gong back a little bit, growing up you had mentioned gang activity could you elaborate on that and some of those experiences Page 2 �AM: Pretty much since I can remember, I’ve been affiliated or had experience with gangs. My family on both sides, my mother and fathers side had experience with gangs in both Chicago and Benton Harbor. Benton Harbor was more of a country, kind of a throw back from the south, where it was a small community and the gangs mostly developed based on family orientation and where you grew up. And we were in the kind of on the country side of Benton Harbor, more of the farm side of Benton Harbor so not a lot of industry going on at the time and they were going downhill losing a lot of industries and a lot of factories so we kind of grew up in the… matter of fact we lived on Main street in Benton Harbor, the main artery into Benton Harbor from the highway and that’s how we was known as far as the gang goes. In that respect my family were known for being in that area, and we had a lot of family members in that gang there a lot of cousins, young young young Uncles and they were all known for being in that area. And we really kind a took care of our own there. And really other than the exception of every now and then getting into it with other folks we really stayed to our own and usually made a living selling some type of narcotic or marijuana. But in Chicago it was more of your typical large scale crimes when it came to gangs. My father was in a gang, he started off before I was born, started in a gang with his brothers in the same projects where I grew up. He belonged to The Black Stone Rangers, who came originally from a mixture of The Bloods and The Black Panthers, they kind of, people who kind of came from both of those two groups and formed their own gang that also did, were involved in some motorcycle clubs as well. Through The Black Stone Rangers, I and my twin brother and I grew up knowing my father’s friends and other gang members and we just kind of grew and up and were automatically were accepted into that life style. Again because a great many of our family were in the gang on my father’s side and we just kind of followed the same path and we really didn’t know any other way. Where we were living was kind of segregated from the rest of society, the way most people were accepted to live so being in the gang made us feel like we had a sense of belonging. We were all poverty stricken, if you will call it, and we felt like being in the gang made us have strength in numbers. So far as the ability to survive when you don’t have a lot of money or a great education. We didn’t rely on those things. We didn’t rely on a job because we weren’t able to get those jobs and our parents weren’t able to get those jobs. That was the way of life. We fought for what we had. At a young age, we learned that where we were was what we had and we had to fight for it. We didn’t have money or jobs or think about moving out of the area that we lived in. To white upper class Americans, we were known to only be the poor Black youth because we had a lot of young mothers, I remember that, we had a lot of single parents and mothers. We did what came easy and that was learning to make a hustle. We learned to make money off out what we had. We did a lot of stealing and drug distribution. Being runners, as we called it. Making sure those other gangs or other groups didn’t harass our neighborhoods or that other gangs didn’t bring drugs into our neighborhood that we weren’t bring in. In the gang world, you are not allowed to bring drugs into another gang’s neighborhood because that violates certain codes within that gang life. You didn’t go to another hood because that would mess with that gang’s ability to live and to make money, the ability to survive so sometimes that would spark off some tensions between gangs in different neighborhoods. You definitely learned that way of life, almost like a hierarchy system, in some cases a militant type attitude you had your generals, your infantry, your foot soldiers. You had your O.G.’s , what you would call infantry, the guys that did what the O.G.’s told them to do. They were the ones that went in and dealt with anyone you had issues with. Then you had your drug runners or scouts for that matter, guys who would just check and see what was going on in the neighborhood. They wouldn’t necessarily get Page 3 �involved in anything. They would tell us if someone was doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing or if someone from another sect was in our neighborhood. We learned a lot of rules growing up especially at an early age. We learned how to negotiate the law and how to get around that and how to keep the law from getting involved in every day dealings. Sometimes it only meant if we got the Cops involved that it would only be harder to conduct business and make money. It was almost more of a danger than the other gangs we had to deal with. It was just a way of life, set in and something you learned at a young age, you know, how to conduct yourself in a gang and your ability to survive. You wanted to out age the statistic of dying before you got to adulthood. It was tough, to say the least, but you either adapted, or you died. BG: How about race relations and segregation. Any personal experiences, experiencing any of that? AM: Yeah. I grew up in three different cities, well one town two cities. In all those areas, there were different levels of segregation. In Benton Harbor, you know, Saint Joe and Benton Harbor are buttoned up right next together they are split by the Grand River right there, I mean Lake Michigan, I’m sorry and they have a, you know, a bridge that goes over one of the quarries and that’s pretty much the separation between the two. And everybody knows if you are from Benton Harbor, you are usually are a poor black African American. There were whites and Hispanics, but mostly poor African Americans. Again, a throw back from the south. There are a lot of southern people in Benton Harbor for some reason, I don’t know the reason, but everybody knows if you are from Benton Harbor you are black and poor. You usually worked in a factory of some sort or you had a farm. You know, you were on the low of the totem pole .If you were from the factory you were usually maintenance or janitorial or something like that. If you lived in Saint Joe, across the river, you, or right across the bridge, you were higher education white, higher income you also would have worked in the factory but as higher production, management, corporate banking, those type of deals. It was understood that not a lot of black people lived in Saint Joe. We were looked at as tourists. A lot of times, we didn’t even go over to that side unless they had a parade that went from Benton Harbor to Saint Joe and went back. Or if you were going to the beach you would go to Saint Joe. That’s pretty much the only time we would go to Saint Joe. It was literally down the street from my grandparent’s house, you go down the street and cross the bridge, but we didn’t go there. You knew, you automatically knew as soon as you crossed the bridge you had the Benton harbor police, right there. They usually made sure you stayed separated. You definitely made sure that you stayed in your own area and I had trouble with that. BG: So what about Chicago then? AM: Chicago, Chicago is interesting as far as segregation goes. It was different. It was within, Chicago being a big city, it was segregated more so not really rather you are black or white or class it had more, if you were Black, everyone was on this side of Chicago. If everyone was Italian they lived on this side of Chicago. If everyone was Irish they lived on this side of Chicago. There was a lot of different social groups in Chicago. If you were to ask anyone where the highest crime area was, they would naturally say the black area. I remember lots of time, where if we went to downtown Chicago in the entertainment district or business district even navy pier we were assumed to cause trouble. WE were assumed to have drugs on us. We were assumed to be looking for a rival gang to be getting into trouble with. As long as we stuck to our own side or our own area and we followed this kind of unwritten rule, especially when it Page 4 �came to law enforcement, if we outside of where we were supposed to be we ran into a lot of opposition whether it was law enforcement or other groups. For instance, Chicago has one of the biggest China town or Asian Americans places in the nation which was not too far from where I lived, but we were not allowed to visit there. If we did it was automatic trouble which involved a lot of fights. To give you an example, I had a martial arts instructor, my father brought me to this school to learn from this Asian American and I was going to learn Karate and I can remember where the school was it was not in Chinatown but close to it and it was also was not in our area of the projects or the gardens. My father took me to the school to train and you could just feel the tension in the room where it wasn’t accepted yet for the two groups to be together it was a monetary thing. It was ok for us to spend money but it wasn’t ok for us to be there without any reason or to socialize in that area. It was very,very interesting. It caused a lot of stress between the two, a lot of tension between the two. You would work or train with an Asian American right next to you and you would spar, but you wouldn’t talk. You would, you know, do all these exercises together but you didn’t say anything to that person and you didn’t say anything before or after. It was very far down the line from what was expected. Even though you had the two groups there you would stick to your own and there was no mingling, there was no hanging out. When we done we went back to our neighborhoods. I didn’t have Asian friends, as a matter of fact, I didn’t have any friends outside of my own race when I was a kid growing up at that time in Chicago. In my area even though there were white individuals in the Projects I grew up in in, it was highly unlikely if there were going to hang out with us. I do know that I had a few, but not many what so ever, very few white and Asian friends. There were not any Hispanics, they kind of just, stayed to themselves. Unless you are accepted as an individual there were no mingling of cultures not like there is now. The society of Chicago was much different when I was growing up there. BG: How about your experiences with law enforcement? AM: My experience with law enforcement, umm, well if there was any experience with law enforcement at the time, it wasn’t good. My experience was very negative. Very, very negative. I did not have a good relationship with them. Because of the fact that I grew up in the gang, the way that I viewed life was based off of, take everything and don’t give anything. Everything in my life was, I was taught to, fear the law, oppose the law, and the law is not my friends and they are not there to support me. Do everything you can to outsmart the law, run faster, be stronger. The law was the boogyman to all of us in Chicago and Benton harbor. They weren’t the protect and serve of law enforcement today. They didn’t care what happened to you, where you came from, how much money you made, your parents. Your life meant nothing to the law, the law, I never once in Chicago or Benton harbor just stop and instead of, just pulling me out of the car and putting me against the wall or always saying hands up first gun out second or excuse me, gun out first and hands up second. I never had a cop once say hey how are you doing today. To this day in Chicago and Benton harbor, never have I walked in the street and they just say Hi and they politely give me a nod. I never grew up asking for help from a cop. I have never once asked for help from a cop. I’ve been thrown on the ground, put up against walls. And knowing what my history was then, some of the choices I made were self- inflicted, but I always wondered why we were always told, why cops were made out to be such a bad guy. Growing up, I never saw that they were good or what they could do for me. My earliest memories of a cop is my mother, I was running the streets at the time, at that point I had good reason to stay away from the cops, my mother her car broke Page 5 �down in the middle of the street and my mother asked a cop if he could help stop traffic or do something to assist her to get the car into the driveway. I remember exactly what the cop had said “No I’m not going to help you, you need to get this out of the road before I write you a citation.” This cop was going to write us a ticket even though we were right by our house. I didn’t see any good come out of that situation with the cop. When I was growing up, the only time the cops came is when they were looking for you. And there have been many times when someone needed help for some reason or another and they never helped or got that. A lot of people were afraid of the cops and were afraid to report crimes they just weren’t there to help. When you only get one idea of what a cop is, especially when you aren’t doing all the right things, it helps to see a cop help. I know that I have done enough running from a cop to understand how to get a cop to chase you and how to get a cop’s attention, but never in a good way. A lot of times in Chicago, Benton Harbor and Grand Rapids you never, I never felt safe. I never felt the cop had my best interest at heart. A lot of times I’ve been walking on my own going to the store, a lot of times, especially in Chicago if I was in an area that was not my own I’ve been pulled over or walked over to and patted down and wasn’t even asked one question. They didn’t ask me one question before they patted me down and that was my experience a lot of the time growing up. In Benton Harbor, you were told by not only your peers, but even my elders, my parents, aunts and uncles, they would always tell you, don’t get pulled over by a cop. If you get pulled over by a cop, you better have money on you. There was a joke in Benton Harbor, if you get pulled over by the cops, you better hope that you go to jail. A lot of times you didn’t make it there. And in Chicago, kind of the same thing went and to this day there are a lot of unsolved crimes where cops have been suspected of abusing, and or and, doing crimes against people that they detained or arrested. And just let go. They would arrest them, drive somewhere and we would see those guys a few days later and they would be all beat up and you would ask them what happened and they would just say “Don’t get pulled over. I’ve gotten pulled over and any time I did something, I had a bad feeling, but you never wanted to get caught by a cop. I’ve crossed highways, ran away, hid in abandoned houses, I did anything not to get caught by a cop. That’s my young life. There’s still things I worry about now as an adult when it comes to the law. It’s abundantly clear that certain things haven’t changed. BG: Now you’re going into law enforcement yourself, you’re going to school for it. How do you hope to effect that? Do you want to make an impact on today’s youth? AM: I really do want to make an impact on today’s youth, I really do. I want law enforcement in general, to be viewed in a different way. I don’t want law enforcement to be viewed the way I viewed it when I was growing up. I have a better understanding of the way things work now than I did when I was younger. I believe, I truly believe, the only thing that keeps our society working is a couple of things. First of all, our parents, I believe they have a great impact or a huge impact on how our society works. Second, is your own beliefs. Third is law enforcement and then the government. I think law enforcement has a huge impact on the way society works. Usually they are our first defense when it comes to crime. I believe they play a bigger role than just crime prevention that they play a huge role in just keeping society safe and serving as a public servant and really just helping society in its day to day life and procedures. What I think could help with that is if law enforcement in itself, can learn to view people as more than just a demographic or an area of society. There are so many different kinds of people out there with different beliefs, religions, colors, etc. and law enforcement just needs to adjust to these Page 6 �different types of groups in today’s society. I see myself getting into law enforcement to change how people view law enforcement and how law enforcement views people. I go into this knowing that I still have a certain judgment of law enforcement and I still have a certain uneasy feeling or distrust of law enforcement, more so a distrust toward law enforcement, it’s not like it just went away. I still have things happen to me on an everyday basis based on my color that makes me, in some ways, still fear law enforcement. I still tell my son, to this day, to fear law enforcement first. Not because they deserve that fear, it’s because there are certain individuals in law enforcement who are not there for the betterment of the individual. I tell him, I teach him how to deal with law enforcement in a way that gives him the best chance of a positive outcome. Not because law enforcement is there to help us in every instance, but because I want him to survive and get himself out of what could become a worse case scenario. I think if we as a people, a lot of African Americans need to get into law enforcement represent us, law enforcement to this day still doesn’t have a good amount of African Americans to represent the community that their in. We don’t have very many black officers, female officers, or black female officers. None of these groups are very available in our communities and we need them in order to help law enforcement understand the background, understand the mindset, understand the cultural differences, the pre conceptions, the notions that African Americans have about law enforcement. I think we can break that and find a way around this gap between trust and fear and not only from the black community to law enforcement, but from law enforcement to the black community. There are a lot of law enforcement officers who assume that every time they pull and African American over, they are going to find drugs. Or when they stop us we are going to have a weapon that’s unregistered or when they get called to a domestic there will always be a case where a black male is beating on either a black female or a black female which is more common now, the white female, who is a target of domestic abuse in the community because there are so many interracial couples in the community. A black male, in my opinion, just based off of experience is still one of the most dangerously viewed encounters that a white officer is going to have, that is the biggest fear. I’ve talked to many white officers, since I’ve been working in this industry, that their biggest fear is the black male. I’ve been a target of that many times. We need to change the theory that if you go into an inner city and run into a black male who stands over 5 foot 7 and happens to be over 200 pounds that you are going to have to do something to them instead of talking things over first. I think the media has played a big role in making that easy. For me, it has made it somewhat harder for law enforcement and the black community to get along. For any positive outcome that has ever come from race relations between African Americans and law enforcement, and there’s some black guy running away from the cops for some reason or it is just assumed that every time there’s a robbery or something bad has happened there is a black guy who is being hunted down. It seems like every time you turn on the television all these crime shows, they are usually after black male. In the movies that come out, the villain is usually a black male. Who plays the pimp? Who plays the thug? Who plays the prostitute? I think the media to this day, still has not done enough and has sometimes helped to instill this notion in these officers about black males that by the time they graduate, they think they already know what they are going to have to deal with as far as African Americans. I know this from experience because as to this day, I’ve been that guy who’s been pulled over and law enforcement assumes that something bad is going to happen. I believe that law enforcement learns, they’ve been taught that, basically to come in with an idea of how to deal with racial tensions and I don’t think their taught well enough yet to think of the individual or to Page 7 �treat people as an individual. Not as a black male or a black female who doesn’t care for themselves enough to get out of an abusive relationship or you know, all these things. I think there has to be more reflection of what the true situation is in the black community. That’s why I think we need more black officers out there, not just of the African American creed, but just white officers who understand the situations being faced by the black community. Not that I believe that all white officers have the same ideas, but I think if we get more people from different backgrounds, we can help to broaden the idea of how to treat the members of the black community. We need to do that. I think that is why I have been so interested in law enforcement for the longest time because we need a different system of safety and enforcement and some sort of service that is there to protect us as a community. Despite my own hesitations or my own judgments on law enforcement, there is no way to make changes without joining the ranks of law enforcement. BG: Looking back, you know, on the way you grew up and the way things were then do you think we’re heading in the right direction or were stagnant or they are improving? AM: I think we are heading in a couple of different directions .I think America in itself has a selfcontained idea of how society works in America. I think that there have been many improvements in relations, but there have also been many setbacks as well. I think that certain individuals with the media, you have to remember the media is so big now, it shapes our ideas of life. The news, television, the internet, all of things have a huge impact on the way people think. In general, there are many people who made changes and improvements on how race relations go. We don’t have Martin Luther Kings, we don’t have, uh, many people. The Kennedys and other people. We don’t have the leadership or people who are willing to say the world needs to change like we had, you know, a couple of generations ago. But I think we do have a new group of people who are willing to step up, some of the younger ones, a new group of people who want to step up to the rest of society and say, you know, enough is enough. We need to get beyond this idea of separation and beyond this idea of who is better than who, uh, religious backgrounds, even based on if people are gay or lesbian. I think the world is trying to say, you know, for all of our differences, that’s what makes us the same. I think, through the media, unfortunately, that when something bad happens it is often publicized way more than all of the good that has been done. There are still many people who believe in that old system who are not willing to take part in change. There are many people who believe they have the power to change or to not make change, based on their beliefs. I think those are the people we have to worry about. I think there are people that are in power now and if they had more, we could go back, we could end in the same situation that we were in during all of the riots and the mass killings and bombings or church burnings or all of those things that made things happen. We could go back. I was just the other night, told a statistic, that is kind of scary where I think it was like 46% of all Mississippi Republicans think that interracial marriages should be banned. That’s a scary thought that, that many people think that race is so much of an issue that they need to put a stop to it. And I think there are many people who still believe things like that. I believe that in this country we still have this internal identity crisis or this internal struggle to identify who we really are as a people. I think it is very evident in race as far as race relationships and sexual orientation. We, as a country, believe in freedom of speech and freedom of how we should live , but we don’t understand that what we believe is our choice to believe and that we cannot contain it to ourselves. We think we need to press that belief onto others and we haven’t gotten beyond this idea of, Page 8 �you know, we are individuals first. We can’t put our beliefs on anyone or force that. That is what this whole country was founded on or was supposed to be founded on. The fact wanted to not be controlled and not be pressed by someone else’s or one individual’s idea. So we come to a different country and you know, we can say that we conquered this country, but in a way we left one country to come to another country to find our own identities and be free of someone else’s. I think we still struggle with that. I think internally we still struggle with that. On a broader scale, on a national scale, I think every other country has looked at us as, because we’re a young country yet, especially given the fact that other countries have been around and their societies have been around longer than America as a fully functional country. The rest of the countries look at us as we are immature, still young and how we perceive our way of life, our culture. We’re not identified as a single culture as other countries are. We’re looked at as many different cultures trying to co-exist. I think we have a long way to go to respect it, to truly respect it not as a military or industrial superpower and we’re not even that really anymore, but as a culture. America has not been defined as a culture yet and I think that’s unfortunate because we do have so many different cultures here and so many possibilities, because of that that we truly haven’t embraced yet. BG: is there anything like last thoughts that you want to add AM: Yeah I think that just for anyone it doesn’t matter what color they are, I think what it boils down to, we talked about race relations as a separate entity as a relationship just between people. I think one of the biggest problems we’ve had in this country is to identify that our culture and our history is based off one of same. We have had an identity crisis for way too long, and I think that we should not still be held up by what religion you are, what color you are, what sex you are, what orientation you are, um… we have to coexist. This country, as well as this world in fact, are not going to improve as making things better or making our lives more fulfilled unless we understand that it takes each other to do that. I want a world where my son, and his children, are going to prosper because everyone wants the same thing. Everyone wants to be prosperous, everyone wants to be fulfilled and healthy in every aspect. I think we are so far behind, we allow money, we allow greed, we allow control, we allow fear to dictate how we treat others. We need to go back to the beginning and understand that the only reason that we are a higher intelligence, on this planet, to this date is because we had to rely on each other. There is no separation when it comes down to it. There is no who’s better than who, there is no cultural difference. We are, in fact, a human species, so therefore there is only one culture in that. We are not a separate species, black, white, red, brown, yellow, we are still a human species. You know, uh, we look at the animal kingdom, we are so fascinated on how all these different types of animals within the same species, we look at cats and there is everything from a cat to a lion. We are amazed by the fact that, you know, there is so many different kinds out there we are amazed by, a parrot to a hawk. And we are fascinated by the fact that they are so diverse in every way. There are so many different kinds of everything out there, so many different colors, so many different sizes, so many different shapes, and we are amazed by the fact that this plant has so much to offer us in variety and we can’t see that same thing in ourselves. And I think once we can understand that there is so much we can gain by allowing ourselves to be one culture. And understand that there are so many gifts out there; there are so many things to learn about ourselves, by learning about each other. That once we get beyond those short comings of why we are different that we will truly then be able to embrace ourselves as a human Page 9 �species and be able to move forward from this point. I think we are stuck, I think we are, for so many different reasons we have not gone forward. Since the invention of the wheel we haven’t found anything other than … the wheel. The wheel is still one of our biggest successes. We haven’t gone beyond that, and medicine, for all these things we’ve done with medicine we still can’t cure the common cold. What’s stopping us from being a better people? What’s stopping us from saying, you know waking up one morning and saying, you know, “I’m not going to let anything stop me from being a better person.” When is the last time we went outside our front door and saw someone of a different color and say, I’m just like that person? That person has the right to live, right to breath, the right to be who he wants to be, he, she, who they want to be. When’s the last time someone has stand next to someone of a different background and said, “That’s ok”. I often wonder at times what we would do if we were all the same, if we were all the cookie cutter copy of one another. Would it be ok? Would we not have war? Would we not have class differences? If we all had the same job what would we do? If everything was a white sheet of paper what would we use as paper? Why do we have pencils and crayons and paints if it wasn’t meant to have an abundance of color? Why have trees that turn color? Why go to a forest, if not to look at all the different things out there? Why do we go to the museum if not to see what’s different? I think we need to understand that we have so many examples of why different is good, we don’t see our own success. We are so afraid of what comes after that. We’re so afraid of what happens if we are willing to give instead of take. I just hope that one day that we can finally come to a plan, and just embrace the fact that we are different, that we are going to be different and enjoy what comes next and not be afraid of it. And that’s pretty much all I have to say about that. BG: Alright well thank you and it was good. Page 10 � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d2f8e3b61be44bd940da241d487c5b71.mp3 46a4e8cc387c7a9e64bc411b0331a481 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 Speaking Out: Western Michigan Civil Rights Oral Histories Subject The topic of the resource Civil rights--Michigan--History Personal narratives Oral histories African Americans--Personal narratives Gays--Personal narratives Lesbians--Personal narratives Bisexual people--Personal narratives Transgender people--Personal narratives Veterans--Personal narratives Women--Personal narratives People with disabilities--Personal narratives Muslims--United States--Personal narratives Hispanic Americans--Personal narratives Homophobia Discrimination Islamophobia Stereotypes (Social psychology)--Upper Penninsula (Mich.) Description An account of the resource Collection of oral history recordings documenting the history of civil rights and social justice advocacy in Western Michigan. The collection was created by faculty and students as a project of the LIB 201 (formerly US 201): "Diversity in the U.S." course from 2011-2012. