839 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b165e92e6e8f94565a5d25308eef46eb.pdf c821d3dfa5596eb4ae28aca85349b46e PDF Text Text GV observes Transgender Day of Remembrance ' ' Author, historian Susan St ryker sp eaks on camp us for event BY TY KONELL LAKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM Grand Valley State University celebrated Transgender Day of Remembrance on Monday, Nov. 13. To highlight the national holiday, Susan Stryker was brought in by the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center to give a keynote lecture on transgen der issues and history. Stryker, whose lecture began at 4 p.m., was introduced by assistant professor Cael Keegan of the liberal studies and women, gender and sexuality studies departments. Having known Stryker before her visit to GVSU, Keegan was a natural can didate to give her introduction. Keegan said he was greatly influenced by Stryker's work and was grateful for her role as a mentor in his life. "It's not often that you're given the opportunity to introduce someone with out whose work your own would not exist;' Keegan said. "Susan's work and mentorship has not only been invaluable to me but has been the very precondition for my intellectual life:' Highlighting the meaning and reason behind Transgender Day of Remembrance, Keegan spoke in his introduction about the role memory plays in remembering transgender lives that were lost too early. ''A remembrance is an op- portunity to think carefully about the work of memory and what it can do-how we might want to use it, change it, share in it;' Keegan said. "To reorganize our collec- Dr. Stryker has made enormous contributions to uncov' ' documenting, ering, theorizing and representing transgender histories and cultures in a manner that has made my own life and . the lives of transgender people more possible to sustain." CAEL KEEGAN PROFESSOR tive consciousness and rearrange our public affects:' In addition to speaking about the role of memory, Keegan said Transgender Day of Remembrance can also be a space for theorizing what our country and world would look like if transgender people were not lost at the rate in which they currently are. "Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time during which we traditionally mark the premature loss of trans- gender lives due to violence;' Stryker also said she was he said. "In this context, a re- trying to navigate the space membrance is a time we set between the heightened aside to consider what has awareness of transgender gone missing and what our . issues and issues of racism, world might be like without and explore if and how such empty spac_es:' they work together. In his introduction of "I really think it's imStryker, Keegan said her portant right now, in this work has made it pos- moment in history, there sible for himself and other are two things that are up transgender people to both at the same time;' she said. understand and think criti- "There's this incredible atcally about their culture tention to transgender issues and history, which can of- in media, culture and politen by erased by society. tics right now. I'm also try"Dr. Stryker has made ing to pay attention to, now enormous contributions to in this moment, as there's uncovering, documenting, so much trans, what else is theorizing and represent- going on? The other thing I ing transgender histories see being so completely up is and cultures in a manner questions about race:' that has made my own life As the notion of explorand the lives of transgen- ing the similarities between der people more possible to racial issues and transgensustain;' Keegan said. der issues is relatively new Stryker, who has won nu- and potentially misconmerous awards for her work strued, Stryker was adain transgender studies, in- mant in stating that she was cluding an Emmy Award for not attempting to compare her documentary, "Scream- the two issues but simply ing Queens: The Riot at analyzing how they may Compton's Cafeteria;' gave work together. Stryker also a reading of an introductory said she was open to- diasection from her upcoming logue about the piece and book as her keynote. welcomed crowd feedback. "The thing that I'm going "There is something very to present today is the first exploratory and experimendraft of the opening section tal about what I'm trying to of the book that I'm working do;' she said. ''I'm very open on, 'What Transpires Now:" in a non-defensive way to Stryker said. "I want to say hear from the audience ifI try that it's intended that it be something that just doesn't kind of a slightly more poet- work for you. Bring it, and let ic, lyrical take on the themes me learn from that:' I'm working on in a more expository prose style throughout the rest of the book:' KEYNOTE : Susan Stryker is pictured above giving her keynote address in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Monday, Nov. 13. For her lecture, St ryker read th e fi rst-draft version of the introduction to her upcom ing book, 'What Transpires Now.' GVL I HANNAH ZAJAC � 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 GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 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 DC-09_SGF_LGBTQ_2017-16-11_Lanthorn_Trans-Day-of-Remembrance-Speaker_Newspaper.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-16-11 Title A name given to the resource GV observes Transgender Day of Remembrance Description An account of the resource Newspaper article describing the Transgender Day of Remembrance event including keynote speaker Susan Stryker. Subject The topic of the resource Community centers Sexual minorities Transgender Day of Remembrance Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Rainbow Resource Center 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 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/1cc726b4cbcc76da5e900400e5f109b4.pdf 0c6c1496d1af905bdb3bfc771d767774 PDF Text Text Marking progres SMART STUDENT SAVINGS SAVE 15% on select Michigan routes. Student savings just got bettl'r. Now, students age 13 · 25 with .i v,1lid student ID are eligible for 15% off the lowest Value or Fl ex ible Fare whPn you book your travel at least 3 days in adv,1111 ,. c1 t AmtrakMichigan.com. AM TR AK See where tram can tc1~e you. www.AmtrokMichigan.com BY TY KONELL I AKERLIFE@LANTHORN.COM In a constantly hanging nation, new informa ti on, along with new ways of self-expression, arc al most always coming into the light. To recognize thi s, Grand Valley State Unive rsity will be holding its first celebration for the GVSU social justice centers. GV t o celebrate campus social justi ce ce nters 'lhe event, whi h will be held Friday, Aug. 25, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., will hi ghlight the Gayl • R. Davis Center for Wom ·n and Gender Equity, the Milton E. Ford LGBT R •source Center, the Office of Multiultural Affairs, Campus Int •rfaith Resources and Disability Support Resources. "This is an excitin g new ·vent;' said Marla Wick, DailyDeal Food Outlet "Name Brand Groceries at Overstock Prices" assistant di rector of th e LGBT lll·~ource Cent ~•r. "The cckh rntion will be a fun and Informative w.1y for new stu d ·nts to disco ver progrnll irning and r •sources th at focus on so I ii justice a I C: V U. Studen Is will have ii ·hance to vis it and learn uhout the variou s social just ke enters:' Offi ial s within the so• cial justi e r ·nters said th t•y have hop :s th e celebrat(lr y event will Introduce inco111 ing student s to the servin•s that GVSlJ provides. "I think thi s will give ill • coming students a chan • to acquaint themselves wit h the social Justice centers early so I lH'y know how much th ·y have to offr r, how they :in get involwd and how much fun Wt' have;' sa id ) ·ssica Jennrich , director of I he Center for Women and )ender Equity. "Each centtr offers different ways to b · a part of social justice work on this campu s and in th e community:' For example, the LGBT Resource 'enter offers some of it s programs to people who identify outside of the L , BT ominunity. "The (L(,BT Resource) Center provid es a welcom ing spa ce for students t gather in rn,nmunity with one anoth1..·r and to seek individual support and referrals;' WI ·k said. "We also offer II lot of social programmln 1-1 in addition to traininH to help (allied) GVSU stud ·nt s, fac ulty and staff 1-1·" n in sight into how to be lllore supportive and affirn1 lng 10 the LGBTQIA-t 1..·011111111nity." Moreowr, Ih · enter for Women and< :t•lldl'r Equity not only offers a physknl space for students, but It I.~ also a space dedicated to vi llrn advocacy. "We offer a pla e to hang out and study, t·x client and informative programming, advising and s holarships, and so mu h nior •;' Jennrich said. "The Ct·ntr1 for Women and Gender li<111ity specifically offers rn1npu violence response and pn•vcntion services and ways lo get involved in violence 1m·vrnllon work:' Having a physical space for student s lo spend time with their pens and discuss what they k11rn in classes may be a mnJor stepping stone to acti vdy engaging in critical co nversations with one anothtr about social justice. LOG ONTO: www.lanthorn.com \ FOR TIii I UI I ARTICLE � 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 GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 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 DC-09_SGF_LGBTQ_2017-21-08_Lanthorn_Celebrating-Social-Justice-Centers_Newspaper.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-21-08 Title A name given to the resource Making progress: GV to celebrate campus social justice centers Description An account of the resource Newspaper article inviting students to join in GVSU's first celebration of the social justice centers including the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Campus Interfaith Resources, and Disibility Support Resources. Subject The topic of the resource Community centers Sexual minorities Women Religion Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Rainbow Resource Center 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 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/a0559d0ba71f57b84fdec731a8c3ff38.pdf e4f60d15a4f87b2c2b7db4b2dd53140e PDF Text Text GV 'Out List' promotes solidarity to LGBT youth BY TY KONELL TKONELL @LANTHORN.COM Whether it is finding community among peers or cultivating a mentorship, connections based on common ground and lived experiences play a significant role in gaining comfort in one's personal identity. For this reason, Grand Valley State University has created an "Out List;' a collection · of faculty and staff who openly identify as part of the LGBT community. Officials in the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center said the list can be used as a source of empowerment for GVSU students who identify within the community looking forward into professional life. "It's important for LGBTQIA college students to see themselves in the professional world;' said Marla Wick, assistant director in the center. "The Out List is comprised of people who are actively modeling what it means to be out about their identities in the workplace:' The list may operate as a means of forming a sense of comradery and personal safety for LGBT students entering the post-collegiate working world. "The LGBTQIA faculty and staff listed in the Out List model for students the possibility and reality of being an openly out professional;' said Jen Hsu-Bishop, director of the LGBT Center. . Both Wick and Hsu-Bishop related its importance to a lack of state-mandated protections for people in the workplace who identify within the community. "LGBTQIA college students have to think about how and whether to be out in the workplace, depending on a number of factors and beginning with considerations of personal safety,' Wick said. "The Out List provides these students, as well as other faculty and staff, with a visible community of people, many of whom will have navigated similar experiences:' A collaboration between the GVSU Division of Inclusion and Equity and the LGBT Faculty and Staff Association, the Out Li1>t may strengthen the message of inclusion on GVSU's campus. "The list reflects and aligns with GVSU's commitment to identifying and eliminating barriers to recruit and retain diverse students, faculty and staff," Hsu-Bishop said. "The Out List highlights and makes visible the many LGBTQIA professionals who are part of the diverse fabric of our ·university's community:' Although the GVSU Out List is not the first to be created on a college campus, it is said to offer the potential to become a source of community and perceptibility on other campuses state-wide and across the country. "Such lists have existed at other campuses across the nation for some time. But, again, one of the challenges our community faces is visibility;' Wick said. LOG ONTO: www.lanthorn.com \ FOR THE FULL ARTICLE COMMUNITY: GVSU students spend time in the LGBT Resource Center Tuesday, January 18. An "Out List" was recently established in order to support others in the campus community. GVL I SARA CARTE � 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 GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 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 DC-09_SGF_LGBTQ_2017-24-04_Lanthorn_Out-List_Newspaper.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-24-04 Title A name given to the resource GV 'Out List' promotes solidarity to LGBT youth Description An account of the resource Newspaper article describing the newly created "Out List' which is a directory of faculty and staff who openly identify as a part of the LGBT community. Subject The topic of the resource Community centers Sexual minorities Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Rainbow Resource Center 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 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/504d36678c0e654505030dd7afe87b6a.pdf a1d77ee8b55ecb7816dce369bc222b44 PDF Text Text Highlights from student senate's meeting BY JESS HODGE ASSOC/A TE@LANTHORN.COM At close to three hours long, Grand Valley State University's student senate meeting was chalk full of eventful discussions, awards and resolutions. In addition to their discussion ahout election guidelines, here are some other highlights during their Thursday, March 23, general assembly meeting: HERO: Trevor Fairfield (far right) poses. GVL I JESS HODGE • Trevor Fairfield and Jarret Basset were honored and recognized for their heroic actions after saving a woman from a head-on car crash. Fairfield and Basset are first year GVSU students who were traveling down Lake Michigan Drive when they witnessed a car crash that resulted in a woman becoming trapped in her car as it started to burn. The roommates pried her door open and pulled her out of her car, which authorities said saved her life. The students were presented with an award from GVSU President .. .... Thomas Haas and student senate president Ella Fritzemeier. Senate also passed a resolution to honor their heroic work. • The budget for next year was discussed There will also be another opportunity for discussion at next week's meeting taking place Thursday, March 30, where voting will also take place. Senators talked and voiced their concerns about the cut to the student senate and performing arts budgets, and the additions to the media budget. Jen Hsu-Bishop, director of the LGBT Center at GVSU, spoke about updates from the center and the climate toward LGBTQ people on campus. Hsu-Bishop said GVSU is in the works of trying to help students use preferred names and pronouns over their legal names. • Student senate passed a resolution supporting the Fall Break. It will be given to administration for them to consider implementing it. • Tom Butcher, GVSU's university counsel, game to talk to the senators. He talked about the new free speech policies that were implemented at GVSU after a federal lawsuit with two students. • Fritzemeier was awarded the President Emeritus Award by Haas and dean of students Eileen Sullivan for her outstanding work at GVSU and her dedication to student senate. EMERITUS: Ella Fritzemeier with her award. GVL I JESS HODGE LISTENING: Student senators during their meeting Thursday, March 23. They had multiple resolutions on the table. G'; '" I JESS HODGE WHISPER: Senators talk about elections. GVL I HANNAH LENTZ � 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 GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 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 DC-09_SGF_LGBTQ_2017-27-03_Lanthorn_Student-Senate-Updates_Newspaper.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-27-03 Title A name given to the resource Highlights from student senate's meeting Description An account of the resource Newspaper article summarizing the latest student senate's meeting including updates to new systems to help students use their preferred names. Subject The topic of the resource Community centers Sexual minorities Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Rainbow Resource Center 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 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/259fe857d87fb9cb8ebe801a4656164a.pdf 481958eda63ed183f975d96e56c20a58 PDF Text Text Professor to lecture on queer criminology BY ITA TSAI ITSA/@LANTHORN.COM The Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center at Grand Valley State University has organized a talk on queer criminology that will take place Tuesday, April 3, at 4 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Room 2266. "Queer Criminology: Examining the Experiences of the LGBTQ Population as Victims, Offenders and Professionals in the Criminal Legal System'' will be presented by Carrie Buist, an assistant professor in GVSU's School of Criminal Justice. Buist co-authored the book "Queer Criminology" with Emily Lenning, and she has published articles in several journals. She has focused her studies on LGBTQ experiences within the criminal legal system, · such as transgender issues in prison and transgender victims and offenders. Buist's research interests include the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in the criminal legal system, but she also follows issues such as women in policing, worn- en in prison, media, crime and culture. Advocating as a feminist, she aims to highlight the experiences of marginalized populations. "The research that we have done within the discipline on queer criminology focuses on turning our attention to the LGBTQ individual experiences as victims, offenders and professionals within the criminal legal system;' Buist said. "We · are talking about those experiences on different levels. ''I'll turn the discussion and focus on how gender or sexual identities have historically been criminalized throughout the world, not only in the U.S. Then, I'll turn the discussion towards policing courts and corrections, looking at LGBT individuals as victims, offenders and professionals working. Queer criminology is research that focuses on the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals as victims, offenders and professionals within the criminal legal or criminal justice system. "I wish that students take away basic knowledge DIALOGUE: The Pride Awards on Wednesday, March 28, given by the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center. On Tuesday, April 3, professor Carrie Buist will give a lecture titled 'Queer Criminology' that will focus on LGBT experiences in the justice system. GVL I DYLAN MCINTYRE .. . ... of the queer folks in the system, the history of what LGBTQ people have expe- ' ' We need to rienced and continue to experience in the criminal look at the legal system;' Buist said. experiences "Last year was the deadliest , of a marginalized year for LGBTQ individu. . . als in the U.S., and hate population, bringing them crimes had increased in the together, intersecting community as a whole, so identities, and bringing certainly these are important issues we have to deal those experiences of with today. The better we marginalized populations can understand the expe- and bringing them into riences of this particular population, the more ac- the focus of our research ceptance there will be:' instead of keeping them Buist's research focuses not only on individuals tried and in the periphery." incarcerated, but also on the other side of the legal system. CARRIE BUIST 'Tm a qualitative researcher, and I study pri- GVSU PROFESSOR OF marily the experiences of CRIMINAL JUSTICE women police officers;' she said. "I do a lot of inter- at these issues, and that's views, and when I studied where my research focuses them in the field, a lot of primarily on. "We need to look at the my participants identified experiences of a marginalized as lesbian. They claimed population, bringing them tothat they experienced more discrimination on the job, gether, intersecting identities, so this made me further and bringing those experiences my research on that specif- of marginalized populations ic topic, and I met scholars and bringing them into the fothat were exploring other cus of our research instead of LGBTQ experiences. And keeping them in the periphery.' The event is both LIB 100we've continued looking and 201-approved. � 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 GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 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 DC-09_SGF_LGBTQ_2018-02-04_Lanthorn_Queer-Criminology-Lecture_Newspaper.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-02-04 Title A name given to the resource Professor to lecture on queer criminology Description An account of the resource Newspaper article describing an upcoming lecture by Carrie Buist about her book "Queer Criminology". Subject The topic of the resource Community centers Sexual minorities Criminology Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Rainbow Resource Center 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 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/3427a159f7d03bd8da3346341174917b.pdf 663e9afdb20df6c792751bcb56b6629c PDF Text Text Professor lectures on LGBT issues in justice System BY RACHEL MATUSZEWSKI RMA TUSZEWSK/@LANTHORN.COM On Tuesday, April 3, Carrie Buist, assistant pro. fessor in the school of criminal justice, spoke to Grand Valley State University students on her co-authored book "Queer Criminology:' Buist's original research was on policing, but through her · interviews she learned many of her participants identified as lesbian. Her interest from these encounters marked the shift in her focus on LGBTQ issues within the criminal justice system. Buist stressed to the audience that there are numerous issues members of the LGBTQIA or "queer" community must face on a daily basis. Crimonology, which asks why people commit a crime, is answered through a ntimber of platforms. Buist said mainstream criminology is research done by, for and about white males. Critical criminology was developed by college students in California who focused on class and race. Feminist criminologists said gender was the number-one predictor of crime and researched the experiences had by both girls and women. Buist asked students how they identified themselves. Students' answers were athlete and male or female. She then asked BREAKING DOWN THE ISSUES. Carrie Buist, GVSU professor of criminal justice, lectures during the 'Queer Criminology' event on Tuesday, April 3. Buist lectured on the issues that LGBT individuals face on both sides of the criminal justice system, being prisoners or officers, such as discrimination and misrepresentation. GVL I DYLAN MCINTYRE students how they would feel if they were arrested for these qualities. Through this example, she explained that sometimes people who identify as . queer are arrested for no reason other than who they are. "Queer criminology examines the experiences of LGBTQ folks as victims, offenders apd criminal legal professionals;' Buist said. The remainder of Buist's discussion was about the unfair arrests individuals who identify as LGBTQIA experienced. She reminded students of incidents such as the arrest oflesbians for dressing in a traditionally masculine way in 1957, transgenders taking part in the Stonewall riots of 1969 against the police and a gay club that was detained by police in Highland Park, Michigan, in 2003. Another issue Buist discussed was bills that dictate who can use which restrooms. Although these laws were put in motion to protect others from inappropriate behavior, Buist said there have been more issues with politicians sexually assaulting people in public bathrooms and none regarding transgenders. "(I want students to know) the greater understanding of the issues that LGBTQ folks face:• Buist said. "The more we know, the more we can move towards not only tolerance but acceptance and justice:' As a student who identifies as queer and a millennial who is regularly flooded with similar stories on her social media feed, Lucretia Dunlap was familiar with a few of the cases Buist described. "I (think) hearing about the inequalities (queer students face) would make (students who do not identify as queer) confront the truth;' Dunlap said. "I hope (the examples we learned) would bring (this topic) to their attention (to see) just how unequal it is." � 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 GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 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 DC-09_SGF_LGBTQ_2018-05-04_Lanthorn_LGBT-Issues-in-Justice-System.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018-05-04 Title A name given to the resource Professor lectures on LGBT issues in justice system Description An account of the resource Newspaper article describing Carrie Buist's lecture about her book "Queer Criminology". Subject The topic of the resource Community centers Sexual minorities Criminology Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Rainbow Resource Center 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 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/68a708c6d3ea22d114031efb7792f9a2.pdf bb1ccdc7d9aefcf4d8efb56add103010 PDF Text Text BUITENLAND I I De schaamteloosheid van Franz Schönhuber Het bruine verleden vergeten, de jeugd weer een toekomst geven en Duitsland niet als immigratieland laten voortbestaan. Bij de Europese verkiezingen behaalden de rechtsradicale Republikaner in de deelstaat Beieren bijna vijftien procent van de stemmen. En als het aan lijsttrekker Franz Schönhuber ligt, zal het daar niet bij blijven: 'Het politieke landschap zal volledig worden omgewoeld.' Een verslag uit het hol van de leeuw. RENÉ DE BOK EN MARGREET STRIJBOSCH D e leider blikt met ogen die niets ontgaan de zaal in . In de Löwenbräukeller aan de Stiegmayerplatz in hartje München vloeien 's morgens om elf uur liters bier en gaan de zoute krakelingen van hand tot hand. De Republikaner ontmoeten de internationale pers, vijf dagen na de Europese verkiezingen die in de Bondsrepubliek op een rechts-radicaal succes uitliepen. De Duitse journalisten zijn naar het stamcafé van de Republikaner (he~hoofdkwartier ligt een paar straten verder) gekomen om hun vooroordelen bevestigd te zien. Een van hen mompelt tussen twee slokken bier door: 'ln die krakelingen zit vast wel een hakenkruismotief. Als je maar even zoekt.' De partijvoorzitter van de Republikaner, Franz Schönhuber, 66 jaar oud, beseft dat hij met een zaal bloedzuigers te maken 26 heeft, zijn zelfverzekerdheid lijdt er niet onder. Hij heeft zich omringd met getrouwen die hem als een goeroe vereren. Rechts van hem zit Frau Hirsch, die het partij-apparaat runt, een Zwarte Lala-achtig type, twintig jaar geleden nog een femme fatale, nu een pronte dame met heerszuchtige oogopslag. Aan zijn linkerhand zit de partijvoorzitter van de deelstaat Beieren en tevens woordvoerder Harald Ne ubauer, geflankeerd door de plaatsvervangend voorzitster, Frau Johanna Grund. Terwijl Schönhuber in zijn betere ogenblikken associaties oproept metArchie Bunker, lijkt Grund het evenbeeld van Edith, onderdanig, maar met emancipatorische oprispingen , zwak in het agressieve en agressief in het zwakke. Schönhubers getrouwen leiden het optreden van de leider in. Harald Neubauer: 'Het succes van de Republikaner is voor een belangrijk deel toe te schrijven aan het Schönhuber-effect. In de verkiezingscampagne is er geen andere politicus geweest die zoveel mensen in hun ziel heeft beroerd. In de Olympiahalle in München kwamen achtduizend mensen op hem af, terwijl de bondskanselier en CSU-prominenten op de Mariaplatz niet meer dan drieduizend mensen trokken.' Neubauer, modieus pak, snelle bril, het type van de yuppie uit de boulevard-pers, heeft de ultra-rechtse staat van dienst (bij de Deutsche Volksunion en de NPD), die hem in staat stelt een schaamteloze slalom langs de feiten te maken zonder zijn trefzekere woordkeus te verliezen: 'Het is aan de Republikaner te danken dat het rechtse extremisme op 18 juni bij de Europese verkiezingen geen kans heeft gekregen en dat het imago van de Bondsrepubliek onbeschadigd is gebleven ' SCHURKEN De toon is gezet en nu neemt Franz Schönhuber het woord. In een klein half uur veegt de Führer van de Republikaner het gehele politieke establishment in de Bondsrepubliek van de kaart. Politieke tegenstanders worden tot schurken verklaard. Schönhuber bestrijdt hen 'met hun eigen wapens'. 'lk vind het amusant,' zegt Schönhuber, 'om te zien hoe iedereen om ons met elkaar over - ELSE V IER- het tapijt rolt. De algemeen secretaris van de CDU Geissler heeft gezegd dat men een psychologisch klimaat zou scheppen waatin het fatsoenlijke mensen onmogelijk zou worden gemaakt om zich kandidaat te stellen voor de Republikaner. Dat zijn methoden waarvan de propagandaminister van het Derde Rijk Joseph Goebbels zich bediende.' Schönhuber noemt de Beierse CSU-minister van binnenlandse zaken Stoiber een racist ('elke Beierse huisknecht heeft meer tact dan hij'), bestempelt SPD-leider Schöfberger als een verbale 'radikalinski', en beklaagt zich vervolgens omstandig over het feit dat hij, als meest bedreigde politicus van Duitsland, een vergeefs beroep deed op politiebeveiliging. Geroutineerd zet Schönhuber de zaken op hun kop en ook al is zijn relaas een lang lint van contradicties, het deen hem niet. Om politiebescherming maalt hij natuurlijk helemaal niet, zijn ordebewakingsdienst kan royaal putten uit politiemannen, soldaten en leden van de Grenzschutz. Zijn populistische redenering waarin halve waarheden en halve leugens tot een politiek programma aaneen worden gesmeed bezit de dwingende kracht van het pistool op de borst. Is in Beieren een nieuwe Hitler opgestaan, of zelfs maar een in zakformaat? Met Hitler heeft Schönhuber gemeen dat hij in het begin van zijn politieke carrière door de meeste opinieleiders voor een te verwaarlozen politieke factor werd uitgemaakt. Net als Hitler heeft hij een goed ontwikkeld gevoel voor het ongenoegen van de Spiessbürger zonder zijn banden met andere belangengroepen te verwaarlozen. Interessant is zijn houding tegenover het bruine verleden van de natie. Aan de ene kant is hij er trots op, in zijn 55-memoires Ich war dabei schrijft hij : 'Eindelijk kwam de oproep. Daarop stond Berlijn-Lichterfelde als bestemming, met de naam van de troep: Leibstandarte 55 Adolf Hitler. Ik kon het nauwelijks begrijpen . Dat was voor mij de elite van de elite. Het dragen van de mouwstreep Leibstandarte 55 Adolf Hitler was het zichtbare bewijs dat men tot het gardekorps behoorde, een pretoriaan is geworden.' Aan de andere kant is Schönhuber niet zo naïef om nazi-misdaden te ontkennen of 1 - 7 - 1989 �FOTORINUSOE HIISTER Franz Schönhuber, leider van de Republikaner: 'Wij gaan het hele politieke landschap omploegen' goed te praten. Hij geeft er de voorkeur aan over het nazi-verleden te zwijgen. BOULEVARDBLADEN Voordat Schönhuber in 1981 zijn memoires publiceerde werd hij tot de vriendenkring van Franz Josef Strauss gerekend. Na zijn botte in boekvorm verschenen zelfrechtvaardiging keerden Strauss en diens CSU zich van hem af. Daarna koos Schönhuber voor een rechts-radicaal isolement, het eindstation na een lange reis die hem van de linkervleugel van de SPD via een liberaal tussenstation en de behoudende CSU naar een bestemming bracht waar de oprichting van een nieuwe rechts-radicale partij, de Republikaner, het logisch vervolg was. Als journalist deed Schönhuber ervaringen op in het bespelen van de menselijke emotie; zijn werk als verslaggever en later 1 - 7 - 1989 als columnist van boulevardbladen hadden hem inzichten verschaft die hem als politiek leider zeervan pas kwamen. De schuldvraag waarmee naoorlogse Duitse generaties waren belast zag Schönhuber als een comfortabel voertuig naar een politieke ideologie die stemmen moest opleveren, zowel bij de oudere als bij de jongere generaties. Daarbij appelleert hij aan twee, niet te verwaarlozen groepen in de Duitse samenleving: zij die zich niets willen herinneren en zij die zich niets kunnen herinneren omdat zij tot de naoorlogse generatie behoren. De eerste groep koestert in stilte de overtuiging dat Schönhuber hen niet als een schandvlek van de natie beschouwt, integendeel. Een 'streep onder de historische rekening' werd het politieke credo van Schönhuber, gecombineerd met het verwijt dat de gevestigde politieke partijen de belangen -ELSEVIER- van de Kleinbürger verkwanselden en dat ze te laf waren om de 'werkelijke misstanden' bij de naam te noemen, zoals het vraagstuk van de toenemende immigratie. In het spoor van de zondebok volgt het ideaal van de Duitse hereniging. TOELOOP VAN JONGEREN Dat ouderen zich verwant voelen met een politiek leider die het nazi-verleden tot een afgesloten hoofdstuk verklaart is begrijpelijk, minder voor de hand liggend is de toeloop van de jongere generaties. De gemiddelde leeftijd van de Republikaner is achtentwintigjaar. Wilhelm Heitmeyer, docent aan de pedagogische faculteit van de universiteit van Bielefeld, noemt bestaansangst de voornaamste bron van rechts-extremisme onder jongeren: 'Angst om de controle over het eigen leven te verliezen, over de planning van het 27 �FOTO'SRINUSDEHILSTER bestaan. Van jongeren wordt vandaag in het onderwijs en in het beroep een aanpassing geëist, die velen onzeker maakt. Niet iedereen kan dat oplossen en men gaat dan zoeken naar zekerheden, in de vorm van ideologieën waarin alles duidelijk schijnt te zijn, wat boven en wat beneden is, wat een hogere waarde vertegenwoordigt en wat minderwaardig is.' In een hoofdartikel in Die Zeit van vrijdag 23 juni scherst Robert Leicht het succes van de Republikaner als een symptoom van de vervreemding waarvan de Duitse burger vandaag het slachtoffer is. Die staat niet alleen vreemd tegenover de buitenlanders, de asielzoekers, maar hij is ook een vreemde in eigen huis, waar hij geen raad weet met de nieuwe uitdaging van de hightech maatschappij, de veranderde waarden in een gecompliceerde dieµstensamenleving, de · onzekere politieke dimensies in Europa en de economische competitie op wereldschaal. En dat alles in een tijd, waarin de traditionele vijandbeelden verbleken. Het bier vloeit rijkelijk no het surces van de Europese verkiezingen. Moor de Republikoner staan met grote groepen van de samenleving op voet van oorlog. Immigranten zien Schönhuber als de personificatie van de vreemdelingenhaat in de Bondsrepubliek. Ook worden ze als neo-nazi's aangeduid. Toch zet Schönhuber zijn campagne voor de nieuwe orde yoort en dan kt hij het Duitse volk voor het vertrouwen dot het in hem stelt 30 -ELSEVIER- VADERLANDSLIEFDE De vervreemding lijkt niet het exclusieve bezit van de Duitse burgers, ook de Republikaner staan ver van de maatschappij, die zij voor de ondergang zeggen te behoeden. In de kantlijn van Schönhubers confrontatie met de internationale pers geeft Johanna Grund haar visie op het programma van de Republikaner: 'De partij is opgericht met het doel het nationaal bewustzijn van het Duitse volk, dat in de afgelopen decennia zeer geleden heeft, weer op te bouwen. We hebben bewust geappelleerd aan gevoelens van vaderlandsliefde, ook voor het Duitse volk Dat deden we met de leus: We hebben respect voor ieders vaderland, maar we houden van ons eigen vaderland. Daaraan was in de Bondsrepubliek een ernstig tekort. Wij hebben heel lang geleden onder die twaalf verschrikkelijke jaren in onze geschiedenis. Maar wij zeggen nu: er is een hele generatie overheen gegaan. Op dit ogenblik heeft het grootste deel van ome bevolking daar niets meer mee te maken, die mensen zijn pas na de Tweede Wereldoorlog geboren. Wij kunnen de geschiedenis van het Duitse volk niet minimaliseren tot die twaalf jaar. De Duitse geschiedenis is veel rijker, veel grootser. Elk volk op deze wereld kent meer en minder glorieuze perioden in zijn geschiedenis. Dat geldt ook voor het Nederlandse volk, voor elk volk' Kunt u zich voorstellen dat er angst heerst voor uw nationalisme? Grund: 'Wij streven naar een nationaal staatsdenken, maar we willen absoluut niet dat dit verwordt tot nationalisme. We kunnen dit in de hand houden door het patriottisme te verbreiden zonder het chauvinisme te bevorderen. Met dat patriottisme 1-7-1989 �willen we weer een normaal volk, een hele gewone democratie worden. Ik heb nog altijd het gevoel dat Hitler dit land vanuit zijn graf regeert Alles wat gedaan en gezegd wordt, meet men af aan die tijd. Alles wordt onderzocht op: zit daar nog iets van het oude denken in of niet? Wij leven voor de toekomst. Daarom hebben we ook veel jonge leden.' Wat maakt de Republikaner voor jonge- ren aantrekkelijk? 'Wij bieden die jongeren een perspectief. Dat no fature-denken van de jeugd komt voort uit het bandeloze materialisme, dat de plaats heeft ingenomen van betrouwbaarheid, eerlijkheid, fatsoen en geloofwaardigheid. Wij willen die begrippen weer ingang doen vinden. We zeggen: "Als jullie niet alleen materialisme en genot nastreven, maar ook je plichten nakomen, dan hebben jullie een toekomst. Wij houden de jongeren die naar ons toekomen ver van decadente westerse verschijnselen als alcoholisme en heroïneverslaving. Daarom organiseren we jeugdgroepen waarmee we de bergen intrekken, we laten die jongeren de schoonheid van het vaderland zien en leren de jeugd onze volksliederen.' 'LEBENSRAUM' Terwijljohanna Grund haar heil en dat van de jongeren in de bergen zoekt, trekken de andere Repubikaner met leuzen de wereld in. De Europa-brochure van Schönhubers partij is royaal van kordate uitspraken en handreikingen voorzien. 'beutsch!and z.uerst!' '.Ja tegen Europa, nee tegen deze EG! ' 'De Bondsrepubliek is de betaalmeester van de Europese Gemeenschap. Geen andere EG-staat betaalt zo veel en ontvangt er zo weinig voor terug. Wij hebben geen behoefte aan het Europa van de bureaucraten en het Europa van de grote ondernemers, geen Europa van de monopolies en de egalisatie, maar we hebben een Europa nodig van vrije volkeren, staten en burgers.' Het politieke gedachtengoed van de Republikaner kan gemakkelijk op één foliovel worden vastgelegd. Het hoofdpunt vormt de staatkundige en nationale eenheid van Duitsland door een vredesverdrag en een hereniging. Nummer twee is: het behoud van het Duitse volk en zijn ecologische Lebensraum. Daartoe behoort de bescherming van het ongeboren leven maar ook de bewaking van het milieu en de beperking van het asielrecht en de beroepsmatige bedrijvigheid van buitenlanders. 'Wij Republikaner houden van Duitsland, ons vaderland en onze Heimat. Duitsland moet het land van de Duitsers blijven en mag daarom geen immigratieland worden.' De Duitse journalisten zijn niet geïnteresseerd in Schönhubers kijk op de wereld 1 - 7 - 1989 en de oplossingen die hij in verbijsterende eenvoud aan de hand doet. Zij roeren liever in de brij van onverkwikkelijkheden waarin de partijleider zich bevindt. Hoe zit het met de geruchten over financiële manipulaties waarbij uzelf zou zijn betrokken? 'Allemaal laster.' Is het juist dat woordvoerder Neubauer communisten ooit als geestelijke misdadigers en potentiële moordenaàrs heeft betiteld, en het communisme slechts de speelruimte gunde die de gehangene tussen hals en strop bezit? 'Uit zijn verband gerukt. Communistische leugens. Herr Kollege, u kent ze toch?' Wordt u in het Europese parlement een tweederangs ster in een fractie waarin JeanMarie Le Pen zit? 'Als u mijn karakterstructuur kent weet u dat het mijn natuur niet is om op de tweede plaats te staan.' Wat klopt er van de verhalen dat u in Amerika extremisten hebt ontmoet? 'Niet formeel, één keer.' Onderhoudt u contacten met de Oostenrijkse rechts-radicaal Haider? 'Ik heb hem één keer ontmoet. Ik acht Haider hoog. Hij is een verstandige man, een dynamische man. Maar ik pas er voor om te zeggen dat ik hem weer zal ontmoeten, ik moet rekening houden met de Oostenrijkse gevoeligheden.' De CDU onderzoekt uw privé-leven. 'Wij zullen die politieke analfabeten aanvallen en verdelgen. Maar ze gooien ook hun eigen glazen in. Het zijn de beste propagandisten voor de Republikaner. Het grote publiek doorziet hun streken. Het publiek ziet graag clowns op de bühne, maar niet in de politiek.' U acht uzelf boven elke kritiek verheven. Maar ieder mens heeft toch een duister hoekje in zijn bestaan? 'Kritiek is goed. Maar als men beweert dat ik kleine kinderen opvreet, is dat niet waar. Water in Duitsland aan de gang is, dat is de grootste naoorlogse lastercampagne.' NIET SERIEUS De zaal stroomt leeg. De buitenlandse pers blijft nog na om Schönhuber te laten praten over het nationalisme, het Duitse verleden, het vraagstuk van de buitenlanders. De Duitse media geloven het wel, in het besef dat Schönhubers woorden minder interessant zijn dan zijn daden, en dat het officiële partijprogramma er minder toe doet dan het onuitgesproken, ongeschreven Republikaner-partijprogramma van het gesundenes Volksempfinden waarachter de Republikaner-kiezers zich hebben geschaard: iedereen is schuld aan de ellende behalve de Duitse burger zelf. -ELSEVIER - De afkeer van de Duitse verslaggevers voor de frasen van Schönhuber is verklaarbaar maar roept ook pijnlijke herinneringen op aan de ontvangst die het fenomeen Hitler indertijd in de Duitse pers ten deel viel: als een onbelangrijke agitator werd hij terzijde geschoven, hij zou nooit in staat zijn de grote politiek naar zijn hand te zetten. De Duitse pers neemt Schönhuber nog altijd niet serieus. Maar de politiek doet dit inmiddels wel, in binnen- en buitenland. Zelfs in de DDR wekt Schönhuber opschudding. Joachin Herrmann, lid van het politburo van de communistische partij, zag het verschijnsel Schönhuber als een argument om de Berlijnse Muur overeind te houden . 'Misschien zullen de Westduitse sociaaldemocraten en de groenen nog eens beschutting achter die muur zoeken tegen mensen als Schönhuber.' ROYEMENT Nog groter is de opwinding in eigen land. FDP-voorzitter Otto Graf van Lambsdorff noemde Schönhuber een neo-nazi, bondskanselier Kohl waarschuwde voor de geval·gen van contacten tussen CDU-leden en Republikaner. Bondsdagafgevaardigde Lummer hangt intussen een royement boven het hoofd, omdat hij een gesprek met de Republikaner opportuun achtte. De verhouding tussen de christen-democratische partijen CDU en CSU staat ook onder druk. Binnen de CDU overheerst de afkeer van de Republikaner, bij de CSU groeit het besef dat een confrontatie-politiek tegenover Schönhuber averechtse effecten kan hebben voor een partij die toch al niet meer over het charismatisch gezag van FranzJosef Strauss beschikt. Wanneer de Republikaner nog een paar procenten in aanhang toenemen, dreigt het gevaar dat zij de sleutelpositie in de Duitse politiek, die jarenlang voor de liberale FDP was gereserveerd, zullen overnemen. Dat zal grote spanningen in de Duitse politiek veroorzaken die tot in lengte van jaren verlammend kunnen werken. 'Wij rukken nu op naar het noorden,' zegt woordvoerder Neubauer. 'Bij de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen van het voorjaar 1990 zullen wijjlachdeckend antreten.' 'Het politieke landschap zal volledig worden omgewoeld,' voegt Franz Schönhuber eraan toe. 'Noordrijn-Westfalen en Hamburg zijn de nieuwe doelwitten.' Het is de euforie van de oorlogsretoriek. Terwijl in Neurenberg en Keulen jongeren demonstreren tegen de discriminatie-politiek van Schönhubers volgelingen, laten de Republikaner in hun stamcafé de Löwenbräukeller grote glazen bier aanrukken. Het geschreeuw dat hun opmars vergezelt klinkt huiveringwekkend, niet gehinderd door enig schaamtegevoel. • 31 � 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 Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Termaat, Adriana B. (Schuurman) Termaat, Peter N. Description An account of the resource Collection contains genealogical, personal, and family papers and photographs documenting the lives and interests of Adriana and Peter Termaat. The bulk of the materials are related to family history and genealogical research carried out by the Termaats, including research notes and materials about places in the Netherlands that were significant to the Termaat and Schuurman families, such as the city of Alkmaar. Other materials in the collection are related to the Termaats' experiences on the eve of and during the Second World War, especially the German occupation of the Netherlands and the Termaats' participation in organized resistance to the Nazis. Also included are materials that document the family's post-war life in the United States, including their public efforts to recognize, commemorate, and honor people and events significant to World War II. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1869 - 2012 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/719">Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection, RHC-144</a> Subject The topic of the resource Netherlands Netherlands--History--German occupation, 1940-1945 World War, 1939-1945 World War, 1939-1945 -- Underground movements -- Netherlands Dutch Dutch Americans 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-144 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Text Image Type The nature or genre of the resource application/pdf image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng nl 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-144_Termaat_NWS_1989-07-01-NL-politics-328 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Washington Post Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989-07-01 Title A name given to the resource French Nazi collaborator captured in Catholic priory Description An account of the resource Newspaper clipping of article about French Nazi collaborator Paul Touvier. Subject The topic of the resource Touvier, Paul, 1915-1996 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/719">Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection (RHC-144)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource 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/e3ef95c1f4e0876cbd41fecb20d7dceb.pdf c699c2dffa90718643bd9a2a341a8ee5 PDF Text Text Grand Blanc · Community MASTER PLAN AND THE HILL ROAD CORRIDOR STUDY Q I 1. I I I I I I I r1--·' \ ., ·< City of Grand Blanc Gand Blanc Charter Township, November 1991 '. �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I FROM THE UBRARY OFi e1nnning & Zoning Cer.~er,, Jnc. Community MASTER PLAN ANO THE HILL ROAD CORRIDOR STUDY Charter Township of Grand Blanc Planning Commission Dr. Richard A. Shick, Chairperson Francine Cullari de Sanchez, Vice Chairperson William Bryant Robert Joseph Stanley L. Podolsky Cathy A. Lane Pete L. Griggs Gary J. Piggott Daniel 0. Park Neil Martz, Zoning Administrator ., tf?-. Grand Blanc City Planning Commission James Tomblinson, Chairman Mary Ann Crane, Vice Chairperson Jack Rolfe Jack Kipp Richard T. Craig Paul Galuszka Wallace Morgan Mary Waara Richard Bateson Dennis Smith, Zoning Administrator Special thanks to the Genesee County Community Development Deportment. The preparation of this pion was financed through o grant provided under Title I of the Housing Community Development Act of 1974, as amended: administered by the Genesee County Community Development Program. THE : .. , WBDC ·.: ""~~~ GROUP '. EN~=:.i~ �I • • . • Zoning/Site Plan Provisions should be developed to require the Incorporation of natural features into development plans. high I . Planning Commission City Council Township Board Improve upon design standards for access management, landscaping, architectural quality and signs. high I . Planning Commission City Council Township Board Review zoning ordinance districts to ensure that zoning ordinance reflects the intent of the Master Plan. high I . Planning Commission City Council Township Board Continuation of the Curbside Recycling Program. high I City Council Township Board TIME FRAME: (!) -Immediate = Within Two Years (S)-Short Term= Within Five Years (L)-Long Term= Five to Ten Years (0)-0ngolng - Begin within Two Years-Then Ongoing LEGEND: GCRC MOOT LAWCON CDBG Genesee County Road Commission Michigan Department of Transportation Land and Water Conservation Fund Comrrunity Development Block Grants GBTWP\master.pln\table 16 5 -. .dllllll1' ~ . - -- ... - - - -- - �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I • ADOPTION This Master Plan represents a joint effort by the Grand Blanc Charter Township and the City of Grand Blanc Planning Commissions. • The City Planning Commission adopted the Master Plan in November 1991. • The Township Planning Commission adopted the Master Plan, including the Hill Road Corridor Plan, in December 1991. �I I I I • •I I • • •I I I I I I I I TABLE OF CONTENTS GRAND BLANC COMMUNI1Y MASTER PLAN Chapter 1 Planning Context .••.••......•.•.•.•... , , , , , , ..... , • , , , , , • . 1 Chapter 2 Natural Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 a. Wetlands ...........•..................................... 10 b. Soils .................................................... 12 c. Slope .................................................... 12 d. Floodplains ............................................... 13 Chapter 3 Community Character ....................................... 15 a. Population Characteristics ........•.....................•..... 15 b. c. Economic Data ............................................ 22 Housing ...........•..................................... 26 Chapter 4 Review of Current Plans and Policies ••...•...•......••••••..•.• 29 Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives •••••••••••••••••..••••••..••••.•..••.. 37 Chapter 6 Future Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 45 a. Existing Development Patterns ..................••............ 47 Future Land Use .•••.....•.••••..............•............ 54 c. Downtown Grand Blanc .........•........................... 63 b. Chapter 7 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 a. Traffic Conditions .......................•.•................ 67 b. Existing Road Classification .............•........•........... 70 c. New Roadways ............................................ 83 Chapter 8 Community Facilities •••••••• , •••••••.••.••••..•••.••.•..••• 85 a. Utility Services ............................................ 85 b. Community Facilities ....................................... 87 c. Parks and Recreation .............•.................•....... 88 Chapter 9 Plan Implementation ....................................... 93 �f TABLES la lb 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Historic Population •..•..................... , , , , , , , , , , . , , , , , , , , , . , 15 Historic Population ............................................... 17 Population Projections •.................................•......•... 17 Population by Age .•.................................•....•••.... 20 Population by Race ••........•.•.............•.•.... , • , ..•..•..•.• 21 Median Household lncon,e ..................... , ...... • , , .......... 22 Household lncon,e Distribution ........................•.•........... 22 Employinent by Industry .•.....•...... , ...........• , .....••....... 23 Employinent by Occupation ...•.•.................................. 24 Percent High School Graduates ............................•......... 24 Housing Characteristics ............................................ 27 Existing Land Use •...........................•....•.............. 49 Existing Land Use .......•........................................ 50 Traffic Counts ................................................... 68 High Accident Locations ............................•.............. 70 Existing Roadway Functional Classification ............................. 72 Master Plan Reconunendations .•......................•...•........ 1-5 MAP SECTION Floodplains and Significant Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • • . . . . . . • . . 105 Steep Slope Areas .•..............................••..........•..... 106 Existing Development Trends .•••......................•..•...•....... 107 Future Land Use .......................................•.......... 108 Future Land Use (Downtown) .•....................•...........•...... 109 Traffic Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Accident Data ..........•.............•........•...•.•...•..•...... 111 Existing Road Classification . . • . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . 112 Conununity Facilities ....•................•...........••.•......•..• 113 Development Suitability ......••..............................•..•... 114 Surrounding Conununities .......•...............•......•.••...••.... 115 l l l l I I I I I I I I I ~ l ~ 1 fl �• • •I I • • • • •I •I I I I I I • CHAPTER1 PLANNING CONTEXT As a community matures, a direction for future development is needed to ensure that its desires regarding growth are translated into action. The intent of this Master Plan is to provide the direction needed by the Grand Blanc Community to look forward to the year 2010. The Grand Blanc City and Township Planning Commissions are responsible for the completion and implementation of a Master Plan. The Master Plan is a guide to be used by the community to help determine the land uses and development policies that will affect the physical development of the community. As a guide, it is not meant to be rigidly enforced; changing conditions will affect the assumptions and directions determined when the Plan was originally devised. But changing conditions do not necessarily mean that the Plan must change. Rather, each Planning Commission must evaluate changes to determine if the Master Plan remains valid. If it determines that is has retained its validity, its precepts should be followed . The Planning Commissions may also amend the plan, as described later in this section. How does the Master Plan affect me? How the Master Plan affects individuals depends on your particular circumstance. H you are a property owner you may have several interests. As a homeowner, you will be interested in the properties in your immediate neighborhood. You may wish to know what land uses are proposed for vacant land in your area, or what road improvements may be proposed, or what new government facilities are planned. As an owner of vacant property you will want to know what land uses are proposed for your property. You may also want to know what utilities are available and what road improvements are proposed. While the future land use map in this Master Plan does not change zoning, it is intended to be used as a guide when considering changes to zoning designations in the future. The Plan will also be used to help direct future amendments to the City and Township zoning ordinances. member of the community you will be interested in the overall concepts of the Plan, as expressed in the Goals and Objectives. These statements will give you an indication of the Planning Commission's view of the community now, and in the future. As a How should I use this Plan? Again, use of the Plan depends on your interest in the future of the community, but generally, there is a process you should follow. Step #1 What land use is proposed for your property, or the area surrounding your property? Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Planning Contut 1 �I l l 1 You will find this information on the Future Land Use Map. Begin by finding the area in which your property is located. In the chapter on Futur~ Land Use there is a discussion covering each of these areas. Find the one that applies to you. In addition to the Future Land Use text, there are various degrees of land use designation within each area. You must also determine what land use designation applies to your property. Step #2 Determine how the Planning Commission views development in your Policy Area. The text of the Future Land Use section will indicate to you the general direction of development within your area; it may be fairly specific, or it may be somewhat general. The text is only meant to provide a general direction to the Planning Commission as to development within the area. Step #3 Determine the meaning of the land use designation for your property. Depending on the nature of your interest in the Master Plan, this may be as far as you carry your initial investigation. If you have a specific proposal which is not consistent with the Future Land Uses, you may want to investigate the Plan in more detail, beginning with the Goals and Objectives. Step #4 Determine how the Plan affects your property. There are a number of other elements of the Plan that will affect your proposal, or your interest in the area. Transportation facilities, for example, may be proposed for your area, either as a new road or improvements to existing roads. Utility coverage, and problems with various utility lines may be identified for future improvements. If your project is on a major roadway within the Grand Blanc community, you will want to consult the Community Character section of the Plan to determine how your property is affected by the recommendations for landscaping, access management, and other development suggestions. In summary, the Master Plan may have a profound impact on your property, either as a vacant land owner, or as a homeowner. As a resident and/or property owner within the Grand Blanc Community, the Master Plan will determine the physical development of the community, including your property. It is necessary that you become familiar with the Plan and what it may mean to you. HOW THE MASTER PLAN WAS DEVELOPED The Master Plan and Hill Road Corridor Study represents over a year of effort by the Grand Blanc Township, City of Grand Blanc Planning Commissions, Hill Road Corridor Committee and staff. The effort included research, bus trips through the communities, numerous well attended public workshops, press releases, displays at the Grand Blanc Expo, reviews of draft information and public hearings. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Planning Context 2 I I I I I I I I 1 ] l ~ ~ l l �• • • • •I I I I I -I I I I I I I I Cooperative Effort between the City and Township This plan is unique since the Planning Com.missions of two communities worked together with shared objectives to develop a single plan covering both the Charter Township of Grand Blanc and the City of Grand Blanc. The goal was to complete a comprehensive plan that would reflect the common goals, needs and desires for the future. Most of the meetings during the planning process were joint meetings with both planning com.missions Identification of these common elements was not difficult. Much of the new growth experienced in the two communities takes place within the borders of Grand Blanc Township, which, in turn, affects the land use, traffic, and utility concerns of the City of Grand Blanc. South Saginaw Street bisects both communities; development on the borders of the two communities is a constant concern; in most cases, utility systems are shared; even a number of the regulations of the two communities are similar. Another factor encouraging this cooperative effort was the informal communication at the staff level of each community, both between the Township and City and between each community and the County. The economic conditions faced in the Flint and southeast Michigan area brought forth the realization that cooperative planning efforts were needed to address common problems and concerns. Area-wide plans such as the Blinton Plan and the Genesis Project underscored the need for cooperation in solving common problems. A special committee of property owners, residents, business representatives, Township planning com.missioners and county road/ drain commission staff was formed to direct development of the Hill Road Corridor Plan. This committee presented a draft document and plan to the Township Planning Commission. The Hill Road Corridor Plan is an element of the overall Master Plan. Public involvement was an important consideration in the planning process. All of the many Planning Com.mission meetings were open to the public. Property owners participated at virtually every meeting. Preliminary future land use maps were reviewed at several public workshops and the Grand Blanc Expo. The press assisted in getting the word out by providing a significant amount of coverage and newspaper illustrations of proposed future land use maps. Formal public comments were also received at the public hearings prior to adoption by the two planning commissions. Using the Master Plan The Master Plan is intended as a guide for Township and City leaders in land use, development, zoning and capital improvement decisions. The Planning Commissions, Township Board, City Council and the two Zoning Board of Appeals should reference the Master Plan as a guide in reaching decisions. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Planning Context 3 �• • The plan is more than just a future land use map. The goals and objectives should be referenced when reviewing development proposals to confirm consistency with the plan. • The criteria used in considering r onings should include consistency with the future land use map and consistency with the Master Plan goals and objectives. • The plan is intended to be long range. Since conditions change over time, the plan must be flexible enough to acknowledge changing conditions. But the two communities invested a considerable amount of time, effort and money in developing the plan. The future land use plan is not conceptual, as is the case in some general development plans. The land use recommendations are specific and intended to guide zoning decisions. Therefore, deviations from the plan should not be routine. In order for the plan to remain valid, deviations from the plan should be justified and well documented. li a proposal is inconsistent with the plan, the planning commission could consider amending the plan if conditions have changed. An option would be to require the applicant submit an impact assessment describing how the proposed zoning will affect the community and how conditions justify a deviation from the plan. • Amendments to the zoning ordinance text should be considered to help realize plan goals and objectives. In particular, the Township should consider incorporating the design standards outlined in the Hill Road Corridor Study into the zoning and sign ordinances. • Maintaining and Amending the Master Plan - The Master Plan is intended to be a living document, not a shelf document. The plan format on computer disc allows for easy updating. The Township and City Planning Commissions should have an annual meeting to review the future land use map, goals and objectives. li changes are needed based on changing conditions, the plan should be amended. Amendments should also be considered as new data becomes available (such as more detailed U.S. Census data or population projections based on the 1900 U.S. Census). Amending the plan involves the same process as developing the overall plan: drafting text and map changes, notification, conducting a public hearing and adoption of the amendment. THE GRAND BLANC REGION The overall economic condition of the area has been well documented. The economic climate of the Genesee County area has long been dominated by General Motors. This is evidenced by the fact that in the mid-1980s approximately 1/3 of the total number of jobs in Genesee County were held by direct GM employees, totaling about 63,000 employees. Many thousands of others were in one way or another tied to the auto industry. Though the relationship to the Oakland County economy is increasing, General Motors is expected to continue its strong influence on the area's economic vitality. Gr11nd BlllffC Community M11ster Pllln Pl11nning Context 4 • • • • - 1 �• • • • •I • • • •II I I I I I I I I For General Motor's part, they have tended to reduce their total employment world wide. With such a heavy concentration of GM plants, the impact of this decision has been acute in Flint. Estimates vary but the consensus appears to be that about 18,000 net total jobs will be lost in the Genesee County area between 1985-1995. Various studies have identified several key elements to restoring Flint's employment and maintaining its economic vitality. Among the elements that may influence the Grand Blanc Community: • The development of new, diversified industries, utilizing the strengths of the area. • Encouragement of General Motors to replace some of their employment loss with insourcing contracts or development of new model lines in existing plants. • Development of the potential offered by Bishop Airport, and its recently adopted Master Plan, both in the areas of new services such as freight handling/shipping and improved passenger service, and development of land surrounding the airport for industrial uses, where appropriate . • Continuing improvement of the overall community image. • Enhancement of cooperative and coordinated efforts in economic development in the metropolitan area . The Grand Blanc community will have a major role in achieving these goals in the Flint metropolitan area. As one of the bright spots in Genesee County, Grand Blanc can be proud of its positive image in the region. But community leaders must recognize the high quality of life in the Grand Blanc area is partially attributable to the services and opportunities available in the Genesee County: • Availability of higher education (Mott Community College, U-M, Baker, GMI); • Nearby natural assets (such as the lakes and rivers); • Recreational and cultural opportunities (Crossroads Village, Sloan Museum, Whiting Auditorium, Bower Planetarium, parks, numerous golf courses, skiing); • Technical training opportunities; • Employment opportunities throughout the region, including efforts to retain and attract employers. The combination of local amenities, quality services, local parks, reasonable housing costs in comparison with some areas to the south, accessibility to employment opportunities and abundance of regional facilities make the Grand Blanc community one of the most attractive places to live in the region. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Planning Context 5 �THE GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY Census data through 1990 indicated most of the population growth within Genesee County had occurred in the southern townships and communities. Most of this growth was related to northward expansion of the Detroit metropolitan area. The availability of utilities, lower land costs, convenient access to freeways and easy commuting time to employment centers in Oakland County lead to increases in residential construction. The population in most of the remainder of Genesee County remained stable or decreased. Future population growth is likely to continue in the southern Genesee County area as development from Oakland and Livingston Counties extends north. The overall population in Genesee County, however, is projected to decline or stabilize due primarily to workforce reductions of General Motors. The future development pattern in the Grand Blanc area may be linked to a variety of economic and social factors. These include population growth in the community; regional population shifts; local and regional infrastructure improvements; state and local regulations; and the regional, state and national economy. Each of these factors will vary over time in the degree of influence each exerts over development trends. As noted by numerous studies conducted in the Genesee County area, some of which are noted in Chapter 4, the perceived image of Flint and southeastern Michigan as a high wage, union area will also continue to influence development. Conversely, the growth occurring in northern Oakland County is expected to continue shifting the Grand Blanc community's orientation more toward Oakland County. This shift is evidenced by a 45% increase in traffic volumes between 1983 and 1988 on I-75 and I-475 south of Grand Blanc and a corresponding increase of only 9% (I-475) and 17% (1-75) to and from the north. (Figures provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation) New employment centers in northern Oakland County such as the Oakland Technology Park and Chrysler Tech Center will contribute to the shift. Employees can obtain a high quality living environment if the Grand Blanc area within an easy commute and at generally lower prices than comparable housing in northern Oakland County. Land use decisions by communities along the I-75 corridor in Oakland County will determine the magnitude of this shift. For example, as this plan was developed, proposed one to two million square foot retail development in Auburn Hills was being debated. Such developments would probably intensify the northward population movement, but may decrease the market demand for larger scale commercial uses in the Grand Blanc area. GTtmd Blanc Community Mastn Plan Planning Context 6 �• • • • • • • • • •I I I I I LIVING IN THE GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY There are many positive aspects continuing to draw residents to the Grand Blanc community. Many long time residents moved to the Grand Blanc area to take advantage of the rural environment of the area, and escape the congestion, crime and other perceived problems of a more urbanized area. At workshops conducted during development of this plan, some residents expressed concern that continuing development is gradually eroding some of those amenities . Among the positive aspects of the Grand Blanc area expressed by residents at the workshops were: • • • • • • • • • Small town living environment Quality and price of housing Distinctive neighborhoods Proximity to shopping, services and employment Effectiveness and quality of governmental services Community pride Quality school system Churches Recreational opportunities (parks, golfing, hunting) Generally courts have determined a property owner has the right to a reasonable rate of return on their investment. Thus, a community cannot shut the door to new development. However, courts have also stated the property owner does not have the right to the highest profit, only a reasonable profit. The challenge to community leaders will be to accommodate a reasonable amount of development while retaining the Grand Blanc identity and quality of life. The joint master planning effort by the City and Township is an acceptance of this challenge. The Plan will be a guide to the Grand Blanc community allowing it to assess and plan for land use, rather than merely reacting to each development proposal. The plan will also allow leaders to anticipate the physical needs of the community, such as street and utility improvements, necessary to support these uses. I I I I Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Planning Context 7 �• • • • • • • •I •I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER2 NATURAL FEATURES BACKGROUND Natural features have played a significant role in the development of the Township and City of Grand Blanc. One of the many reasons that residents live in the Grand Blanc area is its rolling terrain, streams, woodlands, wetlands, and other natural features. It is these features that provide the semi-rural character so valued by residents. The Township and City each contain sensitive wetlands protected by state and federal regulations, and federally regulated floodplains. Other environmental factors such as soil type, topography, woodlands and drainage patterns may affect development potential and cost of site preparation. Appreciation of the value of these resources has increased. Federal, state and local laws have been adopted to help protect these features. The reasonable application of these laws should ensure these valuable resources will be present for future generations to enjoy. Many developers are recognizing the market benefits of retaining these features. Several projects under construction in the Grand Blanc area in the early 1990's integrated wetlands and woodlands with the residential units. The Holly /Grand Blanc 850 Planned Unit Development approved in 1992, for example, includes over 200 acres of wetlands which will not be disturbed. The Grand Blanc community has established a goal that states: "Direct and regulate development to minimize negative impacts on wetlands, woodlands, surface, groundwater, and other sensitive environmental factors." A number of objectives are established to help meet the goal (refer to the "Goals and Objectives" section of this plan. Historically the lumbering and agricultural uses in the region paid little attention to environmental issues. Forests were clear cut, wetlands were filled, hills were graded and natural drainage patterns were altered. Much of the southern area of Grand Blanc Township was cleared for agriculture. A fraction of the original acreage of productive land remains today. Subdivisions, large lot estates, industrial uses and commercial businesses have supplanted the agricultural use on most of the former agricultural lands. Leveling of the land for agriculture and development complicated both drainage and the provision of replacement landscaping. Most of the residential subdivisions in the Grand Blanc area were laid out in either a grid or curvilinear fashion. While some creeks and other waterways were preserved, others were enclosed for road crossings, filled in, or otherwise altered. Where drainageways do exist they are often kept clear of vegetation at the top edge of the banks, as part of normal lawn maintenance by homeowners. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Natural Features 9 �r- Agricultural practices lead to removal of large mature tree stands. Later more intense development added a small number of smaller trees and shrubbery which had minimal impact on softening the hard surfaces created by man. Only minimal attention was given to the buffering, aesthetic and environmental benefits provided by plantings. Evidence would indicate little site analysis was conducted that considered natural systems and how they were to be integrated into site development to benefit the community. The evidence is the style of development that dominated the area. Rather than attempting to preserve natural features through innovative site development, property lines, utility locations, and road frontages were the primary factors influencing site planning. Subdivision layouts were more concerned with utilization of property, rather than preservation of natural features. This is not to say that land developers and community leaders were irresponsible in their handling of development processes. Disruption of natural features were considered acceptable or even desirable ways of dealing with swamps and mosquito/pest control. Modern development techniques, however, stress the preservation of natural features and their use in controlling the harmful effects that unrestrained development might create such as flooding and destruction of wildlife habitats. Fortunately these practices have been mitigated over time as mature tree growth continued in the residential areas and drainage improvements were made. The following description of natural features will help establish the character of the natural environment for the analysis of suitable land uses and will help evaluate the development potential of vacant land within the Township. This evaluation is necessary to determine the potential constraints to development, which the environment presents and to help determine the ability to integrate these features into development proposals. WETLANDS A majority of the natural wetlands throughout Michigan were filled or altered as development occurred. Therefore, the remaining wetlands are important to the overall ecology of the Grand Blanc area. The desire to protect wetlands is based on both their aesthetic and functional benefits. Among the important natural functions of wetlands are: • • • • • • • • Control of floods and stormwater runoff; Improvement of water quality by filtering contaminants; Control of erosion; Providing water recharge or discharge areas; Acting as a natural pollution treatment system; Providing wildlife habitats; Providing natural open space and aesthetic areas; Decreasing landscaping costs. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Natural Features I I I I I • • • • • • • • �I I I I I ~ • •I I I I I I I I I I • Wetlands in the community may be affected by the Goemare-Anderson Wetland Protection Act (Act 203, 1979) which restricts development. The MDNR retains jurisdiction over certain wetlands, as specified in that act. The MDNR defines "wetlands" as follows: "land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation or aquatic life." Existing soil types may also be considered by the MDNR in conducting a wetland determination. Major wetland areas designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service are illustrated on the Floodplains and Significant Wetlands Map. These wetland locations were determined from high altitude aerial photography (1981) and should be considered only as a guide. Some of these areas may be wetlands regulated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). There may also be wetlands regulated by the MDNR that do not appear on the map . There are several small wetlands of less than two acres located throughout the Township and City and a few areas which appear to be at least five acres. The five acre plus wetlands meet the threshold established by the Goemare-Anderson Wetland Protection Act. These larger wetlands are shown on the Floodplains and Significant Wetlands Map. Major wetlands are in Sections 19, 20, and 34. Other potential state regulated wetland areas are in scattered locations throughout the community. Precise wetland determinations should be conducted by a qualified wetland consultant based on analysis of soil conditions, vegetation and hydrology. In 1991 when this plan was adopted, the MDNR was not providing verification of wetland determinations. Thus City and Township have a greater role in ensuring compliance with MDNR regulations. The Planning Commissions could request a wetland determination study prior to approval of a rezoning or site plan on a site believed to have a wetland. In addition to requesting a wetland determination prior to approving development, the City and Township can use one of several mechanisms to assist in wetland protection. For example, site plan review and planned unit development regulations in the zoning ordinance can encourage developers to preserve wetlands and other sensitive natural features by allowing clustering of development. City and Township officials may wish to consider other, stronger local standards to protect wetlands. Several options which may be used include: • Wetlands Protection Standards in the zoning ordinance which are more stringent than the state regulations (some communities regulated those over 1 or 2 acres); • Requiring setbacks between buildings/parking lots and wetland boundaries; • Wetlands Review Board (usually a separate body); • Public Education Programs; • Wetland Protection options for landowners such as land donation, conservation easements, deed restrictions or outright purchase of wetland property. Grand Blanc Community Mastn Plan Natural Features 11 �SOILS Soils in the area are generally suitable for development of roads and building foundations. Soils present that pose limitations on use of septic fields are not as limiting as they might otherwise be due to the fact that sanitary sewer service can be made available throughout the community. Many of the soils in developed areas are simply classified as "urban" soils and suitability analysis of these soils is not applicable. Listed below are the soil associations present in the Township and City of Grand Blanc, including a summary of the soils' suitability for urban development. Soil Associations found in the Grand Blanc area Conover-Brookston Association - Level to gently sloping, somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained loams that have a clay loam subsoil; on till plains. This soil association is found primarily in the northwest and northeast sections of the Township. These soils are suitable for intensive cultivation if they are drained and fertilized; they are moderately to severely limited for highway and residential development. However, proper construction practices and drainage measures and avoidance of the use of septic fields has resulted in these areas (much of it former cropland) being used for industrial and homesite development. Celina-Conover-Miami Association - Level to sloping, somewhat poorly drained to welldrained loams that have a clay loam subsoil; on uplands. This soil association is the most common soil group present in the area, covering nearly the entire City of Grand Blanc and large areas of the Township. This association generally provides a fair to good foundation material for roads and residential development, but individual, on-site determinations should be made to ensure adequate soil conditions for development. Miami-Metea-Muck Association - Undulating to rolling, well-drained loams and loamy sands that have a clay loam to loamy sand subsoil, on uplands; and very poorly drained muck soils, in potholes and swales. This soil association is found primarily in the far southwest and southeast parts of the Township. Most of the areas where these soils are present have been farmed, both in low-lying areas and in uplands. Upland areas are generally suitable for residential and recreational use, depending on the slope. There are some muck soils in this association that might pose severe limitations to urban development; on-site inspection is necessary to determine the extent of these limitations. SLOPE The Genesee County Soil Survey of 1972 classifies soil types by their percent slope. The Steep Slope Areas map shows soil types classified by their percent of slope. A slope of 6 - 12 percent is considered moderately steep yet will support all types of development. Slopes greater than 12 percent are considered steep and highly susceptible to erosion and gully formation. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Natural Features 12 • • • • • •II • • • �• • •I • • • • • • • •I I I I I I I The topography of the Grand Blanc area is flat to gently rolling with pockets of slope greater than 6 percent. The area of land with slope greater than 12 percent is very limited. Steep slopes are found in the southeast corner of the township which affected the design of the Holly Road/1-75 interchange. There are a few steep slopes areas in other scattered locations. Development in areas of steep slopes may result in higher construction costs since they usually require more extensive grading; however, rising and falling relief can be used to enhance development. For example, a project with a number of different, conflicting uses could be developed using topography as buffers between uses. Potential development in the majority of the City and Township will not be prohibited due to presence of steep slopes. On-site slope analysis will determine development suitability. There are several sites where development should strive to retain as much of the existing topography as possible. In all cases, erosion control measures should be required. FLOODPLAINS The 100-year floodplains within the study area have been determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A 100-year floodplain is defined as an area at an elevation with a one percent chance of a flood occurring within any year. FEMA generally identifies floodplain boundaries based on the official FEMA maps . Development within FEMA identified floodplains is restricted because they serve as water recharge areas and natural water storage basins during periods of heavy rains or snow thaws, and because the likelihood of water damage to homes and businesses is great. The Floodplains and Significant Wetlands Map identifies the approximate location of the 100-year floodplains. Exact on-site floodplain determination should be made by qualified individuals . Major floodplains may be found in Sections 28, 29, 30, 35, 36 and along the Thread Creek in the central and eastern portions of the Township. Some development may be permitted in floodplains if the elevation is changed and MDNR permits are obtained. Generally, development should be discourage from floodplain areas. Floodplains can provide valuable open space and serve as a buffer to separate various land uses. SUMMARY Through careful site analysis and site planning, quality development can be realized. The objective of incorporating natural features into site development is to allow new uses of land that do not irreversibly damage natural site features and attributes. The result is cost-effective development that allows preservation of natural features and systems, creating long term benefits for the environment and the community. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Natural Features 13 �I • • • •I •I I I I •I I I I I I • CHAPTER3 COMMUNITY CHARACTER POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Historic Population Both Grand Blanc Township and the City of Grand Blanc experienced a population jump from 1960 to 1970 followed by a slower increase from 1970 to 1990 (Table 1). The population increases generally correspond to national trends, with an increasing number of births from the "Baby Boom" generation in the late 1960s, coupled with the increased availability of jobs and housing in the Grand Blanc area. The population increases experienced since 1970 are also due to movement into the area from other communities within the County and from other counties. In 1975, for example, 30.5 percent of Grand Blanc Township residents lived in another house in Genesee County; another 7 percent lived in a different house in another County in Michigan. Tremendous growth to the south of the Grand Blanc community is expected to encroach northward as new employees of major developments in the northern Detroit metropolitan area, (such as the Chrysler Technology Center and Oakland Technology Park) seek larger, less expensive homes and the small town character found in communities like Grand Blanc. This growth is demonstrated by the increasing traffic volumes along 1-75, which have generally increased from 15-40% between 1983 and 1988. Table la Historic Population Grand Blanc Comm.unity and Area 1960 -1990 Community 1960 1970 1980 1990 1980-90 Grand Blanc Township 9,418 19,229 24,413 25,392 +4.01% City of Grand Blanc 1,565 5,132 6,848 7,760 +13.32% Village of Goodrich 701 771 795 916 +15.22% 1,509 2,315 4,891 5,551 +13.49% 445,589 450,449 430,459 Atlas Township Genesee County -4.44% Source: U.S. Census Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 15 �I Population Grand Blanc Community and Area Percent of Change 1980-1990 I IR...--------------------------, -lo-i-----------------------------' Grand Blanc Township City of Grand Blanc Vlllageof Goodrich Atlas Genesee Township C.Ounty Source: U.S. C.Cnsus Bureau Note: Numbers indicate 1990 population Grtuul Bl11nc Community Mtutn Pllln Community Clulr11ctn 16 �I I I I I I I I I Table lb Historic Population Northern Oakland County Community 1960 1970 1980 1990 1980-90 Brandon Township 2,416 3,830 8,336 12,051 +44.57% Groveland Township 1,306 2,570 4,114 4,705 +14.37% Holly Township 3,269 3,041 3,612 8,852 +145.07% Independence Township 10,121 16,327 20,569 24,722 +20.19% Springfield Township 2,664 4,388 8,295 9,927 +19.67% Rose Township 1,482 2,502 4,641 4,926 +6.14% Source: U.S. Census, 1960-1990 Population Projections Table 2 shows population trends and projections, which were based on the 1980 U.S. Census figures and estimates for subsequent years. Agencies responsible for projections had not updated them based on the 1990 U.S. Census at the time this plan was adopted. Many of the projections did not anticipate the extent of population loss in Genesee County or the growth related to northern Oakland County which occurred in the 1980's. I I For example, pre-1990 Census estimates projected a 5270 population for Atlas Township by 1995; 1990 Census figures revealed a 1990 township population of 5,551. Thus, Atlas Township is at least five years ahead of the growth estimates made as late as 1985. I However, the estimates for the Grand Blanc community were reasonably close to those of the 1990 Census. These estimates are provided in Table 2. I I I I I I - Table 2 Population Projections Grand Blanc Township and City of Grand Blanc 1995 - 2010 Community 1990 2000 2005 2010 '90-2010 Grand Blanc Township 25,392 26,644 26,958 27,049 6.53% City of Grand Blanc 7,645 8,159 8,262 8,290 8.43% Source: GLS Region V, Planning and Development Commission, Population Allocation Study, 1985. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 17 �Population Character Total population in City and Township has been classified into divisions by CACI, Inc., a nationally known demographic and market research firm. The CACI data referenced herein was based on projections using the 1980 U.S. Census information by Census tract on age, income and other characteristics. Future analysis of the 1990 U.S. Census will change these figures. Combinations of characteristics are determined which fit a national demographic profile. These profiles are then separated into divisions, such as "Small Town Families," "Fast Track Young Adults," etc. In the Grand Blanc community the largest portion (27.5 percent) of the total population can be classified as "Baby Boomers with Families." People in the "Baby Boomers" category are typically young families with children living in new suburban neighborhoods. This category typically has a high proportion of 30 to 44 year olds and children under 16 years of age. The population is primarily white and nearly 20 percent have moved within the past five years. "Upper Middle Income Families" comprises 7,766 or 24 percent of the area's population. There are 5,801 people (18.1 %) classified as "Middle Americans in New Homes". These people are predominantly white, middle income families with older children. The average family size was estimated at 3.3 people, consistent with the national average. The other predominant CACI classification was "Fast Track Young Adults" accounting for 16.2% of the population. This is assumed to be a highly mobile segment, moving at over twice the national rate. Over 65% of adult women in this category are in the labor force, the highest percentage of any CACI segment. I The remaining 13.9% of the population in the Grand Blanc area is categorized into the categories of "Old Money," "Skilled Craft and Office Workers," and "Settled Families," which each contain less than 7 percent of the total population. Population by Age The age of Township and City residents provides an indication of current and changing economic, transportation, recreational and other current community needs for age groups. Analysis of age also gives some indication of the affects by migration. The City's 1990 median age of 34.4 years is similar to the Township 33.7 years. The Township population has aged considerably since 1970 when the median age was 24.4 years. The aging of the population follows a national trend. The older segments of the population will overshadow the younger, thereby increasing the number and extent of the services needed for the aging population. The high number of people under 34 years old is in keeping with national trends which indicate the maturity of the "Baby Boomers" children. The younger median age in 1970 is supportive of the large number of people under 24. This group is now slightly older as seen in the 15 - 34 year old categories which account for over 35 percent of the population in the Township and over 37 percent in the City. (see Table 3). Grt1nd Blt1nc Community Mt1ster Plt1n Community Cht1rt1cter 18 1111 • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Population by Age, 1990 Grand Blanc Township and City of Grand Blanc ■ Township Daty 20 15 10 5 0 Under 5 years S-14 15-24 years years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 55-64 65 years years &over Source: 1990 U.S. Census Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Charticter 19 �Table 3 Population by Age, 1990 Grand Blanc Township and City of Grand Blanc City Township NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT Under 5 years 1,666 6.6% 479 6.1% 5 -14 years 3,600 14.1% 1,060 13.6% 15 - 24 years 3,529 13.9% 1,101 14.1% 25 - 34 years 4,529 17.8% 1,314 16.9% 35 - 44 years 4,339 17.0% 1,309 16.8% 45 - 54 years 3,321 13.0% 861 11.0% 55 - 64 years 2,331 9.1% 686 8.8% 65 and over 2,077 8.1% 950 12.2% TOTAL 25,392 100% 7,760 100% Source: U.S. Census, 1990 The portion of the population of people under 34 years old (almost 17,278 in the Township and City) generally demand, in the short term, inexpensive housing (starter homes, apartments, etc.), a higher than average amount of consumer goods (groceries, clothes, videos, cleaners, etc.) and active recreation (ball diamonds, recreation trails, etc.) but these needs will change over a 20 year period as this population segment ages . The population in the Grand Blanc community is aging. Both the City and Township have experienced a significant increase in the percentage of the population which is 65 years of age and older. The City and the Township are similar in all age groups with the exception of the 65 and older group, the City has a greater rate than the township. The senior population may tend to reside in the City due to the availability of affordable housing and greater access to services. The Grand Blanc community experienced a decrease in population of those under 24 years of age. This may be due in part to the migration out in order to seek employment opportunities. Population by Race Almost 92 percent of the township and 93 percent of the City's population is white with small percentages of blacks, residents of spanish origin (who may be of any race), American Indians, and Asians. Generally, the racial composition of area residents is very similar to the State of Michigan overall and surrounding communities of similar size. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 20 • • • • • • • • • •■ • ,•. • ~ �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 4 Population by Race, 1990 Grand Blanc Township and City of Grand Blanc Community Total Black White Spanish Origin Other Grand Blanc Township 25,392 1230 23,177 42 0 565 Percent 100% 4.8% 91.2% 1.6% 2.2% City of Grand Blanc 7,760 219 7,249 90 202 Percent 100% 2.8% 93.4% 1.1% 2.6% Note: Spanish Origin may be of any race. Source: U.S. Census, 1990 SUMMARY The Grand Blanc community has recorded a moderate population growth during the last two decades due to suburbanization trends from the Detroit and Flint metropolitan areas. The automobile industry and employment in the northern metropolitan Detroit area has fueled this population growth and movement as thousands are employed in the numerous auto-related plants and other industries in the region. The population growth experienced in the study area the last 30 years is expected to continue into the next three decades and possibly beyond. Large-scale development projects such as the Chrysler Tech Center are encroaching the rural fringes of the metro areas, bringing with them employees who require housing, services and community facilities. The median age of residents is rising, reflecting the aging of the "Baby Boomer's" children and the influx of new residents. As this younger population ages, the natural increase should net a population spurt near the year 2010 unless household size decreases. The majority of the study area population is white. Specific attention should be given to the needs of the minority population, elderly and low income residents. Sensitive community planning can help Grand Blanc Township and the City of Grand Blanc maintain its high quality of life and provide the opportunity for housing and services which facilitate every segment of the population. Careful placement of new development will enhance the character of the area by considering the needs and desires of its residents. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character I 21 �• INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS Income In 1980, rand Blanc Township and City had the highest median household income of any jurisdiction in the area, except Atlas Township (Table 5, note: 1990 income data was not available at the time of plan printing). Table 6 indicates the distribution of household income for the Township and City. The diverse incomes are indicative of market preferences and the economic condition of Township residents. According to the 1980 Census, 2123 of City of Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township families (20% of all families) earned less than $15,000 per year. Table 5 Median Household Income, Grand Blanc Community and Area Jurisdictions, 1980 Grand Blanc Township Grand Blanc City Atlas Township (Includes Village of Goodrich Holly Township Groveland Township Brandon Township City of Flint Genesee County $28,261 $26,713 $28,633 $22,279 $25,793 $24,831 $17,858 $23,717 Source: U.S. Census, 1980 Table 6 Household Income Distribution, 1980 Grand Blanc Township and City of Grand Blanc Township City Income Range Households Percent Households Percent Less than $7,500 563 6.9% 238 9.2% $7,500 - $14,900 965 11.8% 357 13.7% $15,000 - 19,999 793 9.7% 369 14.2% $20,000 - 24,999 1,108 13.6% 204 7.9% $25,000 - 34,999 1,986 24.3% 559 21.5% $35,000 - 49,999 1,825 22.4% 553 21.3% $50,000 or more 923 11.3% 316 12.2% 8,163 100% 2,597 100% TOTAL Source: U.S. Census, 1980. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 22 �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Employment by Industry Employment by industry for the Township provides a method for analyzing what occupations residents possess, indicating strengths and weakness of employment sectors and understanding potential economic needs of the Township. Table 7 indicates that the bulk of residents are employed in the manufacturing, retail, and professional trades. Table 7 Occupation by Industry, 1980 Grand Blanc Community, Genesee County, State of Michigan Percent County% State% 523 3.6% 3.7% 6.2% 5,095 35.4% 39.8% 30.3% Trans., Comm. & Utilities 467 3.2% 4.0% 5.8% Wholesale Trade 598 4.2% 29% 3.6% 2,613 18.1% 16.5% 16.5% 668 4.6% 4.3% 4.9% 4,069 28.2% 26.1% 28.4% 382 2.7% 27% 4.3% 14,415 100% 100% 100% Industry Category Employees Ag., Forestry, Mining, Construct. and Fish. Manufacturing Retail Trade Finance, Ins., Real Est. Services Public Administration TOTAL Note: Grand Blanc Community is defined as the City of Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township. Source: U.S. Census, 1980 Percentages of employees in various employment industries closely match those of Genesee County and the State of Michigan. The manufacturing segment is somewhat higher than that of the state, reflecting the substantial influence of the automobile industry and related manufacturers. The types of jobs that people living in Grand Blanc possess are given in Table 8. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 23 �. Table 8 Employment by Occupation, 1980 Grand Blanc Community, Genesee County, State of Michigan Occupation Employees Percent County% State% Managerial, Professional 4,617 32.03% 17.8% 21.4% Technical, Sales, Admin. Support 4,167 28.91% 25.7% 29.2% Service 1,378 9.56% 13.2% 13.9% Farm, Forest., Fishery 75 0.52% .5% 1.7% Precision Production, Craft, Repair 1,856 12.88% 14.9% 13.2% Operators, Fabricators, Assemblers, Inspectors 2,322 16.11 % 27.9% 20.6% TOTAL 14,415 100% 100% 100% Source: U.S. Census, 1980 Education Grand Blanc Township and the City of Grand Blanc residents have a substantially higher percentage of high school graduates than other area communities (Table 9). This fact reflects an educated workforce which is required for the new technologies and processes being developed for modern manufacturing facilities and for emerging professional services. The high educational attainment levels can be used as an advantage for the Township and City when attracting new employers. Table 9 Percent High School Graduates Persons 25 Years and Older Selected Communities, 1980 Community Grand Blanc Township City of Grand Blanc City of Flint Genesee County State of Michigan % High School Graduates 80.5 87.3 65.8 67.8 68.0 Source: U.S. Census, 1980 Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 24 '• • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS The overall population of the Grand Blanc Community is increasing but the age composition of the community is changing. The increase in population is generally from residents migrating north to new employment centers. The Grand Blanc Community is experiencing an exodus of persons between the ages of 5 and 24, particularly those 15 to 24 years of age. The 15 to 24 age group is typically entering the job market or leaving the area for post secondary education. Those completing their education may not return to the area and those seeking employment may leave the area if quality jobs are not available. There have been large increases in both the Township and the City of residents over the age of 65. The aging population will require different recreational amenities, health care facilities, affordable housing, public transportation and access to special services. The population of the Grand Blanc Community is aging. The 1990 Genesee County median age was 32.0. This is a considerable increase from 1980. The City median age increased by almost five years to 34.4 years of age. The Township increased by four years to 33.7 years of age. The median household income for the Township and City is higher than all nearby jurisdictions, save one. There is a fairly high percentage (30.5) of residents who earned less than $20,000 as of the 1980 Census. The majority (58%) of residents earned between $20,000 and $50,000 per year and close to 12% earned in excess of $50,000 per years. The Grand Blanc Community had a high percentage of those employed in managerial and professional occupations as compared to the county and state (Grand Blanc Community 32.3%, county 17.8% and state 21.4%). Fewer Grand Blanc Community residents were employed in the service sector and as operators, fabricators and assemblers than the county and the state averages. The low to moderate income residents of the Grand Blanc community need access to transit, job and training opportunities, and social services. Access to transit will be somewhat limited in the area, with transit available on some of the major streets within the City and/or Township (Fenton Road, Saginaw Road, Hill Road, etc.). Unless population densities increase dramatically in other areas throughout the Grand Blanc community, extended transit access is unlikely to be made readily available for all segments of the population. The City and Township should continue to work with local transportation authorities to ensure that areas that can be accessed by transit are included within future route planning when ridership is adequate to support cost. Providing quality jobs for the residents of the Grand Blanc community is critical to the retention of the working population. The regional economy is important because it provides an employment base outside of the Grand Blanc community for the residents. The economic base of the Grand Blanc community is not strong enough to accommodate all who require employment. It is important for the Grand Blanc community to work in conjunction with regional and county-wide efforts to attract companies and jobs. This cooperation may take the form of providing information on vacant industrial or Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 25 �commercial land, providing information to prospective employers on housing and community services, and meeting with the Grand Blanc Area Chamber of Commerce representatives to participate in job retention and attraction programs. An educated and trained workforce is critical to future employment. While high school graduation rates exceeded the county and state averages in 1980, continuing education and retraining is important. The community may work in cooperation with area universities, community colleges, economic development organizations and county and state government to provide job training programs to the residents. The local government, while not always the provider of social service programs, can provide information on the programs which are available. The communication with the residents can be in the form of a community newsletters, public announcements, town hall meetings and human relation councils. HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS AND PROJECTED NEED Grand Blanc township is similar to both the county and the state in percentage of owner occupied units (Township 71.8%, county 70.4%, state 7.1 %). The owner occupancy rate for the City of Grand Blanc is considerably lower at 55.1 % with 44.8% being renter occupied. There appears to be a variety of housing types within the Grand Blanc Community with 28.2% being multiple family and 66.6% single family units. The median value of a home in the City ($90,900) and the Township ($74,400) is higher that both the county ($50,500) and state ($60,600) median value. According to the population trends and projections included earlier in this section, the percentage of Grand Blanc residents over the age of sixty-five is increasing more rapidly than other age groups. This trend is not limited to Grand Blanc or even to the State of Michigan. In 1984, the U.S. Department of Commerce estimated that 16.4 percent of the nation's population was over the age of sixty. It was projected, however, that by the year 2030, almost 27 percent would be in this category. In Michigan, in 1980, the percentage of the population over the age of 65 was 9.8%. The 1990 census indicates that this percentage increased to 11.9 percent over ten years. The increasing percentage of people in the over sixty-five age group coupled with the high number of households with income less than $15,000 per year dictates a need for a variety of affordable housing opportunities. There are special considerations for each segment of the population which requires affordable housing. Low income families with children will require affordable housing which can accommodate children, provides access to schools and recreational areas. Senior housing must have access to public transportation, health facilities and senior recreational activities. These two uses do not necessarily have to be segregated from one another or from higher priced housing. Studies have shown that mixing the elderly and families with children provides a healthy environment for all. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character • • • • • • • • • • • • • 26 L �I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 10 Housing Characteristics Grand Blanc City and Township - 1990 CITY (%) TOWNSHIP (%) TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 3299 100 10,017 100 Seasonal housing units 10 00.3 64 00.6 Owner occupied 1751 55.1 6954 71.8 Renter occupied 1425 44.8 2724 28.1 Vacant units 123 03.7 339 03.3 Single family 1829 55.4 7050 70.3 Multi-family 1450 43.9 2307 23.0 Mobile homes 20 00.6 660 06.5 1990 Median Housing Value City of Grand Blanc Grand Bland Township Genesee County State of Michigan $90,900 $74,400 $50,500 $60,600 Source: U.S. Census, 1990 I I I I I I I Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Community Character 27 �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -II CHAPTER 4 CURRENT PLANS AND POLICIES INTRODUCTION An important preliminary step in the comprehensive planning process is the review of previous planning documents. Existing planning studies were examined for potential implications on the City /Township future land use plan. The current future land use designations (or zoning if the master plan was outdated) were mapped to help prevent land use conflicts. A map included at the end of the document (in the map section) illustrates land use plans or zoning along the Township borders. Several current plans, studies and ordinances were reviewed for this plan, including: • Comprehensive Development Plan, Grand Blanc Charter Township (1982) • Comprehensive General Community and Economic Development Plan, City of Grand Blanc (1981) • Community of Grand Blanc Five Year Recreation Plan (1987) • U.S. 23/1-75 Development Strategy, Mundy Charter Township (1988) • Zoning Ordinance, Mundy Charter Township (1982) • Master Plan, Holly Township (1990) • Zoning Ordinance, Atlas Township (the township's master plan and zoning ordinance was being updated in 1991). • Comprehensive Development Plan, City of Burton (1989) • Blinton Area Study (1989) • The Genesis Project, "Building the Economy of Tomorrow in Genesee County". (1989) TOWNSHIP AND CI1Y PLANNING DOCUMENTS Comprehensive Development Plan, Grand Blanc Charter Township (1982) Plan Goals and Policies This plan contains several General Development Goals that provide guidance to the Township on development and land use issues. The Township's "Growth Goal" suggests that growth is encouraged but that the growth should be balanced by protection of the assets that make Grand Blanc a desirable residential community. The promotion of community identity was viewed as another important goal, with a strong community identity considered as the first step in encouraging citizen participation in civic affairs. The "Quality of Life Goal" stresses the following principles: maximize contact with nature; encourage social interaction; optimize natural open-space systems; and, optimize community development. Another important General Development Goal centers on environmental and energy conservation attitudes. This goal encourages the preservation of wetlands and floodplains and their use as part of the Township's stormwater management system. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 29 �~ The plan's land use objectives and policies emphasize convenience of access; economical provision of utilities and public services; preservation of prime agricultural lands and unique natural features; and, use of the neighborhood unit concept in residential land use planning. In addition, commercial development policies seek to discourage strip commercial development, encourage quality site design, efficient accessibility to commercial establishments, sign control, and elimination of billboards. Industrial development policies center on the need for industrial diversification, adequate supply of industrial land while avoiding over-zoning of industrial land, and encouragement of industrial parks. Future Land Use The Township's 1982 future land use plan sought to maintain the Township as a primarily single-family residential community, but included a sufficient amount of multiple-family, commercial, and industrial land to encourage a diversified and stable employment and tax base. Multiple-family use was planned for several locations along Hill Road; along Saginaw Road south of the City of Grand Blanc; and a large area north of Grand Blanc Road, southwest of the 1-75 expressway. Commercial corridors were designated along much of Saginaw Road; along Hill Road from the Saginaw Road-Dort Highway intersection west; along Dort Highway; and along Fenton Road. Light Industry uses were planned for the area on either side of Holly Road, from 1-75 south to Ray Road; west of Holly Road immediately south of the City of Grand Blanc; and, in two locations west of Dort Highway: just south of Gibson Road and at the southwest comer of Dort Highway and Maple Avenue. The general industrial classification was planned for a large area southwest of Saginaw Road and east of Dort Highway, west of the General Motors site in the City. Parks and open space were designated for significant tracts of land throughout the Township. These tracts include the Grand Blanc Bicentennial Recreation Complex at 1-75 and Grand Blanc Road, the Grand Blanc Commons adjacent to the City of Grand Blanc, Deer Park (on the Cadillac property), cemeteries on Hill Road, golf courses southeast of the City; and, the YMCA property at Copneconic Lake in the southwest corner of the Township. Comprehensive General Community and Economic Development Plan, City of Grand Blane (1981) Plan Goals and Policies The City's Comprehensive General Community and Economic Development Plan was developed under a detailed set of plan goals and policies. The "Growth Goal" emphasizes maintaining a desirable ratio of non-residential valuation to residential valuation. The environmental quality goal statement expresses a concern for quality in development site design, and high standards for public spaces and services. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 30 •• • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The plan also addresses concerns about community identity; a balance of owner and renter occupied housing; a greater role for the not-for-profit sector in meeting quality of life demands; and environmental and energy conservation. Residential development objectives promote the concept of "planning analysis zones"-a concept that requires planning open space systems and street networks on a neighborhood scale. Commercial development objectives emphasize the importance of Downtown Grand Blanc having a "central place function" in the community, while industrial development objectives focus on the need for industrial land to be reserved to encourage a balanced economic base. Transportation objectives stress the importance of effectively integrating the local, metropolitan, state, and federal transportation systems; these objectives also stress the need for effectively integrating transportation networks and future land use planning. Future Land Use The plan contains a Comprehensive General Development Plan map that illustrates the City's future land use plan. Low density residential uses were planned for many areas of the City, including the area west of the planned extension of Genesee Road and an area in the southwest corner west of Schram, as well as all residentially platted areas. Medium/high density residential uses were planned for several areas in all parts of the City, often adjacent to low density residential areas and public/semi-public (predominantly parks and open space) areas. These locations were determined in part to fulfill the intent of the "planning analysis zones" concept, a concept in which each geographic area of the City provides a variety of housing choices and its own open space. The plan called for increasing the commercial and industrial assessed valuation so that it will be equal to half of the total valuation. To accomplish this, a significant amount of land was designated for commercial and industrial use, much of it already experiencing industrial and commercial development. Commercial uses (including retail, service, and office uses) were designated primarily along Saginaw Road, with a commercial spur extending westward along Grand Blanc Road. Much of the commercial land along Saginaw south of Perry Road was intended for office commercial uses. Another commercial area with office emphasis was planned for the southwest corner of Belsay Road and Perry Road. Industrial uses were planned for two distinct areas: light manufacturing, assembly, and research uses were planned for the area south and west of the high school campus (developed with senior housing), while the area north of Reid Road, west of the railroad tracks and Saginaw Road was designated for heavy industry. Public/ semi-public uses were designated for a very large area of the City, encompassing government facilities, schools, parks, and golf courses. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 31 �I• Community of Grand Blanc Five Year Recreation Plan (1987) This plan affects future land use planning to the extent that it calls for an additional 600 acres of recreational land needed to accommodate the recreational needs of the projected built-out population for the Township and City. (See Chapter 8, Community Facilities). The Grand Blanc community will be pursuing the completion of a joint community recreation plan that will take the needs of each community into account and determine joint improvement projects and programs that may be undertaken. DOCUMENTS FROM ADJACENT COMMUNITIES U.S. 2311-75 Development Strategy, Mundy Charter Township (1988) This study contains an analysis and development strategy for the approximate northeast quarter of Mundy Township, including sections 1, 12, and 13 of Mundy Township along the boundary with Grand Blanc Township. A major focus of the study was a detailed plan illustrating potential building and site layouts for commercial and industrial uses along the Hill Road Corridor from the Grand Blanc Township border to west of the U.S . 23 interchange. Outside of the Hill Road Corridor, single family residential is the most common land use designation in the three sections bordering Grand Blanc Township. However, a significant amount of commercial use is planned for three areas along Fenton Road: the northwest corner of Grand Blanc Road and Fenton Road; on either side of Hill Road; and, an area on Fenton Road in the northeast quarter of Section 1. The planned commercial growth in the Mundy Township portion of the Hill Road Corridor may accelerate development and increase traffic in the Grand Blanc Township section of Hill Road. The Hill Road Corridor Study prepared in conjunction with the Grand Blanc Community Master Plan addresses the impacts of this expected growth. Zoning Ordinance, Mundy Charter Township (1982) Sections 24, 25, and 36 of Mundy Township, which bound Grand Blanc Township, were not part of the study area in Mundy Township's U.S. 23/1-75 Development Strategy discussed above. Most of the land in these sections is zoned Residential Suburban Agricultural, the Township's second lowest density residential district. The planned uses for Grand Blanc Township and the zoning within Mundy Township are compatible. Mundy Township follows the same general pattern of development as Grand Blanc Township with commercial uses to the north along Fenton Road to south of Hill Road, with residential zoning south to north of Grand Blanc Road, where some additional commercial zoning is in place. From Grand Blanc Road south the residential zoning is nearly identical to the planned uses in Grand Blanc Township. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 32 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - Master Plan, Holly Township (1990) A representative of the Grand Blanc Township Planning Commission was invited to participate in the development of the Holly Township Master Plan. The Holly Township plan emphasizes controlled development and protection of natural resources such as wetlands. The Holly Township land use plan promotes low density residential uses along the entire boundary with Grand Blanc Township, except for the area near the intersection of Ray Road and Holly Road, which is designated Medium Density Residential. However, an area designated for higher intensity uses is located a short distance south of Grand Blanc Township Section 36. This area, associated with Saginaw Road and 1-75, is planned by Holly Township to contain a commercial/ office node and an adjacent light industrial area. If this area is developed as planned, various growth impacts may be felt in the generally rural far southeastern part of Grand Blanc Township. In 1991, Holly and Grand Blanc Townships held joint meetings to review the proposed Holly /Grand Blanc 850 Planned Unit Development (PUD). The approved PUD included 850 total acres, 533 in Section 36 in the southeastern corner of Grand Blanc Township. The approved project would include between 1037 and 1493 residential units of various types, a small amount of commercial/office fronting Saginaw, and a golf course. Master Plan (1991) and Zoning Ordinance (1992), Atlas Township Atlas Township is a rural community east of Grand Blanc Township. The Atlas Township Master Plan was adopted in 1991. Significant zoning ordinance amendments were undergoing public hearing at the time this plan was printed in early 1992. The Atlas Township Master Plan promotes a rural buffer along the border with Grand Blanc Township. The zoning ordinance in place in 1991 designated low density residential uses (Residential Agricultural or Residential Suburban Agricultural) along the entire shared boundary with Grand Blanc Township. This zoning is compatible with the Grand Blanc planned uses of Low Density and Estate Residential. The zoning densities along the border are generally expected to be retained as the ordinance is amended. The proposed amendments to the Atlas Township zoning ordinance include an historic district for Atlas "village", special land use districts along M-15 near Goodrich, condominium and land division ordinances, and a woodlands protection ordinance. Comprehensive Development Plan, City of Burton (1989) The City of Burton bounds Grand Blanc Township on the north. Higher intensity uses are planned for the three west sections (sections 31, 32, and 33) of the City bordering the Township area, while low density residential uses are planned for sections 34, 35, and 36. Land along 1-475, just north of Maple Road, is designated for medium and high density residential land use. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 33 �1·· ;, Commercial uses are planned for areas near the intersections of Maple Road with the following roadways: Fenton Road, Saginaw Road, Dort Highway, and Center Road. Land along the CSX Railroad tracks in Section 33 is designated for light industrial use . An Open Space Preservation classification is found in much of Section 33 (north of Maple Road between Dort Highway and Center Road). A neighborhood school and recreation area is located just north of Grand Blanc Township between Saginaw Road and Dort Highway. The City of Burton Development Plan is also consistent with the Township's planned uses along Maple Road. Blinton Area Plan (1989) The Blinton Area Plan was commissioned to study the development potential of the Grand Blanc/Linden/Fenton area and to outline the broad concepts of how that development should progress. The primary land use focus of study was the special purpose node concept. These nodes were designed to present the uses best situation at particular locations that were best suited for development. The factors that were considered when selecting a Special Purpose Node were: • Highway access • Proximity to existing facilities important to stimulating growth, such as Bishop Airport • Geographic location (external) - proximity to Oakland County /1-75 • Geographic location (internal) - proximity to labor force, etc. • Character of area One critical element considered in the Plan was a new interchange at I-75 between Hill and Reid Roads. The existing Hill Road interchange is only a half mile from this location; interchanges at less than one mile spacing are rarely approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration. In addition, such an interchange would add traffic to streets which are already near capacity. One element of the Blinton Plan which is appropriate was the expressed need for cooperative efforts between communities to ensure the success of the Plan. The impact on the Grand Blanc area is most directly felt through the designation of :1e three nodes within the community. These nodes were: • Name: Location: Uses: The Triangle Node Hill Road/U.S. 23/I-75 Business Park, Manufacturing, Commercial Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 34 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I • Name: Location: Uses: Dort Highway Node Dort and I-75 in the triangle of Dort/I-75/Grand Blanc Road Mixed use; westerly 75 acres high density residential; 72 acres abutting Dort small service offices and neighborhood businesses. East of Dort, 600 acres, Dort/I-75/Grand Blanc Road/CSX Corporation railroad (formerly C&O); high density residential dominating; planned · residential development; 22 acres at NW quadrant for Business Park • Name: Location: Uses: Holly Road Node Holly Road; I-75 to Oakland County line W of I-75 (except 54 acres on east of I-75, south of Baldwin) - light industrial; 77 acres at NW quadrant of Baldwin Road for research and development. Also 400 acres SW quadrant of Holly /I-75 interchange. 35 acres of Business Park. One of the primary reasons these areas were designated was to take advantage of the major new office, industrial and commercial developments occurring in northern Oakland County. The City of Grand Blanc, with no land in the plan area, did not take a formal position on the Blinton Plan. Grand Blanc Township, however, reviewed and rejected the plan based on the incompatibility with the township's own goals for development in the locations affected by the Blinton Plan. The Genesis Project "Building the Economy of Tomorrow in Genesee County (1989) This study was commissioned to develop strategies for the revitalization of the Flint metropolitan area. The major elements of the Project included: • Organization for Economic Development The overall organizing effort is planned to fall under the Genesee Economic Area Revitalization (GEAR). The overall responsibilities for this group include the formation of economic development policy, assistance in development activities and coordination of various programs and services offered throughout the area. The goal of GEAR is to increase government coordination and cooperation. • Developing the Future Labor Force - The primary thrust of this element was in job training. • Strengthening Local Business A number of concepts were developed as part of this element. A stronger alliance between General Motors and Genesee County is suggested to take advantage of the economic relationship between General Motors and the area. In addition, the development of Bishop Airport is encouraged. Finally, the development or updating of comprehensive land use plans is encouraged throughout the County. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 35 �• Attracting New Businesses and Industries As an obvious aim of any economic development strategy the development of a brochure about the County is encouraged to promote the positive economic development advantages of locating in the area. In addition, a market research program is suggested to find those market areas that can be tapped by the County. • Enhancing Opportunities for Minorities and Disadvantaged The primary thrust of this element was to increase minority access to financing programs. • Improving External and Internal Image In recognition of the negative aspects of the Flint area that seem to attract attention to the community, a program is suggested to help dispel the less than desirable image. Among the suggestions were an anti-crime campaign, a downtown redevelopment plan, and a public relations program. Grand Blanc Community Master Plan Current Plans and Policies 36 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTERS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES COMMUNITY DIRECTION One purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to allow the Township and City of Grand Blanc to set directions for their future development over a 10-20 year time span. In order to set a direction for this period the Planning Commissions of the Township and City of Grand Blanc determined those issues which are prevalent now in the area, and the issues that are likely to be prevalent for the next 10-20 years. From these issues a combined set of goals and objectives were formed. The goals are long range policy descriptions of the desired physical and social characteristics for the Grand Blanc Communities. The objectives address more specific elements of the goals. The Master Plan is more than just a future land use map. The objectives should be referenced when community leaders are considering land use and public improvement decisions to ensure consistency with the plan. Consideration of the objectiyes in decision making will help the two communities strive toward reading the goals. Grand Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 37 �THE ENVIRONMENT GOAL Direct and regulate development to minimize negative impacts on wetlands, woodlands, surface and ground water, and other sensitive environmental factors OBJECTIVES • Maximize the use of local controls to protect environmental features such as mature trees, water bodies and wildlife habitats. Assist with the enforcement of state and federal environmental regulations, particularly wetlands protection. • Promote use of development techniques that incorporate environmental features into site plans, such as cluster housing, zero lot line developments and Planned Unit Developments. • Where appropriate, direct intense development away from environmentallysensitive areas. • Minimize disruption of natural site topography and drainage. • Improve stormwater management. • Develop solid waste management and recycling practices which reduce reliance on landfill disposal and help create markets for recycled goods. • Protect the quality of drinking water sources. • Direct and regulate development to minimize the creation and impacts of air and noise pollution. • Encourage innovative housing design (such as clustering) and roadway design for environmentally sensitive areas. Grand Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 38 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I - LAND USE GOAL Promote a balanced land use pattern suitable to the Township and City, emphasizing a predominant residential character of the community supported by appropriate amounts of commercial and industrial development OBJECTIVES • Provide selected neighborhood commercial services near residential areas to reduce travel on roadways and promote a traditional neighborhood ambiance. • Encourage concentrated, rather than linear, areas of commercial development to minimize traffic problems, unsightly development and to avoid premature and costly infrastructure improvements. • Direct highway commercial and other non-neighborhood commercial development away from residential areas to help protect the residential character of the community. Where such uses abut, effective buffers and landscaping should be provided. • Encourage community wide oriented commercial development in locations with sufficient infrastructure, convenient access to major arterials and where compatible with surrounding development. • Encourage appropriately located industrial development to provide community employment and tax revenue. Light industrial/research park type industrial uses should be provided. • Promote attractive design of commercial and industrial sites to improve community aesthetics including extensive use of trees, low signs and minimizing impervious surfaces. • Encourage continued aesthetic improvements to the City's downtown. • Encourage cooperation between the Township and City and communication with surrounding communities in directing and regulating commercial, industrial and multiple family development. • Offer incentives to encourage provision of open space. • Amend zoning ordinance and map to promote realization of plan objectives and future land use map. Grand Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 39 �I I~ TRANSPORTATION An efficient and safe automobile and pedestrian transportation GOAL network should be planned to ensure that residents and visitors can travel safely and conveniently to and through the Grand Blanc community OBJECTIVES • Plan for the construction of new roads and for the expansion of existing roads to accommodate development by ensuring adequate building setbacks and ample rights-of-way. • Control land use and driveway spacing along major roads to help prevent congestion and accident problems. • Direct intense commercial uses to locations which provide optimum signal locations. • Sidewalks and bicycle paths should be provided along designated major roads and linked to schools and recreational facilities as a safety measure and to expand recreational opportunities. • Promote improvements to interchange design as warranted by traffic demands. • Promote use of alterative modes of transportation based on overall demand needs for special population groups and cost-effectiveness of fundings. Gr,md Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 40 • • • • • • • • "• " �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I RECREATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE GOAL Maintenance of a high quality of life shall be accomplished through promotion of community pride, active citizen participation, and provision of quality social services and recreational facilities and programs for all age groups OBJECTIVES • Parks and recreational facilities will be available to all residents within a reasonable distance of major housing areas. • Quality recreation programs, such as those provided by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the schools, will be provided for residents of all age groups. • Maintain a balance between those parks and recreational facilities that offer active recreation opportunities (ball fields, tennis, etc.) and those that provide only passive recreation (nature trails, nature areas, etc.). • Develop additional specific public service groups and programs to accommodate special population, such as the growing number of elderly, differently abled and children. • Continue planning and funding of new public services and facilities as development and population pressures increase. • Promote community pride and citizen participation through the educational system and leadership training. • Keep parks and recreation plans updated every five years to be eligible for MDNR grants. Grand Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 41 �INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES GOAL The Grand Blanc community shall provide efficient and cost-effective public utilities, facilities, and services that are adequate to serve the future needs of area residents OBJECTIVES • Limit expansion of public water and sanitary sewer to areas where greater densities of development are planned. • Carefully coordinate public utility expansion with the Master Plan to avoid encouraging intense development in locations that can affect community character. • Develop long-term solutions to concerns about public water quality, supply and delivery. • Promote accessibility for handicapped. • Continue and enhance the Township's and City's joint delivery of public utilities, facilities, and services. • The City should utilize consistent policies on requiring construction of sidewalks along appropriate roads a development occurs. The Township should consider sidewalks or bikepaths where appropriate, such as sections of Hill Road and along the east side of 1-475. A joint master plan for sidewalks/bikepaths construction and maintenance should be considered. This could be part of an overall Capital Improvement Program. Grand Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 42 • • • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I HOUSING GOAL Housing opportunities in the Grand Blanc community will be varied and affordable to all residents; property values and neighborhood stability will be maintained and protected; and residential development will be balanced with non-residential development. OBJECTIVES • Encourage development of a wide variety of housing styles, types, and prices within the community without changing the character of existing residential areas. However, there may not be appropriate locations for all types of housing within the City's limits. • Provide selected residential areas with large minimum lot sizes to help preserve the rural character and open spaces of these areas. • Designate some residential areas for smaller lot sizes to encourage higher density single-family development. • Protect the long-term stability of neighborhoods through adequate code enforcement and zoning regulations. • Encourage the location of quality retirement housing in the Grand Blanc community for all imcome levels. Grand Blanc Community Goals and Objectives 43 �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER6 FUTURE LAND USE FACTORS INFLUENCING FUTURE LAND USE One of the goals of the Master Plan is to provide a vision of what Grand Blanc should be in the future and describe how we reach that future. One of the major elements in defining the future is the overall development pattern. How will vacant areas develop? What areas should be redeveloped? What type of development should be encouraged? How can the investment of current properties owners throughout the Township be preserved? The future development pattern in the Grand Blanc Community will be influenced by a variety of factors. Some of the factors can be controlled locally, while others are dependent on events occurring outside the community. Some of these factors will change over the course of the Master Plan, demonstrating the need for the Plan to be viewed as a guide, not as a certainty, unless the communities regularly review and update the document. However, land use development which deviates from the future land use plan should clearly demonstrate how conditions have changed since the Plan was adopted. Any change or amendments to the future land use plan should be cognizant of surrounding land uses and consistent with the adopted goals and policies. Development influences can be categorized into three areas: • Physical factors, which include existing land uses, surrounding land uses, environmental factors (wetlands, woodlands, drainage, topography, etc.), streets and utilities. • Socio-economic factors on a national or regional scale which affect the extent of development in southeast Michigan, Genesee County or the Grand Bland Community. This includes the image of the community, population growth, age and income characteristics, development within a reasonable commuting distance, interest rates, ability for developers to obtain financing, construction costs and real estate value. • Community policies and goals help shape the extent and pattern of development. Such influences may include the attitude toward growth, the (perceived) quality of the schools, current zoning, and the level of assistance provided by community leaders. State and federal policies and programs may also shape the development pattern. Physical Factors The presence of existing land uses, both on a site and in the vicinity, is a major factor in defi~g the desired future development pattern. Most of the existing land uses are appropriately located, as noted previously in the Land Use Analysis section. The Plan accommodates those uses and protects the investment of property owners. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 45 �Some existing land uses, however, are in conflict with the longer range vision of the community. Examples would include the brick manufacturing use on Center Road at the City /Township border. While this industrial use may be considered part of the neighborhood, a more intense industrial use under the current zoning could create problems. Therefore, the future land use map designates this area for medium density residential in the future. This does not mean the current use is necessarily expected to relocate or close, but demonstrates the goal over the long term for a non-industrial use at this site. Even if the industrial zoning were changed, the current use would retain its nonconforming rights and be allowed to continue. Both opportunities and constraints are created by environmental features, such as 100year floodplains, state or federally regulated wetlands, wet soils and poor drainage which can greatly add to the cost of development. Conversely, mature trees, rolling hills and the rural atmosphere can increase development potential. The availability and cost of utilities, including public water, sanitary sewer and storm water management affects the pattern and overall cost of development. For example, in nearby Goodrich to the east, a long period of dormancy has been replace by a relative onslaught of development proposals in conjunction with the construction of sanitary sewers and increased assessments to fund construction. The availability of utilities in the Grand Bland Community in contrast with some surrounding areas makes more intense development feasible. Installation of expensive water and sanitary sewer lines may discourage development of certain uses, such as low density /lower cost housing, unless costs are otherwise reduced. Transportation shapes the development pattern in a number of ways. The 1-75 and 1-475 expressways, and four roadways with interchanges, have a significant impact on the land use pattern. A site with visibility and accessibility to the 1-75 is more appealing to many industries and businesses than an isolated site. A location along an arterial roadway with high traffic volumes, such as Saginaw or Hill Road, is appealing to a commercial use, at least until congestion becomes a problem. Residents are typically looking for housing value offering a small town or rural atmosphere, but with accessibility to employment and shopping centers. A visionary future land use plan must acknowledge the relationship to transportation, but avoid the tendency to assume transportation dictates land use. The future land use plan is intended to provide a reasonable amount of commercial land use along major roadway corridors, but avoid the saturation of commercial development experienced in communities where arterial frontage was designated for commercial use. Gr,md Blanc Community Future Land Use 46 • (•. • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ' II I Socio-Economic Factors Market Demands and Community Needs influence all types of development. Grand Blanc faces a market dichotomy. Growth related to the Flint area has diminished, but residential growth related to the continuing boom in northern Oakland County is expected to increase. A combination of population growth, age characteristics, employment rates, interest rates, the willingness of lenders to finance a project and price of housing will determine future housing needs. A less quantifiable factor, but important, is the willingness of developers to take risks. The comfort level of potential developers is influenced by their perception of the socioeconomic and market factors. The projected slow but steady population growth will generate more demand for commercial and service uses. The amount of commercial development actually needed will be dependent not only upon population in the market area, but also on how frequently residents shop in the Community v. the emerging commercial centers within a short driving distance. Industrial development will continue to be susceptible to swings in the world-wide, national and state economy, especially for the automobile industry. Land acquisition and improvement costs including the price of land, cost of land assembly and gaining clear title, acquisition, preparation and municipal/ agency approval time for plans, site preparation and construction costs all influence the timing and amount of development. Community policies and services Community Desires as expressed through master planning, City /Township zoning and decision makers' attitude toward development can influence the market to some extent. While a property owner must be allowed to receive a reasonable rate of return on investment, the communities are not obligated to provide the owner with the highest possible profit. Each land use decision should be considered in terms of its relationship to the overall community. Each land use decision is important, since good or bad, the land use will likely be there for generations. EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PAITERNS Residential/Vacant Land The largest blocks of vacant and agricultural lands are located in the eastern and southern portions of Grand Blanc Township. A mixture of residential densities comprise the second largest portion of land use in the Township and City with a number of single-family subdivisions, mobile homes, condominiums and apartment complexes. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 47 �A number of isolated single family subdivisions have been established in various portions of the more undeveloped areas, particularly in the southern half of the Township. The subdivisions have, therefore, established a land development pattern in these areas which require careful treatment. Development of this type can complicate planning for an efficient roadway network between subdivisions if future road extensions are not provided. Residential development along the section line roads is a potential problem as traffic volumes increase along the Township's major streets. As traffic increases, the quality of life for residents in homes along these streets can be diminished as the entering and exiting of driveways becomes increasingly difficult and as noise volumes rise. In many cases, homes along these major streets are set back a sufficient distance to moderate much of the impact of traffic along the street. However, if traffic volumes increase over time to the point where the desirability of the residential use of the property is threatened, the Planning Commission may receive requests for changes in land use to either more intensive residential uses, or for office and commercial uses . Commercial/Office/Service Land Many commercial and service uses are located along major corridors such as South Saginaw, Fenton and Hill Roads. These areas consist of relatively small retail businesses, groceries, automobile service and repair, small professional offices for realtors, lawyers, dentists, and physicians; and local services such as restaurants, dry cleaning, and printing. The type of development contained in the commercial, service, and office districts are intended to serve the needs of local residents; no regional shopping areas have been developed or proposed. The largest and most diverse shopping area is located along South Saginaw in the Holly Road area. A larger community shopping center and a neighborhood shopping center are located on the east and west sides of Saginaw Road. More diverse shopping needs, such as large scale purchases and comparative shopping, are conducted outside the Township at regional centers such as Genesee Valley Center and others in the Flint and northern Oakland County areas. Industrial Land Industrial uses are concentrated in three locations. The first is located along the South Dort extension and South Saginaw. This area contains very large industrial uses including the General Motors plant. The second is located near the intersection of Holly and Baldwin Roads and contains mid-sized light industrial uses. The third is an area with scattered small quasi-industrial uses located near the north end of the Township adjacent to Dort Highway, Maple Avenue and South Saginaw Road. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 48 • • • • • • • • • • ·• I �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I PublidSemi-Public Land Schools, parks, golf courses, City /Township offices, churches and cemeteries make up all uses included in the public/ semi-public category. Golf courses utilize most of the land included in this category. Bicentennial Park, at the 1-75 - 1-475 juncture is also included. Schools also make up a large portion of this land, particularly the properties on which the Grand Blanc Schools are located. Many neighborhood parks located in or near residential areas serve as recreation resources to many local residences. Churches and cemeteries also account for some of these lands. Table 11 Existing Land Use, 1989 Grand Blanc Community Twp.% Combined Acres Combined% . 39% 28% 6,658 29% Multiple Family Residential 8% 2% 599 3% Commercial 2% 1% 299 1% Service/ Office 4% 1% 276 1% Industrial 7% 3% 737 3% Public/Semi-Public 17% 4% 1,313 6% Vacant and Roads 23% 61% 13,156 57% TOTAL 100% 100% 23,038 100% Land Use Single Family Residential City% Source: The WBDC Group Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 49 �Table 12 Existing Land Use 1978/79 Grand Blanc Community Township Percent Combined Acres Percent 32% 20% 4,906 21% Multiple Family Residential 5% 1% 299 1% Commercial 11% 1% 461 2% Service I Office 2% 2% 115 1% Industrial 5% 4% 576 3% Public/SemiPublic 10% 1% 1,106 5% Vacant and Roads 35% 71% 15,575 67% TOTAL 100% 100% 23,038.00 100.00% City Percent Land Use Single Family Residential Sources: Grand Blanc Township Comprehensive Development Plan, 1982; Comprehensive General Community and Economic Development Plan, 1981. LAND USE ANALYSIS Land Use Conflicts The most frequent conflicts found in the Grand Blanc community exist between industrial/ commercial uses with residential uses. Such land use conflicts have the potential to affect traffic, noise, and aesthetics, and other impacts on the resident's quality of life. The degree of seriousness of these problems varies for each case. In some cases these uses are well-integrated into the community and pose little threat to other land uses; the number of conflicts present in the Township and City is relatively low. Continued care is needed to ensure commercial and industrial uses do not adversely impact residential areas. Providing adequate open space, lot sizes, screening for objectionable activities, incorporating natural features with the site plan and similar techniques allow proper placement of any industrial and commercial uses that are located near residential areas. Some conflicts, such as the existing Grand Blanc cement products on Center Road are expected to remain. However, the long range plan is to relocate or redevelop conflicting uses whenever possible. Expansion of conflicting uses should be prohibited or carefully controlled. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use so • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ ., I �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II II - Areas of Interest A number of locations within the Grand Blanc area required careful analysis prior to land use designation. A variety of special circumstances are present in these areas, including environmental limitations, special traffic conditions, or land use conflicts, such as residential areas close to commercial and industrial sites. These areas are described in Future Land Use - Areas of Interest. Environmental Considerations A number of locations within the Township and City are impacted by wetlands and floodplain areas, as noted earlier. These areas can be used to advantage by providing the necessary buffers between land uses. For this and for the obvious environmental reasons, these areas should be preserved to the extent possible. However, there are many other environmental considerations that should be taken into account when reviewing development. Significant natural features, such as woodlands, wetlands and topographic variation should be preserved because of their functional importance to the regional ecology as well as for ability to lessen infrastructure demands, and for their contribution to the visual character of the site. Rather than viewing natural features as preventing development, they should be viewed for their opportunity to provide innovative site and building integration that use existing site features as building amenities. Through careful site analysis and site planning, quality development can be realized. The objective of incorporating natural features into site development is to allow new uses of land that do not irreversibly damage natural site features and attributes. The result is cost effective development that allows preservation of natural features and systems, creating long term benefits for the environment and the community. To provide some specific guidance the following discussion expresses the relationship of development to the natural environment. Topography on the site should be respected and utilized to the advantage of the development of the site. Wholesale grading should be avoided and building sites allowed to blend into the existing topographic and drainage patterns of the site. Grading should be restricted to that necessary for the requirements of the building, parking, and other developed systems of the site. Other topographic elements may be used to soften the impact of the architecture and screen objectionable views. Building orientation has traditionally been dependent on street frontages. Instead, building orientation should consider natural day lighting capabilities for the interior of the building, allowing uniform natural light into the occupied spaces of the building. Views to existing natural areas should also be considered when siting a building. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 51 �Architecture, building mass and shape should "fit" the natural characteristics of the site. Large, massive, structures are most appropriate for sites with fewer environmental restrictions. Sites that are wooded and/or sloping are most successful with less massive and informal structures that can be tucked into the existing landscape. Grading and drainage in parking and circulation routes should be designed to follow the dominant contour lines. Functionally, this does not "force" a separate drainage pattern on the site. Visually, it reduces long, uninterrupted views down parking aisles . Existing vegetation should be incorporated into building sites, parking areas and roadways reduces the visual impact of broad expanses of pavement and provide shade to reduce glare and heat radiation. Additionally, it may be less expensive to preserve a mature, high-quality tree than to install new nursery stock. Natural occurring landscape materials should be used to the extent possible, rather than introducing new species to an area that are not native to the immediate area. Selective cutting of existing vegetation should be allowed only for the health of the trees and to allow specific views into the site, where needed. Tree preservation should take into account such factors as the quality of the trees marked for preservation, the ability to develop property, and the willingness of the community to absorb the potentially higher costs of homes and development. The longterm benefits to the community of preserving existing vegetation are many; preserving community heritage, providing aesthetics and the other benefits must be weighed against the costs of preservation. Stormwater detention should use natural systems where appropriate. Where possible, existing natural wetlands should be used as stormwater detention areas. H no natural wetlands are present on the site, wetlands adjacent the site should then be considered. H these alternatives are not feasible, consideration should then be given to a man-made detention basin. The development of regionally-based stormwater management systems through the use of existing natural wetland and drainage areas would allow the use of contiguous wetlands as designated stormwater management facilities. (See Chapter 8) Traffic Conditions can impact land use significantly, particularly along major arterial roadways. Conventional land use development often automatically classifies these lands for commercial or office land uses. There are, however, many situations where residential uses (both single and multiple family) can be developed successfully along these major roadways. One example in the Township where this has been successful is along Fenton Road between Hill Road and 1-75. Long-established single family uses are present in this area with adequate setbacks and landscape buffers. This type of development can be successful along even the heaviest traveled corridors. Residential development along the section line roads is a potential problem as traffic volumes increase along the Township's major streets. As population and traffic increases, the quality of life for residents in homes along these streets can be diminished through an increased number of turning movements entering and exiting driveways and higher noise levels. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 52 • • • • • • • • • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Ideally, single and multiple family development along major roadways should be developed such that direct access from individual homes is not permitted and homes are allowed to develop off the roadway, either through the use of marginal access drives or by subdividing lots that have rear yards facing the roadway. Examples of this style of development can be found along South Saginaw Road, in the southern portion of the City. In many cases, homes along these major streets are set back a sufficient distance to moderate much of the impact of traffic along the street. However, if traffic volumes increase over time to the point where the desirability of the residential use of the property is threatened, the Township may receive requests for changes in land use to either more intensive residential uses, or for office and commercial uses. The example subdivision layout graphic on the next page depicts an alternative to development along section line roads. Access and frontage for single family homes could be oriented away from the main arterial and towards the rear subdivision street. This would decrease the amount of traffic (people turning in and out of individual driveways) by channeling traffic to fewer access points. The Hill Road portion of the Plan describes a number of these principles which can be applied to major commercial corridors throughout the Township and City. In addition to Hill Road, Fenton Road, areas of Perry Road, Grand Blanc Road, Dort Highway, Maple Road, Holly Road, and South Saginaw may all be considered as candidates for access management. Land use relationships between established non-residential uses and stable single family neighborhoods should be considered. Many of these areas are considered to be transitional; areas where the predominant land use is gradually changing over to another use (e.g. single-family dwellings along an arterial road that are being converted or removed for commercial development). Where this development is occurring, due consideration should be given to providing adequate protection for single family neighborhoods which are stable and thriving. Protection measures may include increased setbacks, fencing, landscaping, or the provision of compatible transitional uses, such as small office and service uses. Many of the corridors noted above have established residential areas behind the commercial uses developed along the frontage. These areas should be protected from the potential of through traffic, lights from commercial developments, noise, drainage, and other related impacts. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 53 �FUTURE LAND USE DESCRIPTION The following narrative describes the land use categories designated on the Future Land Use Map (in ded at the end of this document in the map section). The future land use categories a not zoning districts, though the zoning map should eventually reflect the future land use map. The future land use categories are broader than the zoning district categories. For example, the Medium Density Residential future land use classification for 3-8 units per acre could translate into two or three zoning districts . Future amendments to the zoning ordinance text and map, based on the recommendations of the Plan, are expected. But, the future land use map does not change zoning for a property. The future land use map is intended to help guide changes to the zoning map and future decisions on rezoning requests. The Master Plan also offers some suggestions on changing the classification of certain uses within zoning districts. See the Hill Road Corridor Study included as part of this Plan, for a more detailed discussion of future land uses along Hill Road. Residential Categories in General The residential categories illustrated on the future land use map are defined by density, rather than type of residence or size of lot. The "units per acre" refers to the number of housing units (one unit= one family) which may be developed on an acre of land, not including areas devoted to public right-of-way. For comparison with the future land use residential densities, following are the density calculations for the Zoning Ordinances (Township and City). Generally, single family homes should not have direct access onto arterials. Access should be off local streets with increased setbacks with buffers separating the homes from the arteral (see Figure on the following page). Rural Estate Residential This category is devoted to residential uses developed on lots larger than five (5) acres. This land use is most beneficial in areas that have significant environmental and natural features worthy of protection. Larger lots allow sufficient setbacks from adjacent land uses and heavily traveled roadways. The majority of the lands placed in this category are located in the southern portion of the Township. Other smaller areas are located west of 1-75 north of Cook Road. Also placed within this category is the Centennial Farm, located between Dort Highway and Center road, north of Hill Road. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 54 • • • • • • • • • •,. • • • �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . (1) C) -... ca C: 0 "'C C: ' □ ~ ....~ -... (1) (1) - □ . C: 0 ·-... t: Cl) )'~' :u "' (1) (.) (.) ca ca -·- - □ C: (1) "'C ·Cl) < ... (1) -... (1) (1) - -+- en m (1) ·-> Cl) [J- ~ en . ~- ca , C □~ ·-·; ·-"'C -... 0 ( .) (1) 0 "C Cl) Cl) .Q ::, □- 0 C: en -·....(1) m (.) "'C C: -+- □ . I Grand Blanc Community Future Land U,e 55 �Permitted Housing Density (Units/Acre) in Zoning Ordinances Zoning Districts Township City R-1 2.0/ac.• 6.05/ac. R-2 2.9/ac.• 3.6/ac. R-3 3.6/ac.• 4.54/ac.b R-4 (Township) 4.84/ac. - R-T (City) -- 10.89/ac. RM-1 13/ac.b,c 13/ac.b.c RM-2 (Township) 26/ac.b.c RM-3 (Township) 8-10/ac.c - MH (Mobile Home) 7.26/ac. 7.26/ac. • Including Roads b Exclusive of Roads c Actual density dependent on number of rooms Low Density Residential The classification assumes residential uses at densities from .2 units to four (4) units per acre. Most suburban subdivisions will fit into this category, along with condominium and other similar attached units development at these densities. This land use comprises the largest acreage within both the Township and City. The heaviest concentrations of single family neighborhoods are located in the eastern and southern sections of the Township. Through various land development proposals, certain planned unit developments could be developed at this density as well. Medium Density Residential The medium density category will accommodate residential land uses ranging from 4.1 to eight (8) units per acre. Smaller lot single family subdivisions, mobile home parks, and some lower density rental apartment and condominium complexes would be accommodated within this category. A number of locations within the Township and City have been designated within this category such as the area east of 1-475 and south of Maple Road, and north and south of Reid Road between South Saginaw and the City Limits. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 56 : • • • • • • • • • �' I t r I r t I I I I ' I 'I I t I In a number of instances, this land use acts as a buffer for lower density uses located adjacent higher density residential uses or commercial and office uses. Examples of this may be found along Fenton Road north of Grand Blanc Road; west of Holly Road to the north and south of I-75 interchange; north of McCandlish on both sides of South Saginaw, and in other smaller locations in the area. High Density Residential This classification generally will accommodate most multiple family developments such as rental apartment and attached condominium type complexes developed at densities ranging from eight (8) to 20 units per acre. The largest areas of this land use encompass existing or developing apartment complexes, such as those along Maple Road, Perry Road, Hill Road and Fenton Road. Newer designations are present east of Parsons Road, north of Cook Road and just north and south of the Grand Blanc City limits, west of Holly Road. Office Included in this category are professional offices, and personal services generally operating during daylight hours with low traffic generating characteristics. The personal services would be considered ancillary to the office use and would be an integral part of the office building. Examples of personal services include small drug store selling convenience items. barber shop, beauty salon, small cafeteria or restaurant, specialty shops, etc. The office designations are often used to maintain low intensities of development along major roads and to act as buffers between high and low intensity land uses. Larger concentrations of office land use have been placed at Holly and Pollock Road south of I-75 and Holly Road, north of Cook Road to the Grand Blanc City Limits. Other office uses are planned for South Saginaw north of Cook Road and at various locations along Hill Road (west of I-475, west of Dort Highway and on Grand Blanc and Perry Roads within the City Limits). Neighborhood Commercial This commercial classification is designed to accommodate commercial services primarily serving the nearby residential neighborhood. Areas designated for neighborhood commercial should also be used to provide lower intensity services in areas where traffic conditions or land use conflicts may be present. Neighborhood commercial land uses are designated throughout the Township near residential areas, such as the comer of Hill and Genesee Roads, at Baldwin and South Saginaw, along Fenton Road just south of I-75 and at Hill and Porter Roads. A small neighborhood commercial area is designated at Perry and South Saginaw Roads in the City. Neighborhood uses are generally those which generate low to moderate volumes of traffic, have less impact on adjacent uses than associated with community commercial. Examples of the neighborhood commercial include selected retail businesses such as drug stores, hardware, groceries, video rental, dairy products, delicatessens, day care, bakery, barber and beauty shops, some offices, shoe repair, and other similar uses which Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 57 �meet the day to day needs of the neighborhood areas. Some uses which are more intensive; such as drive-in banks, moderate scale gasoline stations and some restaurant/ delicatessens could be considered with appropriate site design standards . Generally, the Neighborhood Commercial Land Use category is consistent with the B-1 Local Business Zoning District. Community Commercial A wide range of retail services, restaurants, service stations, shopping centers and other similar uses are included in this category. They serve a broader market area and provide more land intensive comparison goods. These uses may generate a significant amount of traffic, have large parking lots, intense lighting, long hours of operation. Community commercial would include uses such as auto sales and service, shopping centers, recreation centers, restaurants furniture, appliances, offices and neighborhood commercial uses would also be generated. This designation may be found at Hill Road and I-475, at Hill Road and South Saginaw, and along South Saginaw, particularly north of the limits of the City of Grand Blanc, Holly Road and I-75, and the South Saginaw corridor within the City Limits and including the Central Business District. When translated into zoning districts, the Community Commercial future land use would generally encompass the current B-2 Community Commercial and B-3 General Commercial Districts. However, the list of uses should be restructured to ensure the more intense uses are controlled through locational and site design standards. In addition, the Township may want to consider a separate freeway service district. The City should consider developing a separate Central Business zoning district. A Central Business zoning district would involve replacing the current suburban "commercial strip" setback requirements and front yard parking with design standards consistent with a traditional downtown - shallow setbacks, side/rear parking, etc. Industrial This classification includes all manufacturing, warehousing, truck terminals and other intensive, industrial related uses. The intent of this category is to promote light manufacturing uses rather than to allow the development of large areas of heavy industrial uses. This is not meant to preclude existing heavy industrial from continuing or expanding. However, it is the desire of the community to encourage less intensive industrial uses in lands that are not adjacent heavy industrial areas or on lands that are adjacent residential areas. The Holly road industrial area, for example, generally has less intensive industrial uses, with high quality site design. Industrial areas are generally well served by roadways and utilities and in some instances, rail service. Two primary industrial areas are planned: The General Motors facility between South Saginaw and Dort highway, along with some land around that facility (the north industrial area); and the Holly Road industrial area, which extends from west of Holly Road northeasterly to I-75 (the south industrial area). Grand Blanc Community Future Land Uae 58 -• • • • • • • • • • • • • �I I t ' I r t I I I I ' I ' I I I r The North Industrial area is particularly sensitive given the amount of residential land planned to the east and west. That problem is somewhat mitigated by the large wetland area west of Dort Highway which tends to shield a portion of the industrial property. On the other border, however, care will have to be taken during the site plan review process to ensure adequate protection for present and future residents. Generous setbacks, landscaping and properly placed access should ensure compatibility of uses. The South Industrial area also has residential property on three sides, including some residential property in Holly Township. The same protection measures with be useful in this area as were recommended in the North Industrial area. The Rural Estate Residential designations to the east and west will help provide adequate setbacks for any homes built in those areas. The future land use plan proposes three smaller industrial areas. Since each of these areas borders residential, the future land use plan includes guidelines for the type of use and site design. One small Industrial designation is planned east of Dort Highway at the northernmost portion of the Township. This area is buffered from the residential property on the east by a large floodplain, which is heavily wooded. As noted on the future land use plan, low intensity industrial uses with sufficient buffering from residential area is intended. A second small industrial area is proposed between Dort Highway and Embury Road, south of Baldwin Road. This narrow section of land was not considered suitable for residential use. Zoning in 1991 was industrial. The plan proposed heavy commercial/ quasi-industrial uses. Sufficient landscaping along Embury Road will be needed to help buffer residential areas on the east side of Embury Road. Access should be directed toward the north of this area. The third small industrial area is along Industrial Park Drive, northwest of the McCandlish/Holly Road intersection. This site already includes industrial use. Since the site is bounded on two sides by residential uses, lower intensity /high-tech type uses are encouraged. Sites should be designed and landscaped to ensure compatibility with the surrounding residential. PublidSemi-Public Community parks, churches, schools, and other lands owned or used by the public to provide non-commercial,m cultural, recreational and social servies are included in the Public/semi-Public category. One of the most significant areas of public land is the Grand Blanc Commons, north of Perry Road west of Genesee Road and Bicentennial Park. These public/semi-public uses could either be allowed as part of the surrounding zoning district or permitted as part of a specific public facilities zoning district. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 59 �-• • • • • • • • • •,. • : FUTURE LAND USE - AREAS OF INTEREST Although many locations within both the Township and City should be considered as being areas of sensitive land uses, a few consistent locations have been discussed throughout the development of this Plan. Highlighting these areas in no way is intended to ignore other significant land use issues in various parts of each community. In this regard, much of the discussion that follows may have major points that are applicable to these other areas. Gateways An expressway interchange tends to attracts growth since there are only a limited number of access points to that highway. The road system serving that interchange is used to funnel traffic to the highway and, as a result, development is often attracted to those roadways. In addition, interchanges often act as an imaginary "gateway" into the community, since many visitors enter the area from the interstate highway. To ensure a favorable impression of gateway development from the highway interchanges, care should be taken to control access, limit lighting, minimize the scale of signs, provide adequate setbacks, and require extensive landscaping. Deeper setbacks along the freeways can improve aesthetics and provide additional room for noise alleviation, if necessary. Holly Road Interchange Generally, interchange areas are devoted to land uses which serve the traveling public, including service stations, restaurants, and like uses. The Holly Road/1-75 interchange has developed with a mixture of uses, only one of which strictly serves interstate traffic. Future development in the area, particularly between Baldwin and Cook Roads, will likely attract a significant traffic volume. In particular the area south of the interchange is expected to develop with a hospital and related uses. These uses should be planned to unify access and landscaping. Pollack Road may need to be realigned. This will dramatically increase the importance of the Holly Road interchange. Accordingly, highway services would be appropriate in the immediate interchange area. These services may include service stations, convenience stores, small retail areas, and restaurants. Truck traffic should be directed to use this interchange. 1-75/Sagi.naw Interchange This interchange provides a main access to the City and southern parts of the Township. Future developments, such as the Holly /Grand Blanc 850 PUD will increase traffic volumes and turning movements near this interchange. Although the 1-75/Saginaw interchange is located outside the Township boundaries, it is in the Township's interest to w~rk ~th Rollf T~wnship and ~e Michigan Depai:onent of Transportation to redesign this confusing interchange. Given the amount of time a major improvement of this nature is likely to take, the formation of a joint planning committee with Grand Blanc Township, Holly Township, the Genesee and Oakland County Road Commissions, and various economic interests in the community would be beneficial. This process has Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 60 �I I r 'I r t I l I I ' I 'I l I I been successful in other areas of the state where major road projects were desired. The joining of governmental and private interests is a benefit toward attracting state highway funds, particularly those which are directed toward improving economic conditions. Hill Road Discussion involving this interchange area is contained in the Hill Road Corridor Study which is an element of this Plan. Generally the areas west of the interchange are intended for office use in the long term. Areas immediately east of the interchange are planned for businesses serving the overall community and 1-75 motorists. South Saginaw Road This roadway represents the major north-south artery through the Grand Blanc community. While much of the northern reaches of the street are in the commercial and industrial categories, as is appropriate for the development which has already taken place, the Future Land Use map indicates the desire on the part of the Township and City to reduce the land use intensity along the southern portions of South Saginaw. Office and residential uses are prevalent in this segment. Management of access and high quality design are to be emphasized in this portion of the street in order to lessen the impact on nearby residential areas. (Access management guidelines may be found in the Hill Road Corridor section of the Plan.) The area of McCandlish and South Saginaw is particularly sensitive in this regard since it is in the transition area between the more developed areas to the north and the residential areas to the south. It is at this point too, that the Township and City have adjoining property. Both communities have agreed on the need to reduce the intensity of land use and to preserve the existing and planned residential areas in the vicinity. Reducing the land use intensity should also help reduce the need for major road improvements. South Dort Extension Development around this interchange is restricted due to the cross section of the Dort Extension, which restricts access near the interchange. Other constraints include wetlands in the southwest quadrant, the proximity of Embury Road, which leaves a limited development depth between Embury and Dort, and the higher elevation of Dort as it meets 1-75. For these reasons, much of the planned land use in the area is oriented to residential or low intensity commercial uses. Fenton Road (formerly U.S. 23), North of Hill Road This area is characterized by a mixture of land uses, from single family residential on small lots, to intensive commercial uses. This is one of the oldest commercial areas within the Township, which is the reason why much of the development is located on shallow lots, most, if not all, of which were originally platted for single family homes Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 61 �on small lots. As traffic volumes increased on Fenton Road, a major route into downtown Flint, these homes gradually converted to various commercial uses, developed in an uncoordinated fashion. The proposed Future Land Use is Neighborhood Commercial. The purpose for this designation is to reduce the overall intensity of commercial development, yet recognize that residential uses are not likely to develop. Traffic concerns, particularly the lack of right-of-way, make significant roadway improvements difficult. Parking which is immediately off the street, sometimes requiring backing into the street, occur at intervals along the corridor. To help resolve some of these problems, the depth of the Neighborhood Commercial is planned at 350 feet from the right-of-way to allow additional development in depth for redevelopment. In some instances, this may require the removal of some homes, over the long term, to allow this deeper development to occur. In addition, closing of some of the closely spaced streets, and opening up more internal streets in the residential area west of 1-475, would improve circulation within the area and onto Fenton Road. As an added benefit, more land would be available for parking or building development. Although a detailed planning effort would be needed for this option, some requirements may be identified: 1. Some of the streets could be reconstructed as culs-de-sac at approximately 300-350 feet from Fenton Road. For example, either Coolidge or McKinley could be closed at Fenton and a cul-de-sac constructed. The same option could be implemented on Washington and/or Jefferson. 