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Speaking Out: Western Michigan Civil Rights Oral History Project (GV248-01) 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 2017-05-02 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV248-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1930-2011 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 GV248-01_Moore_Anthony Title A name given to the resource Anthony Moore audio interview and transcript Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Moore, Anthony Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Golden, Brandon Description An account of the resource This is an interview conducted to evaluate the successes, failures, and impact of the civil rights movement at home and abroad; as well as the prospect of how one man wishes to make an impact while serving his community as a future law enforcement office. Subject The topic of the resource Civil rights--Michigan--History Language A language of the resource eng 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 Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Relation A related resource Speaking Out: Western Michigan Civil Rights Oral History Project Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011-10-19 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/40f91ebf1ef59b6bf380ff1fb5a364b4.pdf 60d9ed7f2ff51691f478d662deb055cd PDF Text Text Did you move off campus suddenly due to COVID-19? What was that experience like, what kind of help did you have? Do you still have personal belongings on campus? · I did have to move off campus suddenly. I was just finishing my shift at a clinic off campus when I 4 missed calls from my mom. This was 4 days after school was switched online and about a week before governor Whitmer called the official shut down. I was planning to stay at my off-campus townhouse, but my parents were terrified that I wouldn't be able to come home. I thought this was an overreaction, but did not want them to worry. As soon as I got home from my shift I packed a giant suitcase from when I initially moved in and left ASAP. I have not been at my town-house since, and still paying rent, and most of my things are still there. I would like to go back to see my friends or even grab a few more things, but my hometown is 3 hours away. · How are your online classes going? What kinds of messages have you received from professors? How are other students handling the changes? How are you handling it? Switching to online classes has been a challenge, but has also taught me new skills that I will use in the future. My professors have been very encouraging, but it is also clear that they are frustrating as well. Many of them want this whole situation to end possibly even more than the students. This is understandable due to the fact that they had little time to prepare online instruction, they want the in-person learning experience, and they have families of their own that they have to handle while also handling their teaching jobs. My peers see to be dealing with the new changes similarly. I believe the biggest issues are not having a set and busy schedule, staying motivated, and not being able to spend time with each other like we used to. I have been struggling immensely, but I'm trying to stay positive and continue to obtain the education that I am paying for. Are you involved in student organizations, sports or clubs? How has COVID-19 and campus response affected those? · I am on the board as VP for anatomy and neuroscience club. We have not discussed much regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but it does leave many things unanswered such as elections and what we are going to do in the future. Our current president for both clubs does not plan on returning to the board next year so we will need to talk soon to discuss future options. What is happening in your daily life at home? How are your parents/friends/partners/etc. Doing? · �Since I have been home the days go by extremely fast; before I knew it we were already 6 weeks into the lockdown. The whole pandemic situation has taken a toll on my mental health, and I know I am not alone in this. I am the type of person to constantly stay busy, but now I have a strange feeling of being overwhelmed but also not being busy enough. My parents and niece that I live with have been struggling as well. My 8-year old niece usually has a friend over everyday and thrives in school, but now all I hear is “I'm hungry” and “I'm bored.” She is also struggling because she cannot have visitation with her parents and has been very emotional. My dad has ADD and is currently not working due to the circumstances, so he is driving the whole house crazy to say the least. My mom has been very stressed trying to take care of everyone like she always does while going through the added struggles of COVID-19. We are having a bit of a scare at the moment with my mom because she may have the virus, but it seems to be a mild version of it. The hospital did not have enough tests and her fever was at 100 degrees for 4 days when they required it to be 101 degrees in order to test. My mom and I are close so it is nice to have her through this to give each other sanity. My family still try to have some normalcy such as game nights, movie nights, and everyone getting some alone time, but not having a set schedule is still difficult. I know having a schedule has affected my friends too, but we make sure to skype, watch movies over skype, and have made a book club for us to destress together. It also helps for us to have things to look forward to when the lockdown is finished. Are you or anyone you know sick? What symptoms, response from medical personnel? Getting COVID testing? · My mom may have the virus, but the hospital would not test her because her fever was not high enough even though it was consistent for 4 days. She became very tired and could barely catch her breath all of a sudden. Thankfully she has been able to use my breathing treatments and inhalers I have due to my asthma. The whole pandemic was a little scary because I have asthma and when this all started I had viral bronchitis that would not go away for 3 weeks, but I am okay now. ·· � 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 COVID-19 Journals Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Libraries Description An account of the resource This collection of journals and personal narratives was solicited from the GVSU community by archivists of the University Libraries during the events of the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic. During this unprecedented crisis the university closed suddenly, following federal and state guidelines of social distancing to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The university closed its campuses on March 12, 2020, and quickly moved students out of campus housing. Faculty swiftly transitioned to fully-online teaching for the remainder of the Winter 2020 semester, and all campus events, including commencement, were cancelled. The purpose of the COVID-19 Journaling Project was to document the individual and personal experiences of GVSU’s students, staff, faculty, and the wider community during this time of international crisis. Some project participants were university student employees who were compensated for their journaling. Other participants were granted stipends or extra credit for submitting entries to the archives. Still others participated without any compensation or credit. The University Archives remains grateful to all who submitted journals, for helping us to understand the impact of this crisis on our community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Archives. COVID-19 Journaling Project Subject The topic of the resource Epidemics Grand Valley State University College students Personal narratives COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives 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 COVID-19_2020-04-23_MooreCarlin Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Moore, Carlin Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020-04-23 Title A name given to the resource COVID-19 Experiance Description An account of the resource Journal of GVSU student Carlin Moore's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subject The topic of the resource COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 Epidemics Grand Valley State University College students Personal narratives Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Archives. COVID-19 Journaling Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. 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 Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3e97056b345a610267013bc97a4da33e.mp4 095ae122577bae7ceea0f6dcd976812f https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/278c47178c0be32e2c8e58fcc9687ca3.pdf c51632e1fc4feb121d82f110d514f81c PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Vietnam Leonard Moore Total Time – (01:02:31) Background • • • • • He was born in Rockingham, North Carolina on October 24, 1949 (00:23) o He grew up in Rockingham His parents were farmers (00:41) o They operated a dairy and tobacco farm There were five boys and two girls in his family (00:48) o He was the second oldest He went to school in Rockingham o He played sports and goofed off in high school (01:12) o He knew what was going on in Vietnam, but he did not know the details (01:22) His father was a World War II veteran (01:26) Enlistment/Training – (01:33) • • • • • • • He volunteered for the draft in March of 1969 (01:46) His father did not have a lot to say about him being drafted He went to basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (02:00) His first impression of basic training was that it was rough and demanding o He was in good shape and did not have problems with the physical aspects (02:16) There were enlisted Reserves and National Guard, but he majority of the men were draftees o They were from all over the country  There were a lot from the Northeast (02:41)  They were harder on the men from the Northeast Basic training consisted of push-ups, running, classes, rifle range, etc. o He did not find many of these activities very difficult o There were roughly five men that were recycled (03:15)  Primarily due to P.T. (Physical Training) difficulties Basic training lasted eight weeks (03:28) �• • • • • • • • • • o He received a thirty day leave after basic training He was ordered to go to Fort Gordon, Georgia for AIT [advanced individual training] (03:53) o His MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) was 11 Bravo (Infantry) The training at Fort Gordon was a little different o They were treated a little better (04:13) Some of the trainers were Vietnam veterans (04:26) The infantry training at Fort Gordon consisted of a lot of the same activities as basic training o They did not spend a lot of time in the field (04:53) He had caught pneumonia in basic training and never had to do the bivouac training (05:15) o He was in a hospital for nearly a week (05:28) The racial mix of the basic and AIT training had around twenty-five percent blacks (06:06) o There were no Hispanics o There was not very much racial tension AIT lasted eight weeks long He received his orders for Vietnam (06:55) The AIT training was more beneficial than the training in basic training He reported to Fort Lewis, Washington (07:37) o Soldiers would just lay around and wait for their name to be called out o He waited for nearly six days before his name was called (07:54) Active Duty – Firebase Erskine – (08:04) • • • • • He flew to Vietnam o They stopped in Japan and then went to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam (08:10) His first impression of Vietnam was when he was inside the airplane o He could feel the heat coming through the plane and he could smell the country (08:22) o It was hotter in Vietnam than it was in North Carolina o He arrived in August of 1969 (08:46) When he arrived in Cam Ranh Bay, the soldiers immediately went to Proficiency Training (08:53) o The training lasted for roughly one week o It consisted of walking trails, setting up ambushes, and general infantry skills (09:01) The training was not that much different than basic or AIT training He was then assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (09:50) o He knew that the 101st had been involved in Hamburger Hill and he knew that he may be going to a hot spot (10:02) o Most of the soldiers in the 101st did not go to jump school �• • • • • • He traveled in a C130 from Cam Ranh Bay to Phu Bai (10:30) o He was at Camp Eagle o He then took another C130 to Camp Evans (10:47) o He was assigned to the 187th Infantry Regiment (10:54) He then met his unit at Firebase Erskine (11:11) o It took him nearly a week and a half to get there o He would do details around Camp Evans until he could meet up with his unit (11:26) He was not received very well when he got there (11:40) o The morale in the unit was terrible o The unit had gone through the Hamburger Hill battle o Some of the men would go to sleep on guard duty (11:55) o Many of the men did not want to fight alongside a new guy (12:02) Falling asleep on guard duty was “more or less tolerated” He had to go on some hikes around the firebase to do scouting (12:42) o There was no combat going on at the firebase He was at Firebase Erskine for nearly a week (13:08) Active Duty – Quick Reaction Force – (13:15) • • • • • • • Lt. Hightower told him that they were starting a Quick Reaction Force at Camp Evans (13:18) o No one volunteered for the job training o He was asked if he would do it (13:46)  He agreed to go o They were supposed to pick their best men for the job (14:05)  They chose some new guys and outcasts from the company o There were only two sent out of his company o He did not have to go, but he did not know any better (14:32) When he joined the B Company, his basic load was his food, his water, ammo, smoke grenades, hand grenades, and some personal items o He was carrying around seventy-five to one hundred pounds (15:18) o They would often carry fifteen rations of food He did not have any problems adjusting to the climate (16:13) He was the only replacement in the company He was there for one week until he volunteered for the quick reaction force o He returned to Camp Evans He had to go through training – stream crossings, shooting certain guns, map reading, communications, etc. (17:39) o There were thirty men in the unit o They were from a variety of brigades (18:06) It was obvious that some of the men were rejects from other companies o They were worthless (18:30) o They would not pull their own weight and they had attitudes �• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • o The majority of the men were good soldiers When they did not have a call for action, they were always in training (19:14) He was a gunner on a Loach (20:03) o He was new and no one else wanted to do it o He did a lot of training on aerial gunnery (20:48) o He would shoot ammo cans or anything else (20:56) o The Loach allows for free-form shooting He would get airsick in the Loach (21:47) As a gunner, he would wear a flak jacket (22:02) The role of the Loach was to give fire support and report what was going on on the ground (22:26) They would fly low with the Loach and try to find trails, bunkers, or anything else (22:51) o Their main job was to draw fire so that they could know where the enemy was at The Loaches worked in two sets o One loach would fly low as bait and the other would fly higher (23:19) o When the low Loach would get shot at, a Cobra would come in behind them and open fire (23:28) A lot of the time they did not realize they were taking fire because the Loach was so loud (24:50) The majority of the work was done in the mountains (24:28) o They would sometimes go in the flatlands between Camp Evans and the ocean (24:32) Most of the time the soldiers on the Loach just looked at treetops all day (25:22) o It was hard to see through the triple canopy jungle He was a gunner, but he also had to observe (25:38) The Loach only had the pilot and the gunner (25:49) The infantry minicav strategy worked and was used regularly (26:32) The Loaches were not going to be used with the minicav any longer o Because they no longer needed a Loach gunner, he was sent to CLC (Combat Leadership Class) at Camp Evans (27:10)  It consisted of map reading, communication, and other training  The training was to become a squad leader  The course was a week long (27:34) The minicav was a voluntary position and no one needed to stay The minicav had totally lost the air power component (27:53) He volunteered to be a gunner on a Huey (28:47) There was a time when he had been shot down in a Loach o The Loach hit a tree and went down (29:24) o He did not get hurt in the crash o While he was down on the ground, the minicav was only four hundred yards away o They had been scouting for a minicav operation that was already going on (30:17) �• • • • o He got to go back to Camp Evans o The Loach was extracted When a Loach would spot the enemy, if they were close enough they would start shooting o Cobras would then come in and tear up the entire area (31:34) When scouting, he only saw the enemy around four or five times o He spent nearly half of his tour in the Loach (32:36) The minicab had very poor leadership The Lieutenant would not go into the field with his soldiers (34:12) o He would gamble and cheat – it broke all confidence and trust with people o Roughly ten to twelve men left because of him Active Duty – Aboard a Huey – Firebase Ripcord – (35:03) • • • • • • • • • • • • He had to go to aviation and get permission to be a gunner on the Huey o He went to his Commanding officer for permission (35:25) The Huey was a lot safer than the Loach o The Huey does not get low and look for enemy activity (35:55) o The troop carriers get low and land at the LZs The majority of the time, he flew for the Colonel of the 3rd Brigade (37:07) The Huey would take occasional trips to Firebase Ripcord On June 7th, 1970, he was north of Firebase Ripcord when his Huey was hit with an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) (38:40) o The rocket blew a hole in the top of the Huey o They crash landed  Everyone aboard was wounded  A Huey could not make it to where they were – A Loach was sent on three different trips to get the men (39:11) o He was taken to the hospital for a month  He had shrapnel in his leg, arm, and back (39:23)  The injuries were not life threatening  He did not wear his flak jacket that day The American forces were on the ground where they went down (40:07) o The enemy was on the other side of the river The men were taken to a med station at Camp Evans before he went to the hospital at Da Nang, Vietnam (41:07) o He stayed in Da Nang for five days o He was then sent south to a rehab hospital The hospital in Da Nang was a nice hospital (41:52) When he was in the south he never left the base The soldiers would have to go out and pull bunker guard at night (42:31) He remained in the south for nearly three weeks He was able to stay in contact with his family during his time in Vietnam (43:11) �• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • After rehab, he rejoined his unit Firebase Ripcord had heated up while he was gone (43:42) o When the helicopters would go in the Vietnamese would stop firing mortars and wait for the helicopter to touch down o They would then try to shoot the helicopter with mortars He made several trips in and off of Firebase Ripcord (44:31) The wind on the firebase was extremely strong and difficult for the helicopters His pilot was very good but never took unnecessary risks (45:29) o He would be flying the helicopter and coordinating everything on the ground as well o He was extremely professional His last trip into Firebase Ripcord was the day of evacuation (46:12) o He was with Harrison (Col. Harrison, the brigade commander) the entire day He watched other pilots operating around Firebase Ripcord and he did not believe that they had much of a chance to survive (46:38) They traveled from Camp Evans to Ripcord several times in the day (47:16) o They never touched down on Ripcord o He did not fire a shot the entire day o They were up higher than others (47:12) There were rockets and mortars during the evacuation At one point, the enemy fire had stopped and a Loach had to go and retrieve a Kit Carson Scout (48:43) He witnessed a majority of the evacuation The trip from Ripcord to Camp Evans was nearly twenty minutes (49:06) He believes the evacuation process went very well (49:18) Early in the evacuation, troops were worried about getting into the choppers because they were taking so much enemy fire (49:27) There was one Chinook that went down in the process There were several choppers disabled, but none went down (50:16) After Ripcord, he flew for nearly a month (50:40) He extended his time for a month so that he could receive early discharge He was given some light work at Camp Evans for a month and a half o He gained twenty-five pounds (50:55) If he had not extended his time in Vietnam, he would have had five remaining months in the Army after getting back There were some men at Camp Evans that took pills as drugs (52:47) In the South of Vietnam, there were a lot of drugs being used Camp Evans had a lot of marijuana use (53:28) By 1970, many of the racial problems were getting bad (53:54) o In the Minicav, all of the blacks would throw the M60 machine gun ammo into the bushes, pull out half of their water and food and then bum off of others for supplies, etc. o Many blacks believed that Vietnam was a white man's war (54:24) o Some refused to go out into the field �• • •  There were no repercussions against those men o The racial issues caused some fights (54:57) He spent thirteen months at Camp Evans in total He feels that internal problems had become worse while he was in Vietnam (56:41) After he was done flying, he had other assignments such as: building a basketball court, burn things, pull guard duty, build a clubhouse, etc. (57:07) o He would only have to pull bunker guard once a week o Everyone in aviation had to do guard duty Leaving Vietnam – After the Service – (58:05) • • • • • • • He left Vietnam through Cam Ranh Bay (58:10) He flew a Loach from Camp Evans to Phu Bai o There was cheering when the plane took off o They stopped in Japan and then eventually landed at Fort Lewis, Washington (59:50) He was at Fort Lewis for fifteen hours No one ever tried to talk him into re-enlisting (01:00:28) There were protestors that were very far away from where they landed Once he returned home, he returned to his job at a cigarette factory (01:01:58) o He worked for a week and then put in his two week notice He eventually bought a farm for himself to work o He was always self-employed � 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 MooreL1451V Title A name given to the resource Moore, Leonard (Interview outline and video), 2012 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Moore, Leonard Description An account of the resource Leonard Moore was born in North Carolina in 1949. He volunteered for the draft in 1969 and went to basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and then to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for infantry training. He was then sent to Vietnam, landing at Cam Ranh Bay, and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He flew up to Camp Evans and was assigned to a rifle company in the 187th Regiment, but was with them only briefly before accepting assignment to the rapid deployment force, known as the "minicav" that the brigade was organizing. He served as a helicopter gunner with this unit for several months, and when the unit was reorganized and lost its helicopters, he transferred to the brigade's aviation unit and served as a door gunner, mostly on the brigade commander's helicopter, through the Ripcord campaign in 1970, and stayed on for several months before returning home and being discharged. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource McGregor, Michael (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. Army Vietnam War, 1961-1975--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 2012-10-05 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/6390b6ed5e3a255bb26e5a513cbd21ac.mp4 5dd06c9db3f1a577407316e5feb4a10f https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3b9207659543fdf5e5b7c0c57be308a3.pdf 21b331ebd729a85848593beffd549975 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University All American Girls Professional Baseball League Veterans History Project Interviewee’s Name: Mary Moore Length of Interview: (36:56) Date of Interview: August 7, 2010 at the Reunion of the Professional Girls Baseball League Interviewed by: James Smither Transcribed by: Lindsey Thatcher, November 18, 2010 Interviewer: “Alright, today is August 7, 2010 we are at Detroit Michigan at the reunion of the All American Professional Girls Baseball League and talking this morning with Mary Moore of White Lake Michigan. The interviewer is John Smither of the Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project. Now Mary what we are going to do here is basically just follow your story. And we are going to begin at the beginning. So why don’t you tell us where and when you were born?” I was born in Detroit Michigan. Interviewer: “In what year?” 1932. During tough times, the depression era. Interviewer: “And what did your family do for a living in those days?” Well my dad was a jewel die maker and well after when we moved out to Lincoln Park Michigan when I was about 5 or 6 years old, that’s where I actually grew up and graduated, Lincoln Park High and that was our main resident area. He worked for General Motors, Cadillac division, Ford Street in Detroit. (01:10) Interviewer: “Now how did you get involved in sports initially?” Well probably like most of the women, I mean well you know, I played out in the fields with the boys Lincoln park you know, well it wasn’t very populated. There were a lot of fields out there where we lived at that time. We were like the only house in fact; there was one other house on the lot on one side of the street and maybe one or two on the other side. So there were a lot of fields out there and we would take them and cut the weeds down and make our own ball field. And of course if you get it to the white field we were out and we didn’t have enough players but it was always something to go out to the field with the boys. I had an older brother that had a paper route. Detroit News and it was a weekly paper. And so I would help him on his paper route to earn money. So I was the one who always would come up with bats and balls and the equipment. So if the boys wanted to play ball or any sport be it football, basketball, they had to come get me first. So, so I was never left out. (02:23) �Interviewer: “Alright were there other girls that would play too, or was it just you?” No there was hardly, I can’t even remember any girls in the neighborhood basically so, and if there were they were down the street or quite a ways away, or they just weren’t interested. Most of them weren’t anyway so. Interviewer: “Now at your high school were there girls teams and girls sports?” No, not heavily in high school back then. I graduated in January 1950 and in our senior year (03:00) we were allowed to take one hour of gym. And then we had to share the basketball court with the boys and we’d take half the court and they would take the other. But we had no organized sports at all for the girls. Interviewer: “So how did you wind up hooking up with the All Americans?” Well like I said I had been playing ball with the boys there was that and always we had a Detroit Tigers in Lake who played short stop for the Tigers oh back when he lived about 3 miles from us and he would come out and play ball with us and he would pick the ball up and I would learn how to judge fly balls and things like that. And basically teaching the guys but you know I was watching and doing it too and he would take the students to the Tiger’s stadium to the ball park and at that point I got a baseball and autographed a little autographed book like Hank Greenburg (04:00), Dick Wakefield, George Kell, and all those guys back in the late 40’s. So I still have the autograph book but I did have a fire in my place and I did lose the baseball. And so I mean, you know I was a great sports fan and but it started in when I graduated from high school oh my high school English teacher, Mrs. Nelson, put me in touch with another lady who had graduated. I hadn’t heard anything about it, I mean it wasn’t widely known around you know, especially in big cities. So she put me in touch with Doris Kneel who was already trying out. So we went down to Crown Recreation in Detroit. There were a lot of girls from the Detroit Michigan area. In fact Michigan has more (05:00) girls in the League than any other state. And so that’s where they would go to practice in the winter time. So I went down there because I needed the practice. From there one of the girl’s fathers was a scout. And Helen Filarski then took me in down to South Bend with her for the tryout of the spring of 1950. Jobs were hard to find back then. You know you graduate from high school and then there was really nothing. I mean I was willing to sweep floors or do anything but there weren’t jobs out there, kind of like today. And so anyway Helen took me to South Bend for tryouts. We were there for 2 weeks. And of course I hadn’t really played anywhere for ball or anything (06:00) but I was you know, quite athletic. And so after two weeks of spring training, of course they had a second baseman there, I can’t even remember who it was now. But they sent me down to Chicago for 2 more weeks of training. And there we had a lot of girls trying out. They picked 15 girls for the Springfield Sallies team and 15 girls for the Chicago Colleens team and… Interviewer: “We’ll get back to that in just a moment I want to go a little bit back and talk about the try outs and training. Were you, you went to South Bend. What was the set up there? What were they trying to do to South Bend when you went there initially?” �Just I guess, see if I they make the team or how good you were. I guess you know, they invite people you know that maybe that [?] father might have saw playing ball and they said you know we need a good player and they say go ahead go and try out you know. (07:08) Interviewer: “And what would they have you do when you were trying out?” Well it’s kind of funny because all these Veterans down in Detroit in Rockville asked, what position do you play? I said well any place, you know, you know they got, anyplace you want me to I could play you know out in the scrub games you know I could be taught infield outfield whatever, well you can’t tell them I can just play anywhere, so they wouldn’t think you were any good. You got to tell them you play someplace. So they go over to all these Veterans, my friends and so they say well third base that’s a really hot corner, I said well I don’t know about that. Shortstop then you would really have to arm and move around; well I don’t know about that. First base, well you really have to stretch and dig them out of the dirt, better not tell them there. Outfield you really need a strong arm, and really you know move, well I don’t know about that. Why don’t you tell them you play second base…so I did. I told them I played second base but I hadn’t. So I get there and I watch you know, and I thought how hard can this be? Well it was a lot harder I guess than I thought it was. But anyway I was out there and the manager says (08:30) “How old are you?” and I said seventeen, “Well then act like it, don’t act like an old lady. Move!” I thought ok. So but I must have done something fairly decent because like I said they sent me on to Chicago for two more weeks to make me hit on a different team they didn’t need me there in South Bend so. Interviewer: “Now when you went to Chicago how many other women were trying out at the same time as you were?” Oh, probably about a hundred. (09:00) Interviewer: “And out of that hundred they were going to take…?” Thirty, two teams. They were going to be a traveling team kind of like the farm hunt system team and so we had fifteen each team. And we had to make our way on a bus and sat by the chaperones and managers and so we toured all over the country you know, playing games. We went to twenty one states and Canada in three months. And we played seventy seven games of the ninety game schedule we got rained out the rest. And we played Yankee Stadium before a Yankee game, we met Joe DiMaggio, Casey Stengel, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, and all those guys were playing and of course if we had known that now, I mean we’re there to play, we’re in our uniform. We had nothing to do to get autographs or having no idea how big (10:00) this thing really was you know. So I mean, we just played our game and then you think about it now and you think wow, you know. We played on Yankee Stadium. It was quite a thrill. We were also playing in Washington D.C. Griffins Stadium and all along the way places. We would tour so after the 1950 season and I got drafted by Battle Creek. �Interviewer: “Let’s go back again into a little bit and let’s talk a bit more about that barn storming season there. First of all explain again, you have there are two teams, and the two teams, tell us who the two teams were?” Springfield Sallies and Battlecreek Belles. Interviewer: “Ok.” Oh no, I’m sorry. Springfield Sallies and Chicago Colleens. Interviewer: “Right, ok and you were with…?” I was with Springfield. (11:01) Interviewer: “You were with the Sallies, ok.” In fact my baseball card says Springfield Illinois, instead of Lincoln Park Michigan. Interviewer: “Well, alright. How did they manage this physically, with moving you around the country like this? So you’re riding around on a bus, you’ve got your chaperones your manager with you and so forth, and then what do you do when you go from town to town? What’s the routine?” Well most of our games were at night, and so we would play a night game for two hours and shower and get back on the bus and basically travel to the next town, maybe try to sleep on the bus. And the day was ours if we didn’t want to try to sleep or catch up on your laundry, and do something like that. But you know, you would have a lot of time. So when we were in New York though we were right in the city (12:00) and we were able to go at night, and you know a couple things like that basically traveling at night, and they were small towns so they didn’t have many entertainments or anything like that. But most of us were quite young so we really weren’t into going out or anything like that. We had a, we had to be at the ball park for two or three hours before the game for the warm-up. You play a 9 inning game and you get done and you are a little tired. So then we get back on the bus and travel to the next town. Interviewer: “And did they have any particular rules or regulations regarding your conduct or your dress or anything else like that?” Well that was strictly enforced. We could not wear blue jeans, shorts, slacks, or anything out in public. You had to be in a skirt (13:00) and a dress. If we were on the bus in the middle of the night and we stopped at a rest area, we could get off, nobody there, but you aren’t allowed off the bus unless you got a skirt on or a dress so we used wrap around skirts so you just had to hurry up and put that on then you could get off the bus. They had strictly enforced, well all the rules were enforced. Like we had bed check every night, if you were caught out after bed check well you would be fined or sent home. This one girl she didn’t go out after bed check, she went to the vending machine, and she got caught and she got fined and it was paid. All of that was pretty big money back then. Well they could’ve sent her home, and if she disobeyed really bad they could �be sent you home because along the way on this tour (14:00) we were kind of on a farm system there were try outs at these towns. Now if they found someone that they was doing better than you, who you got to go home and pick up this other player. So we didn’t want to do anything to be sent home so we obeyed them. And you know things were different back then anyway. I mean discipline was pretty much normal for most families. You know, times have changed a lot now and things have got a lot more lax and federal government won’t let teachers discipline the students and just all kinds of things that have changed so I mean you know it wasn’t even hard for us because we were brought up that way. Interviewer: “Ok, now at this point did they make any effort to teach people how to dress or do things with their hair and make-up and stuff or was that long gone by then?” That was gone by the time we started, but we did know the rules and stuff (15:00). You didn’t disobey that, if you did it would be bye. Interviewer: “Ok, what as you were touring around these different places, what kind of response did you get from fans? Did you draw big crowds?” Oh yeah, we kept up a good attendance. We had a PR man and I’ll give his first name Murray. He would go he had he would go to these towns and he had newspaper articles and every time we would get into, we would take turns of being on the radio broadcasts because there was no TV wasn’t anywheres around yet or it was just starting. So they had good press, and also during this firestorm tour half the proceeds would go to a local charity at that time. So you know, people were very supportive, it was something new and different. So they were coming out, because like I said with gas rationing you can’t go too far (16:02). And so depending on what town it was, how many people, sometimes two, three thousand sometimes maybe less. But we had fans and they were very appreciative of grand ball we played. Interviewer: “And what about when you played in Washington or New York Stadiums? Was it, before a game; was there a crowd there already? Yeah there was quite a few yeah, that was a big deal. Yeah that was before the Yankee games there was a lot of people coming in. I don’t know if it was if they knew about the game. I’m sure they must have but it was a lot of people. Interviewer: “Alright, so you kind of go and you do that for three months. With fifteen players on the team you are playing most of the games right?” Oh yeah, about every game. Interviewer: “Alright, how did you turn out as a second baseman?” (16:59) I guess very decent. I was involved in a lot of double plays and the first year I led my team in almost every category, hits, runs, RBIs [?], home bases. I was involved in a triple play and I got it unusually, there was no force outs, they were all tag players. And there was two girls on, the �first and second a girl would bat hit the ball out to the outfield, a base hit, the girl on second tried to score, well they threw the ball on then and run her down and tag her out. Well meanwhile the girl on first rounded second going on towards third. Well when they got the other girl tagged out they started to run her back and the girl that hit the ball she was heading towards second so I was standing on second as they both came to second I just pop pop and one side and the other and they were all out. So… (18:01) Interviewer: “Alright, well that’s pretty good. Ok, so if you were leading your team and hitting double bases, were you stealing bases yourself?” Oh yeah, yeah I had quite a few stolen bases. Interviewer: “Ok, had you known anything about base stealing before you had joined the league?” No, not really. Just watching the major leagues and stuff like that so… Interviewer: “Ok, were there particular tricks to it that you could use or could you read certain pitchers or…?” Well yeah. It depended on who was pitching, how slow they were, or what their rules were you know… Interviewer: “How many pitchers would a barnstorming team have?” Let’s see, maybe about six I guess. I don’t know. Interviewer: “Ok, so if you are always playing the same team than you probably learned those pitchers pretty well?” (18:56) Well yeah, we had bets back and forth. If I get ahead of you tonight, you owe me a milkshake. You strike me out, ok I’ll owe you one. Interviewer: “Alright, of the people you were traveling around with are there some they you became particularly good friends with, or just stand out in your mind as being really distinctive characters or really good players?” Yeah there was, there was several. There was a lot of them that were international, we had Cubans, we had a few from Canada, and all over the states so. But we had a lot of good players, too many to mention. Interviewer: “Ok. Alright, so you get through that first season. What happens when that season comes to an end?” �Well you go home and you look for a job for the season, which again wasn’t really easy to find but I had a high school girlfriend that was working in a small (20:00) automobile shop so they happened to need some work so I got a job there, I sort of wish I hadn’t but it was work you know. And, but towards the 1951 season started, January 30, 1951 I had a puncture accident. I kind of messed my hand up a little bit, making Packard rings. You dart on and I kind of just jerked it back at me and I got in the way and it got all my fingers. I didn’t get them all but it messed up the others too. So that was in January and I did go to spring training in ’51. Which they ended up not taking me, they didn’t want to be responsible. You can’t reach the ball with your glove you kind of automatically reach with your bare hand (21:00) and they were afraid that if I line drived or something like that that I would get my hand torn open again, it was still pretty tender. I went to therapy like 3, 4 times a week just to be able to go to spring training. The doctor said that most people would still be kind of carrying their hand in a sling, and I said, well I have to play ball. But any way they did call me up towards the end of the season. They had other injuries and of course my hand was a little better. So I went back and played a few games in ’51. Interviewer: “And who did you play for?” Battle Creek. Battle Creek drafted me after the 1950 season. I played second base there also. So anyway that as in ’52, after leaving my team in 1950 it’s a little bit more difficult now and the ball, to throw the ball and to grip a bat when some of the muscles don’t work. So I wasn’t feeling as well, but I did go back in ’52. I played. Two weeks before the end of the season I was sliding into second, Fort Wayne, twisted my ankle and Joe Fox [?] my manager carried me off the field. So I was done for the ’52 season. So in ’53 when I got the call back I just didn’t go back. I got another job. So then I was disappointed in myself because I knew how well I played the first year and now I’m not batting any good, I guess fielding was ok but bat hand was suffering, and I figured that really I was just keeping somebody else from playing and they should have a chance (23:00) and of course not knowing it was the end of 1954 anyway it was the end of the season. So after that you’re supposed to sit out five years before you go back to amateur softball after playing in the professionals. But because of my injury one of the softball teams got my reinstated after two years so I was able to go back and play fast pitch in softball. Interviewer: “Did you go back to Lincoln Park for that or did you go somewhere else?” Well Lincoln Park for, well you know I went back home and lived for a while, but I played all over Michigan practically. Over eight or ten different teams throughout the year so we won a state class A championship one year, and class B one year, class C. So then I played softball, now softball I played whatever position, whatever they wanted, catching or outfield or infield. Wherever they gave me I would play so. (24:09) Interviewer: “Now when you were playing softball on these teams, did people know that you had played professional baseball?” Probably not. I mean you know it wasn’t a well known thing. Even at work I didn’t really tell them that I had played ball, that’s not true everybody played ball. So when the movie came out �they asked why didn’t you tell us? I says because I did tell you, you just weren’t listening. But that was my quite experience. Interviewer: “Now after you left the league, did you stay in touch with any of the players or any of the friends you had made?” Oh yeah, yeah, I had a real good friend Jo (Joanne) McComb from Pennsylvania. And we visited back in forth (25:00) for oh years. You know I would go there and she would come to my house and meet my folks and meet her folks, stay in touch, and stay in touch with a lot of the others. But not quite as close as that. Interviewer: “Now as the League’s, the former players began to get there together and create a players association, this kind of stuff before the Penny Marshall movie came out, were you connected with that? Were you involved in any reunions or anything like that?” Oh yeah, there was you know the first one. There was probably maybe two that I’ve might’ve missed all through the years and that was probably because I was taking care of my father, so but like I said all but probably two. Interviewer: “And did you, were you involved with any of the things that are around, connected with the movie?” (25:57) Yeah we went to Smokey Illinois for 1991 for try outs about sixty some were there and it was about forty three, forty five went out of Cooperstown for the filming of the movie and so I was there. We had a fan for the other movie, we’d stop and take a picture and walk in the hall of fame. To give credit when we were at our reunion game I was the one that slid it home. Shirley Burkovich was trying to tag me out but I was safe and she was a little mad but then I was playing left field at one point and I had to help out on a rundown play between second and third, they didn’t throw me the ball but I was running back and forth and when they zoomed on the bench I was the first one that they zoomed in on and hand out players. We were there in Cooperstown for eleven days for that five minutes at the end. So we know and appreciate why movies cost so much putting us all up and everything like that, for that five minutes. (27:10) Interviewer: “Ok, you mentioned going to Smokey for try outs. Now you were already a player, who was trying out there?” Well, they wanted someone that was active enough and in good enough health to be able to do some of these things and we were kind of like helping the actresses you know showing them trying to show them how to throw the ball, how to catch the ball, throw it and things like that. So when they said they didn’t want somebody they couldn’t move them around. Interviewer: “And how did that go? How well did the actresses learn the job?” �Well some of them, pretty well. I mean a couple of them were already pretty athletic. Betty and Rosy O’Donnell (28:01). Madonna, she needed a little more work and some of the others. She had her little dance steps kind of tone and all but they said she was one of the hardest working ones and she got banged up and got hit the head with the ball, she was batting and different things like that. And so she, I think, personal opinion as long as she wasn’t the star in the movie she was ok. And we were a little apprehensive when we found out she was going to be in the movie and Penny Marshall assured us that she would do good and it would be ok. Debra Winger was actually supposed to play the part of Geena Davis and we don’t know why Debra Winger backed out. We heard rumors that it was because Madonna was going to be in it. But you know that was just a rumor, who knows? Could have been just a conflict with her schedule, it was a great movie (29:04). Interviewer: “Were you happy how the movie came out?” Yeah I figured it was probably about 85% accurate. There was you know some Hollywood in there you know, we certainly didn’t treat the chaperones like that poor lady and managers didn’t come drunk or you know into the dressing room unless everyone was fully dressed and there were allowed to come in or we would go out there so, but that was they had to make it funny and that it was. But Penny Marshall, she was great and so were the actresses. Some of them actually come to our reunions out there in California. There were about five of them last night we were out in California so it’s really, it’s really nice. Interviewer: “Kind of an unusual thing for a movie. Most movies don’t have that, quite that amount of standing power or effect on things.” (30:03) Yeah. Interviewer: “Now also, as you started to go into the reunions you got involved in actually recording short interviews with the other players. Tell me a little bit about that.” Well I always had my camera with me and I snapped pictures so the association asked if I would be willing to I guess the board had talked about you know to start to preserve history. And they asked me if I could do a few interviews and I was like “Yeah I always have my camera with me”. So I started doing about 5 to 8 interview of all the ladies, and I’ve got about 184 of them done now. They are about 5 to 8 minutes kind of, you know not as lengthy as we are doing here but about how we got started, who they played for, their managers, the chaperones, and kind of what they’ve done since and things like that. The short version maybe of the what’s going on now. (31:07) Interviewer: “Sure. But it’s also very valuable because you got started a lot earlier before we or other people did, so you’ve got stories of people that aren’t recorded anywhere else.” Yeah because a lot of them are gone now. I do have short interviews and sorts. 31:22 �Interviewer: “And as we move forward with this project we will track down physically where they are located and that information will go up on our website and so our project here, but basically so we’ll make sure that people if they find us can also locate where those are because they are going want to see as much as they can certainly. So alright… Well if they can’t, I mean I’ve got copies of them. Of course they are on VHS and I’m not sure, the longer I’m there they will deteriorate but… Interviewer: “We’ll make sure that all that is digitized by somebody so we’ll still have it certainly. Now as you look over your time while you were actually playing what do you think the effect of that experience was on you? What did you take out of it or learn from it they stayed with you?” (32:07) Well a lot of it would be like friendships I made. And you know it taught you to not be not be afraid to be out in public, playing in front of 2,000 people who aren’t bashful and people. Of course the discipline was always there but that always helps too. And just…almost everything you know. Without that I don’t know where half of us would have been. It gave us the opportunity to be able to go on to school, a lot of them did. I never did, my parents couldn’t afford it so I wasn’t able to attend or continue but there are others that really had beautiful opportunities to be doctors and teachers. It was a wonderful experience and you can’t even put into words. (33:09) Interviewer: “What did you end up doing? Did you have a particular career? Or did you just do different jobs?” Well I worked at the Michigan Bell for 35 years. I was central office supervisor. And that was inside the central office where the wiring and everything, way back before all this technology. Ladders about two stories high and we would be running wires about a block long and dragging them inside, there was a guy connecting them outside people’s houses soldering and having a tool pouch on I was the supervisor of the ladies who did that so… Interviewer: “Did it help you just to go out there and be a supervisor having worked with a lot of people?” Yeah I think so yeah. Just being out there I mean being on a ball field on a base is kind of like directing traffic half the time you know and you just kind of take charge a little bit you know, I mean play towards the outfield, you call a play and tell them where to throw the ball and this and that, you are just kind of out there taking charge. Yeah so I believed that helped a lot. (34:22) Interviewer: “Alright, now you played a lot of softball. Did you do any coaching at any time?” �Yeah I did I coached a couple times the Wyandottes, some younger girls. And I coached one of our teams that had a well class C I think championship and after that I kind just played so… Interviewer: “Alright, and did you kind of follow the growth of women’s sports? Title IX? Just adding more teams and things in the ’70’s and ‘80’s?” (34:58) Yeah I did quite a bit. In fact I played been playing slow pitch up until this year up in Warfield. I was their pitcher and I kept telling my young kids as long as I can catch it or dodge it, I’ll play it. But this year I was so busy with our reunion and fundraising and going to meetings and this and that of course I still bowl and golf, I just really didn’t have time to play ball this year so. The first year I haven’t played. Interviewer: “Alright, now back to when you were actually playing. Did you think of the league being this pioneering or significant or was it just playing ball?” You know, it was just playing ball at first but I mean when everything else comes out the movie and everything people keep telling you, you know thank you for this and that you know, then it kind of registers. But originally I was doing what I loved to do (36:00) and you were getting paid for it like a job so that didn’t really register until things just kept getting bigger and bigger and getting fan mail from all over the country, kids and not just kids adults you know. Veterans and stuff like that write wanting autographs, it’s just…it’s just awesome, it’s amazing. It just blows my mind that people are still so interested in wanting all this stuff, our autographs and pictures I just think it’s great. I just hope it never dies. Interviewer: “Well we are doing our best to make sure that it doesn’t. Alright, you actually got a good story and have done a good job telling it to us. Thanks for coming in and talking to us today.” Thank you. 36:47 � 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 All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Interviews Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was started by Philip Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs, during World War II to fill the void left by the departure of most of the best male baseball players for military service. Players were recruited from across the country, and the league was successful enough to be able to continue on after the war. The league had teams based in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, and operated between 1943 and 1954. The 1954 season ended with only the Fort Wayne, South Bend, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Rockford teams remaining. The League gave over 600 women athletes the opportunity to play professional baseball. Many of the players went on to successful careers, and the league itself provided an important precedent for later efforts to promote women's sports. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/484">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection, (RHC-58)</a> 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 Sports for women World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American All-American Girls Professional Baseball League--Personal narratives Oral history Baseball players--Minnesota Baseball players--Indiana Baseball players--Wisconsin Baseball players--Michigan Baseball players--Illinois Baseball for women--United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, 49401 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-58 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Language A language of the resource eng Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-10-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) 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-58_MMoore0575BB Title A name given to the resource Moore, Mary (Interview transcript and video), 2010 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Moore, Mary Description An account of the resource Mary Moore was born in 1932 and grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan. She played ball with the boys in vacant lots in her neighborhood growing up, and met some of the Detroit Tiger players who lived in the area. She was recruited into the AAGPBL in 1950, and played second base that season for the Springfield Sallies barnstorming team. Their season included games played at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., and at Yankee Stadium. She was drafted by the Battle Creek Belles for the 1951 season, but an offseason injury kept her from playing that year. She returned to the league in 1952, only to have another injury cut short her playing career. After baseball, she worked for Michigan Bell for 35 years and continued to play and coach softball. When the league began holding reunions, she recorded short video interviews with 184 former players, coaches and chaperones, which are now archived with the league's collection in South Bend, Indiana. 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.) Video recordings All-American Girls Professional Baseball League--Personal narratives Baseball for women--United States Baseball Sports for women World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Baseball players--Michigan Baseball players--Illinois 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 2010-08-07 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/484">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Collection, (RHC-55)</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/cad444f55e6549fd561375653e875887.jpg 7135086dc661a6ba29abfc56c0c88755 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 Seidman Rare Books. PS3551.A6578 L37 1908 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_Bindings0127 Title A name given to the resource The Last Voyage of the Donna Isabel Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Moore, T. Guernsey (Designer) Description An account of the resource Binding of The Last Voyage of the Donna Isabel: A Romance of the Sea, by Randall Parrish, published by A.C. McClurg & Co., c.1908. 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/InC/1.0/?language=en">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 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1908 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/8d168eed82105904cdb00145da05435c.mp4 04fc75a0d6f479c0b8db26b650c64ef6 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0f0a4bebb54e5f61748daa4c59a2798e.pdf a34d47390336445fea63a9bd9703facb PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Don Morell (01:00:18) (00:10) Background Information • Don was born in Ludington, MI in 1926 and raised in Muskegon, MI • His father worked in a factory • Don had been at church when Pearl Harbor was attacked and realized that he wanted to join the Navy • Don did not finish high school, but enlisted in 1944 when he was 17 year old (6:30)Great Lakes Naval base in Chicago, IL • Don went through basic training in January for six weeks • They only had basic training and no time for any advanced training • Don was taught Navy rules and guidelines, weaponry, physical exercises, and spent a short amount of time on nautical knots • They were then shipped to California and waiting to go overseas • Don waited about six weeks in California and was able to go out at night to watch movies (11:00) Overseas • Don boarded a troop transport ship and left California • He did not know anyone on the boat and the water was very rough; many people were getting sick • They arrived in Pearl Harbor in April and it was a beautiful place, though there was still much damage from the attack • Don was then called to be a passenger on a sub, which was strange because only he and one other man were pulled • They later found out that they were going to Midway, but did not know why they were chosen • Don chose to work in submarine service so that he would not be stuck on the small island of Midway • He was assigned to a Submarine Relief Crew to help prep subs for switching over crews and locations (16:05) Midway • Don was sent to Midway and continued to help switch over crews on subs • He was there during his 18th birthday, which was D Day in Europe • Don worked at Midway for six months until December 1 • He spent much time fishing, catching tuna, shark, and dolphin • Don was later brought back to Pearl Harbor to form a new Squadron Relief Crew (18:45) Brisbane, Australia • Don then traveled to Australia and took a train across the country to Perth �• • • • • Every area of Australia had different gauges on the trains, so they constantly had to switch to different trains as they traveled Don traveled along the coast through Sydney, Melbourne, and through the desert They ate mutton three times a day and it made many of the men sick Don continued to work on refitting submarines and was eventually called out to go on submarine service He was not worried at the time, but later learned that 1 in 5 subs were sank (24:40) First Submarine Patrol • Don had been very eager to go out on his first sub patrol • On the first night they had damaged a small freighter and after a destroyer had been looking for them the next day; they sank the destroyer • The Americans were very much in control of the Japanese shipping lanes • Don was a lookout, working one hour on and one hour off • He learned a lot while he worked on the sub because he had such a short training experience in Chicago • Don also worked on the air manifold (31:10) Sinking Ships • Altogether they sank about 11 ships • After sinking a ship, they could expect a depth charge attack • There were about 4 depth charge attacks that were quite close • The worst experience was when they had been on the surface and the radar had not picked up a plane nearby, which dropped two bombs very close to the sub • The sub was usually submerged during the day and on the surface at night (36:50) Daily Sub Life • Don did not mind being submerged for half the time and not seeing sunlight; he slept most of the time • The men spent time watching movies, reading, and playing cards • Free time was boring and most of the men slept for 12 hours a day • They had two large meals a day at 8 am and 8 pm (44:20) End of the War • Don had R & R in Australia for two weeks and really had a great time • The Australians were very nice and treated the Americans well • He had been in Australia when the war ended and the bars had to close early because they were all out of beer and liquor • Don was then sent back to the US through the Panama Canal • Everyone that 18 months or more overseas was immediately discharged • Those who were older or had dependants were then discharged • Don was still only 18 years old and so he had to continue working • He was decommissioning submarines for about 6 hours a day and had nights off (50:50) Discharged May 1946 �• • • After being discharged, Don traveled back to Muskegon and began working for the telephone company for about four months He then worked for a friend in a heating outfit for a few months and later opened his own heating company, where he worked until he retired Don joined the VFW and the Submarines Veterans of World War II � 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 MorellD Title A name given to the resource Morell, Don (Interview outline and video), 2008 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morell, Don Description An account of the resource Don Morell was born in Ludington, MI in 1926 and joined the Navy in 1944 when he was only 17 years old. He was sent to Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago, IL for basic training for about six weeks. Dan only received basic training and was then sent to Pearl Harbor. He was then chosen for submarine service, where he worked on submarines through the transitions of crews and locations. Dan worked in Midway and Australia during the war in the Pacific, went on several submarine patrols and was discharged in May of 1946. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum (Muskegon, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans United States. Navy World War, 1939-1945--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 2008-09-18 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/e034af4199a2ddad581f156cb665d9fb.mp3 4e3853da05ee8c8fabba76008a419197 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5051d490a498b542a21a3c49172b94da.pdf 1b924b6c437157333ae70fc75811477d PDF Text Text Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 1 Alyssa Morgan: Oh Now its going. Oh thank god. You’re right. I pressed it twice. Okay, not it’s recording because see the time is, it want doing anything before. Alright, sorry. This is Alyssa Morgan and I’m here today with Karen Morgan, my sister at the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Center in Douglas Michigan on, June nd , 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’m interested to learn more about um, your family history and your experiences of summer in the Saugatuck Douglas area. Can you please tell me your full name and spell it? Karen Morgan: [Whispering] You didn’t say I was your sister. [Pause] Karen Morgan K A R E N M O R G A N. AM: Okay, um we’re going to start with questions about um, for someone, seasonal residence because Karen was here in the summers. So, how and when did you first come to Saugatuck Douglas area? KM: Okay, um, right after I graduated from high school, it was 9 and I actually started um when the restaurant in the, on Lake Macatawa was newly opened, um, Point West and I was the first group of waitresses that they hired and I knew nothing about waitressing. The Holland experience was a whole new experience for me and I really flubbed up a lot, ordering, went to the bar one night to order a daiquiri and I got mixed up and called it a Dykstra. So we had a lot of exciting adventures trying to be a waitress at the newly opened West Point um, restaurant. Um, but the next summer, I came here with my girlfriend and um, that’s when we settled between Saugatuck and Holland in a little rented cottage. [Whispers] Do you want to go on with that? AM: Yeah, well I was going to say, what were your first impressions of the area? For that, even like the first year, in Holland. KM: Oh the first year, oh the first year was just an exciting time for me, um, I got, I got introduced to the Christian Reform religion from my landlady who would not allow me to um, wash my uniform on Sundays and um, but you know it was just generally, that was the first year away from home, it was a very exciting time, just to have an adventure and meet new friends and do something on my own, um, the next year, I don’t know if you want to ask another question, leading question? AM: Oh um, no you can go ahead. KM: Okay the next year when I came with my best friend and we also both, um, worked at the restaurant um, until she got fired because we talked too much, together while we were working and so she ended up working in um, at the Butler in Saugatuck. So that drew us more into the Saugatuck area um, and we stayed in that house, until about the middle of summer, until we um, our partying got a little bit out of hand and our landlords told us we had to leave. Um, in the meantime my girlfriend Meryl had a big, great big car, used car and um, it didn’t work always properly, in fact it wouldn’t go in reverse at one point and she had to drive around the cottage to get to the road to go to work every day because it wouldn’t go in reverse. We thought, you know now I’m laughing at it, but at that time it was kind of traumatic but we, we also still joked about things like that because we were so young. I was also on a, it was a very freeing time in our little cottage between um, Saugatuck and Holland. AM: And where was it? You don’t, you don’t know what road it was? �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 2 KM: Well actually, when my girlfriend came back to visit one time, we actually tracked it down and tried to find it and we finally did think that we found it, it had changed a lot because it was just like a little cottage on the side of this house, I mean a cottage that hasn’t being inhabited. AM: 64th or 62nd, or? KM: Yeah one of those streets. AM: Yeah between the two. KM: Um, and but, I remember from that time, some of the songs I was telling my sister about this but just trying to just think about back to those time that it was um, I am the rock, Simon Garfunkel Mrs. Robinson from 1966 this would be um, course I was always trying to lose weight and look good, so I was on a rice and fruit diet that summer, so all we had in the fridge was a big joke. We had fruit and beer. [Laughs] AM: Not much different then you have now except you don’t have the beer. [Laughs] Okay. KM: Okay, go ahead. AM: Okay I was going to say, okay did you have a summer job locally, and then how old were you? So you were like, right out of high school? KM: the first summer and then 19 with my girlfriend, yes. AM: Yeah, yeah. Um, let me see what was that experience like, um, did you, oh, tell about the, the bird center, because didn’t you get? [00:05:02] KM: Okay, so after, to continue, after um, we had to leave our little cottage, we we scrambled around to look for a place in Saugatuck and at that time, um, there was a place called the Bird Center and this was a popular place for waitresses to um, live during the summer while they worked um, each room had a birds name on it and the lady who owned it um, lived behind us and that, that building still stands on. AM: It’s right on Lake Street. KM: On Lake Street. AM: And someone told me, and I don’t know, remember I told you that someone told me just recently that that lady um who owned it, and I don’t know if it was the same one, but I think it was, just died. KM: Died. Okay. AM: No that long ago. KM: That could be. Um, so I remember a couple of the girls that were actually there, Bridget um a big busted gal real sweet she was always trying to exercise and lose weight a woman named a a friend named Barb um, so it was right there kind of where we could just right in the center of town so we could, we were really centrally located. AM: How much did you pay, do you remember? �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 3 KM: I don’t know. I can’t remember, I just remember that there, my sis, my girlfriend and I had to share a bed because that was, we just had this little room with one bed and there was always sand in the bed because we’d always come in from the beach. And our sheets were always full of sand. AM: Oh! I know something that my sister was telling me that was really funny about Mom and Dad not knowing where you were living? That was the first summer? KM: Uh, listen. I was telling her that the first summer, oh, no it would be the second summer when I was with my girlfriend we came over here looking for a place and actually tried to find a place in Holland at the time because we were both going to be working in Holland and there was a little apartment and um, we thought we might get, but then it fell through and so we had to sleep in the car. But we can’t, Alyssa can’t figure out why my parents wouldn’t know where we were staying. But I do know while we were at the Bird Center, one day we looked out the window and there was my girlfriend’s father, Tony walking around looking for Marilyn so. AM: Because he didn’t know where she was? KM: Yeah! AM: And of course that was before cellphones. KM: Oh yeah AM: Or anything like that. Ah, let me see [inaudible] Oh, did you spend time on or near the water and what activates did you participate in and where did you go? KM: Okay well we went to the beach, uh, I actually have a photo of me that was in the newspaper from um, being at Oval Beach um, I do remember just loving to walk to the dunes, um, see where we, I came, I came from Hastings which was miles inland and we had many lakes there but we were um, as a, as a small child we used to come, children we used to come and um, vacation just like for a day at Lake Michigan and that always was a big deal we didn’t do it very often. AM: And we usually went to, Holland. Or Grand Haven or something. KM: So I was drawn to this area, we had experienced it just a very little so I, I mean I just was always drawn to the big lake and we didn’t use the beach I remember, I remember sun bathing in the dunes it was just so beautiful. AM: Um, if you stayed in Saugatuck did you ever go to Douglas and if you were in Douglas did you ever go to Saugatuck? We’re discussing this every day. KM: Okay, uh, we don’t, I don’t remember anything about Douglas at all. AM: Yeah, nothing, right? KM: Nothing, it was just the word Saugatuck and we stayed around there. AM: Interesting, yeah. Okay. Uh, were there any other places or institutions um that were important to you here in Saugatuck at that time? Like any other, I guess it would be like even restaurants? KM: Arts. �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 4 AM: Yeah, okay KM: Well my girlfriend when she came back to visit me she uh, thought that the Sandbar might have been there for, I mean she felt the Sandbar was there when we were there. I don’t remember it. But of course she worked at the Butler and then, of course the Coral