2. An abandoned right-of-way, the former Eagleston Road, extends along portions of the interior of the area between 1-475 and Fenton Road. At least some of the rightof-way has bet~·l preserved for a utility easement. This right-of-way could be reactivated and a north-south roadway constructed to connect the cul-de-sac streets to the remaining through streets to ensure adequate traffic circulation and emergency access. 3. The closed areas, between the cul-de-sac streets and Fenton Road should be turned over to adjoining property owners, or reserved by the Township for parking areas. The landscaping and access management, landscaping, and other recommendations contained in the Hill Road Corridor Study should also be implemented along Fenton Road in the increased right-of-way depth. Grand Blanc Community Future Land U,e 62 ': • -• • • • • ,.• ,. �~ ! l r l l I r I ' ' Perry Road, East of South Saginaw Perry Road is one of the major roads serving the City of Grand Blanc, reaching into the Township into a number of the larger residential areas. A variety of land uses is proposed along Perry Road, ranging from Neighborhood Commercial near South Saginaw and at the comer of Belsay Road to Public/Semi-Public (golf course and cemetery) uses. As with South Saginaw, noted above, residential land uses make up the greatest area of land use along Perry Road. As this represents another "gateway" into the Grand Blanc area, development along Perry Road should emphasize quality, sufficient setbacks for residential uses, a reduction in land use intensity, and attention to detail, such as landscaping and signs. Commercial development should be limited to that serving the immediate neighborhoods. A cooperative effort with the City is needed to ensure that development along Perry Road is consistent and presents a positive image of the Township and City. DOWNTOWN GRAND BLANC The City of Grand Blanc's downtown is experiencing challenges not unlike those of many downtowns. Competition with outlying retail centers has, in many instances, changed the role of downtown from a retail center to one that is much more diverse, in terms of the services and products offered. Characteristics of a Successful Downtown There are a number of characteristics of a successful downtown, some of which are exhibited by Grand Blanc's downtown; some not. One of the most important elements is the design of the downtown area. The elements of a successful design include: • • • • • Planning Beautification/Positive Image Reuse of existing resources Efficient access and internal circulation Multiple functions and strong relationships Planning There are many ways to plan and many possible solutions to planning problems. The key to an effective plan, in addition to its technical soundness, is the process by which it is formulated. The downtown plan should be based on input from all parties concerned - merchants, property owners, City officials, and the general public. When adopted the plan should represent, to the extent possible, the consensus of the entire community. r t Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 63 �Recommendations should be workable but not necessarily timid. Ambitious, bold plans may not be implemented overnight; few plans are. Successful downtowns exhibit a project or projects large enough in scale to attract attention. These projects may include pedestrian malls, major renovations, festival markets, or similar attractions. The plan for the City of Grand Blanc's downtown represents a community effort with an extensive streetscape plan. However, additional attention may be needed to resolve some of the other issues, such as land use, which are also needed in a downtown plan, as noted in the remainder of this discussion. A key ingredient to any successful plan is the organization and the implementation strategy to carry out plan proposals. Grand Blanc should consider the establishment of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to create financing options. An alternative would be creation of a downtown merchants association to create unified business policies similar to successful shopping malls. Beautification/Positive Image The appearance of the downtown can convey a positive or negative image. Typical elements of beautification include streetscape (plantings, seating, light fixtures, paving materials, public signs, etc.), building facade improvements, attractive signs that are in scale with the character of the area, screening of parking areas, and maintenance of public and private property. The primary objectives of the beautification effort should be to unify the business district, project a cohesive image, and create an attractive business environment. This is sometimes centered around a common theme which has significant meaning to the community. The aesthetics of the area have been greatly improved through the streetscape plan, noted above. Generally, downtown Grand Blanc presents a positive image of the community. Notable among the plan's recommendations are the additional improvements needed on the fringe of the downtown area to keep signs in scale and screen parking areas. Reuse of Existing Resources Downtown Grand Blanc has a number of interesting and delightful older buildings that provide a sense of character to the downtown. Continued use of these buildings should be encouraged. Cost of renovation versus new construction, will of course, be a consideration of the property owner. There are a variety of tax incentives available which can make the retention and renovation of these structures economical. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 64 ': •.. • • • • • • • �Efficient Access and Internal Circulation Existing Access and circulation problems pose a significant hinderance on realizing a viable traditional downtown in Grand Blanc. The character of downtown Grand Blanc is influenced greatly by the heavy traffic along South Saginaw. Because of this the downtown has not been permitted to develop into a traditional town center. The street acts as a significant barrier to the pedestrian environment normally fostered within a downtown. Accordingly, the land uses which have developed along South Saginaw are more reminiscent of a traditional strip development than of a downtown. l r t l I I l r I 'r I ( I Crossing South Saginaw, whether in a vehicle or walking, presents a formidable challenge at periods during the day, unless accomplished at a signalized intersection. This strong psychological barrier inhibits the close knit feeling often found in a downtown environment. In addition, the close setbacks impair the ability of many merchants to have the front door parking so valued in a downtown, although the rear parking works efficiently in most situations. Multiple Functions and Strong Relationships The downtown should contain a combination of uses - offices, services, retail, recreation, culture,and residential - to create vitality and support the economic activity of the area. Ideally, the retail activity should be located in a core area with all shopping functions grouped to facilitate pedestrian use and encourage spin-off buying. In some respects the downtown shopping center provides some of these characteristics, albeit in a strip mall setting. A variety of uses do exist within the downtown area. City Hall, the Heritage Museum, and the residential uses just outside the downtown core, fulfill the need for this variety. The only real weakness is the inability to identify or relate these uses to one another. While the streetscape helps unify the appearance of the area, the inability to relate uses from one side of the street to the other limit the effectiveness of creating a downtown core. Downtown Development Although an urban design study is necessary to determine the extent of parking and other downtown characteristics, some of the following should be considered for improving the design and function of downtown Grand Blanc. • Establishment of a central business association or ODA to promote commercial activity. The association may assist in the coordination of store hours, joint promotional activities, common advertising sidewalk sales etc. • Efforts are needed by individual owners to assure quality merchandise, maintaining building exteriors and grounds, and improving selection and availability of goods. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 65 �• Architectural controls to limit the overall size of structures and to ensure compatibility with other downtown structures and uses. • Revisions to a Downtown Business District in the Zoning Ordinance to implement parking, sign, setback, lighting, and landscaping restrictions. • Possible narrowing of South Saginaw through the downtown to improve the pedestrian environment and create a more traditional downtown setting. • Development of inviting pedestrian spaces, perhaps with an activity center for outdoor art festivals, band concerts, etc. • Regulations for the preservation of existing trees within the downtown, to complete the intimacy of the area. • Changing zoning regulations to promote unified building setbacks, rather than duplicating the front parking design common to strip commercial districts . • Alternative development strategies should be explored to determine the future of the downtown. These alternatives might include: Enhancement of the downtown as a service center, with convenience shopping goods. Provisions for specialty shopping, joined together architecturally and by site elements to create a cohesive center for the downtown. Neighborhood preservation strategies to prevent deterioration of nearby residential neighborhoods. Design features that would create a pedestrian atmosphere for the downtown . • Possible narrowing of South Saginaw within the CBD to provide a clear entry point to the downtown, slow traffic movement, and allow easier access to both sides of the street by pedestrians. Grand Blanc Community Future Land Use 66 • •.. "' •"" • • • • • • I �CHAPTER 7 TRANSPORTATION TRAFFIC CONDITIONS The road network in the Township and City of Grand Blanc includes portions of roadways under City, County, state, and federal jurisdiction. 1-75/US-10 and 1-475 are federal routes, while Dort Highway (M-54) is a state route. These highways, together with South Saginaw Road (former state route-Dixie Highway) are regional arterials which carry north-south traffic from the Flint metropolitan area to the Detroit metropolitan area. An efficient system of County roads operated and maintained by the Genesee County Road Commission link the Township and City with adjacent communities. Road Conditions Many of the two-lane roadways in Grand Blanc area are in fair to poor physical condition, especially in the rural areas outside of the City. A number of these roads are in need of minor repairs. This is generally attributable to the amount of development which has occurred in the area and the state-wide lack of maintenance funds to keep up with this development's impact on the roadways. In addition, road widths are narrow with soft shoulders. Much of this is a result of the development which has taken place in the Township in areas that were formerly rural in nature, with low traffic volumes. As development has occurred volumes have increased and changed the roadway's functions from rural routes to principal access roads to developing subdivisions and commercial areas. l I The Township has an active program for upgrading the paving of subdivision streets and converting gravel roads to pavement. Upgrading of roadway pavements has been facilitated by the use of Community Development Block Grant funds in areas which meet the qualifications of low and moderate income family benefit. The City of Grand Blanc maintains its own roads through the Department of Public Works. Traffic Volumes J f l t I Traffic count information was provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MOOT), the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC), and the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission. Average daily traffic (ADT) counts are shown on the Traffic Volumes map (provided at the end of the plan). Heaviest volumes are near the City of Grand Blanc and on the north and west areas of the Township where development is concentrated. The most heavily traveled roadways are 1-75 and 1-475, South Saginaw Road, and Hill Road. Higher traffic volumes are usually closely related to the type of development activities along the road and also the functional classification assigned to the roadway. Updated traffic counts are needed, given the degree of development which has occurred in the Grand Blanc area. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 67 �Table 13 Traffic Counts, 1987 - 1989 ADT 20,000 and Over Grand Blanc Community Roadway Location ADT I-475 Between Maple and Hill Roads 28,937 I-475 Between Hill and Reid Roads 20,066 Hill Road Between Fenton Road and I-475 25,395 Hill Road Between 1-475 and Porter Road 26,906 Hill Road Between Porter Road and South Dort 21,943 S. Saginaw Between Grand Blanc and Perry Roads 23,466 S. Saginaw Between Maple Road and Dort Highway 22,489 S. Saginaw Between Center and Reid Roads 21,854 Sources: Michigan Department of Transportation (MOOT), the Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC), and the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission Relationship of Business Vitality to Traffic Conditions High traffic volume is one of the major locational criteria for businesses. Many businesses theorize that they can attract a percentage of pass-by motorists, provided that the access is convenient. High traffic volumes have been a major contributor to the development of commercial businesses along such major corridors as Hill Road, South Saginaw, and Fenton Road. The growth of residential development in the Grand Blanc area has been a significant factor leading to the development of businesses along these corridors. Businesses moved into the area with hopes of capturing some of the market created by the new homes. As this development continued, the growth in traffic volumes created by new residents as well as the traffic generated by new businesses, accelerated. The increasing traffic volumes attracted still more businesses, and traffic volumes increased again. The cycle of new business development - additional traffic - new business development continues in the Grand Blanc Community. There is, however, a limit to how much traffic actually benefits businesses. When traffic volumes become so high that motorists experience frustrating congestion and delays, they may choose to shop elsewhere. There are numerous examples in Michigan of once thriving commercial corridors that have failed to react to traffic congestion problems and have witnessed business decline. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 68 �Most businesses in the community are still benefitting from the high and increasing traffic volumes. However, signs of business decline due to traffic congestion (and past land use decisions) are already evident in some areas along South Saginaw and Fenton Road, in particular. These signs include the establishment of marginal businesses, high business turnovers, and unkempt properties. If congestion intensifies in other areas, similar problems may appear, as stores either go out of business or relocate to more convenient areas. Eventually, pressure for competitive retail development centers may emerge along other corridors, such as the eastern stretches of Hill Road, Dort Highway, Perry Road, and the southern portion of South Saginaw, which may offer prospective customers "easy and safe access." Using the principles outlined in the Hill Road Corridor Plan could forestall these events and help the community keep commercial and other traffic generating land uses in planned locations. Accident Data ~ r l I Traffic accident locations were provided by the Michigan State Police, Traffic Services Division. The average number of reported accidents from 1986 through 1988 is shown on the Accident Data Map (provided at the end of this document). The highest number of accidents occurred at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Fenton Road, with an annual average of 39 accidents from 1986 through 1988. High accident locations are due in part to the high traffic volumes moving through the intersection, but may also be due to poor intersection design, and traffic signal timing. The second highest accident location is at Fenton Road and Hill Road where an average of 35 accidents occurred from 1986 through 1988. Another location with a high number of reported accidents is the congested area where Dort Highway, South Saginaw Road, and Hill Road come together. Twenty accidents a year occurred at both the Hill RoadDort Highway and Hill Road-South Saginaw Road intersections from 1986 through 1988. t ' r l t I Grand Blanc Community Transportation 69 �Table 14 High Accident Locations, 1986 - 1988 Grand Blanc Community Average # Accidents Location Fenton and Maple Roads 39 Fenton and Hill Roads 35 S. Dort and Hill Road 20 S. Saginaw and Hill Roads 20 Maple Road and Dort Highway 17 Maple Road and S. Saginaw 14 Baldwin Road bridge over I-75 14 Dort Highway and S. Saginaw 13 Hill Road and SB I-475 on-ramp 10 NOTE: The number of accidents shown represents a three-year annual average. Only locations with 10 or more accidents are noted. Source: Michigan State Police, Traffic Services Division, 1990. EXISTING ROAD CLASSIFICATION Road classification systems assist the Township, Genesee County Road Commission (GCRC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MOOT) in determining the order in which improvement projects should be completed, and to assist in the determination of appropriate land uses along each roadway. Functional classification assignments are based on the purpose of road segments for moving people and goods through an area in the most efficient manner. The existing road classification, or "functional classification," in the Grand Blanc area is shown on the Existing Road Classification Map (provided at the end of this plan) and listed in Table 15. Regional Arterials Regional Arterials are highways, often under County or state jurisdiction, which serve trips between communities and other major activity centers throughout a region. Roadways of this type are designed to accommodate large volumes of traffic, usually traveling at speeds ranging from 45 to 55 mph. Since the primary function of the regional arterial is to provide mobility, access to adjacent land uses may be limited in order to optimize capacity along the roadway. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 70 • • • �Arterials Arterials (major) are roadways which serve longer trips within an urban area, sometimes extending beyond municipal boundaries to connect to adjacent population centers or larger arterials. Major arterials are designed for moderate to large traffic volumes and speeds of 35 to 45 mph. Some access to adjacent development may be permitted from roadways of this type, but on-street parking and curb cuts are regulated to preserve capacity of the street. Arterials (minor) include roads connecting intra-urban land uses. These roads tend to accommodate slightly shorter trips than a major arterial. Roadways of this type are generally designed for moderate traffic volumes and speeds of 30 to 35 mph. More frequent curb cuts and on-street parking may be permitted in some cases. Minor and major arterials are usually not located within identifiable residential neighborhoods. Collectors The primary role of a collector is to provide access and mobility within residential, commercial, or industrial areas. They usually carry moderate traffic volumes and operating speeds of 25-35 mph. Access spacing and side streets may be closer together than on arterial roadways, and on-street parking is often permitted. Local Streets The remainder of the streets within the Township and City provide access to individual properties, with limited continuity and mobility. Local streets are designed for low volumes and speeds of 25 mph or less, with numerous curb cuts and on-street parking permitted. These streets are linked by collector roadways to other land uses or arterials. All roads not otherwise classified fall within the Local Street designation. Current functional classification maps of the City, County, and state were reviewed, generalized according to basic traffic engineering functional criteria, and mapped. This classification information is essential to understanding both land development patterns and future roadway improvements. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 11. �Table 15 Existing Roadway Functional Oassifications Grand Blanc Community, 1990 North-South Roads Regional Arterials: Interstate 75 Interstate 475 South Saginaw Road Arterials: Fenton Road Dort Highway Holly Road Center Road Belsey Road Collectors: Porter Road McWain Road Embury Road (Grand Blanc Road to Cook Road) East-West Roads Arterials: Maple Avenue (Fenton Road to Center Road) Hill Road (Fenton Road to Belsay Road) Grand Blanc Road (Fenton Road to S. Saginaw) Perry Road (S. Saginaw to Vasser Road) Baldwin Road (Fenton to past S. Saginaw to the eastern "urbanized boundary" per FAU map) Collectors: Reid Road (Dort Highway to Saginaw Street) Cook Road (McWain Road to Embury Road) Baldwin Road (S. Saginaw to Vassar Road) Maple Avenue (Fenton Road to Center Road) Source: I Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission Grand Blanc Community Transportation • • • • 12 �STREET SEGMENT IMPROVEMENTS With current traffic volumes, roadway congestion is increasing; road surfaces are becoming cracked, buckled, or generally worn; safety issues at intersections are becoming a concern; and roadway functional demands are changing. Increased development along major roadways typically intensifies negative traffic impacts on the community. An inventory was conducted of most of the arterial streets in the Grand Blanc community and the analysis and recommendations are described below. Dort Highway Recent improvements to this facility allow it efficient traffic movement along its length. No specific improvements are recommended to this roadway. However, care must be taken as new growth or redevelopment along the corridor continues to increase problems with traffic management. Application of access management principles will be necessary to maintain the capacity of the roadway to carry increasingly high traffic volumes. t I r On the other hand, there has been a fairly high average number of accidents at the Dort/South Saginaw /Hill Road intersections. Since each of these roadways perform an important function, either as Arterial or Regional Arterial roads, rerouting of any of them to improve the intersections is difficult; relocation could have the effect of creating more problems than would be solved. Continued study needs to be made of these intersections to monitor the type and severity of accidents and to make improvements where possible. ' Grand Blanc Road t Grand Blanc Road will serve as an important east-west route through the Township and into the City of Grand Blanc, particularly as development increases in Mundy Township and along Grand Blanc Road in the Grand Blanc communities. Traffic volumes are reaching the point at which improvements should be considered. Given the residential land uses which are planned along the majority of Grand Blanc Road, a four-lane improvement is recommended, with five-lane cross sections at major intersections. There are some right-of-way limitations which will impact future widening and costs. Widening is already underway along this corridor from South Saginaw to Seward Street. Holly Road The roadway surface from McCandlish to the City limits is generally in poor condition. Cracking, buckling, and disrepair are evident along this collector in the Township that carries traffic to 1-75 from the South Saginaw and the rest of the Grand Blanc area. Improvements should be made to widen the Holly Road section from the City limits south to 1-75 in the short term and farther south over the long term. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 73 �As new development occurs in the Holly Road/1-75 area, traffic volumes will have to be carefully monitored. Existing traffic volumes are already near those needed to justify a widening, since a two-lane roadway is generally at capacity with 7,000-9,000 vehicles per day. Further study to determine peak hour problems will be needed to determine the extent of the need to make short term improvements to this roadway. A five-lane or boulevard cross-section will be needed for Holly Road where right-of-way is sufficient, since most of the abutting, proposed land uses have moderate to high traffic generating characteristics. The five lane cross-section intersections will require improvements for left turns at Cook and McCandlish Roads, since these are likely to be traffic signal locations. Constraints to road improvements along Holly will include the railroad track and wetlands north of Cook Road. Also needed are improvements to the bridge at Holly Road and 1-75 to accommodate the wider cross-section including better turning radii. Some consideration should be given to creating a boulevard segment for Holly Road, where feasible. A boulevard would increase the traffic carrying capacity of the roadway by concentrating turning movements at selected locations. Intersection safety could also be improved by providing indirect turns as noted on the accompanying graphic. A boulevard would also present an attractive appearance from the 1-75 interchange into the Grand Blanc community. Given the extent of this potential improvement, which could eventually reach the entire length of Holly Road to the Township limit, a phasing of improvements is warranted. The following phases are recommended: • • • • Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 South Saginaw to McCandlish Road McCandlish Road to Pollock Road Pollock Road to Baldwin Road Baldwin Road to south Township limit Holly Road/1-75 Interchange As development continues in southern Grand Blanc Township the City, Township, Holly Township, develops and road authorities should evaluate improving the design of the 1-75 interchange at Holly Road (refer to the "Future Land Use -Areas of Interest" section of this plan). Pollock Road The proposed land uses along Holly Road, particularly between Cook and Baldwin Roads, will place additional traffic pressures along Pollock Road. As this development occurs, improvements will have to be considered for at least one-half mile west of Holly Road. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 74 �Fenton Road Improvements to the northern portions of Fenton Road are somewhat constrained by development, which lacks setbacks from the street pavement. Over the long term, a boulevard cross-section would be desirable to maintain traffic carrying capacity, improve safety, and provide an attractive roadway. In the short term, pavement improvements are necessary; portions of the roadway are cracking and buckling, especially from Maple to Hill Roads. As described in the Future Land Use portion of the Plan, closing some of the side streets and adding to the available land for parking, landscaping, and setbacks will held improve the aesthetics and traffic conditions along this roadway. Land uses have generally suffered from traffic conditions and past land use decisions (lack of lot width and depth, parking too near the roadway, etc.). A careful review of zoning requirements for minimum lot sizes and widths will help avoid this condition in other locations. Perry Road The existing roadway is safely and efficiently accommodating traffic volumes. Roadway condition is good, driveway spacing is adequate and development along this route is well planned for a major corridor in the Township and City. Mid-range recommendations include widening the roadway to four lanes from Genesee Road to Belsay Road when warranted by traffic conditions. Although current traffic volumes (11,021 ADT) would indicate the need to complete this project, most of the traffic is currently residential in nature, accessing the new developments in the eastern portions of Grand Blanc Township and on into Atlas Township. It is likely that Perry Road could absorb at least some additional traffic without widening, particularly if Genesee Road were extended. Center Road Center Road is currently carrying a moderate traffic volume, even though much of its frontage is undeveloped. Future Land Use along Center Road is largely residential in nature. As new development occurs traffic should be closely monitored to determine the need for improvement. Hill Road Discussion of improvements may be found in the Hill Road Corridor Plan. r t I Grand Blanc Community Transportation 75 �• BOULEVARD INTERSECTION DETAIL NO TURNS CD NO SCALE Grtlnd Blllnc Community TrtlMpOrttltion 76 �I I I I I I I t I I I I I I 'I I I I Maple Road Maple Road is carrying a significant volume of traffic, particularly between Fenton Road and South Saginaw. Most of the development along this roadway, including within the City of Burton, is planned for residential purposes. A minimum of a four-lane crosssection is recommended for Maple Road, from Fenton Road to Center Road. Maple Road was widened to five lanes between Fenton Road and S. Saginaw in 1991. Baldwin Road The amount of industrially developed land, as well as the extensive industrial land use that is anticipated, may require improvement of Baldwin Road from one-half mile west of Holly Road to South Saginaw. The major element of this project will be the replacement of the bridge crossing 1-75 at Baldwin Road. Development along Baldwin Road east of 1-75 will require creative treatment. The route from the Holly Road industrial area may attract some amount of truck traffic, if not restricted. Although it would seem that the Holly Road interchange with 1-75 should carry the bulk of this truck traffic, it is likely that some drivers will use the South Saginaw interchange to Baldwin Road. To avoid this problem, the Township should work with the Michigan Department of Transportation to attempt to limit truck traffic to the Holly Road interchange, once improvements are made to accommodate this traffic. Setbacks along Baldwin Road should be reviewed as new residential development occurs to ensure that new homes are not adversely affected by truck traffic. Reid Road This is a narrow road with several residences and industrial uses along its length. The large amount of truck traffic using Reid Road to access the industrial uses present noise, safety, and degradation problems to the roadway. The industrial development along Reid Road should direct its truck traffic to the South Dort Extension, rather than South Saginaw. South Sagi.naw/1-75 Interchange As noted earlier, in "Future Land Use - Areas of Interest," the S. Saginaw /1-75 interchange should be improved to reduce its confusing and disjointed circulation. STREET IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE FUNDING Road improvement and maintenance funds will continue to be a concern as available revenue shrinks and other demands increase. The Township and City, along with the Genesee County Road Commission, have attempted to maintain streets to the best of their ability. Continued diligence and effective use of resources will be necessary to maintain an effective improvement program. Although funding resources are limited, there are a number of sources available, as noted below. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 17 �Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) The FHWA allocates federal-aid monies to states and local agencies according to the Federal-Aid Secondary (FAS) and Federal-Aid Urban (FAU) system of roadways applicable to roads in the City. In addition to allocating funds for these systems, federal funds are designated for special programs which go toward the elimination of unsafe roadway and traffic conditions on any federal-aid route, except for the Interstate system. Act 51 Funds This fund is generated from gas and weight taxes through MOOT and can be used for general road improvements including intersection reconstruction, paving, curbing, sidewalks, turn arrows, and streetscapes. Projects on primary road systems do not require a local match; projects on local roads generally require a 50% match. The City receives Act 51 revenue directly from the state; the Township receives its share through the Genesee County Road Commission. Highway Trust Fund The money in this fund comes from the federal government and is allocated to the programs described below. All of the money in these funds is then distributed to the Local Task Force. Contact should be made with the Local Task Force, through the Genesee County Road Commission, as soon as the Township or developer has a need for information on a proposed transportation improvement project. MDOT Transportation and Economic Development Fund (TEDF) The TEDF was enacted in 1987 to provide increased revenues to jurisdictions so that traffic demands created by economic development could be met. The fund is available to jurisdictions and the state to use for highway funding needs relating to a variety of economic development issues and is divided into six categories. The types of projects for which communities are eligible are noted under two categories. Category A Road projects related to economic development opportunities in agriculture or food processing, tourism, forestry, high technology research, manufacturing, or eligible office center developments. Category A projects are intended to improve the network of highway services essential to economic competition, improve accessibility to target industries as a catalyst for economic growth, support private initiatives that create or retain jobs, and to encourage economic developments that improve the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan citizens. In order to access this fund, the Township must work with the Genesee County Road Commission. For eligibility, projects must satisfy several requirements regarding proof of need, enhancement of economic activity, and support of governmental units. Local matching funds of at least 25% are required. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 78 �I I I J I I I t I I I.. I I I I -I 'I I Category C These funds are for the reduction of congestion on primary County roads and major streets within counties with a population greater than 400,000 through the addition of travel lanes, left turn lanes, or intersection improvements. Eligible two lane roadways (as of July 1, 1991 must have an average daily traffic volume greater than 10,000 vehicles. Volumes along a four lane roadway must exceed 25,000 vehicles per day. The overall goal of Category C is to promote increased economic potential and improve the quality of life by reducing urban traffic congestion levels. The objectives of the project must be to improve the operational level of service in heavily congested areas, reduce the accident rate on heavily congested roadways, improve the surface and base condition of heavily congested roadways, and improve the social, economic, and environmental conditions of areas adjacent to heavily congested roadways. The project must be located on a County primary or major street on a Federal Aid System (urban or secondary). Eligible applicants for funding under this category are limited to County and City road agencies and a 25% match is required. Project costs include all those related to highway construction except for routine maintenance. The local Federal Aid Urban Task Force, through the Genesee County Road Commission, reviews all proposed projects and makes recommendations for funding to the State Transportation Commission on a quarterly basis. Special Energy "Overcharge" Fund This grant is issued by the Department of Commerce (DOC) and MOOT for projects related to energy conservation, such as linking traffic signals to provide better progression (flow). The amount allocated to Michigan varies annually. Highway Safety Planning Funds The Michigan State Police Department issues this grant for safety related programs, such as sign inventories and signalization studies. MDOT Bonding Programs Th: MOOT issues loans under this program for projects involving "heavy" road mamte~ance. The amount available varies because a variety of programs receive money from thlS source. Budget authority for this program must be specifically sanctioned by the state legislature. Economic Development Administration (EDA) This .s-i:ant i~ issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Adm1mstratlon, for the funding of economic development (job creating) activities, including related road/infrastructure improvements. There is limited opportunity for use of this funding source, as it is annually subject to legislative approval/renewal. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 79 �Street Millage This type of funding mechanism can be used for general road improvements. The amount of tax received under this program varies depending on the millage rate approved by the individual jurisdiction. Special State Allocation The Michigan State Legislature offers loans for amounts up to $1,000,000 for the funding of projects linked to significant job-creating activities. Approval of this type of loan requires legislative approval. Bonding Programs A loan can be obtained from the Michigan Departments of Commerce and Treasury for the funding of general road and infrastructure improvements. The amount of the loan varies depending on the program, funding restrictions, and bond markets. Special Assessment Districts Locally financed improvements can be accomplished through this means which may include some cost-sharing by the local government and the balance of the cost spread among property owners who benefit from the improvement. Examples of such improvements include road improvements, sidewalks, or driveway openings or closings. Tax Increment Financing This approach allows either a Downtown Development Authority or an Urban Renewal Authority to pledge future increases in property tax revenues within a defined project area to payment for public improvements made to attract new private investment within the district. For example, street improvements could be financed with added tax revenues derived from new development or improvements to existing properties within a defined district. An important element of TIF financing is that incremental increases in property tax revenues from all taxing entities in the project area are allocated to payment of public improvements costs in the project area. Consequently, the revenue which is realized by these taxing entities from the project area, including the County and School District, remain constant until the costs of the public improvements are paid. It is important to realize that tax increment financing is only a viable financing alternative when there is strong assurance that new private investment in the project area is going to occur. Otherwise, little or no incremental increase in property values and tax revenues will occur, to pay the costs of public improvements. Grand Blanc Community Transportation BO �I l I J I I I t II l I I l I I I I I Downtown Development Authority Act 197 of 1975 authorizes a local government to create a Downtown Development Authority, or DDA, in order to "halt property value deterioration and increase property tax valuation where possible in its business district, to eliminate the causes of that deterioration, and to promote economic growth." ADDA has the authority to prepare and implement plans for redevelopment of central business districts, including the authority to acquire and dispose of property, carry out public improvements projects and issue bonds to finance such projects. The principal and interest on bonds of a DDA may be retired through use of tax increment financing (TIF), or through collection of user fees or rents. A Downtown Development Authority is created through enactment of an ordinance, following a public hearing and notification of all property owners within the proposed boundary of the DDA. The Board governing the DDA consists of 8-12 members, a majority of whom must be owners of property within the boundaries of the downtown district. Before a DDA may issue tax increment revenue bonds to finance downtown improvements, a "Development Plan" must be prepared which contains several items required by Statute. These include: • • • • Designation of the boundaries of the development area within which tax increment revenues may be derived; Existing and future land use plans for the development area; Description, location, cost and time frame of improvement to be made; Evaluation of relocation impacts on persons residing in the development area, and a plan for relocation of displaced households. Transit/Demand Management The Township should recognize that its growth may create the need for road improvements, the volume of which is likely to out-pace its ability to finance. As a result, other measures must be considered which will decrease the demand placed on these roadways. It is unlikely that the Township will find itself in a position of being able to build itself out of its traffic problems; adequate funds will not be available. Transit Accordingly, other measures must be sought. Providing additional transit opportunities should be addressed by the Township on a continuing basis. Increasing transit availability can have a number of benefits: Grand Blanc Community Transportation 81 �• Service may be provided to employment centers which may not be readily accessible to all income levels with the Township and metropolitan area, thus increasing the supply of labor for existing and future industries. Similarly, employment opportunities for existing and future Township residents will be made more available as accessibility increases. • Increased use of transit can have the effect of reducing the overall volume of traffic along major roadways, thus enhancing traffic safety, reducing congestion, lowering maintenance costs, and improving accessibility of land uses within the Township. Demand Management Transportation Demand Management (IDM) addresses travel needs through a combination of measures designed to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicle trips, especially during peak periods. By maintaining personal mobility while reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the demand for new and/or expanded road and parking facilities is reduced and the performance of existing roads improved. Examples of TOM measures include: • • • • • • • • Car pooling Van pooling Transit services (route, express, subscription) Employer incentives for shared-ride travel or disincentives for single-occupant travel Parking supply and cost Flex-time Compressed work week Non-motorized travel The Township may find it in its interest to work with local employers, the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, the transit authority, and the Genesee County Road Commission to develop TOM strategies to reduce the long-term need for substantial road improvements. Sidewalks and Bike Paths Providing an efficient and useful non-motorized trail (sidewalk/bike path) system can also enhance circulation throughout the Township. Sidewalks should be provided where substantial pedestrian traffic occurs, or is expected to occur. This includes residential neighborhoods and major streets alike. As major streets are widened, consideration should be given to providing sidewalks and bike paths. Grand Blanc Community Transportation 82 • �I l I J I I I -t I II I I l Programs for meeting the need for additional sidewalks and bike paths must address two user groups; 1) those persons who use the trails as a method of reaching a predetermined destination, such as a school, park, or public building, 2) those persons who use the paths for fitness, health, and general enjoyment. Accordingly, planning efforts should undertake to determine the potential destinations for bike paths, and evaluate areas of population concentration where the paths have the greatest potential for use. The Township and City should work together to evaluate these factors and create a coordinated system of bike paths to connect major recreational areas and residential neighborhoods. Funding for bike paths may come from a variety of sources, including local millage, limited portions of road improvement funds, and state recreation grants. NEW ROADWAYS Genesee Road Previous plans for Genesee Road have recommended its extension south of Hill Road to Perry Road. This would provide more of an arterial for the City, Township, and County, providing access to northern portions of the metropolitan area and taking some traffic from other roads, including Belsay and South Saginaw. The need for road improvements along Belsay may be delayed with the completion of this project since traffic volumes east of Belsay on Perry drop by over one-third, indicating the use of Perry to access Belsay. Additional access to Hill Road will be necessary as the vacant land adjacent to Genesee Road north of Perry develops. This extension will also require intersection improvements at Genesee and Hill Roads to accommodate a potential traffic signal. Section Roads New residential development in the eastern portion of the Township will require that a road system be developed which provides service to those homes which will require access to major roadways. To avoid disrupting major residential areas, these internal collector streets may be designed to allow efficient movement to the arterial routes yet not take on the function of a collector street. This will require more of these sub-collector streets but will create fewer impacts within residential areas and moderate neighborhood traffic concerns. .I I I. I I Grand Blanc Community Transportation 83 �• Private Roads In the southern portions of the Township there are substantial areas of Rural Estate lands, which will have residential neighborhoods developed on large lots. A roadway system will be necessary in order to properly serve these areas. Rather than an extensive network of public roads, which are expensive to build and maintain, regulations may be developed to manage private roads. These regulations should take into account the possibility that the roadway would resort to public ownership and cover, at a minimum: • • • • • • • Easements for utilities Minimum rights-of-way and pavement widths Pavement construction standards, including pavement design and grades Minimum lot widths on private streets Maximum cul-de-sac lengths Maintenance responsibilities Permitting and review process Grand Blanc Community Transportt1tion 84 ' : ... "'" "'• "'• , �a I I J I I I t t l I I I I • l I I I I I CHAPTER 8 COMMUNITY FACIUTIES UTILI'IY SERVICES Water Services City water services are provided through six municipal wells drawing water from underground aquifers. The City is considering the addition of one well within the next five years. Although capacity would appear to be adequate water quality is a concern to Grand Blanc's residents. Water from the wells is currently untreated and softening is required in homes due to the hardness of the water. The City is planning the installation of individual iron removal facilities for four of the five City wells. This will improve the water's taste and remove odors. This project, to be completed in the fall of 1992, will greatly enhance water quality. Plans were underway in early 1992 for the Township to connect to the 72 inch water line running to Port Huron. Connections to this line are controlled by Genesee County and the Detroit Water Board. Capacity and lines will be expanded as development occurs. The public well system will be converted to a backup system. Most of the Township can eventually be served by this system. Lower density areas in the southwestern part of the Township will probably remain on individual well systems. Groundwater Protection When dependent on well water services, groundwater and well head protection is a concern. Protection of the groundwater sources is critical to the long term usefulness of the well system. To this end, consideration of a groundwater protection program for the City would be beneficial. In addition, some elements of a program may be beneficial in the Township to protect private water sources. The following steps may be followed to develop such a program. Data Collection A protection program begins with the collection of information that could affect groundwater sources. Data that will be valuable includes: • • • • Land Use Water and sanitary sewer facilities, including community well heads Topography and soils Aquifers and area hydrology This information will help identify surface water recharge areas as well as areas where groundwater resources may be at high risk of contamination. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 85 �Vulnerable Areas High risk, or vulnerable areas are those which provide the most opportunity for groundwater contamination. These can include visible areas, such as wetlands, floodplains, and standing water bodies, and those areas where the wells are shallow and have little earthen protection. The Floodplains and Significant Wetlands Map point to some major locations where these vulnerable areas may be sought. A relatively narrow band of floodplain splits the City east of South Saginaw and north of Perry Road. Smaller wetlands can be found in many areas throughout the City. Groundwater sources do not adhere to political boundaries. Thus the City is dependent on water recharge areas are outside its own boundaries. Regulation Groundwater quality significantly impacts properties dependent on well systems. Though much of the area will be connected to public water systems, protection of the groundwater remains an environmental concern. Potential regulations to help protect groundwater include zoning requirements for secondary containment of storage areas for potentially hazardous materials, specific provisions for the storage of hazardous materials and special use requirements for businesses using these materials. The broad range of potential hazards can be seen through a partial list of businesses which may use hazardous substances. A partial list would include: • • • • • • • • • Golf courses and landscaping services (pesticides, herbicides) Large parking lots, particularly those running into wetland areas Vehicle maintenance shops Laundries and dry cleaners Photography services Gas stations Metal manufacturing Printing Junk yards Sanitary Sewer Services Sanitary sewer coverage is adequate throughout the City and developed areas of the Township, with trunk and subtrunk sewer lines passing through the City, including service for Grand Blanc Township. Sanitary sewer service to the City and Township is contracted from Genesee County. The sewer lines in the City are at 76 percent (as of November, 1990). H capacity becomes a problem, additional sewer capacity can be purchased from Genesee County. Grand Blanc Community Community F11cilitie1 86 • • ,.• • •... .1' �a I I I I I I t I I ,e I I I I 'I I I I Township capacities are generally adequate but will require monitoring as lines are extended and development increases. The northeastern portion of the Township, where residential development has been most intense, is served by a sub-trunk sewer running through the City and branching north and south from a point just west of Belsay Road from Perry Road. Other sub-trunk lines serving the less developed areas of the Township run from Fenton Road east and south of Cook Road, south of Baldwin to Holly Road. Additional lines from that point are in the design stage. Major extensions of sanitary sewer service will be restricted by funding availability. As a matter of policy major new subdivisions, developed at densities greater than 1 unit per acre should be required to provide public sanitary sewer services. Storm Water Control As with any community, storm water drainage is a constant concern, particularly in areas where development is occurring and in older areas. One alternative stormwater solution being implemented in some communities is Master Storm Water Detention. This program involves the development of central areas for storm water management. Land is purchased that lies in natural storm water detention areas, such as floodplains, wetlands, and low lying parcels. Watershed analysis is conducted to determine the locations most suited for storm water storage. These areas are then purchased and developed for storm water detention. The program can be implemented through a special assessment district, since each property owner in the watershed will benefit through the ability to channel drainage to the central location, or Master Pond. The advantage to the property owner is the ability to use more of the land for development and channeling storm water to a central source. The advantage to the Township is the assurance of continued maintenance. COMMUNITY FACILITIES McFarlen Library This library is located at the northeast comer of Perry Road and Curwood Drive in the City of Grand Blanc. Development of this facility was assisted by gifts from local residents. This centrally located library serves the needs of Township and City resident and is part of the Genesee District Library system. Grand Blanc Community Commons This 137 acre facility includes a vacant parcel of land located north of Perry Road and east of Curwood Drive. This unimproved parcel is open to the public and a walk bridge was completed in 1991 connecting the parcel with nearby residences. No improvements ~e J?lanned for this facility other than the walk bridge and nature trails. Parking for this site 1s accommodated at the adjacent Mcfarlen Library. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 87 �Medical Services The residents of the Township and City of Grand Blanc generally use health care facilities in Flint. A proposal for the construction of a hospital at Pollock Road and Holly Road would significantly upgrade the availability of health care services for Grand Blanc residents and for the population increases expected in the southern Genesee County and northern Oakland County areas. PARKS AND RECREATION Five-Year Recreation Plan The Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation Commission, which serves the Township and City, has a current Five-Year Recreation Plan. The Plan identifies five (5) deficiencies, including: 1. Softball/Baseball Fields Additional fields and improvements to existing fields. 2. Senior Activity Center Facility size inadequate; additional parking needed. 3. Large Play Areas Areas for soccer, football, non-organized activities needed. 4. Completed Recreation Area Enhancement of Bicentennial Park. 5. Lake Development Bicentennial Park lake development for water activities. A five-year program was developed to correct these deficiencies and provide additional recreation facilities and programs. Since the Plan was prepared, the following public park/recreation facilities have been added or modified, and do not appear in the plan report: • Three acres have been acquired for passive recreation in the City of Grand Blanc, north of Reid Road and west of South Saginaw. • A Senior Citizen Center has been completed, with activities organized by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Center is located southwest of Saginaw Street off of the east side of Holly Road and is placed on a 2.5 acre site. Demand may be sufficient for the development of another senior citizen center within the next five years. • The Mayme Anderson Pocket Park at Ezra Perry Center on Saginaw Street has been completed. This is a passive park with two benches and landscaping, donated by friends and relatives of Mayme Anderson. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 88 ; • • • • ,' • • • • • I • �I I I I I I I I • Construction of Foot Bridge over Thread Creek at Grand Blanc Commons Park has been completed. This will provide access to Commons Park from the library site. • The Grand Blanc Golf Course is a 165-acre course which is open to the public. • Deer Park is a privately owned recreation area which is open to the public. The facility offers a parking area from which residents may observe a confined herd of wild deer. Trends and Analysis As is evident in the Park and Recreation Report, the major emphasis in the past 10 years has been development of active recreation, particularly at Bicentennial Park. This is due to the increase demand for organized field sports such as softball and soccer. Currently there are five additional softball fields planned for the park. This will use up the rest of the undeveloped land in the park reserved for that purpose. With this park nearing completion, emphasis is turning to acquisition of new park lands and facilities throughout the Township and City. Issues and needs previously identified by past master plans which continue to be valid include: • Softball Fields - Field lighting to program in more teams . I • Bike Ways - A bike way linking all residential area to park and commercial developments. I_ • Large Play Areas - Needed for soccer, touch and flag football. • Pavilion - or Amphitheater - To hold local summer concerts, plays and outdoor education programs centrally located to the Township and City. • Developed Nature Areas - Floodplain, wetland areas for walking and nature study. I I Recreation Facilities I, Rust Park I This 16.5 acre park is adjacent to Indian Hills Elementary School in the City of Grand Blanc. There is one tennis court, one joint use play field and ball field, a picnic area, and a nature study area available at this park. This park is programmed for recreation activities throughout much of the year. r l I I_ Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities - 89 �Bicentennial Recreation Complex This 147-acre park includes a picnic area with pavilion, eight tennis courts, playground equipment, four ball fields, eight basketball hoops, spectator facilities, fitness trails, nature study area, shuffleboard, horseshoes, two restrooms, and one additional play field. This facility is open to the public year-round. Improvements to be completed at this facility by 1992 include ball field improvements, general outdoor lighting improvements, development of additional softball/baseball fields, an additional picnic area (already completed in 1990), and additional toilets. Additional improvements will include irrigation systems for ball fields, additional sidewalks, and waterfront development but timing and funding sources for these have not yet been determined. Schram Street Park This two acre park is located in the southwestern corner of the City and provides a play area but no equipment. Due to objections by nearby residents, no improvements are planned. Indian Hill Floodplain This 11 acre site is not improved and has no recreational equipment. The City considers this floodplain area to be open space. The site is often used for discarded grass clippings, leaves and debris during summer months. There are no planned improvements. Bush Street Park This neighborhood park consists of two acres mowed by the City. The site is used for various types of recreational activities by the surrounding neighborhood. The park contains no equipment. No improvements were planned in 1992. Kings Pointe Well Site This is a vacant two acre parcel owned by the City with no existing or planned recreational improvements. School Recreation Sites The Five Year Recreation Plan Update lists all the school sites and the recreational facilities available for public use. These facilities are used extensively for public recreational activities in addition to school-related functions. No improvements are planned for any of these locations with the exception of routine maintenance and baseball field improvements to be completed in the summer of 1991. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 90 �I l I / I I I I ti l I l I I l I IMPROVEMENT FUNDING Community Development Block Grant The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program was authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Act has the effect of combining all of the various categorical grants previously administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) into one, more flexible program. The program replaces such individual grants as Urban Renewal, Model Cities, Open Space, Historic Preservation, Community Facilities and other similar grant and loan programs; but provides funding for only a few. The CDBG Program is of importance to implementation of community facility improvements because it provides a source of funding for such projects as business district improvements, economic development and planning. Projects which foster local economic development are especially attractive prospects for the Block Grant Program. Use of these funds for actual project construction is limited, unless evidence is provided of significant benefits to low and moderate income households. Land and Water Conservation Fund Financial assistance under the Land and Water Conservation Fund is available to states and their political subdivisions for planning, acquiring, and developing a wide range of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources. Grants provide up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible projects such as land acquisition, urban parks and playgrounds, nature interpretative areas, fishing piers and boat launching ramps. Communities must have a DNR-approved Recreation Plan in effect in order to be eligible for such funding. Michigan Recreation Trust Fund This state-sponsored program also provides grants for acquisition and development of recreation lands. Its restrictions are much like the Land and Water Conservation Fund; except that considerably more money is available. Eligibility for this funding source is also contingent on inclusion of the project in an up-to-date community parks and recreation plan. r l I I, I Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 91 �l r I I I l t l I t I I I, I l CHAPTER9 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The preparation of a joint Master Plan presents unique challenges to the City and Township. Many of the natural and man-made systems (creeks, floodplains, sewer lines, etc.) affect both communities. In addition, many of the services provided to the citizens of each community are duties of both units of government. As a result, each government is, to some extent, dependent on the other to respect the need to provide these services. This requires that each community be aware of the planning and development needs of the other. Many of the implementation recommendations presented in the Master Plan will require the close cooperation of the Planning Commissions, legislative bodies, and other groups in the formulation of a unified development plan. The following text describes recommendations for the implementation of this Plan. Table 16, which follows the text, presents a capital improvements schedule for the recommendations. PLANNING CONTEXT FORMATION OF A JOINT PLANNING ACTION COMMITTEE As development has continued throughout the Grand Blanc area it seems increasingly clear that efforts are needed to work on a regional basis to address problems with the provision of various services needed to sustain growth. Since these problems are regional in scope, affecting several communities throughout the metropolitan area, they need to be investigated on a regional scale and solutions proposed that will accommodate the needs of each community. To work cooperatively it is in each government's interest to begin to develop a consistent set of planning assumptions, regulations, and master plans that take into account the common character of the Grand Blanc area. One of the central outcomes of this Plan was to point out the need to consider planning programs in each community in a coordinated fashion. This document need not, and should not, be the last word in planning for the Grand Blanc area. A continuing, comprehensive, and coordinated planning effort needs to be continued, involving the Township and City. The most appropriate vehicle for continuing this effort may be the formation of joint, permanent planning committee to consider the common impacts new growth in the area might have on each community. Although not necessarily invested with any planning authority, such a committee could be the catalyst by which this planning effort could be continued. I I I Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 93 �A number of joint projects could be undertaken by both communities, including: Corridor studies (Fenton Road, Perry Road, Grand Blanc Road, Holly Road, S. Saginaw and others). Recreation Plans. Bike Trails Plan. Public Service Plans. Groundwater Protection Plan. Master Pond Storm Water Plan. In addition, the City and Township could work cooperatively to develop uniform regulations for zoning, subdivisions, and other planning-related matters, some of which are noted as implementation recommendations. There are several options by which joint planning could be conducted. The three that would seem most workable are: • Project Specific Committees One method of organization may be based on the need to complete specific, individual projects for which specific committees could be developed. This would allow the Planning Commissions to maximize involvement of particular groups or individuals who may be interested in the topic to be addressed. It would also provide some flexibility to involve adjacent communities, where they are affected. This was the process used for the development of the Hill Road Corridor Development Plan. The disadvantage to this structure is the potential number of such committees that could be formed and the complexity of their structure, taking into account reporting procedures, meeting dates, and other factors present when involving multiple committees and multiple tasks. • Formal Planning Committee State law provides a number of vehicles for forming joint administrative committees or organizations providing planning services on a multi-jurisdictional basis. The precise structure and requirements of these vehicles requires additional research to determine which one would best fit the Township and City's requirements. The advantage of a more formal group is the clear delineation of powers, functions, and jurisdiction. Considerable discussion would have to take place to determine the division of duties between the Planning Commissions and the committee. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities • • • • • : ,.• ,. • • �l • Standing Committees Standing committees could be formed to take on planning functions that effect both communities. The existing Park and Recreation Committee could direct development of a joint recreation plan. Other standing committees could include such topics as transportation planning, public service provision, land use review, and others as needed. The principle difference between this method of organization and the project specific committees is the broader area of coverage, which is by topic rather than individual, short-term projects. NATURAL FEATURES I FORMALIZE PROTECTION OF REMAINING WETLANDS l This may be achieved through any of the following regulations: ~ • • • • l I I I I l I I I Wetlands provisions in the Zoning Ordinance Formation of a Wetlands Review Board Developing public education program Wetland protection options: 1. Land Donation 2. Conservation Easements 3. Deed Restrictions 4. Property Acquisition Program ZONING/SITE PLAN PROVISIONS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED TO REQUIRE THE INCORPORATION OF NATURAL FEATURES INTO DEVELOPMENT PLANS One of the keys to securing quality development is to require careful site analysis and creative site planning. The objective of completing a site analysis is the incorporation of natural features into site development. This, in turn, allows new uses of land that do not irreversibly damage natural site features and attributes. The result is cost-effective development that allows preservation of natural features and systems, creating long term benefits for the environment and the community. Site plan review measures can be instituted to enforce this recommendation. While some of the existing provisions can be effective, clearer standards for review are needed, such as: ✓ I Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 95 �1. The uses proposed will not adversely affect surrounding properties, or the environment. All elements of the site plan shall be designed to take into account the site's topography, the size and type of plot, the character of adjoining property and the type and size of buildings. The site shall be developed so as not to impede the normal and orderly development or improvement of surrounding property for uses allowed in this Ordinance, or to alter natural systems, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, woodlands, and other important natural features, as stipulated in the Master Plan. 2. The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state by removing only those areas of vegetation or making those alterations to the topography which are reasonably necessary to develop the site in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance. Existing landscaping and land forms shall be preserved to ensure that proposed uses will be adequately buffered from one another and from surrounding public and private property and shall not adversely impact the natural drainage systems of the site. 3. Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that removal of surface waters will not adversely affect neighboring properties, natural drainage areas, or the public storm drainage system. Provisions shall be made to accommodate stormwater, prevent erosion and the formation of dust. The use of detention/retention ponds may be required, including watershed detention systems, where available. Surface water on all paved areas shall be collected at intervals so that it will not obstruct the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or create standing water. DEVELOP A GROUNDWATER PROTECTION PROGRAM I Keeping in mind the City's dependence on well water as a community water source, and considering the areas of the Township not yet served by public water a groundwater protection plan would be beneficial to both communities. The following steps may be followed to develop such a program. Data Collection A protection program begins with the collection of information that could affect groundwater sources. Data that will be valuable includes: • • • • Land use Water and sanitary sewer facilities, including community well heads Topography and soils Aquifers and area hydrology . This information will help identify surface water recharge areas as well as areas where groundwater resources may be at high risk of contamination. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities • • • • • • • • ; •1111 I. • • • 96 �Vulnerable Areas l I 'l a ll I_ I I High risk, or vulnerable, areas are those which provide the most opportunity for groundwater contamination. These can include visible areas, such as wetlands, floodplains, and standing water bodies, and those areas where the wells are shallow and have little earthen protection. The Floodplains and Significant Wetlands Map point to some major locations where these vulnerable areas may be sought. Regulation Development of regulations applicable to groundwater protection include zoning requirements for site plan review, secondary containment of storage areas for potentially hazardous materials, specific provisions for the storage of hazardous materials, and special use requirements for businesses using these materials. The broad range of potential hazards can be seen through a partial list of businesses which may use hazardous substances. A partial list would include: • • • • • • • • Golf courses and landscaping services (pesticides, herbicides) Vehicle maintenance shops Laundries and dry cleaners Photography services Gas stations Metal manufacturing Printing Junk yards. LAND USE I CONSIDER A CONSISTENT SET OF DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ACCESS MANAGEMENT, LANDSCAPING, ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY, AND SIGNS I In order to ensure that development in the Grand Blanc area maintains a consistently high degree of quality, the Township and City should undertake an effort to develop and maintain a unified set of development guidelines and standards covering each of the following areas. I -I I ,~ I Access Management One measurement of the efficiency of traffic movement is the capacity of a roadway to accommodate the traffic pressures placed on it. Preserving this capacity is one way to prevent costly roadway improvements. One way to preserve capacity of the roadway is through the control of driveways. Transportation studies have consistently shown that the number, design, and location of driveways can have a great effect on the ability of roads to safely move traffic and provide access for adjacent land uses. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 97 �The number, design, and location of driveways along the major roadways in the study area will affect traffic flow, ease of driving, and accident potential. Every effort should be made by the Grand Blanc community to limit the number of driveways and encourage access from side streets, service drives, frontage roads, and shared driveways. The most effective means of ensuring proper access management is the site plan review process, enforced through the zoning ordinance. However, in order to properly administer site plan review, each community should have a corridor development plan for the major road corridors within the study area, similar to that completed for the Township on Hill Road, preferably completed as a joint project between all affected communities along the roadway. Following the completion of the corridor plan, guidelines should be put into effect that can be used as a guide by the Planning Commission to ensure consistent application and enforcement of access management. Other standards for site development, including landscaping, could also be included in such a plan. Access Management Guidelines and suggested areas of implementation are provided in the Hill Road Corridor Plan, which is part of this Plan. Many of these guidelines can be implemented on the major corridors throughout the Township. Landscape Design Another important element of any development is landscaping. Landscaping can perform a number of vital functions, including screening, micro-climate control, improving aesthetics, and preserving the natural environment. The Township should accept guidelines and zoning ordinance standards for landscaping within their site plan review ordinance sections, similar to those used by the City. Landscaping is normally used to provide buffers between incompatible districts/uses and for aesthetic considerations for parking lots, strip commercial areas, and others. The first use, buffering, is generally considered as screening; greenbelts are used for aesthetic purposes (although there are other legitimate considerations). The City of Grand Blanc has adopted a successful tree planting program as part of the existing landscape program. Buffers Buffers are sometimes set up on a scale; the greater the differences in intensity between two uses, the more significant the size of the buffer zone. Usually, these differences are determined with respect to zone districts. For example, a single family residential district against an industrial district would receive the greatest buffer zone requirement. Since there are a number of occasions where this occurs, consideration of specific buffering requirements would be useful. Buffer zones are set up according to width and intensity of landscaping and/ or required walls or fences. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 98 �I t 'l I I I I ,, l I Topography Any landforms (topography) on the site should be respected and utilized to the advantage of the development of the site. Wholesale grading should be avoided and building sites allowed to blend into the existing topographic and drainage patterns of the site. Grading should be restricted to that necessary for the requirements of the building, parking, and other developed systems of the site. Other land forming may be used to soften the impact of the architecture and screen objectionable views. Existing vegetation Incorporating existing trees into a project's parking areas and roadways reduces the visual impact of broad expanses of pavement and provides instant shade to reduce glare and heat radiation. Additionally, it is less expensive to preserve a mature, high-quality tree than to install new nursery stock. Selective cutting of existing vegetation should be allowed only for the health of the trees and to allow specific views into the site. Preservation of existing trees should be based on the quality of the tree, its relationship to the site, and the value added to the development. Replacement trees should be of sufficient size to have immediate affect. Landscaping Three areas normally receive the most attention with respect to landscaping requirements: parking lots, commercial and industrial setback areas, and building landscaping. Of these, parking lots usually attract the most attention from zoning requirements, including setbacks, percentage of landscaped area, and others. These are normally enforced through a site plan review process. The attention devoted to parking lot landscaping is generally due to the unappealing nature of large areas of asphalt. Parking lot landscaping is also used, at times, to help direct traffic, reduce heat and glare from parking lots, and to help define edges of property or boundaries between lots. Architectural Quality The variety of uses that are likely to occur make enforcement of a consistent set of architectural guidelines impractical. Innovation and unique design should be allowed to flourish. In keeping with the landscape guidelines architectural design should, to the extent possible, take into account the natural features of the land. The building mass and shape should "fit" the natural characteristics of the site. Large, massive structures are most appropriate for sites with fewer environmental restrictions. Sites that are wooded and/ or sloping are most successful with less massive and informal structures that can be tucked into the existing landscape. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 99 �Signs Signs should reflect their function. Those uses which require a motorist to quickly identify and react to a business or service (impulse or frequent-service businesses) should have enough signs to adequately identify their purpose for the motorist. Those uses which require less identification should have smaller, less intrusive signs. Since signs are regulated by each community through specific sign ordinances, some coordination of sign provisions should be encouraged, particularly along major road corridors. Some specific sign provisions related to the Hill Road Corridor Development Plan would be applicable to other corridors within the Grand Blanc community. Regulations The key issue in developing regulations for access management, buffering or landscaping is the extent of the regulation with respect to maintaining diversity and originality. Tightly structured regulations allow very little room for creativity or for taking unusual conditions into account. Vaguely worded regulations will invite plans that only provide a minimum degree of compliance, without creative thought or intent. Effective regulations, for example, may require a specific number of trees per parking space, but the location of those trees would be flexible, but structured within general guidelines. This balanced approach is most effective, where the intent of the regulation is clearly indicated, especially through the use of graphics and general provisions. These regulations, however, must be specific enough to provide guidance, yet flexible enough to take differing conditions into account. IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM FOR GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT, DESIGNED TO PRESENT THE POSITIVE IMAGE OF THE AREA. THE GRAND BLANC GA'n:WAYS A community's physical image can be critical to its economic prosperity or even its survival as a desirable place to live. Quality of life and business attraction are, to some extent, dependent on the image a community projects. The physical image of a community begins to be formed at its edges, when one enters through a "gateway." The Grand Blanc community has a number of gateways, the most important of which are interstate highway interchanges, since many of the first-time travelers to the Grand Blanc community will likely use these highways to reach the area. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 100 • • • • •.. • "" II • • • �f, The 1-75 Interchanges To ensure a favorable impression of gateway development from the highway interchanges, care should be taken to control access, provide adequate setbacks, and require landscaping. Specific actions may be taken at the following described interchanges. Holly Road Holly Road is likely to attract significant volumes of traffic due to the planned development in the area, particularly between Baldwin and Cook Roads. Note is made in this Plan of the consideration of a boulevard cross-section for a widened Holly Road. The boulevard would enhance the rural atmosphere. Accordingly, highway services would be appropriate in the immediate interchange area. These services may include service stations, convenience stores, small retail areas, and restaurants. South Saginaw Although the interchange is located outside the Township boundaries, it is in the Township's interest to work with Holly Township and the Michigan Department of Transportation to redesign this confusing interchange. Given the amount of time a major improvement of this nature is likely to take, the formation of a joint planning committee with Grand Blanc Township, Holly Township, the Genesee County Road Commission, and various economic interests in the community would be beneficial. This process has been successful in other areas of the state where major road projects were desired. The joining of governmental and private interests is a benefit toward attracting state highway funds, particularly those which are directed toward improving economic conditions. Hill Road Much of the discussion involving this interchange is contained in the Hill Road Corridor Study which is part of this Plan. South Dort Extension Development around this interchange is restricted due to the cross section of the Dort Extension, which restricts access near the interchange. Other constraints include wetlands in the southwest quadrant, the proximity of Embury Road, which leaves a limited development depth between Embury and Dort, and the higher elevation of Dort as it meets 1-75. For these reasons, much of the planned land use in the area is oriented to residential or low intensity commercial uses. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 101 �ZONING DISTRICTS SHOULD BE REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT THE ZONING ORDINANCE REFLECTS THE INTENT OF THE MASTER PLAN In particular, residential densities should be reviewed to ensure consistency with the Maste Plan. In addition, the Neighborhood Commercial and Office land use designations should be reviewed with regard to the available commercial zone districts . The intent of each of these designations is to allow a less intensive office and commercial district to limit traffic generation and provide suitable buffer districts between various land uses. Each of these districts should be reviewed to ensure that they continue to be limited to less intensive uses, or that the more intensive uses are only allowed as a special land use by the Planning Commission. DEVELOP A JOINT ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES Although some unique elements of individual zone districts will have to be preserved, the Township and City should develop common zone district designations with similar uses and regulations. The Township and City will continue to have some unique districts, such as the City's central business district. TRANSPORTATION MAJOR ROAD WARRANTED IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHERE The following roadways are recommended for improvement: Estimated time for improvements is based on rate of development, as follows: Short Range Mid-Range Long Range 1-3 years 3-7 years 7+ years ROADWAY COMMENTS Grand Blanc Road • Phase 1 • • Phase 2 Phase 3 Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities Three lanes from Saginaw to Davis (under construction) Four lanes from Davis Street to South Dort Four lanes from Dort to Fenton Road 102 • • • • • • • • : �r ROADWAY COMMENTS Holly Road • Phased improvement to four lane boulevard • Phase 1 • Phase 2 • Phase 3 • • Four lanes from Holly Road west 1/2 mile Mid-Range improvement (as development dictates) Fenton Road • • Replace pavement (Short Range improvement) Four lane boulevard (Long Range improvement) Perry Road • • Widen to four lanes from Genesee to Belsay Roads Mid-Range improvement Maple Road • Widen to five lanes from Fenton Road to South Saginaw (1991 improvement) Widen to four lanes from South Saginaw to Center Road; Mid-Range improvement Pollack Road • McCandlish Road to Pollock Road Mid- to Short-Range improvement (as development dictates) Pollock Road to Baldwin Road Mid-Range improvement Baldwin Road to south Township limit MidRange improvement Baldwin Road • Widen to four lanes from Holly Road to South Saginaw; Long Range improvement (as development dictates) South Saginaw • Redesign and construct interchange with 1-75 Mid- to Long Range improvement (as funding is available) • COMMUNITY FACILITIES A STUDY SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN TO COORDINATE DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP, AND TO INCLUDE THE CITY, WHERE APPLICABLE. A REGIONAL STORM WATER SYSTEM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. Generally, drainage requirements are enforced when development is proposed; drainage requirements are generally applied on-site, looking at each development as a single site. A major drain study should be undertaken by the Genesee County Drain Commissioner to plan one or more regional drainage systems. A regional drainage system would take the burden off individual land owners and allow natural drainage areas to act as storm water detention and/ or retention areas. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 103 �Where possible, existing natural wetlands should be used as stormwater detention areas . If no natural wetlands are present on the site, wetlands adjacent the site should then be considered. This concept would allow the use of contiguous wetlands as designated stormwater management facilities. If this alternative is not feasible, consideration should then be given to man-made detention basins. CONTINUE TO STUDY THE OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE RESOURCES AND SERVICES, SUCH AS JOINT PLANNING EFFORTS AND PUBLIC SERVICE. As the tax burden increases at the state and local level, it is imperative that community services be provided in the most efficient manner possible. While the Master Plan stops short of recommending a full consolidation of the Township and City as a single governmental unit, some sharing of services should be considered. Fire and police coverage may be enhanced by a joint service arrangement which would enhance mutual support efforts which already exist. Utilities, including water, sewer, and stormwater management, could also benefit from such an arrangement. CONTINUE AND EXPAND THE CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM. Over the long term, reliance on landfills will no longer be a viable solid waste management strategy. Programs that reduce the need for expansions of landfill space are essential. The Grand Blanc community has taken a leadership role in Genesee County by researching and establishing a curbside recycling program. This voluntary program, already in effect, provides pickup service by a local disposal company of plastic jugs, tin cans, glass containers, and aluminum products. Expansion of newspaper recycling in the future is one improvement to be considered. The City and Township could also work toward purchasing only recycled paper products in the future - even specifying a percentage which should be "post-consumer" recycled material. GRAND BLANC CITY AND TOWNSHIP SHOULD CONSIDER A JOINT COMPOSTING PROGRAM. In addition to curbside recycling, community wide composting is a demonstrated method of reducing the waste stream which routinely may be headed for landfills. As with other forms of recycling, composting provides a usable end product which could be used by the entire community. Grand Blanc Community Community Facilities 104 • • • • • • • • �:Ila ,.. I.... Table 16 :'111111 ..... [:,al '. .... fWIJI 111!!1 '· !111■.1 ,111111!1111 ••~ r ~ ~ I~ ~ \ ·~ ~ SUMMARY OF MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS-1991 CITY OF GRAND BLANC/CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GRAND BLANC1 MICHIGAN -• . • • Encourage a estate residential development on large lots (areas acres) primarily in southern portion of Township, east of 1-75 North of Cook Road, and Centennial Farm (between Dort Highway and Center Road, North of Hill Road). high I • Promote low density residential (.2 to three (3) units/acre) in designated areas but partirularly In the eastern and southern sections of the Township. high I • Medium density areas (3.1 to 8 units/acre) should be developed In designated areas but particularly In the areas east of 1-475 and south of Maple Road and north and south of Reid Road between South Saginaw and the City limits. High density areas (8 to 20 units/acre) should be promoted in designated ares but particularly in these existing and developing complexes on Maple Road, Perry Road, and Fenton Road, east of Parsons Road, north of Cook Road, and just north and south of the City west of Holly Road. high I • I I Planning Commission Township Board Planning Commission Township Board Planning Commission Township Board Planning Commission Township Board high 1 I • --, �·· ·r ·· l· '· · i • • • Office locations should be promoted primarily at Holly and Pollock Road south of 1-75, and Holly Road north of Cook Road to the City limits. high Neighborhood commercial uses are to be promoted at designated locations near residential areas but particularty at the comer of Hill and Belsey Road, Baldwin and South Saginaw along Fenton Road just south of 1-75 and at Hill and Porter Roads. Community commercial (general) are proposed at Hill Road and 1-475, Hillroad and South Saginaw and along South Saginaw, particularty north of the City limits. high Planning Commission Township Board • I high Planning Commission Township Board . I Planning Commission City Council Township Board • I 1 ;::JIII!l:l!i: :::/} . Promotion of general industrial areas on Holly Road (south industrial section), the GM facility between Oort Highway and South Saginaw (north). • I high Planning Commission City Council Township Board - • . . . Smaller industrial designations are proposed east of Oort Highway at northern most portion of the Township. Implementation of appropriate setbacks, access control and appropriate landscaping for gateway interchanges at Holly Road, South Saginaw, Hill Road and South Dort extension. Formation of a DOA for the City's Downtown Area Implementation of appropriate setbacks, screening, resulting and use intensity landscape standards for Holly Road (south of South Saginaw Road), South Saginaw Roads, Fenton Road (north of Hill Road), Perry Road (east of South Saginaw). I high I I high I high I high 2 I I • • I I Planning Commission Township Board Planning Commission City Council Township Board Planning Commission and City Council • Planning Commission City Council Township Board �~ ·~ ·~ ~ J1l!!!I _a .-- 11!11!!11 1llllllll 11111!!11 'QIII 111111111111 iwal[II --. ~ . ---. ~ :iffitj■.-ii,i:J!iffi■iffl~ijiii Ji ;i i i!iliJ; : :j i:i:;j ;: ;:i~iJi,il;:i:;: ': i:;:;:;:1;:;: i :il: : )i i:;l:!;ji:1 :;l Planning Commission Township Board • Implementation of access management standards on Dort Highway. high • Wtclen Grand Blanc Road to four lanes with five lane cross sections at major intersection~. medium s • Widen Holly Road from South Saginaw to 1-75 including resurfacing. Traffic will dictate two vs four lanes. high high high high I s s s medium s South Saginaw to Mccandlish Road Mccandlish Road to Pollock Road Pollock Road to Baldwin Road Phase IV Baldwin Road to south Township limits Phase I Phase II Phase Ill • • Road widening for Pollock Road is at least one haH mile west of Holly Road. Planning Commission Township Board GCRC • I I . .• . . City GCRC GCRC GCRC I GCRC I GCRC GCRC GCRC Improvements to Fenton Road: 1. Pavement irl1)rovements (Maple Road to Hill Road) I high Wtclen Perry Road to four lanes. I medium Widen Maple Road to four lanes from Fenton Road to Center Road. I high Bridge Replacement at I-75 on Baldwin Road . I Reid Road--Redirect truck traffic to South Dort Extension. I 2. Develop a Boulevard cross-section. 3. Closing selected side streets. • . . • .• . low high - s City/Twp JGC RC medium L -GCRC -- high s GCRC GCRC - 3 lill... ., �.---•-•• ••• • Improvements of interchange circulation at South Saginaw and 1-75. medium L MOOT GCRC Planning Commission City Council Township Board • Create a coordinated system of bike paths. (Master Plan) medium s • Extension of Genesee Road south of Hill Road to Perry Road. medium L high s • medium s • high s • Planning Commission City Council Township Board : : =:1111~1::111111:: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :=: : : :,: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ::: : : : : ;: =: : : : : : : : : : • • • Development of a groundwater protection program. (City and Township) Development of a Master Storm Water Detention Plan. (City and Township) Improvement at Bicentennial Park-including irrigation system for ball fields, additional sidewalks, and waterfront development. City Council Township Board City Council Township Board Special Assessment Districts CBDG : J~mij,J.ffliii■.iffi::=•ffiaat.rgri.l !': : :j :Ii: • • Formation of a Joint Planning Action Committee. (City/Township) high Formalize protection of remaining wetlands. high 4 • City Council Township Board Planning Commission City Council Township Board �"'WIii ..,.. ..._. . • . • ,.. ~ ,.. '111111!1 a ,~_a Jllllll!II !1111111111 .-. 11111111 1111111111 Zoning/Site Plan Provisions should be developed to require the incorporation of natural features into development plans. high I . Improve upon design standards for access management, landscaping, architectural quality and signs. high I • Review zoning ordinance districts to ensure that zoning ordinance reflects the intent of the Master Plan. high I . Continuation of the Curbside Recycling Program. high I TIME FRAME_;_ (1)-lmmediate = Within Two Years (S)-Short Term= Within Five Years (L)-Long Term = Five to Ten Years (O)-Ongoing - Begin within Two Years-Then Ongoing LEGEND: GCRC MOOT LAWCON CDBG Genesee County Road Commission Michigan Department of Transportation Land and Water Conservation Fund Community Development Block Grants GBTWP\master.pln\table 16 5 ...., --, --, ---, ~~,---, Planning Commission City Council Township Board Planning Commission City Council Township Board Planning Commission City Council Township Board City Council Township Board �111111-tllll_l __ FUTURE LAND USE _ _AVE · ---=,,,.. ---tr II u.,---1 . ····-~HI' i 1 1.~u•· LOR ,LJLl~i f;-I I .RD ------' L J~t~- -· iRr{'-"'t7· 1)) I Li. . ~lL------ n . .• ,..... 1 ii . i , c·. -- I ;i I 'r ----- ffit{JJ'·~-:) l,,,__ :c,ii~~\\ _/2~ ... U LDR -..... ~ ~~~-,.~_\\( ~r---RO - A"'· ,.,-~!, ...- ~•.", -I 3 - - - - - - ·LOR ii[ ~•,'·.fi~ : -.·~ lk)A ---- o::I - ~. . /.~.;f~ \1\~. ijltL l. \~'i wl er tJ' ~-~. ' -- --p4x=:==1 er · bU..J!!"'1 ~ t_P .._ . ~'_ RIL -----,---1 cl. - . - . \ •' \ if . I~ -·---11__ :_=-:_·~--2kl' /!'li~i :; ;,.· ""____ r--I30·-: ~==-:.,=-"":a'~ =l I :c I I -,J''- - -25 -- --- ~- I LOA ' ;~ ____RO~-: -~'·j 'I·-r -w ., I mr. , I . - - I· LDA - j. - - - - -- - I 36 - Aecomm~nd ■ d lor pl1nntt-d unll d11•,u1lopm•nt lo c lu1111e, I 1om11 •fld pr111rY1 11ourc••· n1tur ■ tt 1 I I I I ?,5 ~ J ,t. H UIUl't fttG I ... IIH ICll.l Utt r •..., City/Township of Grand Blanc ~ RURAL ESTATE (5 -10 ACRE LOTS, CLUSTER OPEN SPACE RESIDENTIAL AT SIMILAR DENSITY AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS) LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (1-4 UNI TS/ACRE) PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC ~ ~ ~ MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (4 .1•8 UNITS/ACRE) HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (8.1·9 UNITS/ACR E) --- - --NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL CL] LIGHT INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL OFFICE IOU\.O l .ullNll fU Nll II<. · · •· I . WA "'- 1. lr.Yl.101 1 WCH IOIM •i••N l UJ - IU I n lM"T. �B I I I I I I I I 1· I -I 'J FUTURE LAND USE R •.. !c~~J P" I -•.!;~ .... ..~ /·~·- · ~ ;; D . MD DR MOR I I 2' I ~. . City of Gr,oul BJ11~ - LOR ' . II ' 'J J• ·· •ALJ.,f c•q• c:::::J u,a LOW DENSITY USIDENTIAL c:::J MOR MEDIUM DENSITY KESIDENTIAL C=::J HDK HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL c:=::i o oma C=::J NC NEICHIORHOOD C0MMEROAL C=::J C C0MMUNIT'\' COMMEK□ AL t::::J I LICHT INDUSTKIAL , ruauc I SEMl-ru•UC �11111111 FLOODPLAINS & SIGNIFICAN1~ WETLANDS J ; '-*.\,rr ~ mu~aJ) i\~ITTlrr----\~~Ii.Jee'~'•- ,I \ t:.~ . - n 1 t~--- ,,:1 ... ,,; '~, r· I I I I•. ,,-::.__,, - i 'B · -./' ~ -~- ~ ,_~- hln i ~o1~ - - - - - J -1..:-.:.;-,, ·, I i• - t• c::=J :: '~ a..'~ ~ .. \'\J~ d : •I . ..... - - . -- •I (I) ■ --:)~- ---■ ,-, ... ;-,,_ . I ~ ~'\,\ I . -~ -~ ·-•. ~ , IL '{; r~~-~- ~ 14 , b-_,..:\.-i - ,:, .~ - ·I I -·j~)~t1 iJ ;• .1• - · • '. . l~~: "" . I - . 1U I I ----- 13------- "'~·~..~' ■ " . 5- •I I■ ; C . 1~ I RD. I ~ I iI r--------r------- I "t->if-~. I I ~ ~I ~ I I '~CON1C ---- ' 1J-i o soa 1000 20D0 City/Township of Grand Blanc I I Legend ~ SCALE f" • 1000' ? rZl APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF 100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN WETLANDS ~· , 33--- --- ~~? I I ·;;_5~ f? \ c:r,i~ I ---- -3 ~ .. .. 1:·~ .•li..■-■-•J~ C ~-:: i - • JANUARY ttto I ~~ UIJO"-~-r_j ill.~~J.-- - - •1~ IU ■ ~ \ ----\-- - -~-... I _-..:,.••~ 1 ......... I ......... ...•••.•.. • • • • e • • • e I e e e e e e •• e ' I , ........•. ............. • ell e • e e e • ...._. I ••••••••• l l --+-1 Sources : Flood Plain - National Flood Insurance Rate Map Wetlands - Fish & Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory, 1981 THE WBDC GROUP \t, 1 : \ .:~. ' ·,;;:":':'. GOULD 11!: NOIN£Eft1NO INC. 2040 E, MAPLE AY!:NUE FLINT, MICHIGAN PHONE 70 - 1110 �,-- • r .-• • • • . • • " • • Ill,~ ' STEEP SLOPE AREAS \\ ,7 rr II MAt'Lr;, , ilETilrTTlrr--'\ ~r::.;;;:::::JbJ""'·"'- J , I I \ , , . - , "' G.\. ;;:=======~,..'.======:::::;~~=======;:::==::;-;====.;:;;;;;;;;~~='=~=,,=c;=:;=====: l.wtii '}:'.:.-,_..., I ---1i:I r-~-. I ~•• ,, I F:.,,, ··~ .. . , IJ II I I -----2..~~, "' . 1JL.LJ~if•~lu1.u)II _' ,,,----,,c::-:-7 ' ,, ,\~--7..:, -~ :r:.1 :,•1 \\1, n F..m '-._ . '1] . • . ~ 1 .., \@~i \ ....... . \ 11110'-l.W000'\1 1 ,/, \ -//'}:;;:~;., ,;, ' t.~,__...:1 ___ --_,_[t~'"~:~1;.i~ --·.- ,o• Hill. Sl.(NI i i i i -+ • I I I )\1' Y,1'3 ---- -- - - - - - -.- -ci, J --0:1 o:I 51 f- I I .µc, --- - •------- - 29 ----\ _______ _, ________ 32 J1 ' -r----- JANUA1'Y tltO Y'~ ~ 0 IOI 10H ecALi ~ SLOPE 6 - 12% IOH r • 10ocr City/Township of Grand Blanc ~ J:::;:;:I SLOPE 12% OR GREATER . I I - 36 i -----1 I ·- ®Jj{ .. -+-- I --25 I I ~• ,..,. ...,. Source : Genesee County Soil Survey r;· .. ~l~-'-4 _..__ _ _ - _ _: - - - - - THE WBDC GROUP '".' " ., :',', GOULD INONff.EfllNG tMC. H4.e I.. IU,"-! A'IINUI l'UNT, MICHtOAN l'MOMI 741-t1H �1 1 , • . • •. • • • •, fl, 1·-- EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS AY.f.. I i : ! --- 13 --- :t I I V -· .. - - - · j . 0 0:: V I I I _, ,,.••,.,·.,<1-j -- 2 5 - - --- -I .., ~~:.:- \~~---, ~~ _L_ - ---~~ -·-\ I ~ • I " . )} ! ..... , , __.._, I I II ,~ ~ . '-. '~, . __JU-== ~~, I -- =.:::;::,=====~ I r--- -1 I - 6 ------ _, ---34 I I I % -' < ,\ : , I I I V I I I I II 1. / s ~ w e ~,, - ~ - '> 5'x ~. V ~ ,. . sc•u r-1000' City/ToJVnship of Grand Blanc _ •...::.- ~AY Legend reel SINGLE & TWO FAMILY ~ RESIDENTIAL loH:l MULTIPLE FAMILY ~ RESIDENTIAL : I I I I V ----- --31, - --- -- --+ --- ·-- 32 - -- .,_ •t0 .... fil2_ I I ~C• ''flxl . '-~ iil:I .1!£..1..J l~r.i V : :r~~. )_'.-.'.::-,.,, j JAMUAIIY - r-' ..I _ J - _ I I .,,,. ., ~• - - '"\--.. [TI [iJ COMMERCIAL 0 PUBLIC I SEMI • PUBLIC INDUSTRIAL __,-- --I ~--- - t 4•1 ls/0\ SERVICE I OFFICE W VACANT / AGRICULTURE THE WBDC GROUP AkU.1~1!~~~~.* ''\~~::(~:~:~ QOULO lNO...CUIINO rNC, H41 l. IIIIA,u: AVlNUI ,uNT, lltCMtOAN ~ I 74J•l120 �• r. r· -r· r- ~----~ •••••• ~ .TRAFFIC VOLUMES mm lfJ:fi•~;:;:. •·~ l !J IF '--~ 1 .i'--'lh- I I __ ., (-:-/5¥i _____ -'1- - - ;ox I i --·.- I Hill. GlCHS i•I • ·- _-l1_=~~-· :,_. . ■ L , ·-;RAND I~ •_ .. ~ ,, --;;-- ....... .:1...1 I -·1·I OF ~ ~lttJED 11 ......_ ·: i I '\'".9 . ■ -- _ ~.~. •I J. ------13 : ---.-::~-. r· ' 0,•'L.•• ! I : I I I ... ~N_Q__J_ 6 LA ;:, ' ' ■ J■-■,,-_ ·' I IJ , ~ ~- ' ." "" • ~ ~•~!·• \ I -------J - '', - ~'·. ··-c...... , 0:: I I 0:: ~- w ' M'CA · >JDLISH 1 ' . , • □ I■ _._,.. ' :, ,. ...,,.~ ' •r~)i ll ~ • I " 'I - . . :'\ y/,L.J "• ,o ,,c • C'Lc I I WI if ;~ _1__:·= . , J '-- N)] ,--;i . ' ,-,-, , ~ r·"-·•1 (fl, .JJI , - 30 -------- - - -- I -2'9, --- ~ \ I ,- - E!lia ___ _! I I TIA~;•~ : i,, io..;:;·:_;,~~1 ' -·-·- 1 !· __·_cc _ -------~ \.,\A/ " ' .. '' 2·'a POlLOCK -,-...... _,_ :: 1I ' a:n='!"I , z I , --- I :t~~f~'--j ~ : : " ~ -- -,,-,,~ j ? ~ ~ ~-~• _ . '-"- )J'V JANUARY 1910 - '\ _ __.___ - - --- .~:·;:·..::· City/Township of Grand Blanc i ,: i :, , : I, :' : : /2~==:=~§::='===~ ::::=: : , - ___ , ___ - '"\~ '.J --r I\ : 1-35- I I I I I I r-----i 6 _____ _ ,,,-. ,;),.,._,, -·a ~;-:.::.;... J '-'•""' mm I ?l ·---\ - --34 :' - ___ - L • I LIi L__- I R.l!::.i.:.U!v ' { ~I I ~ ~~:;~~~===J~~~===~\~~;~ : :=;'=====7 ~==k===~mmm9 f ' ;•is-;~-. _===~R9D I ' --=< • r~lz5: ------ ~ 1/.t ·.j~ ... /,j - 1 ~ , n-.- r; : ~~• I , [Lill :,I :: --- -- - - - - - - -- -----3 I' -------- -------- 32 , I - - - - - 2 7- ---- - I ~--- - . " . D ily Traffic (ADT} Counts , 1987, 1988,or1 A,e,age a 989 So"'" • MOOT, Genesee County Road Comm,ss,o . Geoesee Co"oiY Me>ropohta, I I I I I ____, - - - - THE _ . Planning Comm1ss1on WBOC GROUP 1 :\~~:~.' '~''. ···,:; :•,,;·, GOULD £NOINEl!'tllf0 INC. 20"0 £ . MAJtt.E AVENUE Fl.I NT, MICHfOAN P'HOHE TU -1 120 �,.I -~ r ■ --9.-tlrll'"11 • • -•--- -• · • ••• 11 ACCIDENT DATA I ~ r_. .Y~~;;;;r- ,,,, ' I I :.,;,',,- I ·-sr---i I • ----- j~~/s:j I - - ;o; M1~L OL;;. B.£1..Q =,,_ ,w ~-~ ~~,,.. . .u ~'.~,L--- I JI I ~I 1- I• • • 7~~=-, ~ •I ·-·GRAND jl~BLANC -~d~7f-1 _ ~ __d.. ; fl~f1l . !•1Ft e,p . i i /6 . ·, II ; ~ ~-~· -· -~ • I ------ -9----_, --J.ii-- . -- I• -+i \\. I .. ~I • i ■ I .V, u . -. I ■ : ' .J - - - - - - / 3 - - - - - - - i : ■ I I ~•-■-■~■-■-■ I' J I I : '13 I I -- I ----21 ---- .:I ! I I I"' ~ :· I •; I . . ~· I I m1 I I .,-, ,-~-~ -----\30------------- -2r t '~'"-"J \ TIRRmr.·~ i [!:'.jU : I : rI [? \ I I I I 1 I I v...._l ~ JANUAIIIY 1111 : ICALI : " r • too• City/Township of Grand Blanc >i I I s,,c,s' ~Pr~,. . _ .,., . 1 ~- , 1 ---+--_L__...,._ __ L~lf( L ~..... - . --- 25 ------- I I ------36 -----I I I I I I - -~ _1\ _ L io,..-c,,.,(.;-t- ____.._ _ I i I I 1 r'~'t·.,- .,s ~ ,~, - '?r!') ~ i '·'~->~~ 1~·- ►Jl----1---~4--- .. ., ,.,. ~~------3~ -------- -------- 32 --- .,,{,. -ot'!~'-:-~'--:'.:"- 1--~ t""'J,,·.~ \,,r g I riI:] ANNUAL AVERAGE ACCIDENTS, 1986 - 1988 • Two Year Average or Less .,===- fl ~ c,:J•l•fl(ll('" Source: Michigan State Police, Traffic Services Division ' i - -- I - THE -_-.-====----;! . WRDC GROUP ' '" ··. "' Qout.D lMQINHl'ltNCI MC. I040 L lilAPLI AVtNU& nJNT, ll)CMIQAN ,ttONll f4J - t1H �Ill • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • > c:, u0 0C: Cl.> ·~ -~ Cl.> E ~ E I.!) 0 ...--u . . 0,:, ~ 0 :5 :!: ~ cc 0 (/l cc 0 I- u w ...J ...J 0 u ...J ct u 0 ...J •• •• •• • z 0 H H ...J < u ct a:w I- cc ct H aw r:r; r:r; a: I < ~ u A < 0 ~ H r:r; H ~ ~ a:w 0 H li--4 ...J z ct ~ '-' z ...J .-~ -~~~-: . _,j~~~[Jj .,,......._. ••■•fl ct I- a: ct • • ■ ■ �l r·- r-r· r• ••••·• •• •·• •••• •• COMMUNITY FACILITIES ,i]fT sh.)? 1 l r.-:.jF,1 I s;~;. I J:1.t , I I r-~~-,-----,~: I I ~ ;, ··--· I• t• IJ 7 II I I I .,'1 ,,,, Pj ,. t,, ;;:::,_ .-f•t )•,'·· ,~·-i,,f~ f,' ·, :.1~r =·· I ~h \°L~'": ~_]j. i ,01 MILL •LtN R·I ~ ■- '~ t/ i I i : --- 13 ------ ! - I I i '?} - - - - -, --J - ~'1 I I a:: ~ ,"°' w - " . _,,,,., ..,,.,,....,7lt., !::\~ I I uI K I I I --,,r; I -- - -- -,- - -- - - -29 t • "'_-•'j~ \ : r-~- - I I Ai --------3 I I f? ' u L~,W"COIIWI C -~)fd'(J ~ ~ JANUA"Y 1'110 ..,__..L_ ___ : _,. I • " ' 1011 OCAa r - ••■- -1000' - -- 25 - ------ "t:.,11] h . ,f C ir.11 owns ip o Grand Blanc /-7,::=::::::::::::==~~~===::~~ [BJ rp7 I I I ,, ...... I I : ,-~ I · 4 --- -,- I _ . , , , __ _ \ \ I I · : ,. ,., ------ ---T--~ "y. I "-;.,r~:~\ -l:.---:'...\):I '~. II \;: ===::'==~;-;:::=~~ BAL~IN \ ~--i I l ,4 •1 ..--1 I II : . : r-----:r----I I 1 I . 1 , .~ I -,;.... .. ,\ h ~ -s:,,:~A ..... .. ''/.;<;:~ 1~~-!c=,': ........__ _ _ - r:~:~~~~~~~~~FcouRSES -+---' PUBLIC FACILITIES - SCHOOLS, CEMETERIES, u:.J CITY / TOWNSHIP BUILDINGS 1£187 Aerial Photography City of Grand Blanc Comprehensive Plan, 1981 Grand Blanc Township Comprehensive Plan , 1982 I I I __ I -- --- THC WBIJ( (,IHltll' QOUlD aNG9NIIIUNG INC. IHI L IIA"'--1: A'IINUI P'UtfT• ..Ct9CIAN PM0NI: Ul-9110 �, 1 - 1 · 1111 · 1 -ll ,-~1911 ■ l1 I .DEVELOPMENT SUITABILITY _J ::===;:==:_,-:=;-----=>::::::;:;;_fTTI ~ • ' ( ~~, !;, I s•--;·t.1 i!S~,c;: , :til :: .l:-. :.{:·,, I i!i: ,-~""'--''"'-' l~J I :;i I ' r-n ' r~~,;~~ r,;.,( I r------·-_-__,_1 t:., , •·.-,.••) I -~ :q: '. \ 6,,,,-,...,.,,.,.,.,. ·,J,,;~ 'iY'"i;· -.,- -,J..,~........ LJ.,~1'"'-=-"--' \ :: :: ::1 -..., . "'''-=" I . : ' - ~ - \-,-4~¾.e®i I I 0:: \; !._' ~ ;;-,/ <il___.li~~I ',' i ,'.,___,, 1,- ~I :~---i) ,.,,uwooo':, " _. 1- z m~ ,\ ~<".Whiaville . • . - ,•. ···-' & 1 I ~ •.;.,,~r_.,:, ::· {/ 1 · r.::~:::~ '" ' ·-;;.':'>'-1 I ~ . -= ••,., :;v. " " _ __ ___ _\~~-:~:.~;.,,}•'F; ~ ~ \ '""'"'"'~ , ,, . _: _ 1 I ... 1~:; 1 , , '--1- 1 '"""16' I - \~~;-A_ ),) l □tll~~ JJ . . ...,• : li_,r-~ ,"'--:rr~,~ ~ :~•::: """""'-lli.1"'-"L---1 ';:::;:::=~ N ~H1r3v······ ......., . -• " ''"""'" I II ~r:7 - ;:;::~~;:::.!.'!.-~--'-'-~!!=;;;~==-=r-===ii'~-~ I . U r I I - . , • 1, ·-E3f-- , ~~·--- ~ ___, ___ "__ ___ • , ::j_. . ~-- ~:::1 . I ~'.:'!.'-:~J "·' · I, t I _ __ I ~~ •' i -,, - +-- i l ~l ,\j I , ■ ' • 'dA I I 8W --■-■-■ y . ._, ,. :, GRAND I , /, / " I r I . '.\l g- - I 0 ' -- 13 ------' i - -~- " I j-·1. \;}) I I I I ~~ "'V..-' I r ;-1-4\<i; I - .. -21 -- -~i_; ~t ). I ?1 :, I ,;;. "c'; I I I .~,,~ I I .. ,. ~s r 1 ' ______ ,____ -- .29 ' 1------- I ~ ,;_ / .--~·~ ---2 5 ---27- - ---- --,- --~ <t, >1 ---- - I I t= =,,.,-= ="'- -'- '' '' I I _I_ _ _ I I . TW I I C) I I ti:j : tn:_ ______3~ -- ---- -- -------rI 1 :k_ ,...:--~< c1.. • ,. ~ II I I I_ I i I I I I LA7£ .,"- C!'- ?J JANUARY 1110 sf44 - ----'-- --- L Legend ~ ~ 0 ,iii TIU WRl>l (,IU ll 'I' IIOO 1000 GOULD Utalftf.lEIU..Q INC. SCAU: f" • 1000' City/Township of Grand Blanc U40 l . MAllt.t: A'IUfUt: rUNT, lltCl-9QAN l"ffOMI us - •111 �~ ·- -- -• -• -• -• ••••• ■ • • 111 CITY OF BURTON (PLAN) LOCAL COMMERCIAL LDR MDR COMMUNITY SHOPPING 7 -. . : j'u AVE - ~ _'._r " k ... ~ffi:J~· i~ I "RES. SUB. AG" N .~~l.1 ... ·•• ' ~ REGIONAL RETAIL C- 3 I - . "RES . AG " L / ---- ra t fikG~J J~ml -=YL: fi:'lt1'--~-' •~ !.....=- •. ~ -:i C-3 []\!: ~ - : -· .... "RES. SUB. AG" - - -I ,.. LI IR -z z - c3 C, . . D ~ R1 ;;C.) .J '"., t •I C, I. 0 - 7 I.J - - - - · N Q: I a.. 5: Cl) z LDR C-3 Cl) z ::-::.-~; 1i. ;: :,; 0 l!itcAND! !SH I >0 z:::) ; '\ ·t--¥,'--J..,,., - -- , - - . . -- -,j . I) )~.j] - -\....J':L;'__ RO... · 7 J<:.~ ' ~- .. .. 24 ,] \ a: a: ' 'I 0 ;: I~ •"f' ?~' p I- ,: LOR ....J _ \:\~ ~ tl w' of ~ : :;;., :!'C :. , , i<t • - - - - - ,•- - - - - - , ll: 11 - 21- -2f II I RES . URBAN " ltjj""'· ·=_j E_ -3~ I '. ,.~ , -- - --4- - --- - -- 32 -- - >-i I . LDR ; ~ - - "RES . AG" RQ_ , _ - ~ - -[-I LD R · ,-.......:.v- , -- - 36 - - .11~ ... '': 11• I '•, MDR - "l - ~ LDR -2 5 LOR ;, ......,_ ... ~-11----\ ·- · .34 ~ p~ LOR ; 1~1 I - r-: l ~~ ' \ .· )..d,:-1 I / 6AL DWI N_I: RE 1 • '! I ,, I " Q7 ·. "RES . SUB . AG" ~ -'~ 1---ct'-~ - - - - - .............L.- -1■--t11----- ~ LDR HOLLY TOWNSHIP (PLAN) Legend RE LOR p """'" "" RURAL ESTATE (5-10 ACRE LOTS, CLUSTER OPEN SPACE RESIDENTIAL AT SIMILAR DENSITY AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS) LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (1-4 UNITS/ACRE) PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC MOR HOR NC City/Township of Grand Blanc C MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (4.1-8 UNITS/ACRE)' HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL [ (8.1-9 UNITS/ACRE) NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL I C O I LIGHT INDUSTRIAL I COMMERCIAL I OFFICE ~ THE WBDC GROUP ARC~,~~~~ EN?~~~~~~ GOULD ENGINEERING INC. 2040 E. MAPLE AVENUE FLINT, MICHIGAN PHONE 743 - 9~0 �• • Hill • • • • • • • •■ Road Corridor Plan 1 9 9 0 ■ . · : • Grand Blanc Charter Township �SUMMARY of HILL ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN The Grand Blanc Charter Township has copies of the the full Hill Road Corridor Plan available for review or for purchase at the Township offices. �■ ■ ■ ■ • • • • • • • • • • • • • INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY What is a Corridor Study? 'What type of development should be promoted along Hill Road in Grand Blanc Charter Township?" and "How can we avoid the congestion, high number of accidents, and ugly appearance which plagues other major roadways in Michigan?" Such questions about the future of Hill Road led to this comprehensive study of the six miles of Hill Road in the Charter Township of Grand Blanc, from Fenton Road to Vassar Road. Most major urban corridors in Michigan are characterized by congestion, an expanse of pavement, a proliferation of confusing signs, clutter and familiar franchise restaurants and businesses. The combination of these items over time creates indistinguishable corridors; they look about the same regardless of the community. The typical mid western corridor begins with scattered commercial development. This development generates traffic which attracts more development, until eventually congestion becomes so severe that the business climate deteriorates. Gradually viable businesses move on to new corridors. This trend is difficult to counteract since it usually occurs over a long period of time Hill Road Corridor Development Plan and thus is not readily apparent to community and business leaders. Unfortunately, it usually takes the closing or relocation of a major business or the need for a multi-million dollar roadway improvement before the problems are realized. By then, it is often too late. Hill Road is already experiencing the benefits and problems generated by growth. Further development along the corridor needs to be carefully managed and coordinated. Hill Road has been undergoing the early stages of corridor development. Residents have noticed that, along with the benefits of growth, this important corridor is slowly beginning to duplicate the character of some unattractive and poorly functioning corridors in the Flint and other metropolitan areas . Numerous signals demonstrate the corridor needs an overall plan to meet community ~o~ls.. Individually, the signals may seem ms1gnificant. However the cumulative affects of the various elements needs to be evaluated while a vision for the corridor is still possible. Grand Blanc Charter Township l �II ■ ■ ■ ■ • • • • • • Introduction and Summary Existing Conditions and Considerations for the Future: Land Use Considerations: Traffic Considerations: Determining the most appropriate future land use pattern along Hill Road is a signficant challenge for the Township. A diversity of land uses along Hill Road is already apparent, including developments such as the Grand Pointe project near the I475 interchange, several shopping centers, numerous offices, a mixture of small businesses, several multiple-family complexes and numerous single family homes. Traffic volumes along the corridor reflect the development pattern, ranging from over 25,000 vehicles a day near the I-475 interchange to less than 10,000 vehicles a day along less intensely developed sections east of Saginaw Road. But with over 1500 new homes and several commercial developments eventually planned for the area east of Center Road, traffic volumes will dramatically increase throughout the corridor. The fi,ture land use plan eool'Ded through consideration of 'Darious factors and goals, which were sometimes conflicting: Narrow residential lot frontages also create potential for an undesirable proliferation of driveways. These poorly spaced driveways conflict with Hill Road's primary function to move through traffic. • • • • • • • • • • • existing land use patterns, current zoning designation, need to minimi:ze land use conflicts, desire to preseroe the natural en'Dironment, desire to preseroe the T'U1'al character, infrastructure capabilities/capacity, traffic generation of typical uses, the real estate market, desires of property owners, need to protect property owner rights, goals and objecti'Des of the Comprehensi'De Plan. Conflicts are already apparent between some of these uses. Several of the commercial uses along Hill Road are in converted single family homes. Some of these small lot developments provide ineffective buffers between commercial establishments and the stable residential neighborhoods to the north and south. Hill Road Corridor Development Plan One of the strategies of the Plan is to reject the · common fallacy that traffic patterns should dictate land use. In contrast, the Plan proposes a realistic land use pattern that is compatible with the township's character, needs and goals. The Plan recognizes the attractiveness of this high traffic corridor to commercial uses. In particular, the Plan acknowledges the trend toward intense development proposed along Hill Road in Mundy Township to the west, which may affect the long term viability of single family homes fronting Hill Road west of I-475. However, the Plan also realizes that, while a continuous commercial corridor may be desired by individual property owners, the long range effects would be detrimental. A continuous strip of commercial uses would produce more traffic than the roadway could handle, even with improvements, and would be incompatible with the many residential uses along the corridor. Grand Blanc Charter Township 3 �■ •■ • • • • • • • • Introduction ,ind Summary Balancing the Rights of Property Owners and the Community: Land Use: The Plan attempts to balance the property owners' right to a reasonable rate of return on their investment, as noted in recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, with the township's right to require quality development consistent with community goals . The Plan may not always result in the highest profit for each property owner, but is considered to be reasonable. The overall result of the Plan should protect investments of property owners community-wide. Corridor Plan Recommendations: This study recommends: future land uses along Hill Road; roadway, landscaping and drainage improvements; and site design standards to promote quality development. The overall intent of the Plan's recommendations is to promote development along the corridor which complements other corridor uses and the community's image. Relationship to Comprehensive Plan: the Township An amendment to the Township Planning Act (Public Act 168 of 1959, as amended) in 1987 allows townships to prepare "subarea" plans for areas with unique physical characteristics. The amendment also states that once the standards of a subarea plan are adopted by the Township Planning Commission, site plans for developments within the designated subarea "shall comply with the Plan adopted." The Hill Road study is an element of the larger Comprehensive Plan prepared jointly by the City of Grand Blanc and the Charter Township of Grand Blanc, which will guide development decisions for both communities into the next decade. Hill Road Corridor Development Plan The land use recommendations of this study focus on interspersing commercial and residential uses to preserve the corridor's character and provide efficient traffic operations into the future. The proposed diversity of land uses, in conjunction with other measures, will help avoid premature and expensive public improvements. • Long term redevelopment of residential uses west of the 1-475 interchange with unified office uses. • The proposed Grand Pointe development should meet the need for intense commercial uses along the corridor. • The section from Porter Road to Dort Highway is appropriate for small to midsize neighborhood commercial and office uses, but should not serve as a continuation of the community-wide type uses envisioned just east of 1-475. • The area surrounding Hill Road's intersections with Dort Highway and Saginaw Street should be redeveloped as a commercial node to support the growing number of township residents and motorists in the area. • The farmstead, wetlands, Thread Creek, and Maplelawn Cemetery should be preserved as a transitional entry into the residential east end of the corridor. This area could be preserved by the Township and property owners through enrollment in the state farmland and open space preservation program, or a farmland or open space trust fund. • The area east of Center Road should maintain its residential character, with a limited amount of neighborhood- oriented commercial development. Grand Blanc Charter Township 5 �---- •■ ■ ■ • • • • • • • • • • • Introduction and Summary • • The Township should take a more assertive role in managing property access, and improving coordination with the Genesee County Road Commission in reviewing driveway permit requests. The Township and the Genesee County Road Commission should begin working toward construction of a boulevard in near the I-475 interchange. This will include a determination on the cross section (width) and right-of-way needed. • Right turn deceleration tapers should be required by the Genesee County Road Commission for major traffic generators (such as over 40 right turns expected during the peak hour) prior to granting driveway permits. • Driveways should be adequately spaced from other driveways and intersections to preserve traffic operations. Such requirements can be provided in the zoning ordinance to assist the Road Commission in controlling access. • Frontage drives, rear service drives, shared driveways, and connected parking lots should be used to minimize the number of driveways, while preserving the property owners right to reasonable access. Walk/Bikeways: Observations, worn paths, and the desires expressed by residents demonstrate the need for improving pedestrian facilities along Hill Road. The Plan recommends long term development of a sidewalk and bikepath system along the corridor. The plan proposes sidewalks west of Saginaw and a wider bikepath running along or near Hill Road east of Saginaw, to link the large residential developments with schools, parks, shopping areas and other neighborhoods. Hill Road Corridor Development Plan Drainage: The Plan offers general recommendations for drainage improvements for each major segment of the corridor. These include a combination of improving existing drains and constructing on-site stormwater retention facilities. Site plans should be designed to minimize the amount of impervious surface contributing to stormwater runoff. One suggestion is to provide maximum as well as minimum parking space requirements and/or a maximum percent of the site which can be covered with building and pavement. The Plan includes general, corridor-wide guidelines for visual elements, such as landscaping and signs. Segment improvements are noted for drainage improvements, roadway width, sidewalks and bikepaths. Specific site development standards are provided to help ensure quality and complementary development. Landscaping: Landscaping provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. The aesthetic benefits have been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court as a legitimate public interest. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, landscaping provides environmental benefits, organizes traffic flow, decreases the rate of stormwater runoff and buffers incompatible land uses . The Plan suggests several landscape standards for future developments. • Provide trees, berms and other landscaping along the Hill Road frontage, such as one canopy tree and several understory plantings per each 40 feet of linear frontage . Grand Blanc Charter Township 7 �■ ■ ■ •■ lntroducHon and Summary boulevard. Similar, but smaller, signs or entry treatments could be used at the I-475 interchange and at Vassar Road. Implementation: Many Plan recommendations could be implemented by amending the zoning ordinance, review procedures and administrative practices; others will require a public-private partnership. The Plan provides a checklist (the open boxes) to help monitor implementation. Zoning Ordinance Amendments: ■ ■ ■ The Plan suggests several changes to the current Township zoning districts. Some of the recommended site design standards should be incorporated into appropriate sections of the zoning ordinance. Others are intentionally flexible to be used as guidelines to assist developers and designers when preparing development proposals, and to assist reviews by Township officials. I Q ■ ■ I I I I •I • Overlay District: The Plan recommends creation of a "Hill Road Overlay Zoning District." This district could provide separate provisions for permitted and special land uses, landscaping, building and parking lot setbacks, signs, and other regulations. Q Q Special Land Uses: Provide for "Special Land Uses" within the commercial and office zoning districts. These special land uses, as provided for in the 1979 amendments to the Rural Township Zoning Act, are those which may be acceptable in some sections of a zoning district following review and approval based on discretionary and nondiscretionary standards. Districts: The Plan recommends that the current zoning districts be restructured as follows: Hill Road Corridor Development Plan Residential - given the emergence of site condominiums, the zoning ordinance should list both maximum densities and minimum lot size for the various residential districts. Environmental characteristics and existing development character should be considered in determining maximum density. The Comprehensive Plan suggests density classifications. The two office districts could be combined into one Office-Service district. This district would permit low intensity office-service uses which are primarily or exclusively daytime operations, and thus have less impact on adjacent residences. High traffic generators would be listed as Special Land Uses. The four commercial districts could be combined into two districts-Neighborhood Commercial and Community Commercial, making ample use of Special Land Use provisions. Neighborhood commercial uses would be those serving the surrounding area (typically a one-mile radius) or those that predominantly serve traffic already on the street. Community Commercial would permit most higher intensity commercial uses, similar to the current B-3 General Business and Freeway Service Districts, but those potentially incompatible with residential uses or generating very high peak hour traffic volumes would be listed as Special Land Uses. Q Landscaping: Provide mm1mum standards for landscaping along the street, within parking lots and as a buffer from less intense uses. Minimum sizes at planting should be specified. Incentives should be provided for preserving existing large, healthy and durable species native to Michigan. Grand Blanc Charter Township 9 �•■ •■ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Introduction and Summary Other Roles: The public, business leaders and developers also have a role to promote quality. Many of the recommendations are minimums or guidelines. The private sector needs to work cooperatively with the governmental leaders and staff to promote managed high quality growth . While many of the Plan recommendations are intended to be gradually implemented as new uses are constructed, there are several corridor-wide improvements which will require public funding. The major public sector projects such as improvements to Hill Road, street trees and a sidewalk/bikepath system, will require support from the community and business interests. Hill Road Corridor Development Plan Grand Blanc Charter Township 11 �• • • • • • • "' Boland Drive to Porter Road : Fe nto n Road to 1-475: Widen Hill Road and R.O.W. to accommodate a 20-30 ft. wide grassed median if/ I . when both sides redevelop with unified office develapmen t. Res lrict to two access po ints by using a Frontage Road / con nected parking lots. Construct new stcrmwater 0 _,_,_,o_n_t_•g_e_p,_o_p_•_rt_ie_•~, _ _t_in_•_•_, West to Sherwood drain . Center Road to Belsay Road : Add s idewalk. Add street trees. 1-475 to Boland Drive: Widen Hill Road and R.O .W. to accommodate a 20--30 tt. wid e grassed median. Prohibit left turns from Grand Pointe Drive but add a one-sided signal at med ian crossover . 1 ◄t---A-d_d_•_t_,e_•_t _i,_ee_•_·_ _ _ _ _ ◄t-•-t_e_o_l•_n_d_•_n..,d Comp lete sidewalk. Antoinette . ► cou~mn 1-11tLCR£ST ~ ESTATES 0 Widen Hill Road to three lanes with curbs to accommodate traffic volumes and lett turns , while preserving residential character. Future office expansion at Center Road shou ld share existing Hill Ad . driveway. Install/require right-turn deceleration tapers at all high traffic driveways and minor cross streets. Develop an 8-fo ot wide bike path along Hill Road or through the parallel Consume rs Power right-of-way 1/4 mile to the south - long-term connection to Perry Road. Add street trees as area develops. Upsize / construct drains or stormwater sewers flowing to Myers Drain, which is scheduled for Improvement. Redes ign intersection to correct offset at Old f ra nklin. Porter Road to Dort Highway: Stormwater retention will be needed as vacant pareels develop. Redesign intersection to correc t offset .., t: Thread Creek to Center Road: North Side : I Frontage Road from Porter Place to Lincoln with very limited access. Close two of fiv e exis ti ng Porter Place/ban k/ 7-11 driveways . Add street trees . Add sidewalks . Improve Count y drain to the North to serve new developmen t. I I Maintain urban/rural transitional character. Encourage preservation cl Centenn ial farm. Main tain two-lane roadway with restricted access. Consider bike path 1/4 mile ◄►--•-o_u1_h_o_1_H_i1_1_Ad_._ Belsay Road to Vassar Road : _ _ _ _ _ , _____A_e_a1_;9_n_G _e _n_e_s_s_•_A_o_ad_an_d_ex_1_en_d_1o_c_o_n_n_ec_1_w_it_h_P_e_r_ry_A_o_a_d_._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.._ LOR ci a: LOR 1. . . - - - D- r_a_rn_i_m_p_ro_v_e_m_e_n_t_n•_•_d_e_d_ , s_c_h_ed_u1_e_d_1o_r_1_9_9_1.