Gables was, was the big um, place and her boyfriend, um Rocky Driver who was from Detroit he was a bar, he was a bouncer at the um, the bar down below. What would I call that, The Old Crow I think they called it? I think it’s called the Old Crow. So that was the center of activity and I do remember um, actually you might have a… AM: Question? KM: Question later on about this. I’ll go on. AM: Go ahead. KM: Oh, okay I was just going to say, in front of the Old Crow I was just telling her husband this morning, but in front of the Old Crow I do remember this, they had a um, it was considered like a party town uh they, they did have like a some kind of truck or camper or something parked in front of the old Coral Gables and they were giving out free Martinis to everyone. [AM Laughs] They were. AM: Did they check your IDs? KM: I don’t remember, but I just remember that I never drank martinis after that. [Both laugh] AM: That’s funny, okay let me see I think I got most of these, a seasonal, okay how did you first come to Saugatuck, why did you first come to Saugatuck? KM: Who I came with. AM: To get away from mom and dad? What as that like, your first impressions, how long you’ve been coming to Saugatuck, what else, where else do you live during the year, okay well, um, who did you come with, with your girlfriend, okay, what was this area like then? Um, what was your favorite place to eat in the summer? Did you, you probably didn’t. KM: We didn’t eat out much, although you know we did work at the restaurants so we probably just ate at the restaurant a lot. [00:10:04] AM: Yeah. Because you kept working there, the second summer, right? KM: The second summer then I actually worked in a bar at the, towards, right towards the end I was a bartender. Although in those days of course you couldn’t drink. I worked at, yeah I was a cocktail waitress at Point West. Um, and but of course because, I couldn't, I wasn't for me to drink although I serving was cocktails. AM: Right. �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 5 KM: Yeah. AM: Yeah, yeah. Um, where did you guys, so you just ate the restaurant, don't you remember, and you had that, kitchen in the one place. The bird, the Bird Center, they didn’t, they just had a room. KM: You’re right. Yeah, okay. I don't remember where we ate. AM: You don’t remember. KM: That's right. I don't know. AM: Um, I, I want to ask about students because you were student then because, um, we're you saving money for, for college? KM: Um, yes. AM: Yeah. KM: That's what I was here for. I was a student at Western um, and I did lend $60 to my girlfriend's boyfriend called Rocky Driver, who he never, never paid me back. AM: [Laughs] And that was a lot of money in 1960, 6 was it? Was it the second year? KM: [Laughs] Yes. AM: Yeah we figured it's probably about $300 now, or more. Um, well this question, you know this is for the students, says for students but, how did your first hear of Saugatuck Douglas. I guess it would just be because you got their job at the… KM: Yeah I don't know. See I used to, when I was, you know, in school that's what kids used to do. We used to, you know I guess they still do but I mean, you know, we used to go to places and I had looked at Lake George in New York. AM: Oh, right. KM: You know, and it was exciting or you went to Fort Lauderdale, in those days. So this was actually the closest place, you know and they needed, needed waitresses. AM: Right. Let me see, how did you first year in Saugatuck Douglas, okay. Who did you visit the area with others from your school, family members, we kind of talked about… KM: I can tell a little bit more about Point uh, Point West a bit. I just remember there was um, Stan was the um, was the mean Chef, the head chef that you know no one, he, we were scared of him because everything had to be perfect, and we didn't ever do anything right. And Martha was the head, the oldest waitress that was, would go into complete fits if you didn't get your omelet fast enough and it fell before you served it, and then I started dating Danny the bartender. AM: Oh, right, and he was, I'm not being interviewed this is Alyssa, but Karen foxed me up with a blind date. I was still in high school and I came over and I had a blind, blind date with, was he a bus boy or something? KM: His name was Warren. �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 6 AM: Warren. KM: And Alyssa dressed all in white, she looked so cute. AM: One night, that was it. [Laughs] Okay, um so we're going to go onto questions about life, work, and shenanigans. In Saugatuck Douglas and you’ve answered some of these but there might, there might be some others. How would you describe Saugatuck Douglas to someone who has never been here and, I, I assume that means when she was living here but you might want to say both? Um, and how would you compare the area to other places you’ve lived or worked? KM: Okay. AM: This is a good time. KM: Okay, so we'll talk about um, the idea that I actually started out here um, like right after high school of course drawn to the water and the freedom of um, a resort area and what happened is I actually ended up um, on the East Coast working for Eastern Airlines as a flight attendant, so I lived in Boston for four years and then I was drawn again to Cape Cod, south of Boston, and that, that is it was an island, or I mean a peninsula basically as you know, surrounded by water and beaches and really a more free lifestyle which probably started when I started living in Saugatuck and sort of formed my opinion of that kind of um, a beautiful nature area, but also, um, you know people are drawn to it for um, interesting ideas, and art and then we actually when Alyssa moved down there also, we all done together and we lived on the lower Cape and then actually ended up living at one point um, in Provincetown which would be, you know similar to Saugatuck in some ways. Um, you know on the east coast, you know there’s a more, a New York influence of course but then I got very interested very involved in art from living in uh, in Provincetown, and of course we had the beauty of the beaches and water, just like here, and so then when I came back to Michigan for, um, some more family um, involvement and security, with, with my elder relatives and I again was drawn back to Saugatuck. I used walk a dog, we didn't have any place that I walked this dog in Hastings and so um, I started going uh, okay let's just go to the beach. So I'd take her to the beach and then Alyssa started coming with me and then I brought my Dad over, um he was like 90 years old and I would take him to Wally's. We’d go to the coffee shop, Uncommon Grounds and he would go to Wally's and have his cocktails and so, Saugatuck is actually been sort of, uh reflective of my life on the East Coast a little bit smaller scale but something I can still get involved with, with the still freedom of the beauty and the water and um, people that are involved, you know the fun people that are coming here to have fun. [00:15:27] AM: Uh, and how long did you live on the East Coast a number of years, right? I do know, but. KM: 30 years, 30 years. AM: 30 years so she was gone long time. Um, really, and so was I. Um, so you compared to other places you’ve lived or worked, okay. In what, in what ways has the area changed? KM: Okay. AM: Over the time you've been here or been coming here. �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 7 KM: Okay. Uh, now see when I was here as a young person I really was working and just, you know dating, meeting guys and that kind of thing, um, having new girlfriends so I wasn't that involved in the culture so much I can actually think about it, um, you know in a more mature way but um, I do know since I developed artistic um, uh interests on the East Coast when I came back here I started getting more interested in the, in the arts that you have here and got, got, I go to Oxbow sometimes and see what's going on there and so forth so I know that was already here but I really didn't know too much about it, but I think it has developed more in, in the, with the arts. [pause] And restaurant development. AM: Oh yeah, I was going to say like housing and, how is that, is that changed? KM: Well housing, I'm sure, I don't know so much about the housing because we don't, I don't live here but. AM: Yeah. KM: The restaurants would be also something that are, is actually a lot better than, you know, course long time ago. AM: Yeah, yeah. KM: A lot more variety and, okay. AM: Uh, well this question you kind of answered, why was Saugatuck Douglas your destination of choice in the summer. I mean you. KM: Yeah, it gave me a sense of freedom. AM: Um and you, can you tell us some of your favorite memories of being here in the summer or uh, poignant memories or sharp? KM: Kind of vivid? AM: Yeah, vivid memories. KM: Okay, so I'm going to um, recall a story that was uh, sharp, it, it was a sad story actually but it was part of what had happened this summer. Um, when my girlfriend was dating uh, Rocky Driver from Western. He, they were from Detroit, he was in Detroit so his, his best friend was named Bruce. And so they would drive over in their motorcycles to come see us. And I sort of start hanging out with Bruce, um, real nice guy, he was going to Eastern College, Eastern, Eastern University so they actually ended up renting a little, a little cottage and be on the left side of, would be across the street from us. What's our street? AM: Lake Street. KM: Lake Street. So that be on the, the inlet that comes in. Okay, that's, I think those are all gone now, of course. They were, they’d be on the left hand side, right on the water there just a little cottage that were available, so they start renting those. We, this is just more like midsummer probably and um, anyway one night um, after it was like a Friday night, almost sure Bruce and I, he came over to see, and I was at the bird Center and I'm remember exactly what I wore I had this little white crop top I had borrowed, borrowed Barb and low slung, you know, blue hipster pants and sandals, and we sat in the �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 8 porch for a while I sat in his lap and we had a nice time and we walked down town to the ice cream shop and I think ice cream shop is probably still there or at least it's the same area. It was there then and we, and he, he, he had um, mint chocolate chip ice cream, just was a nice evening together and we went back to his, down to his little cottage and we started drinking you know I don't know what beer and stuff wasn't hugely a party or, at that point. But anyway then after a while, and Rocky was I think, uh, working at the, as a bouncer that night so he wasn’t at the cottage and then um, a few people showed up later on as the evening, evening wore on and um, Bruce was outside and I was supposed to go the next day to Detroit with him actually because his parents were in vacation in Canada and we were supposed to go the next morning to Detroit to have a party for the weekend. So, um, our weekend was kind of planed. Well he goes outside he starts up, I'm kind of just with my girlfriend, kind of out of it because I drank too much and stuff, so I run out, I hear the motorcycle run, running so I run out and say where you going, he said I’m going for a ride well he took this woman for ride her name was Ann from Lansing. I didn't know her but they, they go and off and no big deal so then but he never came back and I got later and later and later and I just thought wow what happened you know this is weird, really weird so I finally go home and I'm walking around with Barb. I was really upset at that, at that point and didn't know what happened, so I go back. I go to bed and I hear our land lady from the bird Center comes in and says there's been a fatality. Well I jump out of bed and, a motorcycle fatality, so anyway I run down of the cabin and sure enough Rocky and Marilyn were there and Bruce had gotten killed on his motorcycle. He got, he had gone out and taken Ann on a ride and came back and that big curve on Lake Street on the, on the curve there, this is before they used to have to wear helmets. He must've hit the telephone pole and um, hit his head evidently and broke his neck or something and died right there at the scene and Ann had broken her leg. So of course we just were all totally in shock and um, he was such a nice guy, a real nice guy, you know just sweet guy. A student, twenty one years old. Anyway so we did go and we rented a, we had a, I had my old black Ford and we actually went to a funeral in Detroit after that but um, I called my Dad and he said, I think it's time to come home. [Laughs] So that was kind of the end of a you know, a great summer but still you know we had, it was a great summer and he did have a good time while he was he was here with Rocky on his motorcycle so, you know, that's kind of the starkest memory in the summer. [00:21:08] AM: Yeah. Um, where there a lot of motorcycles around then? KM: Um. You know. AM: There's a, there’s another question about it here. KM: Yeah. AM: It said um, what type of shenanigans did you get into, were you a participant, an instigator, or bystander of mayhem? And I love that word mayhem and shenanigans. [Laughs] Yeah, okay, and what was your impression of law enforcement? Did you ever get involved? KM: No, not really. AM: Did you ever get caught or see someone else get caught and what happened? Caught doing, I don't, I'm not sure really what, but I don't know if that be like drinking under age or doing some… �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 9 KM: Yeah I’m, this, we were just all kind of, it was sort of innocent behavior when, at that time, in those years. I mean from my, my experience. I never saw anything really. AM: Yeah. KM: Too crazy or too wild but then again you know, I wasn't here that long it wasn’t out late at night particularly, you know? So. AM: What special events, if any did you attend in Saugatuck, things like music festivals, motorcycle races parties? You've talked about the parties. KM: Yeah. AM: Did you ever go to any parties that were you know like invited, you are invited with a whole bunch of others? KM: Yeah, you know, I don't, I don't remember that so much. AM: Yeah. KM: I don't remember it. AM: You were probably working a lot weren’t you? KM: Yeah, I don't, I don't number. AM: Yeah, um, and were these organized events are informal, everything was, was it formal? KM: Everything that I knew was pretty informal. AM: Uh huh. KM Yeah. AM: Uh huh. Describe a scene of mayhem. I guess you know, Bruce. That's not really mayhem, but I guess that would be the closest to… KM: Yeah. AM: Something being very upsetting or? KM: Yeah. It, well it changes your life in some you ways, you start to, you grow up faster when see something like that happen. AM: Yeah. KM: Yeah. AM: Um, well there’s. KM: And then also when my girlfriend, um, when she’d come to visit me, we, I would bring her over here. AM: Yeah. �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 10 KM: Marilyn, we would go to the coffee shop and of course we had… AM: And Marilyn, um, you might want to say, just say some about Marilyn, having, having left kind of, kind of, I mean she well, no she stayed in Michigan for a while and then she left Michigan. KM: Yeah she went to Detroit. AM: Yeah. KM: And then went to Colorado actually. AM: Yeah. KM: Lived in Colorado most of her life. AM: Are you in, you don't know any of the other people? KM: Oh. Any up here? AM: Yeah. KM: Um, no I don't, I don't. AM: Where are those girls from, Barb and, did they go to college or? KM: Yes, I, I probably? AM: Probably? KM: No, I don't really remember it’s kind of how, you know how it is when you get, when you. This is an interesting thing because, since it's all about memory. AM: Yeah KM: You sort of have since I've been talking about this with Alyssa, things have actually come, um, clear. You know a little more clear that never even thought about it all, so that's been kind of interesting thinking about what had actually happened, my memory. But there seems like, it's just like anything with memory there's certain, there's certain shots or certain slats, a sliff, uh what’s the word. AM: Slice? KM: Slices of, just memory. So I'm not, I'm not doing a real big full picture here because I, I think that is like anything you remember when you were young. AM: Yeah. KM: You think of, just sort of… AM: The outfit you had on... KM: Yeah! Yeah but after that I mean all the time in between that kind of, you know it's kind of a blank. AM: Did you have to wear a gold uniform? KM: Yeah it was gold. �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 11 AM: [Laughs] I remember that! KM: It was gold, gold and white shoes and a little white blouses. You know remember the golden uniform? AM: I remember they were, ugly. KM: Yeah. AM: They're like that real... KM: Actually the bar, bar, tender, I mean a bar maid. I got to wear a white blouse with white ruffles in front. AM: Oh. KM: Like, more V-neck and a, and a burgundy skirt. AM: Oh, burgundy. KM: Yeah. AM: Because we used to have to wear, I wore black I think, one time. KM: Okay. Yeah, that was… AM: Everybody did? Everybody wore the? KM: Yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:25:00] AM: Um, also oh you might want to say something about um, Mary Cook's cottage because wasn’t that where? KM: Oh! Okay. Well this is might be the way that we were introduced to this area. AM: Yeah. KM: Okay. AM: In a way. KM: Okay, um, my father's uh, parents friend Mary Cook and her husband Les used to have a cottage that’d be right back behind where the restaurant was. So, and those, those were. AM: That was, um? KM: Point West. AM: Point West. KM: Yes, okay in Holland and they, they’re was these, [pause] adorable, um Lake Michigan cottages. Old cottages and there was like planks that went out to the beach you can walk along the plank between the cottages and you’d walk out to the beach. And we allowed, we were allowed, I think we probably rented �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 12 from her, or she allowed, allowed us to stay, our family I'm not sure. But we stayed there a few times. Um, and we just loved that. So that was probably one, another reason I was drawn to this area. AM: Yeah, uh-huh, and we don’t know if those cottages are there, right? KM: I don't think there, I think I looked for them when I came back here actually and I came back, and that’s that gated area back there. AM: Oh. KM: There’s like a gated area now. AM: Yeah. KM: You have to go through the gate and it's, I don't know if they might have maintained some. I don't know about this. AM: Yeah. KM: They might have maintained or remodeled them somehow. AM: Yeah. KM: But the whole, the whole feeling of the old cottages is not there the way was. AM: Yeah. KM: Yeah. AM: Because we don't, well I shouldn’t speak for you, but spending time in Holland really, you know. KM: Yes. You have to go back and look, you don't you have to go back and look for that. Which I did when I first came back here I did go back and look to sort of retrace my steps and um, I couldn't find but I did find some areas that were familiar, you know a little bit. AM: Um, let me see if there's any other, is anything that we haven't talked about that you wanted to talk about? Um, there's a couple actually, a couple of these looking towards future, is kind of interesting. KM: Looking towards the future? AM: Well there’s a couple, let me see, there’s one, um. [Pause] Oh, okay this is a good one. Remembering that this interview will be saved for a long time, when someone listens to this tape fifty years or plus from now, years from now. KM: Yeah. AM: what would you like, what would you most like them to know about your life and community although this is not really where she lives, but, you know. KM: Okay. Okay I will, I will um since I'm very much into nature and so is my sister and uh, my friends, we’re into nature preservation. Um, and so my experiences living on Cape Cod because the Kennedy's established the national seashore there and, and, saved the beaches which is what makes it so very, very special for everyone that lives in this country. Is that our conservation, the, the, what is it the �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 13 alliance group that’s here? That's been fighting so hard to protect, to protect our beaches and our marinas areas, um or actually not to develop new marinas. Uh, this for the Historical Society is something that really needs to be looked at and, and supported where we are preserving what we have here. Because otherwise this interview wouldn't, will not be taking place in the future. AM: Yeah. KM: You'll not be having people here that want to come here because of the beauty um, unless you, we as a community work really, really hard to keep what we have so we, so our generations behind us can have the same kind of experiences that I, that I have experienced. AM: Good. Very good, I, I agree. KM: Okay. AM: Uh, and then this, this is kind of goes along with it but any advice for the young person who may listen to this tape? KM: Oh, I don't know. Just um, just a way to open your mind and meet new people and maybe sort of, um, if you get involved in volunteering or work is to um, to be able to um, grow and um, contribute to your community. Get involved in projects that would that um, that would make the um, the community more, more livable. It's a great place to live here so I think that be something that um, young people could not only work but also just um, enjoy it, but also to contribute in some way. AM: Yeah, I, I’d say one thing that was interesting, Karen and I were talking about um, yesterday is we were talking about, we wonder and we don't really know how many young people come from college. KM: Oh. AM: Yeah, and work like they used to do. KM: Is, is housing um, affordable? AM: Affordable? I mean this is just kind of an open question, it's not even… KM: Because I Cape Cod the housing is not affordable for, um college students any more. AM: Yeah, to come and work. KM: So we don’t know if that’s… AM: Yeah. KM: Is that, is that something? AM: We don't have the kids here or, know you, grandchildren, so we don’t know. KM: But that’s a good question. Is there being, is there being um, affordable housing provided somehow. AM: Yeah, and do they, and do they need, um… KM: More support? �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 14 AM: Young workers, well, young workers. KM: Oh! AM: You know, in the stores and restaurants I don't, we, we don't even really know that question. KM: Yeah. [00:30:00] AM: But, um I mean maybe it's fine. KM: Yeah. But that would be a different… AM: Um, maybe it’s totally changed. KM: May be a different experience of people. AM: Yeah, yeah, yeah, because that was probably, I asked Karen this um, couple days ago and we were talking about, um, if she remembers if a lot of people were, were living like she did at the Bird Center. KM: Yeah, I think they were. AM: Or, you know young people that working, coming in saving money. KM: Yeah, and that's why was much so fun. AM: Yeah, because um at that time and because I'm four years, I'm not trying to take over your interview. KM: No… AM: Because I’m four years, you know younger but I was within that same generation basically what um, young people. I don’t want to say everyone, but so many of us, that's what we did, because we, we had to contribute to paying for our university um degrees or going to college. KM: Yeah. AM: Just put it that way. KM: So you had to have enough affordable housing that you could still save money. AM: You could still save money and that's what happened on Cape Cod, that you know, they can no longer really do that. KM: Yeah, so the community should, should look at that. AM: Yeah I, yeah I don’t know if they still do. KM: Yeah. AM: Um, is there anything else that you'd like to share that I may not have asked you about? Is there anything else? KM: I can't really remember. I'm still um, still enjoying the beaches and… �Karen Morgan – Interviewed by Alyssa Morgan June 15 AM: Yeah, and we went swimming! KM: And we're swimming, I’ve been swimming since um, well in Lake Michigan, well we went this weekend. AM: Last week, last weekend. KM: Last weekend, um, and we love that coffee shop in town, of course. So, we think Saugatuck is just as great as it ever was fifty years ago. AM: [Laughs] Very good, very good okay. Thank you very much for your, so much for your time and for sharing your memories with me. Memories that I've heard about before, by the way since I'm her sister [Laughs] KM: And thank you for interviewing me. AM: Yeah this concludes the interview, I’m going to see if I can turn this off now. [00:31:52] � 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-MorganK-20180604 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morgan, Karen Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-06-04 Title A name given to the resource Karen Morgan (Audio interview and transcript), 2018 Description An account of the resource Karen Morgan moved to the Saugatuck area after she graduated from high school and began waitressing at the new West Point restaurant in the 1960s. In this interview, Karen reminisces about her young adulthood in Saugatuck. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Morgan, Alyssa (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Saugatuck (Mich.) Allegan County (Mich.) Outdoor recreation Beaches 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/57b9a689a5f93da0caf9cbdfd8dca434.mp4 cd9bc5011a3c719584100ed5e9531321 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/92352f1a68dfbfa1bc7cc5547b9569d8.pdf 946bb18b5be4abe8b8db390abbd4309e PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Notes Length: 7:35 Daniel John Morley Veteran United States Army; 1987 to1993 (0:00) Life before the service (0:30) West Point Military Academy • 19 years old • Picked West Point because of prestige • Discusses the strict regulations and military training like jumping out of airplanes, rappelling from helicopters, etc. • Learned discipline and teamwork • Never fought in war (4:24) After serving • Became a teacher • Father of three (5:35) Most memorable moment at West Point • Near death experience during training at West Point o Military training accidents are often known as “acceptable losses” • Jumped out of airplane with the wrong parachute. The one Morley jumped with was actually a better parachute however it was not one that he had practiced using. When he looked up at the canopy, Morley saw two huge holes (which was how this parachute was designed but Morley was not familiar with this design). Morley grabbed his reserve parachute and was about to release it but paused. At that moment, the parachute with the two holes in it began working. • Had he released his reserve parachute, the two parachutes would have gotten tangled and he would have died. (6:41) Closing • Brief discussion about the rigors of freshman year at West Point • Advice to students � 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 MorleyD1 Title A name given to the resource Morley, Daniel John (Interview outline and video, 1 of 2), 2006 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morley, Daniel Description An account of the resource Daniel John Morley served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1993, earning the title of 2nd Lieutenant. In this interview, Morley discusses his four years at West Point Military Academy; the rigors of the program and the intense training that included jumping out of airplanes and helicopters. One of the most memorable moments in his military career was jumping out of an airplane during training with the wrong parachute. Morley never saw combat. After the service, he became a teacher. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Bacans, Lauren (Interviewer) Forest Hills Eastern High School (Ada, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Other veterans & civilians--Personal narratives, American Veterans United States. Army 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 2006-05-30 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/696794bb5b81a4c3fe722b2df3551b2c.m4v edcaab3f6debe933a5db467889a1fe67 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4a4d153d187f5c3115f0db78fbdeb459.pdf 822b80ea992695fb18ddd2f45e86c754 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Interviewee’s Name: Daniel J. Morley Name of War: Other veterans & civilians Length of Interview: (00:16:00) Pre-West Point Born in 1968 in Youngstown, OH (0:06) Went to an all Catholic private school (0:20) Went to West Point in 1987 after a year at the University of Michigan (0:38) Military was his first choice, but had to try twice to get in (0:57) West Point Loved training, and West Point had the money to let them be trained on anything they might encounter in the military (1:05) Very professional training (1:30) Was at West Point for four years (1:45) It was partially educational, but also had to do many physical things like obstacle courses (1:50) Also had to do military-related things in the summers: Drill sergeant, worked with a mayor (2:15) Single mission of West Point is to build leaders (2:30) Totally different world in West Point (3:00) Food was pretty good at West Point, very nutritious (3:35) Went through 4 years at West Point through the same class, made many friends (4:15) Freshman year is purposefully stressful (8:20) Have to memorize an incredible amount of things (8:30) Many great opportunities while at West Point (9:00) Went to airborne school after West Point (13:30) Went to El Paso so he could work with the Patriot Missile system (13:40) Spent 2 years in Washington, never saw combat (14:00) Post-West Point Military isn’t a good family job, became a teacher after West Point (4:30) Easy transition, got his current job because he went to West Point (5:00) Wants his kids to serve, but also doesn’t want them to die (5:40) Went to the University of Puget Sound for his teaching degree (14:30) �Returned to the Midwest to teach (14:45) Would never go back, but it was a great experience (15:30) � 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 MorleyD2 Title A name given to the resource Morley, Daniel J. (Interview outline and video, 2 of 2), 2007 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morley, John D. Description An account of the resource Dan Morley was born in 1968 in Youngstown, Ohio. After a year at the University of Michigan, he was accepted at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in the United States Army from 1987 to 1993, earning the title of 2nd Lieutenant. Morley never saw combat. After the service, he became a teacher. After his time at West Point was over, he received his teaching degree from the University of Puget Sound and teaches in Michigan. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Brandyn Hoekstra (Interviewer) Forest Hills Eastern High School (Ada, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Other veterans & civilians--Personal narratives, American United States. Army 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 2007-05-27 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/5c5b54e2c3c49f20e5ef387c7e97c0fc.m4v 7922fc54c8b8d6e9da88b8d350c5b2fa https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/09d67de4b6589e26ef6e3985068f28a5.pdf 9f89a9205b2e50a74b39512d7e775bcf PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Interviewee Name: Wyatt Morren Name of War: Vietnam War Length of Interview: (00:35:16) (00:25) Background Information    Wyatt was born on April 12, 1947 in New Orleans He was 18 when he enlisted in the Army in 1965 Wyatt became a sergeant first class and spent 8 years in Europe, 1 year in Panama, and 26 months in Vietnam (2:35) Training  Wyatt trained at Fort Knox in Kentucky from May 1965-December 1965  Boot camp was kind of scary at first, but also very exciting  They spent much time exercising, working on rifle training, and combat operations  Wyatt also went through technical training for tank maintenance at Fort Benning, Georgia (4:40) Vietnam  Wyatt had been sent to Germany for a few months before he was sent to Vietnam to work on a Forward Maintenance Unit  It was very exciting for him to be in foreign countries that were so different from the US  Wyatt was in Vietnam from 1966-68 and then he worked in Panama for 1 year  He was then sent to Vietnam for another 6 months until he had been wounded  Wyatt was wounded when the Vietcong had broken through their perimeter and an explosion caused shrapnel to hit him in the face and he dislocated his knee  He spent time in various hospitals recuperating for 6 months and then spent 6 years as an instructor in Texas  After working in Texas Wyatt was sent to Europe for 8 years, until he returned to Texas and retired (9:10) Average Days  The food was tolerable, but terrible when they had to eat c-rations  They usually had enough supplies and only seldom would their supply train be unable to keep up with them  Wyatt was only able to call his family about twice a year, so he often wrote home  If they ever had free time, they would play cards, listen to the radio, or go swimming �(14:20) Europe  Wyatt worked in Europe where he helped stand guard near Czechoslovakia  He was part of an artillery unit, but they never saw any real combat  They diligently practiced combat situations that might develop out of the Cold War  They knew their enemy was watching and they wanted to deter any fighting (16:10) Panama  Wyatt worked guarding the Canal Zone, watching for rebel attacks  They guarded the ports of entry near the Pacific and Atlantic, trying to deter terrorist attacks  They only had real problems when there was an election occurring and political riots would erupt (17:45) Traveling  The men could take leave often between transfers and were allowed 30 days off a year  Wyatt traveled around Europe and found he liked Germany the best  He visited Bavaria, Munich, and watched the Winter Olympics  It was a very beautiful country and he enjoyed learning about its history and architecture (21:55) Retirement  Wyatt retired when he was 37 years old in September of 1987  It was a very strange feeling to have to go to work the next day when he had been doing the same thing every day for 20 years  Wyatt had been living with his wife, who was also in the military, near Fort Hood, Texas  They had gotten married in Denmark, had a child in Germany, and another in Texas  They eventually moved to Michigan and Wyatt got a job working for the United States Postal Service � 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 MorrenW Title A name given to the resource Morren, Wyatt (Interview outline and video), 2008 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morren, Wyatt Description An account of the resource Wyatt Morren was born on April 12, 1947 in New Orleans. He enlisted in the Army when he was 19 years old in 1965. Wyatt went through basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and then through technical training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After training Wyatt worked in Germany for a few months before he was transferred to Vietnam in 1966. He fought in Vietnam for almost 2 years and was then sent to work on guard duty in Panama. Wyatt also worked in Europe during the Cold War for 8 years and was an instructor in Texas. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ganzevoort, Jessica (Interviewer) Caledonia High School (Caledonia, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American United States. Army 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 2008-05-21 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/6c17b3a298c4907c588b923db9a506fc.pdf b5e5e86d3000b96b7dcdbdae764d6209 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/953933d85622f487270336f93337570f.pdf a0541c95fd0c32560b553ea880d32853 PDF Text Text Houston, Texas Nov. 15th, 1867 Friend, Lt. or Copr. T. H. S. Payne recd. a letter from you a short time since. I had the pleasure of reading it. Am very glad to hear that you are prospering and cinerely hope you will continue to do so. I am well and enjoying good times for a Soldier & I expect to be mustered as 1st Sr[?] Co “H” 37” Ills. the [?] of this week if nothing happens. We have more than a few promotions of late and I suppose you know them as well as I but[?] I will tell you as you may not �know is Capt Co “A” Stut rt [?] St. Hines 1st Lt Co “B” and no[now?] Capt. T.H.S. Payne is Capt. Co “G” and Sgt. Rose of Co. “E” 1st Lt. Merau[?] & Eastworkts[?] Co. “D” Day and Manger Co “E” although Day is commissioned as Mjr. Kewutley[?] is mustered as Mjr. R Kennicott was mustered as Col but the muster was revoked. Javeman and Cronk[?] Co. F [?] 1st Lt and Nurse Capt. Co “G.” Lt Merrill[?] and Myself Co “H” Capt Kennicott and Sgt. Stone Co I and [?] and Orderly Sgt. Co. “K” [?] changing sent there. I am surprised to hear of your being in favor of negro suffrage. I do not think there is one man in the 37” Ills who would vote for it and know I would not. I could buy a thousand �votes in every state with twenty Dollars no equality with me I should like to hear from you first rate and when you write please tell me whether a soldiers discharge is good for any thing [?] [?] was given at the time of his reenlistment if so I will get mine it never has been made yet Sowles[?] Dolps[?] and all send regards anf best wishes. Please write soon. There is not a stamp in the city of Houston that I can get therefore excuse me for franking. Yours respectively C.W. Morrill Hon E.B. Payne Chicago Ills. � 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/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-45_CW1-8286 Title A name given to the resource Hon. E. B. Payne from Wells C. Morrill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-11-15 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morrill, Wells C. Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Illinois Infantry Regiment, 37th (1861-1866) Suffrage African Americans Illinois Houston (Tex.) Description An account of the resource Letter from Civil War soldier Wells C. Morrill to friend E. B. Payne with an account of promotions in Co. H of the Illinois 37th Infantry, and his negative reaction to negro suffrage. 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> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Civil War and slavery collection (RHC-45): http://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/472 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/728e343d66b110929b446a27c9770ad4.mp4 f13b877d10ce767a684a65198d59c5c1 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1684d4225be7942bd0ae430a348da41a.pdf 1730a35cda1772412301ac7808f60485 PDF Text Text ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW EDWARD MORRIN Born: June 21, 1926 Boston, Massachusetts Interviewed by: James Smither PhD, GVSU Veterans History Project, Transcribed by: Joan Raymer, July 15, 2012 Interviewer: Mr. Morrin, can you start with some background on yourself, where and when were you born? Well, I was born in Boston, East Boston, Massachusetts. I lived in East Boston the early part of my life. Interviewer: In what year were you born? 1926, June 21st, 1926, and I was born on 37, Utah St. East Boston, Massachusetts. Interviewer: Did you grow up there or did you move around? Yes, I grew up there and I went to school there. Interviewer: What did your family do for a living? My father was killed early, so I didn‘t—he was a printer and my grandfather was a tugboat captain in Boston Harbor, so thought the period that I can remember the most was during the depression and we moved to 52 West Eagle St., East Boston. 1:01 It was there I grew up with a bunch of people. That place, let me describe it for you. It was a road that ran about a half a mile, tenements, and most of us were working poor because of the depression, but there must have been twenty-five or thirty of us kids, either a little bit younger or a little bit older than me, who were constantly on the street. And it was a great time to grow up; I had a lot of friends. I was approximately fourteen and a half years old when the attack happened on Pearl Harbor. We met every night, the kids, and we‘d listen to radio and know what‘s going on, and everyone wanted to go. I do not 1 �know of anybody who did not want to go and help. We had a couple of boys, I remember I can‘t remember their names now, who were 4F‘s, physically, unfit to go, and they cried like babies, it was terrible. 2:00 Most of them started to join the different organizations, from the coast guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and they all started to go. When I was seventeen I tried to join, but they said that I would have to have my parents‘ permission. However, I didn‘t have any parents; my mother had died a year before. So, I couldn‘t go and I was afraid to do it because I was afraid if something happened to me, my grandmother would not get the ten thousand dollars they were paying in those days. So, I didn‘t, I went down to the draft board with the other guys, and in those days—that‘s why you asked me if I was drafted, we all went into the draft board and told them, ―Ok, we‘re ready go and you can take us‖. So, October of—I think it was October, I‘m not sure of the date exactly, I was taken into the army. 3:01 I went to a local camp there and then I went to Fort Dix, New Jersey. Interviewer: Now, did you get basic training at Fort Dix? No, I went to Camp Wheeler, Georgia. It was the first time I had been in the South and I was really surprised because I had never seen any of this ―white only‖ and ―back of the bus‖, and that kind of stuff. But, Camp Wheeler was a tough place and we had a—I guess when it comes right down to it, our basic training was rough. We were brought in and within two weeks, they told us, ―If you guys go into combat, somebody‘s not going to come back‖, so that was always in the back of your head. I remember a Major standing up and saying, ―The guys who train the best, and know the most, will probably make it‖, but he said, ―All of you are not‖. So anyway, we trained hard and we went through the basic training and no trucks, we walked everywhere. 4:00 The biggest thing 2 �that I can remember is that after every days training, which one day it would be the M1 and then the BAR and then the machine guns and mortars, but every evening, just before retreat, we had a twelve mile speed march. What they did is, you were fully packed and you march for four miles and then each week they decreased the time, so you went faster and faster and it was a tough time, but I kind of liked it. Interviewer: How easy or hard was it for you to adjust to army life? Oh, I adjusted right away because, let‘s face it, it was the first time in my life that I got three meals a day, and I really adjusted to it, and I hate to say this, but I kind of enjoyed being in it, you know. Interviewer: So, it wasn’t a problem to deal with army discipline and following orders? Oh no, no, no, we knew this, and as a matter of fact, when I was going to high school, one of the Majors that were in the high school, used to say that the essence of a good soldier is obedience. 5:09 And that always stuck with me. Interviewer: You did what they told you. Oh, you know it, and they had sergeants that made sure you did. Interviewer: How long did the basic training last? Ok, the basic training was supposed to last about eighteen weeks. However, we all thought we were going to go to the Far East because the war in Europe, during this time, was kind of—we were pushing all the way to France and we thought it was going to be over. But, about three weeks before we finished all of us—they came in and said, ―We‘re going to cut your basic training by three weeks. ―You‘re going home‖ and they issued all kinds of winter clothes to us. So, I went back to Fort Dix, believe it or not, and then I got 3 �a one week furlough, or whatever you want to call it, to go home. 6:03 So, I went home, back to Fort Dix in one week, got all our gear together, got on a train, I‘ll never forget the train, and we shut the windows down and the shades, and away we went. The next thing I know we‘re in the port of New York. We get off the train and we‘re lining us, you know how the army lines up and all this kind of stuff, and I look up and I see the biggest ship I have ever seen in my life, and there it was the Aquitania. Later I learned there were three ships that use to go across the Atlantic without any escort, the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and the Aquitania. I don‘t know how many people were aboard that ship, but we were stuffed aboard that ship. We spent most of the time, I did, on deck because it was—the areas they had for sleeping, it was five tiers high, and inevitably, someone halfway up would get sick and vomit, and the place stunk. 7:09 It was run by the British, and we ate two meals a day, one in the morning about nine o‘clock, I‘ll never forget that, and then we waited all around the decks, and all this stuff, until about four o‘clock in the afternoon when they fed us something else. The eggs, I‘ll never forget it, we could pick up those eggs and we could throw them through the bulkhead. We headed out and the next thing I know, one of the guys says, ―it‘s getting hot, we‘re heading south‖, so I guess we must have headed south and the artillery people that were aboard this ship, we tested the guns and all that kind of stuff on this ship, ―What the heck are we doing going south?‖ Then all of a sudden away we went and headed the other way. 8:01 I forget, don‘t get me wrong, how many days, but it wasn‘t too much, four or five days, we were on the Isle of Man, in Scotland [presumably that passed the Isle of Man en route?]. Got off the ship, some of us went down the plank, some of us went over rope wires and all—it was unfortunate going down that way, you had to wait until the barge 4 �came up and anyway, we made it. We got across and we‘re in the Isle of Man and all of a sudden we look up and there‘s a bunch of railroad cars and we got up close to the railroad cars and there‘s an elderly woman, I call her elderly, she could have been maybe thirty-five, you know, I was only eighteen, and she started handing us all these little booklets, I‘ll never forget it, ―Welcome to Scotland‖. So I got aboard the train and we‘re all reading the book about Scotland and I was looking out the window, a beautiful place. The train kept going and going and going, and finally somebody yells out, ―Throw the book about Scotland away, here's, England‖, and they handed out these little books again, ―Welcome to England‖. 9:08 We went along and pretty soon, all of a sudden we stop, ―Pull down the shades‖, we pull down the shades. We couldn‘t have waited more than a half an hour or an hour and up the shades, and go forward. Later on I heard, I don‘t know if it‘s true or not, but a buzz bomb had come over or some damn thing like that, and then pretty soon somebody says, ―Throw away England, we‘re heading for France‖, and we went down to Southampton and we boarded another one of these troop transports. We‘re heading for France and we‘re going to—we didn‘t get on the beach, we went to the port. Interviewer: Le Havre? Yes, we got off there. Again, trains—as this was going on I had met a another fella, his name was Monhe, my name was Morrin , so every time they would call us it would be in the M‘s, and we got to be kind of like friends, you know. 10:14 We figured we‘re sticking together now, you know, and him and I, we got on the train and he looks up and he says, ―What do you think those holes are from up in--?‖ I looked up and I said, ―Boy, I don‘t know, they look like bullet holes to me‖, and they were, and apparently the train had been strafed or something, but away we went. I don‘t know how long it took us, but 5 �we went into Belgium, I guess. I‘m trying to think of the little town, we had a repo depot there, and we went in to the repo depot and just waited. It couldn‘t have been too long, two days, and all the units that needed people came to the repo depot. They called Morrin and Monhe and four or five other guys to get on a truck. 11:04 We got on a truck and we went to the 94th Division, and we went to the battalion headquarters. Another guy comes up to me and he says, ―You Morrin?‖, and I said, ―Yeah‖, and he said, ―Where‘s Monhe?‖ I said, ―Right here‖, and he said, ―Get into this Jeep‖, so we went into the Jeep, I can remember that, and we rode some more, and more, and more, and pretty soon he said, ―Ok, right here, get out‖. We met a guy, who I later found out was named Carpenter, who met us down at the bottom of this hill. He said, ―We‘re going up this hill, that‘s where your unit is, Company C of the 301st Infantry‖, so we said, ―Ok‖, and it was cold, oh my God was it cold, so we started climbing up the hill. Interviewer: Do you know about what date that was? Was it in January or February? Late February, and we‘re going up that hill and I can remember—now I‘m going to get into some real---you know. 12:05 I‘m walking up that hill and I see these bodies, German soldiers, and I said to myself, ―I don‘t know whether I want to see this or not, but I got to, I got to‖, so I start looking, and we climb, and climb, and climb, and finally I look up and there‘s a bunch of civilians and they were picking up German casualties, and they were as stiff as boards, and they were just piling them up. We got to this little; I guess you would call it a ranch house, not a ranch house-Interviewer: A farmhouse? 6 �Yeah, a farmhouse like, and down in the cellar of this farmhouse with a little light that they had, they lit up a candle, but they made it out of something, I don‘t know what, fat or something. They had a little candle, and I got down in there and they said, ―Ok, you guys sit over there and we‘ll get to you‖, and the old sarge comes over and he says, ―Welcome, you‘re with the outfit, sit down against the wall‖. 13:09 I said, ―Ok‖, and I‘m just waiting for something to happen and all of a sudden, that was in the evening like and I kind of slept against the wall that first night. The next day, I know this, they came in and called, ―Morrin‖, and I said, ―Yup, here I am‖, and they said, ―You‘re going out and be on the listening post. I said, ―What‘s that?‖ He said, ―Over the hill, on the other side, there‘s a listening post, a little telephone over there, and you‘re the eyes and ears over there. They come up that hill, tanks or anything like that, you let us know‖. ―Ok‖, and he said, ―There‘s somebody down there now‖. This was my first duty in combat, so I‘m going out, and I‘ll never forget it, as I was walking out the door I looked over and there was a German soldier, a young kid, maybe even younger than me, and he was propped up against a wheel and he had been killed right there, and it was just outside the house. 14:14 I‘ll never forget it, I looked right at him and I‘ll never forget that, It‘s just something that stuck with me. So, I said, ―Ok, let‘s go‖, so we go, and one of the guys said, ―Now, follow the boots‖, and I said, ―What? Follow the boots?‖ What they had done is they had taken a foot that had been blown off of these guys with the mines, and put them up and aimed them so you wouldn‘t walk into the mine field. So, I follow those boots, and there was only about four or five of them there, and got up over the hill, and I forget who I was with, but he pointed down and said, ―See way down there, see? That‘s where you‘re going‖, so I went down there and I got to the—it was a foxhole. 15:01 I 7 �got to the guy and he says, ―Morrin?‖ He didn‘t say Morrin, he said, ―buddy‖ or something like that and he said, ―I‘ve been here for so many hours‖, and he was old, a crotchety old guy, he must have been twenty-two or twenty-three. So, anyway, I said, ―I‘m here, I‘m your replacement‖, and he said, ―Ok‖. I said, ―What do I do?‖ He said, ―What you do is you keep a—see that bunch of trees down there?‖ I said, ―Yeah‖, and he said, ―If they‘re going to come, they‘ll probably come through there and counter attack‖, and I said, ―Then what do I do?‖ He said, ―You get on that phone, and you let them know back there that they‘re on their way‖, and I said, ―Then what?‖ He said, ―You get your ass going and you run across that hill‖, and I look up and I said, ―Will I make it?‖ He said, ―I wouldn‘t give you a bet on it‖. But, every once in a while a shell would come in and ―boom, and I don‘t know why they‘re popping us because they don‘t even get close. I‘m sitting there and that‘s the first one and I‘m watching down there and watching and watching and all of a sudden I hear this grrrrrrrr, and I said, ―Oh my God I‘m right in the middle of this damn thing. 16:12 I‘m looking, looking, looking and nothing and finally I think, ―Wait a minute, it‘s not coming from that woods, it‘s coming from up and it‘s one of our planes, one of our artillery observers‖, and that was a relief, I‘m telling you. Anyway, I got through that and my time was up there and I went back over the hill. That went on for days and then all of a sudden we got the word, ―the big one, the big one‖, and this had to be early March because we were there for quite a bit of time. All of a sudden, ―Pack up and get ready‖, so we pack up and get ready and the artillery started, and oh my God and whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo, you could hear all this stuff. 17:07 They put these things in the back of our helmets and they would illuminate, so you could see it, and that was it, you followed that helmet, if you lost that helmet 8 �you‘re—you know. So, we went down the hill, climbed down the hill and went into a flat area, and then I started hearing some of these kids that had been hit, and they were coming back, groaning-Interviewer: Was this in the night? Yes, it was getting into the night. Interviewer: So, that’s why you had to follow them? I had to follow them, right. So, we kept following them there and pretty soon I get the word, ―A lot of snipers, find a hole and get in it‖, so I got in the hole and you could hear p‘ting, and this kind of stuff, you know, and finally one of the old—I don‘t know who it was, one of the sergeants, came by and said, ―We‘re going to go across this plank bridge, and they‘ve been knocking some guys off that plank bridge, so get across that bridge as fast and as you can get‖, so we got up and we went across this plank bridge. 18:11 We got on the other side and I realized later our objective was to go up a hill on the right hand side and go all the way up the hill and take that portion and open up the whole thing, so you know, so they can come through. I learned that later, and we‘re going up the hill and it‘s getting a little bit light now and all of a sudden somebody said, I don‘t know who it was, said, ―Form a skirmish line‖, so we form a skirmish line, and we kind of waited there for a while and then somebody yelled, ―Let‘s go‖, and up we went, and we expected to meet the Germans right there, but they took off. They took off, man, when they saw us coming; they took off and down the other side of the hill. We went up to the top of the hill and that was our objective that night. 19:03 Then they said, ―Dig in, we may get a counter attack‖, but you could not dig in, my God, that ground was like cement and we could only dig so far. 9 �Interviewer: Were there German foxholes up there? There were some, yeah, but they weren‘t too deep either. What we found, which was great, we found blankets and we found, and it was great—we had K rations, are you familiar with K rations? Interviewer: Yes They had the German version of K rations and they had sausage in there and it was just great. They had blankets that were better than ours, I‘ll never forget that. Those old brown blankets we had, they had better ones and I took one and wrapped it around me because it was ungodly cold. So, we were up on top of the hill and all of a sudden one of the older guys came over and he said, ―Now, I want you to listen to this‖, so I would listen and artillery would come over, ―Boom, that‘s ours, listen now‖, and then all of a sudden you would hear ―whew, whew‖, and that was theirs. 20:12 From where we were, we could look down and we could see that the engineers were building a pontoon bridge across this river, the Saar River. Anyway, we were there and we just sat there. We said, ―Hey, this is great, they‘re firing over us both ways and we were up here and nobody‘s coming into it‖. I forget how long we were there on the side of the hill, but then came that night and it started. There was nothing but one drive, I won‘t go through all the details because I can‘t remember them all, but it was one drive after another. One time they put Monhe and me as points, you know, the out in front man, and we go into this little town and it was melting like, so we got up on the side of the road and climbed and went right into this town. 21:12 There was no Germans in there, and we took over that town, I forget this one, but the next day in comes a bunch of Germans. They didn‘t know we were there and we had a little firefight and all that stuff. Later on I learned that 10 �the Germans didn‘t think we could get in because that road we were on was mined and because it was so bogged up and everything else, we climbed on the side just by sheer luck. But anyway, this went on day after day, and day after day, and tired, holy moly were we tired. The other big incident I remember—we were going down this valley like and shells were coming in, boom, boom, and bouncing around and came down on one of the guys that came over on the ship and he yelled off, ―Hey Morrin, I‘ve been hit‖, and his whole neck had been-- 22:07 I got so mad, I had never gotten so mad in my life as that, I could have—that day I could have killed anything. What we did, there were holes and we get down at the bottom of the hill there was holes up in front, which was occupied by the other battalion and they had pulled back because they were worn out. We moved into that area and it was some German places too. Then I heard somebody say, ‗We aren‘t going to get any artillery‖, but there was two or three German guns up ahead. ―We aren‘t going to get any artillery‖, you just have to get up out of those holes and go after them. We waited and waited and then all of a sudden our old sarge said, ―Let‘s go‖, and we got up and put out a skirmish line. We went after them and I have never seen a bunch of guys so irate in my life, and those Germans moved out, but we got the gun. 23:01 As got through it and on the other side, apparently our artillery or our air corps, somebody, shot them up bad and they were laying all over the place. That went on and on and then pretty soon, ―Get on trucks‖, and we got on trucks and went a few miles up the road and, ―Get out of the trucks, go through these woods and flush them out‖, and we did a little bit, and flushed them out and captured prisoners, but we took no snipers, if we thought it was a sniper—well, what can I say? Interviewer: But, you were taking some prisoners at that point? 11 �Yeah Interviewer: Were these mostly young kids? Yes, and I‘ll go a little further. One kid came up and myself and my buddy were going to shoot him and I looked at him and he couldn‘t have been fifteen. I said, ―Look at this young kid‖, and I was only eighteen, and he‘s crying. He was all dressed up as a German soldier, but he threw his helmet away. 24:12 As typical Americans we hauled his rear end onto a truck, hauled him in and gave him chocolate to eat. The kid didn‘t have anything to eat. We took him down the road a little bit and there was a big column of German prisoners, so we threw him out with that and that‘s the last we seen of him, but that‘s Americans, we were worried about the kid. Up the road we went again and into the woods, and up the road again and into the woods, and we just kept this up and pretty soon somebody said, ‗We‘re going all the way‖, and we got in the damn trucks and we started moving out. We‘re driving, driving, and all of a sudden, don‘t get me wrong, I really don‘t know, but somebody said, ―Listen to that plane‖, and zooooom, and later on, one of the guys we met later on said, ―That was a jet‖. 25:06 I never seen it or anything, but I heard the thing. Anyway, we got to Ludwigshafen, which was on the Rhine River. Okay, we get to Ludwigshafen—now I‘m going to go right—and I‘ll give you—the reason--you‘ll understand later why I‘m going to go into this in detail. We‘re in front of the I.G. Farben Chemical Plant and we stopped. All of a sudden this Lieutenant, who we only had for three days, came in, his name was Lieutenant Adams, and he said, ―We‘ve got to go in and clean this I.G. Farben Chemical Plant out because‖----I can‘t think of the named of the division, I think it was the 12th Armored Division, had been stopped just outside of it. 26:00 They came down the road and they started handing us out these gas 12 �masks. Gas masks? They were afraid if the plant itself had some gas in it we wouldn‘t get exposed and get it out and whatever. We didn‘t want to carry these, I was loaded, my God, I was assisting Monhe, the BAR man now because we had lost people, and I was the assistant BAR. Now, the assistant carried extra ammo for him, so anyway, I‘m loaded with this stuff and I bet the stuff I was carrying weighed more than I did as an individual. So, we start in, we started moving in, and as we‘re going in I look over and it was the worst sight I think I have ever seen in my life. Apparently there were five or six halftracks out there that had been hit--don‘t ask me with what, and it was bloody—all GI‘s, blown every which way. 27:05 I mean, pants burnt off, they were exposed, I mean it was—you can‘t believe it—arms gone—I don‘t know what the hell they were hit with, but we marched past them and all of a sudden the Lieutenant says, ―Ok, here we go‖, and we go into the plant. My only thought, believe it or not, was, ―I got to keep up, and I don‘t know if I can do it with all this stuff‖. We‘re going and Monhe‘s up ahead of me and I‘m saying, ―Ok, I got to stay with him‖, and we went through these different areas and I heard machine gun fire to our left and machine gun fire to our right, and machine gun fire up ahead—sniper, and we‘re ducking against the wall. We kept going, kept going, and it was like this all the way in. 28:02 Interviewer: Was this a factory complex with different buildings? Yes, it was a big complex, and the whole regiment, I guess, was moving through there. We were up—too far out ahead and the sergeant told the Lieutenant, ―We‘re moving too far‖, but anyway, we go through the whole factory and didn‘t run into anybody. All of a sudden we come to this wall on the other side and I could hear the sarge, ―We‘ve met our objective, Lieutenant‖, ―Let‘s see what‘s on the other side‖, the Lieutenant said. We go 13 �up over this mound of rubble and it looked like an area where they were parking cars, and you looked down and it looked like a housing area where people lived, you know. Later on we figured it was probably people who worked at the plant, that‘s where they lived. 29:00 So, the Lieutenant goes down there and the sergeant goes down there and the next thing I know they‘re waving for Monhe. I look around and I say, ―Wait a minute, there‘s only five or six of us here, where‘s the rest of the group?‖ That‘s all that was there, so we go down and the sarge says to a couple of these guys, ―You go to the bottom floor and the Lieutenant and I, Morrin, Monhe‖, and I guess two more guys, maybe one, I‘m not sure, ―up to the second floor‖. So, we get up to the second floor and I‘m against the wall, Monhe‘s against the same wall, the Lieutenant‘s kind of in the middle, and there‘s somebody on the other side. We heard voices yelling, ―Germans‖, so Monhe says, I‘m going to take a look, so he sneaks his head out and looks and all of a sudden, whiz, bang, boom, he gets hit in the helmet, I guess with a rifle, and his helmet came flying off past me into the ground and he started sliding down. 30:12 I reach over to grab him and the top of his head is all blood and I don‘t know if he got it through the skull, across the skull or where it was, but he was just sinking to the floor. All of a sudden the stuff came into the window where the Lieutenant was standing—BOOM—I‘ll never forget that, and it threw me up into the hole, and I don‘t know how long I was in that hole, but I was there, and then I heard a voice say, ―All right, let‘s move and we‘ll set up a perimeter up above‖, I guess it was the sarge downstairs. Well, I had to get Monhe out of there, so I grabbed him, and he was heavy with all stuff. We cut all the stuff away from him and somebody else helped me, but don‘t ask me who it was. We both grabbed him and we pulled him way back and we got up on that rubble, and then we set up a little defensive 14 �position. 31:06 My whole thing was, I felt Monhe again and he was just full of blood. I looked down and I could see where we came out of that doorway and it was my determination that they weren‘t going to get us. I would fight them to the last right there, so we set it up and pretty soon we‘re up there for a little while and all of a sudden I get this tap on my leg. He said, ―Where is he?‖ Its Doc Offa, our medic, now the rest of them wouldn‘t come up, but he came up. I said, ―This is him‖, and he said, ―How bad?‖ I said, ―I really don‘t know‖, and he said, ―What are you going to do?‖ I said, ―I‘m going to stay right here and cover you‖, and he said, ―I‘m going to take him back‖, and I said, ―Ok, I‘ll stay here and I‘ll cover you‖, and there was two other guys that did the same thing. We were ready to take them on if they came after us. 32:02 So anyway, Offa pulled him out and then all of a sudden the sarge comes up and he said, ―Ok, the rest of the company‘s caught up with us, they‘re in these cellars‖, across this area which was wide open, and I said, ―Oh cripe‖. We set up and we started running across there and it was Bing, Boom, Boom, Bing, and we go into the cellar, I almost fell in the cellar, and I don‘t know who it was said, ―Ok, you guys get up against the wall and take a rest‖, and then I heard somebody say, ―Shoot the son of a bitch‖, and I said, ―What the hell‘s going on here?‖ What had happened was probably the bravest guy that I can remember, a German medic. 33:00 There was a German soldier just outside the window crying and screaming for his mother and all this kind of stuff, and of course we always have the guy that says, ―Shoot the son of a bitch, I don‘t want to hear anymore of him crying‖, and all this stuff. Pretty soon that medic came walking up and he picked him up, and the guys were saying, ―Shoot the bastard‖, and then the lone G.I. said, ―No, we don‘t shoot medics, leave him alone, leave him‖, and they left him alone. They picked that kid up, 15 �how, I don‘t know, but they got him and that medic turned around and walked right up to the window where we were and said, ―Danke Schon‖ , and somebody inside said something like, ―You‘re welcome‖, and that guy walked off with him. I said, ―I can‘t— jeez that guy had a lot of guts‖. So, I‘m laying up against the wall there and I‘m tired, oh gee we were tired, and pretty soon they came up and they said, ―The Lieutenant is not dead‖. 34:05 He had crawled out and crawled out to that street. Now, you have to realize that thing is in a quarter to a half mile behind their lines, that‘s how far out we were. They said, ―We got to go and get him‖, ―Ok‖, there was me and two other guys from the same squad and two other guys, so there was five of us. We‘d just gone out and we snuck our way back and we got up on top of that hill and looked down and there he was right in the middle of the road. We got down to him and he said, ―Boy, I‘m glad to see you guys‖, and I said, ―We‘re glad to see you too‖, but anyway, we picked him up and got him up on that big pile I was talking about and then here we were with the square wide open. So, ―How are we going to get him over there, he‘s heavy?‖ So, we put his hands crossed so he could sit up and one guy in the back so he wouldn‘t fall over and I said, ―All we can do is just run across this damn thing‖. 35:09 We started running across this damn thing and nobody shot at us. We got all the way to where the troops were, got him in there, and, of course, that‘s the last I ever seen or heard of him. Later on I always felt that, that medic, the German medic, had done the same for us as we had done for him. So, then they pulled us out of the line—we had opened up the thing and enabled Patton to pee in the Rhine River because that‘s what he always wanted to do. Interviewer: So, Ludwigshafen, that was on the west side of the Rhine still? 16 �Yeah, still on the west side, but they built, the engineers came in and they built a pontoon bridge across it, and he went on the pontoon bridge. The big thing was, and I didn‘t realize until later, he got across the Rhine before Montgomery, the British General. 36:08 You know, they had that big rivalry, and then he pulled us out of the line because we had been in the line so long, and we had a rest right there. As a matter of fact, we—I can remember myself sleeping in a bed. I guess it was the German people who had worked in the plant. Then we were pulled back and I don‘t know how long it was, but the next thing we got was we got in trucks and we went up to Krefeld. Now, what was our job up there? Our job was to be on the west side of the Rhine, and two American divisions, the Airborne and the British, had surrounded the Ruhr and they had about three hundred and fifty thousand heads, I found out later. 37:04 Our job was like an anvil, in other words were not going to go forward, we‘re going to hold here. We didn‘t go out during the days because there was still sniper fire, and stuff like that, but we‘d go out at night and set up ambush patrols, and that was the job. The only bad part about the whole damn job was, the medic—there were still a lot of German bodies still laying along the west side and they said the medic wouldn‘t go up. They told us, at night, go out pick them up and bring them back this way, a ways. That was not—some of those guys had been up there a long time and whooo. Interviewer: And it wasn’t any longer frozen either? No, oh no, it was kind of—it was cold, but it wasn‘t really freezing. We hauled them back there, and the medics finally got a hold of them and they stuck them in what‘s his name? Some barn I can remember, but as you went by that barn, ―Mother of God‖. 38:09 So, that was out duty there, and we kept that up until they had crushed them all up 17 �there, and then came the end of the war and we were like occupation troops now. One of the things that really got me was that the German farmers, DP‘s, did you ever hear of a DP, a displaced person? Ok, well they turned all those people loose, you know, and they start raiding these farms around there, so the German farmers came to us and we used to go out at night, two of us, I mean if you want to volunteer for it, with the farmer, and go to his house and protect him against the DP‘s. They use to make good Kartoffles. The German women would take these potato pancakes, oh my god they were good and we weren‘t use to eating like that. I use to remember that, we would go out there; I don‘t know how many times we were out there. 39:03 After that we were just like, Oh yeah-Interviewer: Did you go to other places? Yeah, around Dusseldorf, and we were like—we just made sure people weren‘t killing each other and this kind of stuff. Of course, everybody was hungry and we tried to take care of that and do the best we could. Then they came in to me and said, ―Do you guys want to go to Copenhagen, Denmark?‖ I said, ―Yeah‖, so I want up to Copenhagen and had the best week I‘d had in a long time. Nope, I‘m a little bit ahead of schedule. Anyway then, the word came that they were having trouble in Czechoslovakia, and the division was assigned to go to Czechoslovakia and we got on trains, and I got dysentery on the train. I‘ll never forget it, it was terrible—in one way, out the other way, all the way down. 40:03 So, we ended up in Plzen, Czechoslovakia, then up in the hills, and then they sent us out and the next people up the line were the Russians. We set up a—we got to know them, and a matter of fact, they were in a farm house up the road and we were in a farmhouse there and one night we had a dance together. But anyway, that was the job and we stayed there until they decided that we‘re going to move out or the 18 �Sudetenland land and the whole division got picked up and were moving out. A bunch of these German Sudeten Germans were scared to death because of the Russians, so they— we took a lot of them with us, which was risky; we hid them in the trucks with us, kids, women and all this kind of stuff, and took them into Germany. We were into Germany and the word came down, then I could go up to Copenhagen. 41:06 I went up to Copenhagen, came back and they were breaking up the division. The guys with the points went somewhere and the guys like me, who didn‘t really have too many points, they came up to me and said, ―You‘re going to Nuremburg, Military Police‖, so I went there. I went up to Nuremburg and joined—I got the little card that they gave me. Around Nuremburg it was mostly the 1st Infantry Division, the 26th Regiment of the 1st. Some of the guys joined that and some of them ended up with the white hats that you‘ve seen over the prison as the Nuremburg trials were going on. They put me in the Military Police and the first job I had was at the Bahnhof Railroad Station just to make sure there was no riots or stuff like that, and that was my first duty there. 42:03 Then all of a sudden they came down and said, ―Morrin, you‘re going to 33 Mohnestrasse‖, and I said, ―What‘s that?‖ They said, ―That‘s where they‘re holding the trials‖, the trials were on. I said, ―what am I going to do there?‘ They said, ―You‘re going to be a Criminal Investigation Section, Nuremburg Provost Marshal's Office‖, and I said, ―Me?‖ I was only about nineteen. I didn‘t know what I was doing, so I get down there and meet the Colonel and the sergeants and all that stuff, and he said, ―I got a first job for you‖, that‘s how chaotic this place was, and he said, ―This woman‘s come to my office twice, she‘s crying, she can‘t find her husband, German, and I want you to look into this. He has apparently been picked up by the M.P‘s and we got find out what‘s going on‖. I go to the 19 �gefutzscaffen [?], that‘s how bad it was—I‘ll tell you, my buddy Schotz, who could speak German a little bit, he became head man at a women‘s prison in Nuremburg and he was only my age too. 43:07 But, I got out there and the guy's in the jail and the German warden was going to keep him right in there, and nobody talked to him or anything. So, I said, ―What the heck is going on?‖ I can‘t figure this out. They bring the kid out, a guy actually, and I find out he was going to work one night and it was past the curfew. A Military Policeman picked him up and shoved him in there. The agent came in, who put him in the jail, told the warden, ―You don‘t let anybody see him and you don‘t let him out until I get back‖. He rotates back to the United States, so the guys still in jail. I pull him out and you had to go through the CIC and then the OSS. You had to get clearance from both of those. 44:08 I got the clearance, and I get back to the colonel and he said, ―Turn him loose‖, and so I took the guy down and dropped him off and his wife was ecstatic. Well that was my first gig and you can see how chaotic it was. Then, of course, a lot of people don‘t realize there was a lot going on. A lot of people didn‘t want this trial or anything like this and they would jump—a GI would be off or something like that. You know how GI‘s are, they get half crocked and stuff like that and people would jump them, steal from them and all kinds of stuff. My job was to kind of keep that calm and the other big job was, I didn‘t realize it at the time, was security for Justice Jackson. Now, we were outer perimeter and they had an inner perimeter and then they had a house bunch and we were kind of like the outer perimeter to all the roads, and to make sure nobody was supposed to be in there. 45:11 I didn‘t realize that wild Bill Donovan was in there, too. Did you ever hear of him? Interviewer: Yeah 20 �Well, I didn‘t know him, anyway, he was in there too, so we kind of—I seen him later, and in a while, one day I‘m coming in and the Colonel says to me, ―I want you to get in the stands, at the trials and here‖, and he hands me a weapon. I said, ―What‘s my job?‖ He said, ―You just listen to what‘s going on and if they break through and they try to get those guys out, you shoot the bastards‖, and I said, ―I can do that‖. But anyway, they put extra security out there and more armored vehicles and all that kind of stuff because there was a threat that they were going to try to break these guys out. So, one of the times I‘m in there, I‘m standing down where they all came in and who comes walking by me, Herman Goering, have you heard of him? 46:06 He said, ―Guten Tag‖, and I looked at him and I said, ―Guten Tag‖, so I talked to Hermann Goering. So, that was basically what I was doing the whole time I was there and my number was called and I went up to Bremerhaven and got on board a ship, went to New York, got out, got my papers and headed for Boston. One thing I remember when I got off, Maverick Square was where I got off with the street cars to my home town. I looked up and said, ―Mother of god, I didn‘t realize how small this place was. Do you want me to continue? Well, there‘s four years of I don‘t know what you would call it. 47:01 Everybody was coming back, the ones that came back, there was a few who never made it, and we just had four years of drinking. I joined the Fifty-Two Twenty Club, did you ever hear of that? Fifty two weeks, twenty dollars a week and it was supposed to rehabilitate, you know. So anyway, we made a racket out of that, and I played football, I played baseball, I played every sport known to man I think. We all got together and Friday nights we would go out and drink, it was a wild great time. It went on and on and then finally we had to find jobs, so we finally found these jobs, you know, and started going to work and all this stuff, and it was 21 �getting close to 1950. I had a job at the Keystone Manufacturing Company in a foundry and I‘m looking around there and I‘m looking around at some of these guys—forty years old and still doing the same stuff, you know. 48:01 Then all of my buddies started getting married and I looked at that and I said, ―Jeez, I don‘t know if I want to do anything like that, taking care of somebody and all this kind of stuff‖. They were in these apartments and they had these jobs that weren‘t really paying much money, I don‘t think. As a matter of fact, at Keystone Manufacturing Company I was making big money, a $1.10 an hour. So anyway, the Korean War broke out and I‘m sitting there one day and I forget what happened, and It just dawned on me, ―I‘m going back in there, to hell with this stuff‖. Interviewer: Had you stayed in the reserves in the meantime? I was in the reserve, oh yeah, but it was the inactive reserves. They didn‘t bother me with the reserves, so I went in anyway and I said, ―Eh, I‘m going back‖, so I went down and it was in the Navy Yard where you signed up, so I went down and signed up down there. 49:00 Boy, as soon as they found out I had that experience—guess where? Back to New Jersey and they took all kinds of tests and all that kind of stuff. The next thing I know I‘m on a train, and I mean it was a matter of days and I was gone. We took a train, I‘ll never forget that train ride, it was all the way across Butte, Montana up to—we ended up in Seattle on pier, I can‘t remember the pier number, ninety something, I remember that. We got organized there and all this kind of stuff and the next thing I know we‘re in the Seattle airport and of course, they had the four engines, but they were the propeller jobs. We got on them and we flew to Anchorage. We got to Anchorage, got off, ate, played around, refueled and all this kind of stuff. 50:05 The next one was Shima, we‘re 22 �coming down and the pilot said, ―This is going to be rough coming in there‖, and it was rough landing, boom, boom, boom. As soon as that plane stopped, people came out and anchored it to the ground. We got out of there and this bus pulls up and it‘s air force, and the bus had all the windows had been wooded up, so the wind—and I talked to the driver and he said, ―This is the worst place in the world, you won‘t believe there‘s not a tree on this island, the wind‘s got to be a hundred miles an hour every day‖. He said, ―Feel it‖, and boy, huh, huh, of anyplace I‘ve ever been, Shima Island will take the cake. So, we went into the mess hall and they fed us and they refueled that thing. 51:06 We got ready to get on the plane, we‘re loading up the plane and the pilot says, ―I think we can take off. Okay, well we take off and head for Japan, Camp Drake, that‘s where that infantry outfit was, and we land there and we get off, and it‘s like a repo depot there too. They handed us, I think it was there, they handed us a weapon, a M1 and only about three or four rounds of ammunition, you‘re just supposed to zero it in at 300 yards, you know. I‘m looking around and I‘m saying, ―Hey, wait, what the hell is going on?‖ A lot of these guys--I don‘t know where they came in from, but they had guitars, they had lei‘s around their neck, they had these Red Cross girls giving them cookies. 52:00 I‘m saying, ―Whoa, this ain‘t the 94th Division, what the heck are we doing?‖ We go to Sasebo, which was a navy base there. We get into Sasebo and then within hours were aboard, I think it was a LST, I‘m not sure, but anyway, we got aboard that thing, and a lot of guys got sick just going over. The next thing I know we‘re off the coast of Pusan and we got off at Pusan. Interviewer: Do you know, roughly, when you landed there? 23 �Oh boy, that‘s a good question—let me think now. It was in the winter, about November of 1950. Interviewer: So, by this time the Inchon landings had taken place and we were advancing northeast in Korea. Yeah, we got in there and then we headed for Taegu. 53:01 They hadn‘t gone—the army hadn‘t moved too much out of Taegu at that time, but the landing had been made and what was it? The 8th Army hadn‘t broke through yet as I remember, but they finally did and away we went, up through there, Inchon, and then on to Seoul. Interviewer: Now, what unit were you assigned to? The 558 Military Police company, and what there job was, to guard the 8th Army headquarters, well, that was our job, just guard the 8th Army headquarters, and it got boring, I mean, it was just guard duty, and then occasionally they would take us out and put us on MSR-1, which is a route for the supplies and stuff to come through. Our job was to make sure that they kept right on the supplies because there were a lot of people left behind when the 8th Army broke through. 54:06 There was a lot of North Koreans in the hills and this kind of stuff and occasionally they would come down and try to knock off a truck for food and all this kind of stuff. We‘re out there all by ourselves and you had your rear end hanging out there, it wasn‘t like being in the infantry, but you‘re hung out there all by yourself, and sometimes all night long. Interviewer: At the beginning there, you land; you move north, did you move up to North Korea with the headquarters? No, no, we did not move up in the headquarters up there. Interviewer: How far up did you get? 24 �I guess to the border, to the border, maybe a little further, but not exactly. I know we didn‘t get up, way up to Pyongyang or anything like that. Because the next thing we know—well, we had all this guard duty and stuff, which I found annoying after a while, but then the word came back that the Chinese are into this thing. 55:10 I found out later, what they did is they broke through between the 8th Army and the 10th Corps, which had the Marine Corps and the 7th Division over here. They were the ones that went all the way to the Yalu. The Chinese broke in between them and were going to try to pin the 10th Corps that way and pin the 8th Army this way toward Inchon. So, I don‘t know what you‘d call it, we start moving back, strategic withdrawal, but that‘s when the big General came in, Ridgeway, toughest man I‘ve ever seen in my life. He came to the 8th Army forward and he‘s looking around and I remember the Major I was working for he says, ―Where‘s the mess hall?‖ 56:06 The Major says, ―Right outside where your tent is sir, it‘s right there‖, and he said, ―Put that thing at least a half a mile out, and I don‘t want to see anybody not running back and forth‖. My God, I wasn‘t actually in there listening to him, but the word would come out. He‘d get in there with those Colonels and he said, ―We‘re not moving back anymore, we‘re going to kill those bastards‖, and he set up the--he just turned the whole army around, mother of God, and then he‘s get in a Jeep and he‘s say, ―You, get in the Jeep with me‖, and away he‘d go. He‘d go down to company headquarters and he‘s tell these people—one incident there where the, I forgot what he was, Major, Colonel, what the hell, but he was with them and they all got out and he‘s talking to this battalion commander and shells start coming in. 57:05 Everybody‘s jumping and he just stood there—you know, he used to carry two grenades up here on his chest, plus his weapon—what a man, holy--- 25 �Interviewer: Did you drive him around sometimes? No, I didn‘t drive him, but escort him not in the same Jeep, but the escort. Interviewer: What was the headquarters situation like before he got there, because General Walker had been in charge? Well okay, what had happened is we were moving back, moving back—ok, let‘s put it this way, 8th Army headquarters was up in Seoul, right? I was told to take two or three of my men and put them on a post where they could direct the troops coming through, so they could get down to this pontoon bridge. 58:03 See, we had a pontoon bridge here and all the Koreans, oh the poor—they were going over the steel bridge that had been hit and all this kind of stuff and they were just a mob trying to get across there. People were actually falling off the bridge and all that kind of stuff, so anyway, I had that crew and I‘m there on the side with Seoul, and I‘m looking around and all of a sudden traffic is practically stopping going across that bridge. I asked somebody, I don‘t remember who it was, but I asked somebody and he said, ―This thing is slowing down‖, and I said, ―Wait a minute, I got a couple of guys still out there‖. I had a Jeep, I had a Jeep and I said, ―I have to go back into Seoul‖, you know, and Seoul‘s burning and blowing up, and I‘m getting up there and one of the kids is still there, standing up in the middle of the road. 59:01 I said, ―What are you doing?‖ I can‘t think of his name, and he said, ―I‘m doing what you told me to do, but‖, and I said, ―What‘s been happening?‖ He said, ―A bunch of guys came marching through there and they said, ―The next ones up the road are the Chinese‖. I said, ―Get in the Jeep, let‘s go‖, so he got in the Jeep and I picked up the other guy, and we went down to the pontoon bridge and I looked at the engineers that were down there and they said, ―You better get your ass across this thing, because if you 26 �don‘t, you‘re going to be in the Chinese prison‖. So, as I‘m pulling across, I got on the other side and then they blew the bridge, boom, da‘boom, da‘boom, and then we started moving south and I had, those guys I had with me, one of them said, ―I was an old artillery man, I‘m going to stop and see if I can find an artillery outfit and join that‖, that‘s how chaotic it was. They did and didn‘t, but we get down to, close to Suwon, I think it was, and all of a sudden that Major said, ―Corporal, get over here, we‘re going to set up headquarters here‖. 00:07 We went into an area and the engineers came and threw barbed wire around it, so we were 8th Army forward. There was 8th Army headquarters and 8th Army rear, but we were forward and all it was, was one little squad with me leading the damn thing, so anyway, I was there and that‘s where what‘s his name had been killed, Walker. The next thing I knew we ran into Ridgeway, and whew, he really straightened that thing out. Then they put a big, I don‘t know what you‘d—I think it was the 27th Regiment around us and he said, ―We ain‘t moving no further down‖, and he set that thing up and when those Chinese finally reached the area he blasted them and stopped them. 1:10 Then we started moving back up, and we moved back into Seoul. Then, I guess, the Chinese decided they wanted to talk peace or something, and they sent me and my kids, and a bunch of other ones, further on up. We were just south of—I can‘t think of-Interviewer: The town where they had the peace talks? Yeah, yeah, we set that thing up—we went into a grove up there, apple grove, we set up that thing. Admiral Joy came in from the navy, and who was that? Some big football player came too. Anyway, we set that thing up and then the other thing that they import, I guess, they asked for volunteers—oh yeah, they had set up a town across this river, up 27 �the road. 2:08 they were going to set that up as the peace talk area, but the air force decided that they didn‘t know who it was up there, so they hit it and blew it up, so they had to pull them back. I don‘t know what convoy it was, but they asked for volunteers and I said, ―I‘ll drive the damn thing‖, so I got a Jeep, and I had a bunch of reporters with me. No weapons, a little white flag, I got a picture of it somewhere. Anyway, we got down to the river‘s edge and there‘s Ridgeway. He said, ―You guys all look presentable or I‘ll‖, you know, and away we went. We went up and there we ran right into the North Koreans. They got us into these little tent areas that they had, that‘s before they had all the stuff that‘s going on now, and they finally turned us around and went back. 3:04 I actually met them up there, so that‘s how it all started with Admiral Joy and all that stuff. My job was inside the perimeter, to take care of the people like Admiral Joy and stuff like that, it was guard duty. At night I would go around with my trusty forty-five so nobody got in. Around the whole hills was the infantry and stuff like that. I could tell you some incidents though, I had one guy that could make applejack, and he did, but anyway, that‘s the way that went on. I stayed there until it was time for me to go home, I think I was there eighteen months all tolled. I came back and me and my buddy, Chuck, who had met another friend of mine who had been a close friend of mine, and we got aboard ship at Inchon. Interviewer: Before we take you out of the country, tell me a little bit more. What did sort of Korean landscape, countryside, towns, what did that look like to you? 4:10 Oh, for us, for me, it was all hills, I mean hills, hills, hills, and we tried to stay to the roads, but the roads were, no pavement, no nothing, and all the trees had been knocked 28 �down from the artillery fire and stuff like that, but basically, it was nothing but a bunch of hills. Man, would that take you out of it when you would go up into those hills, you know, to try to—yeah, that‘s about what it amounted to and it was all barren like because everything had been shot up so bad. Of course, they had the farms around the area and they used human excrement and all this kind of stuff, so the place stunk and that‘s about what I remember. Interviewer: Did you see much of the local population? 5:00 At that time, not with this one, but I did see some of them because we helped a lot of them out because a lot of them ran to the south. They were coming through, but they were just poor people with those things on their back and walking south to get behind our lines and stuff like this. As a matter of fact, the only other time really—yeah, we—about that time too, as I remember now, we got some Katusas, did you ever hear of Katusas? We got some of them in the outfit. Interviewer: Those are Korean soldiers attached to the Americans. The Americans, yeah, we got those as Military Police and they would help us guarding gates and all this kind of stuff. Interviewer: Did you spend any time in Seoul? Did you get to see much of that? Seoul, yeah, but there was nothing in Seoul in those days, but I saw MacArthur. He came and made his speech and all this kind of stuff. 6:03 the first time I was in Seoul it was just burning, I mean, there was nothing in there. Later on, just about when I was coming back from the peace talks, you could see it was picking up. They had a couple old buses, they‘re really not buses, they‘re our two and a half ton trucks that they converted into 29 �buses and stuff, and they were beginning to mill around like a regular city. In the beginning though, all the buildings were a mess. Interviewer: While you were there did you get to see things like USO shows or anything like that? No, I didn‘t see anything like that. No, no, we were up—as a matter of fact, and it often got to me later on, and I‘d say, ―We never saw company headquarters come up there. Well, the road leading to where we were wasn‘t exactly something you‘d want to drive without some kind of an escort. 7:03 I never seen anybody, no Lieutenants, nothing, me corporal, I couldn‘t believe it. Even when I got back there, you know, as I was leaving, I got in the headquarters and nothing, you know. I don‘t know what the hell—we were just the lost children of Eve, I guess, but we made it back there, got to Inchon and took the ship. Interviewer: What kind of ship was it you went back on? It was a ―what‘s her name‖, a converted freighter. What do they call them, Liberty Ships? Yeah, and chuck and I we spent most of the time on the deck because again, the same old routine where the guys, somebody gets sick and there were a lot of people on there. I forget how many days it took us to get to Hawaii, and of course by the time we got to Hawaii we were in winter clothes. We got off in Hawaii and my buddy, Chuck; I‘ll give you a little incident with him. 8:05 In WWII they wouldn‘t take him because he was deaf, but Korean War, psttt, but he spent the time during WWII in Hawaii, so he knew Hawaii. We landed in Hawaii and a joker or somebody aboard the ship didn‘t want to let us off, and we were only supposed to be there a day or so, I don‘t know, but some commander came up and said, ―Let these guys off this ship or they‘ll tear the‖, so they let 30 �us off. They let us off and we went into town and Chuck and I, we just hit the bars and stuff. We got back on the ship and we‘re prepared to go again and all of a sudden we got to spend another day there. We found out later that somebody got off the ship, went into one bar and drank himself to death, and he died there in the men‘s room or something like that. They had to investigate that, so they kept us there one more day. 9:00 They turned us loose for one more day and we got back and then, let‘s see, we got back on the ship and headed for Seattle. There was supposed to be a big time—we were one of the first ones coming back and there was supposed to be a big parade and this kind of stuff. Women are going to be waiting for us, you know because we‘d been in—anyway we get all in and Edward G. Robinson is meeting us, so anyway, we get into Seattle and they say, ―You guys are going to go parade‖, and as we got off the boat they put these lei‘s on us and all this kind of stuff and they marched us over to these buses and we got on all of these buses and we start going in and then we realized the buses are locked and we can‘t get off the bus. We learned later that they were afraid of us in Seattle, to let us off because we just run wild in there. 10:03 We get all the buses and we finally get to the airport and that‘s when Edward G. Robinson came and gave us the old act, ―Hey you guys‖, and that was fun and all that kind of stuff. We got on a bunch of planes and headed for home. I got on some damn plane with only two engines and it couldn‘t go over the Rockies, we had to go through the Rockies, and they turned around and said, ―Here‘s blankets because it‘s going to be cold in this damn thing‖, so we there to, I guess, Colorado and then to Michigan, actually, and then from Michigan to Boston. I got off and I got my word and I had been assigned to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 31 �Interviewer: At this point were you in as a career soldier or did you have an enlistment that ended later? What happened, I was in—no, I wasn‘t really a career soldier at that time. 11:03 I was on my original assignment which was four years, I think. Interviewer: You had enlisted for four years. I got into Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and my buddy chuck got into the Walter Reed army Medical Center, and we had—I‘m telling ya—all those guys had been wounded from Korea and stuff were there too, and it was wild. We use to—did you ever hear of Strykla frame? Interviewer: No Okay, it‘s when they would put these guys in these Strykla frames and you flip—they were so paralyzed you just flip them around from—and it was all steel like. I‘ll tell you how bad it was, we go into these wards and the guys would say, ―I want a drink, I want a pttt‖, and we would run them across Georgia Avenue with a Strykla frame and the M.P.‘s would come running after us yelling, ―You guys can‘t do this‖. At that time, Walter Reed, and it‘s changed now because I‘ve been back there as a civilian. 12:04 they use to have run pathways from one ward to another, and these guys with lost legs, or something, would see how fast they could go down and they actually put an M.P. down there to keep them from—and let‘s see what else. Yeah, it was just wild, there was dancing every night and all this kind of stuff and Chuck and I spent that time, and it came time at the end of the-- and I said—oh that‘s-- yeah, I said, ―I know where we can get a good job‖. The Alaska pipeline [highway?] was starting and they were looking for truck driver and stuff like that at three dollars and some cents an hour, whoo, big money, but 32 �Chuck said, ―Na, I think I‘m going to stay in the Army‖, and I said, ―Ah, what the hell, we‘ll get a big bonus‖, so we joined the Army for six more years and got ninety dollars, I won‘t forget it. 13:06 Interviewer: How long did you stay at Walter Reed? Almost two years, and then they said, ―You‘re going back to Korea‖, and me and Chuck headed for Korea again. He went into the engineers and I stayed with the transportation. Interviewer: At what point did you get into transportation? Oh, wait a minute, that‘s way up before. Okay, I was in the Military Police when I first got to Walter Reed and I decided I didn‘t want any more guarding that gate and all this kind of stuff. I told the sergeant that was in charge, Sergeant Block, he was a good man and he was my friend, I said, ―I don‘t want to be in this anymore‖, and he said, ―I can get you into transportation‖, which he was in, so I said, ―Ok, get me in transportation‖, so I got transferred into transportation and they sent me down to Fort Belvoir. 14:03 They gave me two full weeks of training in transportation. Interviewer: What did that consist of? Oh, learning to drive all the vehicles that the Army had up to a 113, which is a personal carrier. We learned all the stuff, how to maintain them, how to check the oil and all this kind of stuff, how to get in a convoy, how to keep the separation between vehicles and all that kind of stuff. So anyway, when I got back I was that and I said, ―Boy, I want a job as a truck driver‖, so they made me an ambulance driver at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. We had these big Cadillac ambulances and one of the main jobs was, when somebody would die in one of the wards you would have to go up and pick them up and take them over to the digger, we use to call him digger O‘Dell, and that was the autopsy 33 �area. 15:02 We would pick up the body and take it over there and then he‘d show us around, you know. The only time that really got me was sometimes we‘d have to pick up a little kid and I didn‘t particularly care for that. Let‘s see, yup, that was the first two years, it was just well time. Interviewer: Then they send you to Korea? Then they got me back into Korea and we were in—south of Seoul and we set up a big transportation area there, and we supported both Korean and American units around the area because it was always hard to get parts in those days especially spark plugs and stuff like that. The units would come in and we‘d maintain them and stuff. Interviewer: So, what was your actual job or position or what unit were you with? Oh boy, that‘s a good question now, I can‘t think of the actual unit, I guess—I can‘t think of the name that I was with. 16:07 The motor pool, but what the actual—we were with the support unit, I remember the patch I use to wear, but I can‘t—it wasn‘t with a division or anything else, because it was a support unit. Interviewer: So, it was assigned at corps or army level or something like that? Yeah, yeah, so anyway, that‘s what our job was. Basically it was like a regular job. Everyday you‘d go and try to take care of these guys. Interviewer: How was life in Korea different the second time? Ah, you get to know people down there. I got to know—there were a lot of Korean people who were working for us and I got to know them pretty good. I never got invited out to their house though, but we‘d have picnics with them and got to know them and liked them, at least the ones that we were working with. Then they had the secretaries, you know, that would work in the motor pool its self. 17:03 They were good, they were 34 �learning English, they would ask us all kinds of questions and stuff, so I got to think of it like it was just a regular part of the outfit. Some of those guys worked really hard for us though, basically ok. Then we‘d do stuff like this-- there‘d be a drought situation or something like that, and we would fill us water tanks, you know and take it to them and we were doing all this kind of stuff. We helped them out and they helped us, and I even got to eat some Kimchi. Did you ever hear of Kimchi? Interviewer: Uh huh Whew, anyway–break in interview—I think I should go back and tell you that I made sergeant at Walter Reed and that is one of the reasons, Chuck and I both made sergeant at almost the same time and decided to sign up for another six years. We were now sergeants in the United States Army. Ok, then we got back there and the incidents I told you and that‘s about all it amounted to in the time we were there for the second time. 22:35 Interviewer: Did you do things like help out the local community and stuff? Oh yes, we did a lot of—we did everything that they required and that they wanted us to help them with. We even helped them grow trees because the whole place had been bombed silly, you know. Yes, I got to know them, now that I‘m thinking about it, and got to like them, they were hard working people. 23:01 They worked hard with us and we took care of—as a support unit, the units we were supposed to take care of the whole time. So, it was like garrison work, it wasn‘t really that hard. Interviewer: Now, did you get R&R time or leave time and things like that while you were there? 35 �Let me think now, did we at that particular time? Oh yeah, that‘s right, I went into Tokyo and got into Tokyo, and it was really amazed at how they had changed. I had a good time for, I think it was ten days. Really had a good time in Tokyo, did everything that you were supposed to do. Went to the—got massaged up and got into tubs so hot that I couldn‘t get out of again, and drank a lot of beer and just raised heck. We had a good time, me and the sarge. Interviewer: At this time were you not married yet? 24:03 No, no, no married at this time, no. Interviewer: So, when then did you leave Korea? I left—let‘s see, I‘m trying to think, 1956, I think, the second time and it was spring, I think. Like I say, we flew out of it this time, and I‘m trying to think—like I said, we‘re flying over, and somebody said we were running low on fuel, headwinds or something like that. We landed on this little island and I can always remember because it looked like the wings were over both sides, and were over water. There was a little navy outfit out there and they invited us off the plane and they had a little beer hall there and we went in and drank beer. 25:02 The navy was just great to us, but we had winter clothes on and it had to be a hundred and ten degrees. We got back on the plane after we refueled, and we ended up in Midway and refueled there. Then we flew further on in and let‘s see, it was Seattle again, I think as I remember it. Then across, but this time with a bigger plane, and ended up with kina like the same route. From there to Colorado, to the great lakes, and then up to the Boston area, and then a little leave and then I was assigned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center again. Well, I put in--I said I would like to go back, you know, but it was different now, and that was about the same time where they 36 �integrated the army. 26:08 I was living in the barracks right there at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and let‘s see, a lot of stuff happened at that time. I think Pershing was still there or he was dead. Interviewer: Pershing was dead, he died in the forties, I think. No, I think 1952 or something like that. Anyway, he was there, but that was the elephant graveyard for all the big shots, but let me see—when I was there Secretary Dulles got sick and we had to get out and get him, and I could tell you a story about that one. Did you ever hear of Pearl Mesta? She was the big party giver. Well anyway, we had the ambulance and I had a little kid, a little corporal, and by the way, I‘m in charge of the transportation at Walter Reed, sergeant first class now. 27:07 The word came that we had to pick up Secretary Dulles, and I coached the kid how to get down Sixteenth Street and all this kind of stuff. He said, ―I know the area there‖, ok, but they sent the doctor with him, a Major, and the Major‘s in the front seat with the kid, they get to Dulles‘ place and they pick him up and put him in the back of the ambulance, so on the way back the Major says, ―Let‘s go through Rock Creek Park‖, and the kid says, ―Well I‘m not sure of Rock Creek Park, driving through there‖, you have to see it. ―Did you ever see Rock Creek Park?‖ Well anyway, they start going through Rock Creek Park and pretty soon we can‘t find the Secretary of State. And they‘re all beginning, all the big shots in Walter Reed start, ―where the, what the‖, and all that. 28:11 They start—all over the place, and I forget how long it was, but I guess it must have been twenty to thirty minutes, we had no contact with the Secretary of State. He comes in, ―Well, got to hold somebody accountable for that. Who was it that was driving?‖ It was the kid, the little corporal kid and, ―Ah, we‘ll get him‖, and they were gonna—but the kid said, ―The Major told me to 37 �drive through Rock Creek Park. I didn‘t want to drive through there‖. Err, ―Can‘t blame‖, he was a doctor and they can‘t blame him. So anyway, this is really true too, Pearl Mesta use to throw these parties. 29:02 Well, she‘s throwing this party, and at this party is a girl who was the girlfriend of that corporal who was driving that ambulance. She started crying because she was afraid they were really going to hang this kid, and she told Pearl Mesta. Pearl Mesta said, ―What?‖ She calls this reporter from the Washington Post and they tell him the story, and into the paper comes this column about this kid being hung for something that this Major had pulled and that was the end of that. So anyway, Pearl Mesta saved the day for us and that‘s the way thing went on. One night I‘m in there, I believe this was the tour at the same time, and I was in there as NCOIC of the Walter Reed up in headquarters. 30:02 Are you familiar with Walter Reed, the old armory at Walter Reed? They had the steps in front and the big columns and a beautiful place. I‘m in there and I‘m up in the main receiving area and I‘m walking around and all of a sudden two guys come in. It looked like they were dressed alike, and they came in and said, ―Hi sarge‖, and I said, ―Hello‖, and they go sit down over there. A little while later another guy comes in and he sits over there. I said, ―Holy crap, I think this is the secret service‖. I can‘t remember the guy‘s name, I think O‘Rourke was his name, and he was the spokesman for Eisenhower, reporter, I think it was O‘Rourke, an Irish guy,, and he came running in ―Hey sarge‖, and I recognize him because of the papers and stuff. 31:04 He said, ―You got any coffee around here?‖ I said, ―I can get you some‖, and he said, ―Get us some and get a lot of it. Have you got a telephone?‖ I said, I got two or three over here‖, and he said, ―Get what‘s ever is around, we want them all set up‖, and all this kind of stuff, you know. I called the officer in charge, he was sleeping, and I said, 38 �―I think we got something big going on here‖, and he comes and he said, ―What? What did you think?‖ I said, ―I got secret service all over the place‖, and he said, ―I‘ll be right up‖. He comes up and then he starts calling the different, you know, mess sergeants and all this stuff and had everybody going. Down the hallway comes another group and behind them is the President of the United States. He comes down and I‘m standing there at attention, you know, and he comes up and says, ―How‘s everything going, sarge?‖ I said, ―It‘s going pretty good sir, anything I can do for you?‖ 32:04 I didn‘t know what to say, you know, and he said, ―Nah, they‘ll take care of this stuff‖, and he shakes my hand, so that‘s how I met Eisenhower. Interviewer: Do you know why he was there? Yes, he had Ileitis, something wrong with his leg. I got a kick out of this because the commanding officer of Walter Reed Army Medical Center—all they could, at that time, officers could only get the two stars, that was the tops, and he drove around in a little Chevy, maybe it was a Buick, that was his staff car. They worked on Eisenhower and I don‘t know how long after it was--a big Lincoln Continental. He moved up to three stars, but I think that was the Ileitis attack he had at that time, and well, that‘s how I met him. Interviewer: How long did you stay then at Walter Reed? I was there until 1961and I had met my wife Patsy, and we had gotten married. 33:12 Her father had come home from Eniwetok, actually—no not that, he had done that before. He had come back from Japan, and she had been in Japan with him, but she came back by herself and she was living with her uncle in Silver Spring, Maryland. I met her at a beach and one thing led to another and we got married at Walter Reed Army Medical Center by the chaplain of Walter Reed on September 7th, 1957. We had two kids there 39 �too. It was 1961 when they came and said, ―Morrin, you got all the background, we're sending you to Berlin‖. That was during the Berlin crisis that was going on then. 34:10 So, they flew me to Germany, then on the Idlewild, not Idlewild, yeah Idlewild, the airport there. Interviewer: Idlewild is on Long Island. Okay then, I‘m wrong—Tempelhof-Interviewer: Tempelhof is a Berlin airport there. Yeah, Tempelhof, so we landed at Tempelhof and the transportation section was set up where we took care—we had four helicopters in Berlin, we had the highways leading to Berlin, and we had the train which went from Helmstedt to Berlin. The way the train was set up, our engines would take the thing out of Helmstedt and we would go all the way to the outskirts of Berlin. 35:02 Then they would come out, the Russians, they would come out and pick it up with a Russian engine to take it into the middle of Berlin, that‘s how they operated it. The thing I learned later on was that the engines they were using were ones we gave them during WWII. But anyway, that was--their main job was to make sure, and the main thing was that they would pull a lot of shenanigans on the route going, saying that the rail broke down or there was something wrong with this, or the engine, or something like this. One of my jobs, with a member of the State Department, was to go out and kind of investigate it to make sure they were telling the truth or whether they were conning us. That was one of the jobs, and the other job, which I really enjoyed, was that—oh no, I‘m getting ahead of myself. 36:02 Anyway, the other thing was that everybody from East Germany was coming through, I mean, they were taking these subway stations and all this kind of stuff to get into West Berlin. Then from West 40 �Berlin they were trying to fly out by air, trying to get on the train, trying to just drive out, but they were leaving East Berlin and East Germany. I mean, they were really coming out and then all of a sudden, the thing was, they decided on the wall. Ok, things were hectic and we were busy just taking care of things, and then all of a sudden they came down one night, we didn‘t know it, and started setting up the wall. Well, that really threw us into a panic and we—we had the 40th Tank Company there, which was a medium Company, and I don‘t think they had more than twenty-five tanks. They had the 6th Regiment there and they didn‘t have that many guys either. 37:07 Later on I learned that we had about six thousand people, special forces, some of them too, and we were a special brigade for Berlin and we had about six thousand, the British had about the same, and the French had about the same, but surrounding us, somebody had mentioned and I don‘t know how true it was, but that there were twenty-two Russian divisions around us. We just kept operating in there, grabbing these people and trying to help them, and all this kind of stuff. They started putting up the wall, and of course that was the first big one, that everybody went to the wall and lined up across the—you know. We‘re talking to them and all of a sudden—and of course the Russians are saying it‘s the East Germans that are doing this, it‘s not us, and we have all the kids up with there—but we never issued any ammo. 38:09 We use to have these alerts, about two or three a month and you would go to your area and my area was down around the motor area and was to set up all these convoys, so if the Russians let us out we would take all of the dependents and stuff and send them out. That‘s the way it was set up and then they started setting up the walls and then Checkpoint Charlie started. Then they turned around and said you had to go through Checkpoint Charlie to get into East, and we said the Potsdam Agreement, 41 �which was all set up, said we had the right to go anyplace in Berlin, and that was all signed. Of course, the Russians had the right to come into our area, and what we did, we started setting up a bunch of cars, and stuff. 39:11 The senior NCO‘s, I was one of them, and officers, we put on the American flag with our uniforms, and we‘d go through Checkpoint Charlie and go into East Germany, and that was comical. We would go in and East Germany was all glum now, the wall was up and they couldn‘t get out and they were all scared, I‘m sure. We would go in there and there would be a lot of VoPo‘s. A VoPo is a-Interviewer: VoPo Police? Yeah, VoPo Police, they were the ones—the use to—they brought them in because the regular German police from Berlin were hesitant to use the type of what they had to use to keep these people back, because they would shoot you. 40:04 anyway, I would go in, I don‘t know, maybe three or four times a month and I‘d go through the thing and sometimes during the day, and sometimes during the night. What I would do is when they would get in there was what I was told, ―Just mingle with them‖, and of course, somebody‘s looking in a window at a shop or something, and I‘d walk right up an stand next to them and they‘d look at me and say something and disappear. They don‘t want the East Germans to think they were a part of the thing. One of the places I use to go was to a Lutheran Church that they had and was more like a Cathedral where they use to have German Emperors, and all this stuff, crowned, and all this kind of stuff, and it was right in the middle of East Germany. Or used to, but it was bombed during the war and they were using it, at that time when I was there, as an attraction to show people. 41:10 I used to go there and I met the woman who was running it, and she was a good friend. I 42 �used to bring her candy bars and stuff like that from West because the difference between the two places, you cannot believe. Interviewer: How much damage from the war was still visible when you were going through? Oh, it was just like WWII. It looked like West Berlin did during WWII. There were still buildings out and of course, the Russians and East Germans were rebuilding it, but the junk that they would—they would put up a building and the damn thing would fall down in six months, I‘m serious. Of course they used to use charcoal for heat and during the winter that place would just be smothered with coal dust all over the place. You go into West Germany the thing was turning into—like the West—I mean it was great. 42:09 They had French restaurants, Chinese restaurants and everything over there, and of course, the people who were working there, Germans, were making extra money because of there being surrounded. The attitude in West Germany was, ―You‘re making it, spend it, because we don‘t know when they‘re coming‖, and my God, it was a wild, wild place, but it was great. One thing that really caught me was the fact that you would go out at night and you would go into these places and light was like three o‘clock in the morning, it would turn daylight. So, you‘d be in a bar drinking and having a good time and boop, its morning, you know. I could never figure that one out, but the winter was just the opposite, of course. 43:04 That went on and-Interviewer: Did you bring your family out there? Ok, about four or five months after I was there they said I could bring the family in, so really what it was, we were hostages, we were, no question about it. We had heard Kennedy on the air that if anything happened they were going to really start the routine 43 �and then we heard about the 7th Army all along the border getting really, and all this kind of stuff, so we were really hostages. We figured—we were talking, I don‘t know, that we could probably last two or three days at the most if we decided to fight, and that‘s with the British too and all this kind of stuff. We got to know the British pretty good and I got a kick out of, we went to the big stadium where they had the, what was it, ―36‖ Olympics, we went to that, and they had the British Monarch‘s birthday there, and I don‘t care who knows it, only the British can march and have a ceremony like that with horses and all that stuff, it was great. 44:13 I got to know a couple of British Sergeant Majors and all this kind of stuff, and then they gave me—I became an eight [E-8] at that place, in Berlin. Anyway, that was my job, and one of the great jobs I had, which I really enjoyed, after my wife got there now, because I didn‘t fool around now, it was at the Club 50, that was the name of the NCO Club, and General Clay was the—he was also the one that was in Nuremburg too. I never thought I‘d see him again, he was a two star, I think, there but he was a real big one up here, a four star, I think. 45:01 General Clay, yup, and they named an alley up from the street for him and all this kind of stuff and of course we were going—and we‘d have picnics and everything with the German people out there and one thing I couldn‘t get, they would get popcorn and put sugar on it, eck. We went out in the street and we were just—steak was only $1.65 a lb., and booze was cheap. Oh, they use to bring Berliner Kindl, which was the beer, right to your door, and boy, it was great. That kind of stuff, and oh, the job that I really liked—nobody could get in trouble there because if you got in trouble in Berlin, you were gone. I mean, you had to act right or you were gone and they didn‘t care—shhpt, goodbye. 46:00 So, we had a courtesy patrol, and what that meant was they would use a first sergeant or E-8 or something like 44 �that, and we would get a sedan and we would go to all the different houses of you name it, bars and all this stuff where the GI‘s would go drink and stuff. Our job was to go in there, talk to the madam or whoever it was that was in charge and stuff, and make sure they‘re all acting right and if anybody they thought was going to get in trouble, we‘d actually grab them, take them and put them in the sedan and take them back to his unit, and that was the courtesy patrol. I use to get into every place; you can‘t imagine some of the places that I was in. And of course, you got, ―Oh, American, so bad, not sargie, sargie, you want a ticket to this‖, and all this kind of stuff, so it was great and I really got a kick out of that. Ok, that‘s Berlin, now I‘m going to tell you the big one on Berlin. 47:03 I think it was, again, in October of 1963, mark me wrong, but I‘m pretty sure it was, we had an alert, boom. I went to my local where I was supposed to meet and get everything set up, the evacuation and stuff like this, and I get there and the Colonel comes running up and he says, ―Morrin?‖ and I said, ―Yes sir‖, and he said, ―go home and get in civilian clothes‖, ―Ok Colonel, what am I going to do?‖ He says, ―Just get in civilian clothes and come back and I‘ll let you know‖, so I go home—well, civilian clothes over there was a pair of pants, black shoes, and a Hawaiian shirt. Every GI and his own brother was dressed the same. 48:02 So, I get back and he says, ―We got two buses here, the Major‖, it was a Major or a captain, I can‘t remember, ―he‘s going to take one and you‘re going to take the other and inside, you‘ll see it‘s all GIs‖, and that‘s what they were, all GIs for that, sitting. I said, ―Ok, what‘s your story?‖ He said, ―You‘re going to go through Check Point Charlie, but these Germans have come up and said that we had to show a passport, and we‘re not showing passports‖. The Potsdam Agreement says we can go in there, and we use to take these tourists to the—a lot of them use to like 45 �to go over to the Soviet Union‘s cemetery over there, and they had a big cemetery over there with statues and all this kind of stuff because they lost nearly a quarter of a million men there. But, to make a long story short, he said, ―You go over there and the VoPo‘s will probably stop you‖. 49:05 He said, ―Give them some nudges and make sure they‘re really going to stop you‖, and I said, ―Do you mean shoot into the‖, and he said, ―Could be‖. But anyway, I said to him, and I don‘t ask many questions, but I said, ―But aren‘t they the Soviets over there?‖ He said, ―No, no, they‘re saying they don‘t know anything about this, it‘s all East Berlin or the East Germans‖, so I said, ―Ok, Colonel away we go‖, so we get down there—oh, by the way, and I could be wrong on this, but I think I‘m right. It‘s the only time they actually issued ammo to the troops for this alert. So, I get down there and all the tanks are lined up, all the GIs are up in the buildings and they have an officer standing right to the edge of our zone. 50:11 They had a Russian, or was it East German, I‘m not sure, all the way up facing each other, just looking at each other, and out we go. We go through Checkpoint Charlie and we go up I don‘t know how many hundreds of yards, but it was quite a way to the—and I could look back and they were all lined up across there, and low and behold a couple of those VoPo‘s were there. One of them looks at me and I look at him and he had one of those sub machine guns and he put his hand up, so I told the driver to stop. He gets out in front of the bus and he knocks on the door to get it, but I was told, ―You don‘t let anybody in‖. 51:04 I said, ―You ain‘t getting in‖, and if I had to kill him, I was going to have to kill him. So anyway, he looks at me and I look at him and he knew what I meant, so he went around and I said to the driver, ―Edge up on him and push him out of our way‖, so he, bump, 46 �bump, we had a big what was it? I can‘t think of the name, but a big bus, nice and all the GIs are in back and they‘re all—they didn‘t know what the hell was going on. Interviewer: Now, were you all in civilian clothing or were just you? I was, I had my—we were supposed to be tourists going to that Russian thing. We all looked the same, we all had our Hawaiian shirts on, that‘s what I had too, and we start nudging him a little bit and pretty soon he gets up and he takes the thing and he breaks the headlight. 52:04 He picks his foot up and we nudge him out of the way and he falls down. Then all of a sudden—they had a radio contact with the—it‘s amazing, I can‘t remember if that guy was a Major or Captain, but he comes running down, ―Ok, sarge, ok, that‘s far enough, we‘ve been told to stop right here‖, okay, so we stop and I look back and we had to be a few hundred yards from the lines, you know. I‘m saying to myself, ―Oh shit, if something happens here I‘m going back there with the one kid‖. Anyway, we‘re staying there and all of a sudden from our line come a couple of Jeeps full of MPs. They pull up, get out, set up a V and start pushing the VoPo‘s out of the way and then I hear it, big heavy roars. 53:01 I look up the road, I don‘t know how far up it was, and down comes the big Russian tanks. I‘ll never forget it; they looked like big guns, man. They‘re coming down and they get right by the bus and go by and then one comes up and stops and somebody opened the hatch and a little German kid is sitting in the thing, a little German, eighteen, nineteen, I don‘t know, whatever, and he looks up and looks at me and I look at him so, I look like I don‘t know what‘s going on, but there they were, all ready. So, we‘re waiting, waiting, and finally somebody comes up and says, ―Go back through Check Point Charlie‖. We take the bus, turn it around and go back through all the reporters—oh cripe; I don‘t know how many reporters were there all 47 �wanting to know this and we wouldn‘t let them on the bus, we just rode right back to where we were going. 54:06 Then General Clay called us in a few days later at Club Fifty, and all the NCO‘s and stuff like that, and he said, ―Now here‘s what happened. We went to the Russians consulate telling them that they‘re not going to get away with this. The Potsdam Agreement says this, and they kept saying, ―it‘s not us, we have nothing to do with it, we don‘t know nothing‖, and it was my idea to set this thing up to get them into the act, because it‘s what‘s known as salami tactics‖. I said, ―Salami tactics?‖ He said, ―Yeah, you take a slice and if they made us do that, next month it would be something else and pretty soon you own the whole salami‖, so that was the idea of it, so it was pretty exciting. 55:00 Interviewer: So, you were testing the limits and you kind of forced the Soviets? That‘s right, we forced the Soviets to come out and after that they didn‘t bother us anymore. Interviewer: Do you think that was October 1963 as opposed to 1962? I think it was 1963 Interviewer: Because 1962 was the Cuban missile crisis. Yeah, yeah, that was the whole—you got to realize now, in between that time, Vice President Johnson comes in, he drove in over the—it was all pushing to see how far they could go. Then Kennedy came, oh yeah, that was—in their mind they were saying, ―If that thing blows, we‘re gone, forget it, there‘s no way you can hold off in Berlin. I wasn‘t really scared, not scared—I wasn‘t really concerned until something happened on that thing, but I‘ll tell you something about the Russians you‘ll get a kick out of. 56:00 When I was leaving, I had a vehicle there, I had a car and I had to take it up to 48 �Bremerhaven and I had my little boy with me, he was two or three, and he wanted to drive up to Bremerhaven with me. So, we pull out and what you had to do, you had to get a passport type of thing that says you‘re American, and all this kind of stuff, to go through the highway, because the Russians had a block there. We‘re going, we go up to the thing, I get out of the car, and they go under the car checking for bombs and all this kind of crap. I get in this little building that they had and they had Lenin‘s picture and all the rest of the big shots, you know, on the wall and they played some Russian music and all, and what they do, they just lift up a slide like and they held out their hand and you hand them the thing and down it would go and if they felt like it they would keep you there for hours. 57:00 Well, I go in, and I had little Jimmy with me, and I sat him down off to one side and up comes the window and I hand them my thing and down comes the window and it wasn‘t five minutes and up comes the window again. He hands me my ok and he hands me a lollypop for the kid, and we drove all the way up. I thought that was a nice little story you might like to hear. Interviewer: So, what year was that when you were leaving? I was leaving in 1964, 1964 and Oh, I had another child born there too, Eddie, Eddie was born in 1964. Interviewer: Now, you come back to the states and where do you go? Ok, Topeka, Kansas, onward to Topeka, Kansas, I drive out through here with my old car from Berlin, and it had just about had it, but we drove to Topeka, Kansas and my job there was as an advisor to a heavy truck company, which was in Osage City, which was outside of Topeka. 58:09 Cowboy country man, the guy who, the Captain in charge of it, was the Captain of the company, he had a cattle ranch out there and he had about four 49 �or five hundred and I learned a lot out there man, because he said, ―I‘m going to buy some more land‖, and I said, ―Oh yeah?‖ He said, ―Yeah, I‘m going to buy two sections‖, and I‘m saying to myself, ―Two sections, how many acres is that?‖ Two sections, that‘s a mile long and a mile this way, and I use to get a kick out of it because I use to have to drive out and get these guy that wanted to sign up for the reserve and all this kind of stuff out there. I go out there and all they had out there was beer and wine. The other thing was, they would put a post-up, ―Seventy five cents and hour and all you can eat‖, if you want to push these things through the Corn Belt. 59:05 the Corn Belt was so far they used to issue some of these guys a motel. You cannot believe how big that place was. So, that was my job and I‘d have to take them once a year up to McCoy, Wisconsin, and we‘d train them up there and stuff like that. That was my job, being their advisor. I would go their meeting, they had one a week and one a month, and I would go them and sit in on them to make sure they were talking on them and make sure they were there, because a lot of these outfits they would write them down, ―Oh, we had fifty guys‖, and all this kind of stuff. Oh, we had a tornado too that came right through, and we had an old ambulance and I drove that through the tornado and helped them out with the tornado thing, it came right through town, but it was a nice take. :02 We had people next door who had come out there with the covered wagons, for god's sake, and one of them knew Wild Bill—the guy that had the big show? Interviewer: That’s Buffalo Bill Buffalo Bill, yeah, and he knew Wild Bill Hickok too. I don‘t think he knew him. Interviewer: He wouldn’t have because Hickok had died relatively young, he got shot. 50 �Yeah, it was Buffalo Bill Interviewer: He had the Wild West show. What he did for Buffalo Bill was, when Buffalo Bill had come into Topeka, he would ride and get some cattle and stuff like that, so he could use it in his show. But, what was good about him is that his house had a big deep cellar because of the tornadoes. The place that I had rented out there didn‘t have that, so we rushed over there and went down in his cellar because that thing came right over us, whoo, whoo, I‘ll never forget that one. But anyway, yeah, they got to be good friends of ours, and I was there for two years. Interviewer: So, you get to 1966 and what do they do with you then? 1:01 Well, I was there, let‘s see 1956, it was 1964. Interviewer: You came back in 1964. Yeah, I was back in 1964 and I was there from 1964 to 1966, and then came Vietnam. I get the word to go to Vietnam and I went back to Washington D.C., set my wife up in a house in Washington D.C. and took off and they had a strike, an airline strike. The airlines had a strike, so all the way to the west coast I had to take National Guard planes and stuff like that all the way over and boy, some of them were rickety. I went to San Francisco and I got a good deal, I‘ll never forget it, because they had my papers for all the way to Vietnam. A guy came by and he said, ―Sarge?‖ I said, ―Yeah‖, and he said, ―They got four spaces in that plane over there, all the way to the Philippines‖. 2:34 All the way to the Philippines, and it was a class A flight with Continental Airlines, and I said, ―Holy cripe‖, and aboard that they had movies and everything. We got into Hawaii and everybody was nice, they bought me beer, a buck sixty cents a glass, holy cripe, you know. Anyway, I got back on the thing and went all the way to the Philippines. 3:03 51 �Got off at the Philippines and then MATS come in, of course you know and old beat up air force transport, got on that baby and into Saigon. We‘re flying out there and all of a sudden all the lights come on and we got to take a different route before you land and all this kind of stuff. We land into Saigon and M.P.s are waiting there where you get out and dogs with them and all this kind of stuff and then out to the area where they had the tents and all that kind of stuff and all kinds of crap was going on, this was in 1966. I met an old sergeant as I was home and this was the second time he was going back there and he said, ―The army should have left this place alone. Johnson should have left this place alone. We were here a couple years ago and everybody was having a great time and all we had was advisors here, you know, and nobody bothered anybody and all that kind of stuff‖. 4:11 So anyway, to make a long story short, I spent a couple days in the tent and then they came in and they said to me, ―There‘s a C130 out here that‘s going to take you up to Qui Nhon‖, so I said, ―Ok, what should I take?‖ He said, ―Take everything, that‘s where you‘re going‖, so I got on, and I think there were only about two or three other guys on there, but they were dropped off before Qui Nhon and we were flying on. I get on there and the damn thing is smoking and everything else and I‘ll never forget, I said to the sarge, ―This thing is smoking‖, and he said, ―Not again?‖ So, all of a sudden we get over this area and it‘s wide open and we just land, bump, bump, bump, and he says, ―Ok sarge, get out‖, and there‘s nobody there, just a little shack way up the road, nothing. 5:08 I‘m sitting there, I don‘t know how long I sat there and pretty soon a Jeep comes up, a kids in the Jeep and he says, ―Come on sarge, are you the new first sergeant?‖ I said, ―Yeah‖, and he said, ―I‘ll take you out to the company‖, and I said, ―Where are we‖, and he said, ―Well, we‘re in Valley A‖, so we go through Qui Nhon and up this old dirt 52 �road and up this road, up, up, up and there‘s Valley A and the company is set up on the side of a hill. Interviewer: What kind of country was around there? Hilly, not too much, but some and in fact, there was a lot of foliage though and it was kind of nice, a really nice looking place, I was surprised. I got a picture of this place where we were if it makes any difference. 6:06 But anyway, we got all the tents set up, and it was all tent work, and I get in there and take over the company. Interviewer: What was the company? The 556th Transportation Company, I‘m pretty sure that‘s the number, and we were with the 5th battalion of transportation. They had the big heavy duty trucks on another compound just to the left of us and beyond that was an engineering outfit and to the right of us was a hospital. We were up in this big hill and the hill went like this and we were all barbwire‘d in and we had bunkers down the front end and a bunker here. 7:01 Our job was to get stuff out of Qui Nhon, the harbor, and take it up to An Khe, which had at that time, I believe, it was the 1st Airmobile outfit up there, and beyond that to Pleiku, which had helicopters and stuff like that, and beyond that was Special Forces at Dak To. Our job was to take whatever they had off them beaches and get it up to them. Interviewer: So you were taking convoys of trucks? Yes, convoys Interviewer: Wasn’t that kind of dangerous? Oh yeah, it wasn‘t exactly exciting, I mean yeah, this was a lot worse than Korea, when I was in Korea. Stuff like what‘s happening in Afghanistan and stuff like that and of course, they didn‘t have the means that they have in Afghanistan, so we didn‘t run into 53 �that many mines, but we ran into our mines and the ones they had made and blow up a few trucks here and there every once in a while. 8:03 Some of those kids, every day, stuck their rear end out to get that stuff through and when you went past Pleiku, you were in a wild, wild horse race up there, that was—the Montagnards were up there and we met them and we used to try to help them out too, of course. What we did, we had a G5, they called it, and we would take stuff up to their little camps and stuff. Most of the stuff they would sell anyway, because you go up there and they had all these huts and they were up on poles and stuff like that, and we‘d go up with big pieces of steel and, ―Oh, look at this, you put that on top of your roof ―, and my god it would get so damn hot it would kill you, so they use to take that stuff and sell it, you know. I got to meet a couple of Montagnard chiefs, you call it, and they would sit up down when we‘d go into their areas like that. 9:06 Of course they wore loin cloths and stuff and had bow and arrows and stuff like that. I know me and one other sergeant, we went up there one time and they invited us out for a meal and the rice wasn‘t bad and the meat wasn‘t too bad until I looked over and seen that they had a dog on the spit. Then he used to point out, I‘ll never forget it, his little water creek that was in the middle of this thing and he had some little fish in there, the chief. They use to let us know if there‘s—don‘t go this way, go that way. That‘s where we got hit with the Agent Orange. As you come out of Bong Son you went through a jungle area and it was real slow going up these hills. 10:02 I mean you were in grandma all the way up, of course that‘s where you run into some sniper fire and stuff like that and if they were really going to set up—the French called it ―The Street Without Joy‖. Interviewer: “The Street Without Joy” was along the coastal highway. 54 �But no, coastal until it starts going up into the hills Interviewer: The same highway? Yeah, highway 9, and that was the one where the French really got blobbed, just outside of An Khe is where they really got clobbered, and they called it ―The Street Without Joy‖, or something like that. I‘ve got a picture of that too. Interviewer: There was a book by that name and part of that book covered the mobile columns the French had getting ambushed up there in the hills and getting pretty much destroyed. In An Khe, so the division had a big place up there they had set up, and then beyond that is Pleiku and now you‘re really up in the highlands because you‘re in the flat country up there. 11:04 Where the French use to have coffee and stuff they grew out in up there, and some of the women, you look out, and they don‘t look like Vietnamese, they‘re half and half. Interviewer: Right Then Dak To, now when you get into Dak To you‘re dealing with the Special Forces. They use to love to see us because the myth is that everything was taken up to them by helicopters, but my kids their job getting them shells and all the goodies, they got a lot of that stuff up there. Interviewer: Were there times when the roads were basically closed and you couldn’t get through? Yeah, well the convoys, we‘d get as far as that jungle area I was talking about, and at that time, when we first got there, you couldn‘t see five yards beyond, some of that foliage would come in the truck, driving it, and yeah, then they‘d close it off. 12:09 55 And you �would have to get an escort, I mean 113 helicopters {M-113 personnel carriers and/or helicopters?], so you would be escorted all the way up there, because on the side of the hill they had snipers shooting down and stuff like that. Then they—I forget how long I was there when one of the kids came up and said, ―Hey sarge, you gotta see‖, and I can‘t think of the name of that jungle area, and he said, ―You gotta see this, what‘s happened there:, and I said, ―What do you mean‖, and he said, ―Oh, they came down and sprayed it with something‖, and I said, ―Oh? ―I‘ll take a convoy in for you‖. I had to take the convoy every once in a while just to keep my foot in it because you can‘t tell those kids to do that and not go up yourself, you know. So anyway, to make a long story short, I took one into that area and holy moly, I couldn‘t believe it, everything was gray. 13:06 Everything was off the trees, everything was off the bushes, you had a firing lane about a hundred or two hundred yards on both sides. And, of course, everything was covered with this junk, or whatever you want to call it. By the time we got to Pleiku you were covered with it, Agent Orange, and we didn‘t know what it was at the time. So anyway, to make a long story short, that was the job and the thing I didn‘t particularly care for about the job, was the fact that I was the one—the Lieutenant, the poor Lieutenant, he used to be the convoy commander just about every day. We got a Captain in there, but he didn‘t last very long. He got killed going up by a sniper. We use to run that poor Lieutenant to death and running the company in that Qui Nhon area there. 14:04 And oh, and then we got another company in and they wanted to use our area and the Colonel came in and said, ―They have to use this area and you have to move the whole company‖, which I did, up to Pleiku. Holy moley, what a job that was, and I got a kick out of—right outside of our place was a guy who would help you with tires, and by the time I got up 56 �to—it‘s supposed to be all secret now, all secret, he was already set up there. He knew more about it than what we did. Anyway, we were in Pleiku, I forget—we come out of there—of course, we had to dig holes up there because we could be hit anytime up there, and let me think—Pleiku—Pleiku was quite a place. We did our job out of Pleiku, helping the helicopters with their material and stuff like that, and the ammo dumps, and taking a lot of stuff up to Dak To. 15:05 there was another place beyond that, but we— this is—I use to go up there for—because I—A guy from Walter Reed Army Medical Center was up there as a medic. I knew him at Walter Reed and I went up there. I use to go see him and he had a little Green Beret and all that stuff, and he would say, ―Hey, put this on sarge‖, you know, and this kind of crap. I use to go up there just to keep my foot in because you just can‘t do—you can‘t ask kids to do something you won‘t do. Interviewer: You can’t just lead from the desk. No, no Interviewer: What kind of casualties did you take? Not too bad, most of our casualties were from traffic. These kids would go up there with these—I forget how many gallons of fuel, and it‘s over a hundred miles or something like that, and they would empty that fuel and they would be coming down those mountainsides and all of a sudden they would fall asleep. 16:05 Whittt, I think we lost-killed, it was only two, but going off the side of those roads, at least a half a dozen, and of course, I got a kick out it, and I‘ll tell you how bad it was. You had an accident, or my outfit had an accident, the General would call me, nothing in between. You would expect—he was something else, he would say, ―Hey sarge, what are you doing out there?‖ And all this kind of stuff, and I would say, ―Here‘s what we‘re doing sir‖, ―Ok, 57 �make sure you keep doing that and cut down those god damn accidents, I don‘t care what you have to do‖, but never tell me why he didn‘t go through the Colonel or anybody else. Interviewer: What kind of guys did you have working for you? Great, great, when I first went there it was all volunteers, just about everybody. 17:01 And those kids, and believe me when I say this, I was beyond belief when I met them. They were willing, they were able, and they went. All you would have to do is say, ―We‘re going to‖—every day we set—I‘ll be perfectly honest with you—ninety-eight percent of our trucks, out of the fifty-eight trucks, went out every day, and we loaded them. Our biggest thing was to maintain them and get them going, and have those kids go up those roads and they went up there. Only in a few cases, and we put sandbags under their seats and all this kind of stuff, because every once in a while a truck would get hit, and a truck would go up with the sandbags and what they were using at the time didn‘t kill the whole crew, just ruined the truck. The trouble I had, well, not really trouble, some kid would come back after he‘s been hit like that and he‘s all shaken. 18:04 I let him rest for a day or two and then I‘d say, ―Come on‖, and I‘d take him up in a truck, next to him, so they can, you know, and they got over it, most of them. I don‘t know what they did when they got back, but the biggest thing—no, great kids, great, great, great guys, well, they weren‘t really kids, they were guys. I had a colored sergeant who was—who ran the operation and he was fantastic, a great guy. I had the best cook in the United States Army, and what we did, which was not kosher, I had a beer tent and we weren‘t supposed to have beer tents, you know. I use to sell beer for approximately ten cents a can. Where do we get the beer? 19:01 We would go down to the wharf, and what they would do, they bring a lot of this stuff in and there were no warehouses down 58 �in Qui Nhon, and they put it right up on the beach, and this stuff would be left out on the beach and boy, when it rained there man, monsoons, it would completely ruin the setup and all the beer cans would fall. We‘d go down there, and I‘ll never forget the sergeant, he said, ―You gotta clean up this damn place. I‘ll sell you the beer, fifty cents a front end loader‖. We go down, a big front end loader, and we‘d take all this beer, put it in the trucks, take it out, put it in the little tent I had for beer, sell it to the kids, get the money, and give it to Cooper. Cooper was the name of our mess sergeant, Cooper, give it to him. 20:06 He‘d go out on the local economy and you could not believe what this guy could do. He would get stuff, stuff to eat and stuff, but what he did, he‘d built this big mess hall, I got a picture of that thing, and it‘s unbelievable. Rock--and he‘d get the local guys that knew all about rock and stuff, and then we had people from around the area, engineers and other guys from other areas, and they would come in, and especially who use to come in was the guys from the—Koreans. What was it—the 1st Light Horse Division, they would come in and all eat with us. Man, he use to set up—he was the greatest cook I‘ve ever seen in my life. 21:00 We ate, and colonels came in and said, ―We gotta eat over here‖, and all this kind of stuff. Then another thing, I had another kid there that was just a great kid and he said—you know you had to have—where you crapped, you know and he built us a beautiful, I think it was an eight holer. It was all covered and everything else, it was great. I‘ll tell you a Lieutenant story, okay? We had this lieutenant come in who was supposed to take over, and he came in with a, ―I‘m a Lieutenant and this is what we‘re going to do‖, and all this stuff. The old Captain who we‘re running up and down all the time, he was so damn tired, he came in there and we said, ―Hey captain, we got a Lieutenant in here and he is gung ho and I think he‘s from 59 �West Point, I don‘t know‖. The Captain said, ―I‘ll handle him‖. 22:02 I said, ―Do you want me to kind of take care of this?‖ He said, ―How are you going to do it?‖ So, I said, ―What I‘ll do‖, I use to write all the orders up, ―You‘re supply, you‘re in charge of supply, voting, you‘re in charge‖, and we all give this to the Lieutenant and he‘d sign for everything, you know, he owned everything. I said, ―I‘ll make him fecal control officer‖. He said, ―What? There‘s no such thing‖, and I said, ―I know it and you know it, but we‘ll make him fecal control officer‖. He said, ―Come on‖, and I said, ―Do you want me to take care of him?‖ He said, ―Ok, go ahead‖, so I wrote all these orders up and handed them to the Lieutenant and he‘s going around and he said, ―Where‘s all the ammo and stuff?‖ I said, ―Over here‖, and pointing around, and he said, ―Wait a minute, what‘s this fecal control officer?‖ I said, ―Oh, that‘s local‖ and he said, ―What do you mean?‖ 23:06 I said, ―The battalion set this up‖, and he said, ―What is it?‖ I said, ―You know we feed the men so much food every day, we know how much they feed, but we want to know if they‘re all feeling ok‖, and he said, ―How do we do that?‖ the set up was, out of that eight thing we had fifty-five gallon drums cut in half and we‘d put them under the different places, and then we had a Vietnamese guy who would pull them out if they‘re getting kind of full and he‘d stack them up and as he‘s stack them up we had a combination of diesel fuel and he‘s burn all that stuff and then put them back. The Lieutenant said, ―Well, what‘s my job?‖ I said, ―Well, here‘s this measuring stick, find out how much is in each one‖. 24:08 He said, ―You‘re kidding‖, and I said, ―No, no, this is battalion headquarters if you want to check with them‖, and he said, ―No, no, no, why can‘t an enlisted man do this?‖ He was that type, and I said, ―No, they want an officer to make sure that they‘re getting the right measurement‖. I don‘t know how many 60 �days he did it and he finally came one day and he said, ―You son of a bitch‖, and I said, ―What‘s the matter?‖ He started laughing and he was never the same guy again, he was perfect and he started taking convoys. But, that‘s my story and he was the fecal control officer. Interviewer: Now, when you were stationed in these different places, did the camps you were bases at get hit by rockets or mortars periodically? Oh, well, yeah, actually Pleiku, you don‘t know there. 25:01 We set up bunkers and all that kind of stuff. We didn‘t—the only big hit we got, and you won‘t believe this, the Korean Army was there, you know, the Koreans, and they start shooting artillery over, and they would explode up over my damn tents and stuff and all the crap came down and we were ducking all over the place, but in Qui Nhon we were pretty well set up and we‘d have an alert or something like that, but we had bunkers and I made bunkers for what you were saying, and of course, if one of those things ever hit you direct, forget it anyway. But, these bunkers were—if they landed a little way off or something like that, but no, we never got hit out there, but Pleiku and Dak To now, you‘re dealing with boom, boom, boom, all kinds of crap. So anyway, that‘s the way--the kids going up, the big thing was either sniper, it depended where you were going, or something in the road. 26:07 I‘ll tell you a story about the Koreans. One of our trucks went up there and got hit, and that Captain came down and he wanted to know what happened and of course, I told him and he said, ―I‘ll take care of that‖, and he went back up there and I watched and he had all the guys with the, like they did in the old days with the bayonets, going up the road like that to find out if there were any mines up there. Then he said, ―I‘ll get the son of bitches‖, and I said, ―What are you going to do?‖ He said, ―Tomorrow night I‘m going to 61 �pull everybody off, there won‘t be anybody around this whole road and then we‘re going to sneak around to the side and nobody with weapons, nobody with a carbine or a weapon—knives‖, and he set this thing up and of course, these guys that were doing this were only fifteen, sixteen, eighteen years old at the most. 27:06 They would sneak down and do this kind of stuff. He‘s let them sneak through and then he‘s surround them, and then they went out with knives and killed every one of them. Man, those Vietnamese didn‘t want any part of them guys. That‘s just a little story I thought I‘d let you hear. Interviewer: When you got up to Pleiku or Dak To, did you ever get ground attack or sapper attacks or anything? No, no, no ground attacks, Dak To did, but I wasn‘t there. Then they had a couple of artillery bases that got hit up there. They were mostly worried about, like you called them, terrorists and stuff like that. But the Montagnards use to take care of it, anybody not—that didn‘t belong there. 28:01 Actually, the biggest part was going up those roads. Interviewer: Now, did you do like one twelve month tour up there? It was a thirteen month tour, and then I came back, what was it? In, this was 1967, and they shipped me out to Grand Rapids and I had the reserve center at Grand Rapids and then of course, I had the worst job I ever had in the army. The reserve wasn‘t bad, I got it kind of in my mind as I was looking around, and all the wheels had their kids in the reserves because they weren‘t calling them up. Lawyers' sons, and all the wheels, you know. Then of course, the word came down of the casualties. We‘d get it out of Madison, Wisconsin and they would call me and they‘d say, ―Here‘s what happened at so and so, go out to the house and explain it to whoever‘s there, and then come back and 62 �report to us what happened and all this kind of stuff. 29:08 Then they would send the telegram, but you‘d get there before the telegram. So, I did it I don‘t know how many times, I never did count, but I did it one time on Mother‘s Day and of course, when you drove up they knew immediately. The Mother‘s Day one, she just looked at me and she said, ―You don‘t have to tell me, I know‖, and her son who was with her at the time that I pulled up, was in the National Guard, locally and she took it real hard. Then of course, the idea was for me to offer whatever help I could get, and let them know when their son is coming in and all this kind of stuff, but I would get to some houses where they would all break down and one or two of them pounded on my chest and said, ―why couldn‘t it have been you?‖ And all this kind of stuff, and of course, everybody‘s screaming about Johnson, who was the President, and all this kind of stuff. 30:09 Ran into all kinds of stuff like that and that was a brutal army. You don‘t know what you‘re going to face when you go in there. I went all the way up to Traverse City and back. Most of these kids were the ones that got killed, were mostly lower echelon, you know what I mean, they weren‘t the—one Lieutenant, and he had a nice beautiful house, but the rest of them you could tell were working people, you know. The one I really got a kick out of—well, not a kick out of, but threw me off in a way. I pulled up to this house, it was like a little farm house and I look around and there‘s a big Mercedes over here, a Cadillac over there, and it‘s a little farmhouse. 31:04 I knock on the door and she says, ―Come on in, I know what you want‖, and I came in and she‘s in, I don‘t know what you call those outfits they wear in Hawaii, that long thing. She was a kind of heavy set woman and she had books everywhere, and she said, ―I told him not to go. I took him to the Democratic National Convention‖, and she was showing me books he had and stuff. I said what 63 �happened, that he had been killed and all this stuff, and I said, ―He will be on the west coast in a day or two and we‘ll ship him in‖, and she said, ―I‘m going on vacation, have him cremated on the west coast‖, and I‘m kind of solemn. Then there would be cases where they are all upset and pounding on, and all this kind of stuff. ―I got to tell my husband, he‘s not here, we‘re divorced‖, and comes Monday morning and they are fighting over who‘s going to get the damn insurance money, so that went on. 32:14 Interviewer: How long did you do that job? For that almost two years I was here in Grand Rapids. A lot of them and it just got to me. I was kind of fed up with the whole thing, you know. Interviewer: What was your impression of the war itself by then? Well of course, I was a professional, I mean I figured if they told me, this is where you‘re going to go and this is what you‘re going to do. The political consequences of the war never bothered me. I said, ―We‘re going to do our job‖. The thing that I use to—well, I was used to being in an army that went forward, so we would go up and engage with our troops as support and all this kind of stuff, and take some place and then the next thing is we‘re turning back to where we came before. 33:09 They used to say, ―Hay sarge, when are we going up to Pleiku? When are we going all the way up?‖ I‘d say, ―Boy I don‘t know‖, and then we‘re getting all this stuff with the bombing runs and all this stuff, so that was really frustrating trying to hold the morale up because they understand that what they were putting out and then have to come back to the same place again. So, that really got me and then when I got back here and I saw what was happening in the reserve center right here in Grand Rapids, and then what I was doing with the kids out in the—it really began to shake me and I was beginning to say, ―This is not the army I used to 64 �know‖. 34:01 You know, the one where you went in and did the job and went all the way and victory. Then I was here two years doing that kind of stuff and then going back to Korea. I went back to Korea, and of course, everything was changed in Korea. They were modernizing everything, my God. It was different, we were—there was Arbor Day, they had an Arbor Day and we were helping them plant trees, they had an Arbor Day just like we do. We‘d go to the village and say we need this and this and we‘d get it and take it to them and they would plant trees. They were getting—getting into Seoul, I couldn‘t believe it and then I couldn‘t believe Seoul, and then of course, the roads were all paved. They had us on Wolmido Island, yeah, and then what really got me were Johnson and his buddy who was running the war, decided they were going to take a bunch of kids who were below seventy IQ. 35:15 We began to get some of them and that was horrendous. These kids were crying or they‘d be on dope and all this kind of stuff. We were supposed to send them to school in the afternoon and the Army‘s not set up for that kind of stuff. I looked at this and I began to whoo, and coming back from Korea the second time, I called the Pentagon and told them, ―I‘m retiring‖, and they said, ―Ok‖. Interviewer: Now, had they wanted you to go back to Vietnam at that point? Yes, oh yes—well I had called and I said, ―How long am I going to be at home?‖ ―The most we can give you is nine months‖, so I said, ―Oh shit, then what will we do?‖ 36:09 Well, the point was we were evacuating and I said, ―That‘s not my Army. My army‘s not evacuating, I‘m not going to go over there and give up, that‘s just‖, but after that Nixon, of all people, got the all-volunteer army and now we got the best bunch of kids—I‘ve been down to Fort Bragg here a year or two ago, which my daughter was part of, what a 65 �bunch of kids we got now, they‘re fantastic. The best army we‘ve ever had, the best navy, the best everything we‘ve got right now, and I‘d join it in a minute. Interviewer: What did you wind up doing after you retired out of the military? Well, I got here in Grand Rapids and I—did you ever hear of Thornapple Valley Meats? Well anyway, they made hotdogs and stuff. 37:00 Interviewer: Yeah, yeah They wanted to set up security for the plants, so I set up the security for them and I had a bunch of guards and all this kind of stuff. Then MIOSHA safety, I became the safety director and I dealt with the government. I took care of MIOSHA and stuff and it was like a regular job, back and forth. All that time I could never understand, this is dull, but it was a regular, regular job and I did all right by it, because the people at Thornapple Valley showed me how to invest, so I whipped, not a great one, but I got a little 401k, I got the army pension, which is not a great amount of money, but it‘s nice. The other thing is, I also draw some Agent Orange money. I applied for the Agent Orange stuff because I got sugar diabetes, which they hooked up with the Agent Orange, and here I am today. 38:05 I guess you could play the song. Interviewer: I’ll tell you, you’ve gone almost the entire three hour tape here, and you’ve told one heck of a story. Is that right? That‘s my life, let‘s see, what else, oh—some of the stuff, like I‘ve met Roy Rogers. When I was at Walter Reed he came for a Sunday service, and I took care of him and his horse. Let‘s see, Nixon, I met Nixon, I had the, I don‘t know how you‘d put this, but Kennedy came to Berlin and we had to take care of him too, so I met all those people. Nixon, I said Nixon, and did you ever hear of Bedell Smith? 66 �Interviewer: Yes You did? Interviewer: One of Eisenhower’s aides. He—was the top one—well; I got to tell you a little story. I‘m at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and one day there‘s a clamp down-boom. Don‘t go in this door; don‘t go in that door and I thought, ―What the hell‘s going on?‖ Churchill was coming, so Churchill arrives, I don‘t know what it‘s all about, but I see him come through the door, I never met him, but I seen him. He came through the door and I finally got the word what it was all about. Bedell Smith was dying and he had been the CIA man. They had an Admiral who first started the CIA and then he screwed it all up. They brought Bedell Smith in and he knew all the secrets in the world I guess and they really covered him because I guess he was getting Alzheimer‘s. 40:08 They didn‘t want him to—and it wasn‘t too long and he died there, but I was surprised, they really clamped down. I thought, ―Who the hell?‖ I knew Bedell Smith to be the Chief of Staff and the—but boy, he—and of course, Eisenhower came there and who else? I‘m trying to think, oh, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the use to come up with the programs, you know, and we would support them when I was at Walter Reed, and Dean Martin was just like you know him. He could care less, didn‘t want to go practice or nothing. The other guy was something else, get this done, do this, do this. 41:02 I like old Dean Martin, but I didn‘t like the other guy too much. So I met them all, Pearl Mesta, you know, and all these people and they all came there, you know what I mean, that‘s the end, if you can‘t make it there, or at least at that time, you couldn‘t make it. Those are some of my experiences and here I am a dumb, I mean, a dumb kid from Boston. I went to school in East Boston, but really, 67 �when I left there, I mean, I didn‘t know noth‘n, and I got a degree in the army. The army taught me how to read, how to write, how to be responsible and I just loved the army when it was a winner, you know what I mean. Well, you know the story, so I kept going and if it was today‘s army I‘d join it tomorrow morning. 42:04 But, I‘m an old—I‘ll be eighty-five next month and I‘m too far gone, but I back them up now, don‘t get me wrong, and I try to do the best I can for them. Interviewer: Well, thank you for coming in and sharing your story here. Well, I‘ll tell you what happened. My grandkids are the ones that really pushed me to it, because, you know, they keep asking me these different questions. Oh, and two of my kids were born at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, one in Berlin, one in Topeka, and one in Grand Rapids, and my daughter, right now, is a bomb disposal expert and she‘s been in Iraq and spent a year there, so we‘re still in the military, and Patsy‘s father, of the woman I married, he was a Full Colonel in the army. D-Day, he went through the whole thing, so we‘re all family and we can go back to the Civil War if we have to. So, that‘s us, we‘re not rich, but I‘m happy. Interviewer: Alright, and I thank you very much. You‘re welcome and I just hope I haven‘t bored you with a lot of this. Interviewer: Not at all 43:18 68 � 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 MorrinE Title A name given to the resource Morrin, Edward (Interview transcript and video), 2011 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morrin, Edward Description An account of the resource Edward Morrin was born in East Boston, Massachusetts on June 21st, 1926. At the outbreak of World War II, Morrin attempted to enlist but the Army denied him because he was only seventeen and needed permission from his parents, although both his parents were dead; however, the Army eventually accepted him. Once finished with training at Fort Wheeler, Georgia, Morrin deployed to the European theater, remaining until after the end of the war, including helping with security during the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal. After returning home, Morrin initially got out of active duty but re-enlisted after the Korean War began and made his way to Korea, where he served as an MP. Following the tour Korea, Morrin returned to the United States and served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. as an MP and ambulance driver. After Walter Reed, Morrin had another tour in Korea before returning to the medical center. Eventually, Morrin received orders for Germany and deployed to Berlin, where he was stationed while the Soviet Union and East Germany built the Berlin Wall. When he returned from Germany, Morrin received orders for Vietnam and deployed to the country for a year. Finally, after his tour in Vietnam was complete, Morrin returned to the United States and received an assignment to work with the Reserve forces in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where one of his assignments was delivering news of a soldier's death to his family. However, the job took a toll on Morrin and after two years, he asked for his discharge, which he received. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission (Kentwood, Mich.) WKTV WKTV (Wyoming, Mich.) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American United States. Army 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 2011-05-19 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/62ac42f7e6562982366614ca8854a08a.m4v d95e3b5d62885a1c479de767f27e228f https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0b58a04e9274a6969ce6e032a2fb77c5.pdf 75577487ddf9e71516010dfa53c4e5d1 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Basil Morris World War II Total Time: 1:57:27 Childhood and Pre-Enlistment (0:00:13)       Born in 1922 in Allegan County, Michigan. He lived on farms while he was a child. He attended high school in Otsego, Michigan and graduated in 1941. He worked for the local paper after graduation, and attended Parsons Business School. He remembers going to church after hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor. (0:05:02) He enlisted in the Air Corps in the January following the attacks. Training (0:06:26)               He was then called up to Detroit where they boarded trains for Santa Ana, California. (0:07:10) He signed up to be a mechanic, but he was given a pilots assignment, and he took ground school at Santa Ana. Ground school consisted of book work, and some physical training. (0:10:00) There was no place to send them after ground school, so they were sent to Merced, California where they practiced taxiing. (0:10:30) They were sent to Dos Palos, California where they trained in open cockpit planes. (0:11:30) It took him a little longer than most to solo pilot the planes, but his instructor got him through it. He got married in Las Vegas, Nevada while he was stationed in California. (0:18:02) His wife was able to rent rooms from people in the area of the bases. (0:18:20) He was then trained on B-13s. It took him a very long time, but he was eventually able to solo and graduate on multi-engine aircraft. (0:20:20) He was then sent to Roswell, New Mexico where he crashed on his first solo flight. They never got off the ground. (0:22:15) He had to go before a board to decide whether or not he would be allowed to continue the program. He told them he did not want to continue, but they allowed him to return to basic flight school at Santa Ana, California. (0:22:45) He was then sent to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was trained to be a bombardier. He was trained on the Norden Bomb Sight. His wife was always able to follow him from base to base. (0:26:50) He was then sent to Clovis, New Mexico for navigation training. (0:27:30) Next, he was given leave, and was subsequently given orders to report to McCook, Nebraska where the 454th Bomb Group was forming up. �Active Duty (0:27:45)               He became a part of the 736th Squadron of the 454th. They flew B-24s. (0:29:45) He was then shipped to Charleston, South Carolina by train. He was appointed car commander for this trip. (0:30:36) In Charleston, he was assigned to train bombardiers. (0:32:50) He was then shipped overseas. They were first sent to Mitchell Field in New York, and then to Florida, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and then Natal, Brazil. They stayed in Natal for a time while they were waiting for the airfields in West Africa to clear. Eventually, they made it to West Africa, and were then flown to Tunis, Tunisia where they waited for further airfields to clear. (0:37:30) They arrived in Tunis in January, 1944 and the flew to Italy shortly thereafter. They stayed in tents while they were there. (0:39:26) His aircraft was a squadron leader. (0:40:50) They would receive a pre-dawn briefing before flights. On his 3rd mission they were sent to bomb a facility in Austria. They ran into some very heavy flak, and as they flew over the target German fighter aircraft attacked them. They were hit in the nose turret, and it was knocked out of commission. Two of their engines caught fire and they had to leave the group and drop altitude. They were then given the order to bail out. (0:49:35) They bailed out through the bomb bay doors. He landed in an open field in a small mountain village. He opened his parachute at the very last moment because of rumors that the Germans were shooting down American aviators while they were parachuting. (0:54:05) He decided to run for some woods and a farm. He got part of the way across the field when he heard some women talking and he lay down in the middle of the field. He then saw two young men with rifles, who were not soldiers, approach him from behind, and he decided to give up without a fight. (0:57:00) He handed the young men his pistol, and they took him back to their house where they dried his clothes out for him. He was then taken to a local beer hall where they offered beer and cigarettes, which he did not take. He was then taken into town and handed over to the chief of police. (1:01:27) He was questioned when he got to the police station. All he would tell them was name, rank, and serial number as he was trained to do. (1:02:50) He was then turned over to the German Army. He was placed in a halftrack and eventually the sidecar of a motorcycle. He was finally placed alone in a cell (1:04:45) He stayed in that cell for several hours before he was put in the halftrack again. They ended up in Freistadt, where he was taken to prison. He was able to meet up with part of his crew while he was there. (1:08:05) They were put on passenger trains later that afternoon and shipped to Frankfurt, Germany. There they were placed in a building with 30 other prisoners. �                 (1:10:35) They were there one night, before they were sent to another building. There, they were given prison uniforms. They also had to fill out information forms there. (1:12:30) They were then put on another train for Berlin, Germany where they were placed in former barracks. These barracks were in rather poor condition. [This was in a Luftstalag in eastern Germany, not in Berlin itself.] (1:15:50) They were fed barley infested with worms on a regular basis. They were also given potatoes with sawdust and sauerkraut with glass in it. (1:17:10) They did many things while they were in the camp, including bible study and plays. (1:18:05) There were some suicides while he was in the camp. (1:18:45) Food parcels were supposed to arrive weekly from the Red Cross, but they only occasionally got them. They were also sent cigarettes on a regular basis, which became a sort of currency in the camp. (1:20:45) There were several escape attempts in the prison while he was there. (1:23:20) The camp was mostly American officers (1:24:30) They had a radio hidden somewhere in the camp, by which they got updates on the war. He never knew where exactly it was hidden, but there was one in the camp. (1:26:45) The men in the camp were able to make an alcoholic drink out of the prunes from the Red Cross kits. (1:27:20) Most of the guards were older men not fit for any other type of military service. (1:30:20) They could hear when the Russians were getting close. Eventually they were freed by the Russians and released into American custody after about 2 weeks of negotiation. (1:34:10) He went home first thing after he was released from custody. (1:37:55) His wife learned that he was a POW via the Ham Radio operators on the East Coast that had intercepted German radio and Red Cross transmissions. She knew he was MIA for 3 months before she found out he was a POW. (1:41:00) He was taken to Camp Lucky Strike where he waited for three weeks for a boat. He was finally given a spot on the USS Admiral Mayo. The weather was very bad on the crossing. They eventually arrived in New York City. (1:45:20) His back and knees got messed up while he was over there, for which he had several surgeries. He was sent to Miami Beach upon his arrival in the United States to bring his records up to date. He was given 60 Days leave Post-Service  He eventually enrolled in the University of Michigan business school. � 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 MorrisB Title A name given to the resource Morris, Basil (Interview outline and video), 2009 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Morris, Basil Description An account of the resource Basil Morris was born in Allegan, Michigan and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Basil joined the Air Corp following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, and went through the requisite training to fly B-24s. He was eventually sent to Europe, flying missions from a base in Italy. On his third mission, his plane was shot down over Austria, and he was captured by local villagers and made a POW. He was sent to a POW camp in Germany, and released when the camp was over-run by the Russians. 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 World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American United States. Army Air Corps 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 2009-10-15 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