________ , I LOR ci a: LOR Improve condition of existing two-lane road. Add center turn lane at all four legs of Belsay Road intersection. Add street trees as vacant areas develop with residential uses. UJ w ~ 0 :i: I MOR LOR 0[ r- LOR 8 ~ 8 ci a: a: < (/) (/) • L OR z 0 0 ~ ci a: >z . STOCk&RJOC( COMMONS < > ORCHARD LOR Exland S1raa1 : UJ u.. : HAVEN LOR ',IV I/' LOR changed zoning to commercial CORRIDOR PLAN/ LOR GIBSON RD . ci a: a: w >a: 0 C. REID RD. --1--1 Porter Road to Dort Highway: South Side: As area redevelops , require joint access and connected parking lots. Prohibit driveways (left turns) within 200 tt. of the Dort Highway intersect ion. Add street trees. Add sidewa lks. Establish new county drain in the South to serve this area ; otherwise on-site retention needed. * Co~nt agr&ement CORRIDOR-WIDE IMPROVEMENTS: Dort Highway to East of Saginaw: Minimize driveways. Add street trees. Complete sidewalk. Consider lower level lighting for "Whigville". Develop new drainage system running east to Thread Creek. TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS: • Incorporate access management standards for driveway spacing end location; minimize number of driveways; promote shared access. • Incorporate landscape standards for street edge, within parking lots , and to butter incompatible user, • Prohibit use or portable signs; promote ground signs. • Amend zoning ordinance to treat high tratflc generators es "Speclal Land Uses ... • EXISTING TRAFFIC SIGNAL 0 POTENTIAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ( 1-4 UN;TSIACAE) MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (4.1-8 UNITS/ACRE) HIGH OENSllY RESIDENTIAL (8-20 UNITS/ACRE) 111111111111 PROPOSED BOULEVARD • - - - PROPOSED FRONTAGE ROADS I REAR SERVICE DRIVES ~ - Hill Road Corridor Study· Grand Blanc Charter Township NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL I SERVICE 0 COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL OFFICE ~ ~.., 500 PUBLIC I SEMI-PUBLIC RURAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL 1000 Road wldlhs no1 10 SC3le � 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 Grand-Blanc_Master-Plan_1991 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The WBDC Group Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991-11 Title A name given to the resource Grand Blanc Community Master Plan and the Hill Road Corridors Study Description An account of the resource The Grand Blanc Community Master Plan and the Hill Road Corridors Study was prepared for the Grand Blanc region by The WBDC Group in November 1991. Subject The topic of the resource Master plan reports Grand Blanc (Mich.) Grand Blanc Township (Mich.) Genesee 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/2e168d6e5f7bac3055d841d0c9146723.m4v b33e478169e18f5dd5d2fe9730efed8d https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/172e7d97d5da59b0d9b0efd72742849f.pdf 56a831a2950da8e0fe7b6460ef2936a1 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans’ History Project Richard Thelen World War II 1 hour 29 minutes 46 seconds (00:00:18) Early Life -Born in Lansing, Michigan in March 1927 -His father had a job delivering ice and coal until 1940 -In 1940 got a job at General Motors and worked there until he retired -Throughout the Great Depression he always had work -His mother was a cashier at a family friend’s grocery store -He was the oldest of his siblings -He had a younger brother and a younger sister (00:02:03) Awareness of the War and Start of the War -He and his family would go to the Fowler, Michigan area to visit grandparents -Didn’t have access to radio when they would visit -When he got home on December 7, 1941 he went down to the corner grocery store -Heard the news that Pearl Harbor had been bombed -Went back to his house and told his father about Pearl Harbor -Remembers that on December 8 war was declared -Prior to Pearl Harbor he had paid some attention to the war in Europe -He was too young to comprehend the gravity of the situation, or to be nervous about it -Even after Pearl Harbor he didn’t think that he would have to fight in the war -The older he got, the more he realized there was a chance he would have to fight (00:03:55) Enlisting in the Navy -When he was seventeen and in the eleventh grade of high school (1944) he enlisted in the Navy -Had to get his parents’ permission -They both approved of his decision -He wanted to go on the water even though he had never gone sailing before -Knew the risk involved in joining the military -A son from a family in their neighborhood had been killed in a bombing run in Europe (00:06:02) Basic Training -Reported to Great Lakes Naval Station, Illinois in January 1945 -Went to Detroit and from Detroit went to Great Lakes Naval Station by train -There was a large group of recruits -He had joined up with two friends -At Great Lakes they were given their uniforms, haircuts, and vaccinations -Went on marches and took swimming courses -He thought that the training would be harder than it actually was -He was in good shape at the time -For the men that were out of shape it was more difficult for them -There was a heavy emphasis on discipline and following orders -If your uniform or bunk was unacceptable you would be punished for it -It wasn’t too hard for him to adjust to military living �-He missed his home and his friends -Even though he adjusted easily it was still a culture shock for him -Not all of the recruits were teenagers; some of the men were older and had been to college -At the end of basic training took tests to see what your specialization in the Navy would be -He was assigned to “General Sea Duty” -He spent January 1945 to mid-April 1945 at Great Lakes -He was not given any leave during his time in basic training (00:11:42) Assignment to USS Indianapolis -After basic training he was given a week of leave -After his leave he reported to the Federal building in Detroit -From there returned to Great Lakes -From Great Lakes he was sent to Schumacher, California by train -It was a long train ride -Had to sleep in their seats -They were fed on the train because it had a dinner car -They were essentially stuck on the train for the whole trip -The upside was getting to see the American landscape like the Rocky Mountains -Schumacher was being used as an outgoing post for the Navy -His assignment, with one of his friends, was on board the USS Indianapolis -The ship was in dry dock getting repairs and it needed replacements -Earlier in the year it had suffered a devastating kamikaze attack -He spent a week at Schumacher working in the mess hall -Prior to going to California he had never even heard of the Indianapolis -The ship was being repaired by civilian welders, and as per protocol a welder needed a sailor -He was assigned to one welder and just watched over the man with a fire extinguisher -Stayed with that same worker for about a month -Got along well with him -He was given some downtime in California -Visited San Francisco and explored the city and went to bars (00:18:22) Boarding the USS Indianapolis -Boarded the Indianapolis sometime in early/mid-July 1945 (most likely July 12) -Assigned a bunk and a locker -Not much space -Went on the “shakedown cruise” (seeing if there was anything else that needed repair) -Went out into the Pacific Ocean and then came back to San Francisco -Some men got seasick on the cruise -He didn’t get seasick -They were only out for one night and then they came back (00:20:43) Voyage to Tinian -They were in port for about two days and left San Francisco on July 16, 1945 -The components for the atomic bomb intended for Hiroshima were loaded -They were stored in a nondescript crate -Sailed fast and straight across the Pacific Ocean stopping only in Pearl Harbor on July 19 -On board the Indianapolis he helped stand watch over the seaplane hangar -Place where the atomic bomb components were being kept -He also stood watch with Marines �-Everyone knew there was something important and strange in the crate -The atomic bomb trigger mechanism was kept in the officers’ quarters -They sailed independently without a convoy -The weather on the voyage to Tinian was good, ordinary Pacific weather -Stood watch for four hours and then got eight hours off -Only got about four to five hours of sleep -During downtime had to eat, shower, and shave -They set a speed record going from San Francisco to Guam -Delivered the components to Tinian on July 26, 1945 -The unloading process was largely nonchalant -From Tinian went to Guam -Stayed aboard the ship -Didn’t stay at Guam very long -Just stopping to refuel and resupply -Left Guam on July 28 and sailed towards Leyte in the Philippines -Going to join the 7th Fleet to aid in the invasion of Okinawa, and later, Japan -They were still travelling alone, but not with the same haste as when they went to Tinian (00:29:07) Submarine Attack and Sinking of the USS Indianapolis -The conditions were perfect for the sinking -The Japanese sub (I-58) had come up to recharge its batteries -Indianapolis was in the area just as the I-58 surfaced -It was a full moon and the sea was calm -He was asleep when the first torpedo struck the ship -In the first strike the front portion of the bow had been destroyed -A minute or two later the second torpedo struck the ship -He remembers being called to general quarters and seeing the deck of the ship in flames -Men began to put on life preservers and prepare to abandon ship -He essentially rode the ship as it sank, when it finally went down it did so without suction -When he got into the water he didn’t know how many men were with him until daylight -He was in a group of fifty to seventy five other survivors -Fighting the waves and the wind (00:36:35) Stranded in the Ocean -The first day in the water they all worked together to keep each other alive -Remembers one man drowning due to exhaustion -He remembers feeling incredibly hungry -Eventually passed a threshold and no longer noticed his hunger, or thirst -Second day started to give up the will to live -While in the water realized that if you stayed in a group the sharks stayed away -If a man ever drifted from the group the sharks would get him -He remembers a shark coming close enough to poke his life jacket, then swam away -Realized and accepted that they probably weren’t going to be rescued and would die -Kept himself alive by thinking of what his father told him when he left for training -“I want you to come back” -That gave him the will to live, because he didn’t want to let his father down (00:41:17) Rescue -On August 2 a PV-1 Ventura flew over their position, they had been in the water for three days �-The pilot happened to spot the oil slick of the Indianapolis -Flew lower and then saw the survivors -He made sure to let the survivors know that he had seen them -Later on August 2 a seaplane was sent out to begin gathering survivors -The Navy had not been aware that the Indianapolis had been lost at sea -The USS Doyle was sent out early August 3 to begin the larger scale rescue operation -Prior to the arrival of the Doyle and the other ships later survival gear had been dropped off -Out of a group of three men he was the only one to make it to a survival raft -One man had been grabbed by a shark, and the other died of heart failure -He stayed in the raft for another eight hours waiting to be picked up by a ship -Later on August 3 six more ships arrived to rescue the survivors and search for men in the water -He was picked up by one of the destroyers -Given 100% alcohol to get his heart rate back up -Given food -Given a shower to wash the saltwater, diesel, and oil off of his skin -When he got to his bunk he ran into his friend from the Indianapolis who had also survived (00:50:14) Recovery and Aftermath Pt. 1 -He doesn’t remember going to the hospital on the island of Peleliu -Once stabilized he and other survivors were taken to a hospital ship in the bay -Stayed on the hospital ship for two or three days -From there they were taken to a submarine rest camp at Guam to wait for transport home -The survivors were kept together on Guam -Officers and enlisted men were still kept apart -Out of the twelve black sailors on board none of them survived the sinking -Their quarters were near where the first torpedo was hit -Believes that eleven died in the torpedo strike, and the other died in the water -Out of 1,197 crewmen 900 got off the ship alive, and 600 of those 900 died in the water -The captain of the ship, Charles B. McVay III, survived the sinking -Later, wrought with guilt, he committed suicide in 1968 -He stayed on Guam for about a month -Taken back to the U.S. on an aircraft carrier, the USS Hollandia -Got to sleep on the flight deck, which was a good thing -Given good food -His family knew that he had been wounded in action -Shortly afterwards heard about the sinking of the Indianapolis in the newspaper -He got back to the United States sometime in October 1945 (00:57:53) Coming Home & Post-War Service -He was given thirty days of “survivor’s leave” and was allowed to go home -After his leave was up he reported to the Federal building in Detroit -Served at Naval Air Station Grosse Ile, Michigan for one year -Worked in transportation and maintenance -Running bulldozers and keeping the runway clear of snow and debris -Went to Bunker Hill Naval Air Station, Indiana and learned to drive trucks -Led to him getting a career driving civilian trucks for forty four years after the Navy (00:59:40) The Invasion of Japan -They were told after Tinian that they would be preparing for the invasion of Japan �-No one seemed to be phased by that information (01:00:37) Emotional Impact of Sinking -He will not watch movies like “Jaws” or “Titanic” after experiencing the sinking -Saw one ship sink and that’s enough for him -Saw all the sharks that he’s ever wanted to -He didn’t know until much later that “Jaws” referenced the sinking of the USS Indianapolis -He didn’t talk about his experiences until long after the war -He was married in 1951 and didn’t tell his wife until seven years later about his experience -Bought a book in 1958 called Abandon Ship! about the sinking which gave it away -His experiences had, unbeknownst to him, caused PTSD which caused damage to his family -Eventually realized it and dealt with it (01:04:09) Opinion of Captain McVay -Never really met Captain McVay -Only ran into him once on the ship, and it was a brief encounter -All the men that he has run into who knew the man sang his praises (01:05:47) Details on Being Stranded -Feels that the mixture of diesel fuel and oil on their skin protected them from the sun -Saltwater couldn’t penetrate the oil and it also acted as a sort of sunscreen -Without the fuel and oil he feels that more men would have died -When he was in the water he thought that his group was the only group of survivors -The spread of survivors was two miles wide and sixteen miles long -He was surprised to see more survivors after being rescued (01:07:52) Miscellaneous Details -He didn’t know that they were carrying the atomic bomb components until after the war -Informed that they had been carrying the material on August 15, 1945 -After Hiroshima and Nagasaki had been bombed and Japan surrendered -The information was shocking to him -He was shocked to learn that Captain McVay was being court-martialed after the war -He and the sinking broke two records and have kept them since -Broke the record for the most men killed in a shipwreck during wartime -Broke the record for the most amount of time spent in the water -Anymore time and they would have died (01:09:40) Recovery and Aftermath Pt. 2 -Learned later on that he and the other survivors had been in much worse shape than they knew -Later met a doctor who had been a corpsman on Peleliu who had helped -Told him that he and the others were incredibly close to dying -When the USS Doyle returned to the site of the wreck they found men floating in the water -Checked them and found that they were dead -Their legs had been bitten off by sharks and they died in the water (01:13:54) Court Martial of Captain McVay -Captain McVay’s trial began on December 3, 1945 -He was found guilty of putting his ship in harm’s way by failing to zigzag -Later exonerated of his “crime” -Considered to have been the scapegoat for the Navy -The survivors felt that it was terrible that Captain McVay was being tried -Other Navy men, when the situation was explained, also shared those feelings �-The Japanese commander of the submarine was brought in for the trial -Felt that the trial was unfair because not even zigzagging would have saved the ship (01:16:21) Movie Deals -He has been solicited by directors and producers to give his input for a movie about the sinking -Any time a film is in the works the Navy shoots it down -The Navy considers it to be a black mark, and they don’t want it to be too public -He doesn’t believe a movie will be made until everyone involved in it has died (01:19:05) Veteran Group Involvement and Memorial Involvement -It is an education for him to meet with people at the survivor reunions -Gets to hear different stories, both from the survivors and the rescuers -He was one of the 120 men who contributed their story to the book Only 317 Survived -Offers the varying perspectives of the sinking and of being stranded -The only attention he enjoys receiving is from students writing him to ask about the sinking -Glad to be part of an educational experience -He doesn’t like to be seen as a hero because he doesn’t feel that he is a hero -He shares his story because he feels that it is his duty to inform people of what war is really like -He was part of the push to get the city of Indianapolis to commemorate the ship -There is now a monument to the USS Indianapolis -There is also a museum about the USS Indianapolis -It took until 1995 for the monument to be built, and 2007 for the museum (01:27:10) Reflections -He has learned that the psychological wounds heal and that you can talk about your experiences -He wants to keep the history of the ship and of its sinking alive -To honor the memory of the men who died, and for Captain McVay � 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_ThelenR1674V Title A name given to the resource Thelen, Richard (Interview outline and video), 2014 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014-09-20 Description An account of the resource Richard Thelen was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1927. He grew up in Lansing and enlisted in the Navy in 1944. In January 1945 he reported for basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Illinois and trained there for four months until he completed his training in April 1945. After basic training he want to California and was assigned to the USS Indianapolis which was in dry dock at the time receiving repairs due to a kamikaze attack. With the cargo of the atomic bomb components the USS Indianapolis left San Francisco on July 16, 1945 bound for the island of Tinian. After delivering the bomb components they were ordered to the Philippines to join the 7th Fleet. At roughly midnight on July 30 the Japanese submarine I-58 spotted the Indianapolis and torpedoed her. The ship sank quickly, and Thelen and other survivors were in the water for three days before they were spotted and rescued, during which time many men died. After extended time in hospitals, Thelen was assigned to duties on bases in the US until his discharge. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thelen, Richard Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Hammond, Steven (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American United States. Navy Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Moving Image 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/289defc5aa6619bc1298307bd1fdee57.pdf 64a59a5010e46a0db83f12c13cdca4ce 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 Enarrationes in epistolas S. Pauli [folium 3] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_003Theophylactus1477 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theophylactus, of Ochrida, Archbishop of Orchida 1050-ca. 1108 Description An account of the resource One leaf of Enarrationes in epistolas S. Pauli by Theophylactus and translated by Christophorus de Persona. Printed in Rome by Ulrich Han (Udalricus Gallus) on January 25, 1477. Illustrated with red rubricated initials. [GW M45925; ISTC it00156000] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rome: Ulrich Han (Udalricus Gallus) Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 Theophylactus, of Ochrida, Archbisiop of Ochrida, 1050-ca. 1108 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 1477 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 Persona, Christophorus de (translator) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2269fe6320f2853e54ffe7e1e2f46eb6.mp4 7492ac7fd662ad7fcd5d0669bbba06d3 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/0e8d1fbdab70798899a14dc9e82a2cf2.pdf 9be97eb7a17a9a1ed7700f6e549ffc8b PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview John Thiel Vietnam War Total Time: 26:30 Pre-War (00:00) • • • Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1950. Was part of a family of 6 children. Joined the Navy right upon leaving High School in 1969. Training (05:35) • • He took Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago, Illinois. Attended Hospital Corpmans School at Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Active Duty (05:55) • • • • • • • • • Went to Charleston, South Carolina, and worked in the Hospital for 6 months, and after that went to Parris Island where he learned how to work in a lab. Was the sent to field medical school, and then went to Lab School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. (07:09) He then went to Albany, Georgia, to a Marine Corps Supply Center where he worked in the lab. (07:45) He was then given orders to report to Camp Pendleton and was attached to the a medical battalion in the 1st Marine Division. He operated the lab for the battalion. He also got to work in the hospital at Camp Pendleton, and was given charge of the morgue for a time. He got out of the Navy in 1973. (14:15) He then joined the Army in 1981 and had to do basic training all over again. After basic, he was given the job of driving forklifts and trucks at Fort Bragg and Germany. Went to the NCO Academy while he was there. His wife was in Germany with him for a while. Was sent to Columbia, South Carolina, to be discharged from Germany. Post-Service (20:05) • Returned to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and became a trucker. � 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 ThielJ Title A name given to the resource Thiel, John (Interview outline and video), 2008 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thiel, John Description An account of the resource John Thiel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1950 and served in the Navy/Marines and Army during the Vietnam War era. He worked for the Navy and Marines as a lab assistant in a number of different locations, including South Carolina and Camp Pendleton in California. After his stint in the Navy, he joined the Army and worked as a truck and forklift driver in Germany and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Collins Sr., Charles E. (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings United States. Navy 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 2008-06-30 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/d93554ff344aabb69fdc8141574d9678.m4v 838740ad411f571a21fc9f3f7d2f3929 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/18b43c1264bf987a5dbc09f6405c0095.pdf b4bff8a5604e45c9a7481909fd7755e5 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Mark Thiel Vietnam War Total Time: 26:30 Pre-War (00:00)    Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1950. Was part of a family of 6 children. Joined the Navy right upon leaving High School in 1969. Training (05:35)   He took Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago, Illinois Attended Hospital Corpman School at Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Active Duty (05:55)          Went to Charleston, South Carolina and worked in the Hospital for 6 months, and after that went to Parris Island where he learned how to work in a lab. Was the sent to field medical school, and then went to Lab School in Portsmouth, NH. (07:09) He then went to Albany, Georgia to a Marine Corps Supply Center where he worked in the lab. (07:45) He was then given orders to report to Camp Pendleton and was attached to the a medical battalion in the 1st Marine Division. He operated the lab for the battalion. He also got to work in the hospital at Camp Pendleton, and was given charge of the morgue for a time. He got out of the Navy in 1973. (14:15) He then joined the Army in 1981 and had to do basic training all over again. After basic, he was given the job of driving forklifts and trucks at Fort Bragg and Germany. Went to the NCO Academy while he was there. His wife was in Germany with him for a while. Was sent to Columbia, SC to be discharged from Germany. Post-Service (20:05)  Returned to Grand Rapids, MI and became a trucker. � 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 ThielM Title A name given to the resource Thiel, Mark (Interview outline and video), 2009 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thiel, Mark Description An account of the resource Mark Thiel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1950 and served in the Navy/Marines and Army during the Vietnam War Era. He worked for the Navy and Marines as a lab assistant in a number of different locations, including South Carolina and Camp Pendleton in California. After his stint in the Navy, he joined the Army and worked as a truck and forklift driver in Germany and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After the Army, he worked as a truck driver in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smith, Rachel (Interviewer) 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. Marine Corps United States. Navy 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 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 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/54e17ffed81be372b32f0f9fc7543cb4.pdf e5858ac32c6d49a908d0540b71b3dbcd 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 Scripta super quattuor libros Sententiarum Petri Lombardi [folium 157] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_157Argentina1490 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomaas, de Argentina, -1357 Description An account of the resource One leaf from Scripta super quattuor libros Sententiarum Petri Lombardi by Thomas de Argentina and edited by Pallas Spangel. Printed in Strassburg by Martin Flach (Printer of Strassburg) in 1490. [GW M46615; ISTC it00343000] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Strassburg: Martin Flach Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 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 1490 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 Spangel, Pallas (editor) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b62b629d3b5be1df47467a3aacc31f25.pdf cc553a7fe38d45bd6f7fbde4042bab7a 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 Summa theologiae: Pars secunda: prima pars [folium 109] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_109Aquinas1471 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 Description An account of the resource One leaf from Summa theologiae: Pars secunda: prima pars by Thomas Aquinas. Printed in Mainz by Peter Schoeffer on November 8, 1471. Illustrated with red rubricated initials. [GW M46467; ISTC it00203000] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Mainz: Peter Schoeffer Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 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 1471 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bc97a55779df9c4a8c33b20d60532c34.pdf 04d05e061c5015da0306afb6852391cc 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 Summa theologiae: Pars secunda: secunda pars [folium 204] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_204Aquinas1474 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 Description An account of the resource One leaf from Summa theologiae: Pars secunda: secunda pars by Thomas Aquinas. Printed in Rome by Ulrich Han and Simon Nicolai Chardella, de Lucca, on October 1, 1474. Bottom of page with text is cut off. [GW M46488; ISTC it00211500] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Rome: Ulrich Han and Simon Nicolai Chardella, de Lucca Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 Language A language of the resource de 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 1474 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f110ae08d0634adf86c5e5c428ceeec4.pdf 36f0f5d26614c238a0fbb83d9db0bae2 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 De eucharistia ad modum decem praedicamentorum Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-03_A066Aquinas1500ca Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 Description An account of the resource De eucharistia ad modum decem praedicamentorum by Thomas Aquinas. Printed in Cologne by Heinrich Quentell circa 1500. Quarto. [ISTC it00297000] Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Cologne by Heinrich Quentell Subject The topic of the resource Incunabula Printing 1450-1500 Thomas, Aquinas Saint, 1225?- 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 1500 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection: BX2215.T45 1500, A066 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8840f19cbf4841195d7ace72d21ea1bc.m4v 2be831482f2b5ea0dabfa2dcaeeb4ea9 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8569be8f46b8239deb7725cd1e8a90d1.pdf 78fdb152474c1b358e143b717c1a81ab PDF Text Text Interview Notes Interview Length (1:13:10) Donald Thomas US Army Air Corps World War II Pre-Enlistment Born in a suburb of Toledo on August 26th, 1925 (0:10) Attended a small community school in a rural area (0:15) Graduated with 90 kids from high school (1:10) Was playing basketball with friends when Pearl Harbor happened (1:30) Had no idea where Pearl Harbor was located (1:50) Was still 17 when he graduated, but took tests for the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program) (2:50) Formed a reserve program, and he joined in order to go to college (3:10) Just wanted to fly airplanes, did not want to attend college (3:30) Used to go to the Toledo Airport to watch planes take off and land and frequently took rides in planes (3:45) Mother dropped him and a friend off to sign up and get a physical (5:20) Training Was sworn in, took a train to the University of Kentucky (5:35) Was in Engineering school, tried to get a transfer out to fly planes (6:15) Went home for several weeks at the end of Engineering school (7:00) Went to Cleveland, took the Air Cadet test (8:40) Accepted two days before transfer to Fort Benning for basic training (8:50) Had ROTC uniforms (7:10) Stayed at Boyd Hall, and the university walled off between the boys and girls section of the hall (7:45) Ended up in Keesler AFB in Mississippi for basic training (9:25) Initially slept in a cabin, then slept in tents (10:00) Was excited to go south because it was cold at home (11:00) Did a lot of marching, drilling (11:10) Was placed in an early form of a simulator to get used to the feel of an airplane (11:30) Went to Oklahoma State for graduation (12:30) Ran everywhere for everything (13:40) Food was marvelous (14:00) Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, mostly because he got to fly (14:45) The entire Air Cadet program ended April 4, 1944 because they had too many pilots (15:10) Was in the hospital with pneumonia when this happened, came back and everybody was gone (15:30) Sergeant signed him up for Gunnery School (16:10) Gunnery School Took a train to Laredo, Texas for school (16:15) �Thousands of people were there because the program across the country had ended (16:40) Had no choice as to the aviation specialty (16:50) Originally 36 people to a cabin, then it jumped to 96 (17:30) The Army lost him for a month because there were so many people (18:15) Skipped out on hard duties, was able to lay down by the pool in the afternoon (18:30) Saw that his friends were taking a gunnery class, made his presence known (18:45) Trained on an Emerson nose and tail turret as a gunner for B-24 (19:20) Was able to take the turret apart and put it back together blindfolded (19:45) Everything was voluntary, even flying in combat (20:15) Shot shotguns so much on different courses (20:30) Learned to love to shoot (21:15) Learned to operate turrets (22:30) Shipped to Lincoln, Nebraska to get a crew (22:45) Found a cyst in his spine and needed an operation, which grounded him (23:00) Met a friend in the hospital and transferred into B-17s (23:45) Service overseas Assigned to a crew and shipped to Tennessee (24:00) Sat in an auditorium with all the crews to get to know everybody (24:20) Since he was small he was assigned to the ball turret (25:10) Biggest issue was that he couldn’t fit a parachute in the turret with him (25:30) Did a lot of training and flying with the same crew (27:05) Had false attack planes, instead of shooting, they shot photos (27:20) Lasted for 3 months (28:30) Went overseas afterwards (28:45) Supposed to fly overseas, but bombardier was ill and had to cross by ship in late 1944 (29:45) Not too many Air Corpsmen on the ship, mostly Army troops (30:15) Took trains through Scotland, stopped at a base (30:45) Relieved a depleted squadron (31:20) Still trained for several weeks while there (32:15) Flew with the 13th Wing (36 planes) (33:00) Flew to Berlin 3 times in large groups, sometimes with 2,000 planes (33:30) First Mission to Berlin Rose at 3:30 am and got good food when going on a mission (34:10) Drank too much grapefruit juice, which served him poorly while in the air (34:35) Had a group briefing, watched different groups go overhead (35:00) Then went to pick up the equipment, then driven out the hardstand where the planes were (35:40) Had a tent for the ground crew where they changed into their flight suits (36:20) Stripped and cleaned the guns so they wouldn’t freeze at high altitudes (36:50) Took off around 6 am (37:00) Averaged 10 hours in the air on a mission to Berlin (38:00) Saw several planes go down via flak (39:50) Could see the black puffs from flak, bomb bay doors and the explosions from the bombs (41:20) Was hit by flak, but not enough to severely damage the plane (42:00) Second Mission to Berlin �Same routine as the first mission, but the group had drifted into heavy artillery fire (42:30) 88mm shell went through the plane about a foot from his turret (42:50) Didn’t explode, but took out oxygen and electric (43:00) Had to fall out of formation about 30 minutes later, dropped bombs into the English Channel on the way home (43:40) Got a P-51 escort for the way back in case of Luftwaffe attack (45:25) Everything was just like training until people started dying (45:45) Called easy bombing runs “milk runs” (46:10) February 9th, was over Germany and saw his first jet-powered airplane (46:30) Fighter planes were not a significant worry, but would make guerrilla-style attacks on formations (47:45) As the Germans retreated, their flak guns became more concentrated, which was the biggest problem (48:15) 4th Mission Saw an ME-262 on April 7th (49:00) Came up behind the plane and shot rockets (49:30) One plane caught on fire, and that plane was carrying Napalm (49:50) Two P-51’s attacked and shot the ME down (50:45) Chronicles planes lost over Germany due to flak through various missions (51:00) Ball turret took a direct hit, but was not in the turret (51:30) Woke up before the mission sick, but flew anyways (51:35) Got sick right before the attack and crawled out of the turret (52:00) Only time he left his turret in 25 missions (53:20) Chronicled various injuries on his crew (53:35) Couldn’t hear flak hitting the plane because the other noise was too loud (55:45) Requirement to get out of combat missions was 35, but his last mission was at 25 because the troop movement was so fast (56:15) Went on non-combat missions to drop food, called them Chow Hounds (56:45) Dropped food to the Dutch (56:55) Sent three planes at a time, and bomber pilots would start to play chicken over the water to see who could drop lowest to the water (57:30) Often would buzz cows (58:00) Had some vacation time around VE Day, but the base was locked down because of the end of the war (58:50) No real celebrations when they heard the news, but glad it was over (59:20) Back to the States Was sent back to the States to get retrained on the B-29 to be sent to the Pacific (59:50) Took the Queen Elisabeth back (1:00:35) Was in the middle of the ocean when they dropped the bombs on Japan (1:00:45) Disembarked in New Jersey, then sent to Harrisburg, PA, then sent home for 2 weeks (1:01:00) Got a free drink when the war finally ended, but didn’t realize it at the time (1:01:45) Took a train back home and found out the war had ended (1:01:50) Took a bus home, surprised his family (1:02:10) Had brothers and cousins home from the war, as well (1:02:20) No real celebration, just lots of hugs (1:03:45) Still in the military, but lied to them to get more time at home (1:04:10) �Was sent down to San Antonio to be discharged in October of 1945 (1:04:50) Post-Service Came home, went to college at Bowling Green on the GI Bill (1:05:15) Graduated with a BS in Business Administration in 1950 (1:06:10) Joined with Sun Oil, trained in Toledo and became a sales rep on the east side of Detroit (1:07:00) Transferred to Grand Rapids for a few years (1:07:10) Tried to ship him to Chicago, but switched to a ceramics factory to stay in Grand Rapids (1:07:20) Got married at 29 (1:08:45) Continued to learn to fly during college (1:09:20) Quit flying because he didn’t have any money to fly (1:09:45) Is very thankful that he joined the military because it filled the awkward gap between high school and college (1:10:45) Was the most exciting time of his life (1:11:30) � 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 ThomasD Title A name given to the resource Thomas, Donald (Interview outline and video), 2009 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomas, Donald Description An account of the resource Donald Thomas joined the Army after he graduated from high school, intending to fly airplanes in World War II. Initially, the Army sent him to Engineering school, but after a two week break, he switched into the Air Cadet school. The program ended in 1944, and he was assigned to a turret gun in a B-17 and shipped overseas to Scotland to fly bombing missions into Germany. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kiwanis, Alden K. (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 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/747ef2bbb1ef1be72fa069d92f7c12b8.mp4 04efc510243a2a395324c58cc25894dc https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bb1d26ce5928dae22d3d79db1a657447.pdf d9f412594a35ca5c4cae7f8eef3dd66c PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Gib Thomas (59:10) Background Information (00:14)                Born in South Dakota in September of 1920. (00:15) His father owned and ran a farm. (00:42) In 1932, Gib and his family moved to Faulkton, South Dakota where his father tried to make a living buying and selling cattle. (00:54) In 1933, Gib and his family moved to Miller, South Dakota were his dad ran a hamburger shop. (1:50) In 1937 the family closed the shop after Gib’s older brother died in a car accident. (2:31) In 1939 Gib began working as a lifeguard. (3:14) Gib did complete high school and played basketball, football, and track. (3:27) Gib attended South Dakota State University in the fall of 1939. (4:10) Gib heard of Pearl Harbor while working in the Union at South Dakota University. (4:40) He paid fairly little attention to the events that were going on in the world in the late 1930s early 1940s. (5:17) In the summer of 1940 Gib worked in Yellowstone National Park. (6:00) There were programs in the ROTC at South Dakota in 1942. (7:23) In March of 1942, Gib joins the ROTC. Gib reported for active duty in July 1st 1943. (8:18) In the summer of 1942 Gib worked in the shipyards in California. (8:45) Gib worked on transport ships. (9:31) Basic training (10:00)         Gib first reported to Kalamazoo, Michigan and then was sent to the V12 program at Western Michigan University for 3-4 months. In late November of 1943 Gib was sent to boot camp. (10:33) He attended Parris Island, South Carolina for Marine Corps basic training. The men were sent by train. The trip took several days. (11:04) While in the ROTC Gib was taught marching and military discipline. (12:19) The college students were treated differently than the normal recruits during basic. (12:53) The men were trained on rifles and taught military discipline during basic. (13:10) A man in Gib’s barracks died one night with a high fever. (13:45) Book camp lasted between 6-8 weeks. (14:10) Officers Training (14:40)    Gib was then sent to officers training at Quantico in Virginia. (14:41) He was sick for a 10 day period during this training. Because of this he was sent out and did not become an officer. (15:12) He considered this lucky because most of the men he trained within his company at officer school died in battle. (15:50) �    He was given a 10 day leave after being sent out of Officer’s School. (16:30) Gib was then sent to the 6th Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. (16:50) He was assigned to the 29th Marine Regiment, Headquarters Company of the 2nd Battalion, and was made Property and Police sergeant. This meant he was in charge of the issued property that all the enlisted men had. (17:38) He entered Camp Lejeune in April of 1944 and left in June of 1944. On August 1st 1944 he set sail for Guadalcanal. (18:50) Voyage to the Pacific (19:10)   The voyage was very rough (19:11) The weather was very hot and humid. Men had to take many medications for malaria and yellow fever as well. (19:38) Service at Guadalcanal (20:09)        The men spent 7 months at Guadalcanal. Here the men did more training and maneuvers. (20:10) While on Guadalcanal the men had to wear their pants with the leg rolled up and the socks going over the pant leg. (20:57) He was not near Henderson Field. He was 100 yards or so from the shore line. (21:45) For fun, the men organized softball teams. (22:18) There was a mess hall that the men used. They ate quite well. (23:00) Gib was on Guadalcanal from the later part of 1944 through early 1945. The men were unable to hear much of what was happening on the war effort. The men did not have radios or papers. (23:44) Gibb traveled on a regular troop transport ship. (24:33) Service at Okinawa (24:40)            The men were scared to death going ashore on Okinawa. When the men landed ashore, there were no shots fired. (25:03) Before the lading, there was a massive naval bombardment. (25:50) The first night the men were on Okinawa, Gib almost was hit by an incoming landing craft. The night was fairly quiet. (27:21) Gib was sent to the northern part of Okinawa. The men met opposition and took casualties. (28:25) The Japanese shelled the Marines quite heavily. (30:11) He did see some natives and civilians but not too many. This was due to his close proximity to the shore. (31:10) After 10 days near the shore the men walked inland. (31:45) Inland, Japanese soldiers would pop out and take shots at the Marines. (32:20) Due to his position and rank, Gib was not as much on the front lines as others. (33:48) While fighting on Okinawa, a man jumped on top of Gib to protect him from a bomb. The man died but was honored as a hero. (35:00) Gib was given tasks ranging from taking care of equipment, aiding casualties, shooting mortars and sniping. (35:50) �      Gib’s battalion took a lot of casualties. (37:04) There was difficulty telling whether or not the Marines had the upper hand or the Japanese. It often seemed to vary. (38:09) Occasionally the Japanese did attack positions at night. (39:34) Gib’s battalion was pulled back and replenished. Then they were sent to Okinawa’s capital to attack the airport. (40:00) Near the end of the fighting on Okinawa, Gib did not see very many POWs. (41:37) Gib was very happy to leave Okinawa. In 1969 he revisited the island. (44:59) Service in Guam and the End of the War (46:37)              The men arrived in Guam in July of 1946 to prepare for the invasion of Japan. (46:40) The men were organized to lead ship prepared to go to Japan when the war ended. (48:12) After the war ended, Gib was sent to Tsingtao, China. (48:37) Gib was unsure as to why is battalion was in China. They spent most their time there on liberty. (49:05) While in China the men stayed in old dorms and hospitals. (50:30) Gib was in charge of making sure deliveries were sent on time. (50:55) The Chinese treated the Americans well. Much of the Chinese could speak English. (51:28) When Gib left, much of his unit was left behind because they did not have enough points. (52:49) The men that Gib worked with were very reliable, due primarily to their military discipline. (54:00) April 1st 1946 was the day that Gib arrived home. (54:20) He was discharged in San Diego, California. (54:58) After graduating from college, he worked several small jobs. (55:20) Gib started a laundromat. (56:55) Thoughts on Service (57:36)   Gib was no longer lazy due to his service in the military. (57:45) Gun shots still trigger reflexes for Gib. He did not have trouble adjusting to civilian life. (58:25) � 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 ThomasG1375V Title A name given to the resource Thomas, Gilbert (Interview outline and video), 2012 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomas, Gilbert Description An account of the resource Gib Thomas, born in South Dakota in September of 1920, served in the U.S. Marines from July of 1943-1946 in the Pacific during World War II. While in college in the early 1940s at South Dakota University, Gib was a member of the ROTC. After reporting for active duty, Gib was made the Property and Police Sergeant of the 29th Marine Regiment, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion. He also served on Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Guam and China during and after the war. 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. Marine 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 2012-04-10 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/d1af20dddb59506ed78052ac4774ca29.mp4 e6aa24ce84980a180424e40d73d9d3d4 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a34de98270340852c9721faa57738ffb.pdf de73a45ac4a20f4e703d78c93feca3c7 PDF Text Text Living with PFAS Interviewer: Danielle DeVasto Interviewee: Wendy Thomas Date of Interview: 2023-03-01 Danielle DeVasto: Okay. I'm Dani DeVasto, and today March 1, 2023. I have the pleasure of chatting with Wendy Thomas. Hi Wendy. Wendy Thomas: Hi, how are you? Danielle DeVasto: I'm doing well. How are you? Wendy Thomas: Oh, I'm hanging in there. Thanks. Hanging in. Danielle DeVasto: Wendy, can you tell me about where you're from and where you currently live? Wendy Thomas: Sure. Um, well, I grew up in, uh, Fairfield, Connecticut, and then I moved to New Hampshire in 1980, and we, I currently live in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and we've lived here for 32 years, my husband and six children, adult children. Danielle DeVasto: I have a sister-in-law who lives or was from New Hampshire, and she tells me that that is a very beautiful area of the state. Wendy Thomas: It's gorgeous. Um, we're known as the mountainous state for a reason, you know, um, lots, especially up north there's, there's lots of parks and trees and mountains and lakes. It's, it's gorgeous. It's a beautiful State to live in. Danielle DeVasto: Wendy, can you tell me a story about your experience with PFAS or with PFAS in your community? Wendy Thomas: Sure. Um, I'm going to start at the beginning, um, because that works the best for me. So in 2016, I heard about a water group in our town. Merrimack Concerned Citizens for wat- uh clean water. Um, and so I went to one of their meetings because I thought it had to do with a pipeline that had been proposed that was gonna run through our town, which was, we had feared, it would disrupt our water supply and, and I, and they, they pulled the pipeline project. And so I, I thought that the water situation had been, you know, resolved. So I went to this meeting, and I heard about something called PFAS chemicals. And that was really my first introduction to it. I didn't, I didn't know what these chemicals were. I didn't know they were in the water. Um, we have a private well, so I thought we were okay, 'causae they were talking about public water being tested. Um, and so, um, but because I, as I said, I have six kids, um, at the time they were living at home. So I got our private well tested. Um, and again, this was 2016, um, and our levels, um, were so high that we had to shut our well down immediately. Um, and um, now the state had told us, so we know who is polluting our town. It's, it's an industrial corporation called Saint Gobain. They've been spewing this chemical into the air, into the soil, into the, uh, water for decades. Um, and it was only discovered in 2016 when they self-reported. So it had to have been bad at that point. Um, and originally the State of New Hampshire had said the only people that needed to be concerned about contamination in their water were people who lived within a half mile radius of this company. Um, pretty quickly after doing some testing, they modified that to a mile radius. Now I lived three miles from this corporation. So the state was telling me that my water was safe, and I got it tested and it was so high, we had to shut it down. So my husband and I installed a full house filtration system. Page 1 �We put in an, uh, reverse osmosis in the kitchen. The kids were only allowed to drink from the reverse osmosis. Um, and again, I mean the cost of a full house filtration system plus the reverse osmosis, plus to maintain them yearly, plus the, the fee to get them installed was about $5,000. And we had to pay this because a corporation did this to our water, you know, so, um, but, but of course we did, and we were fortunate that we could afford that, but so many people in our town, you know, couldn't afford that. So, um, I got active in this group, and we tried real hard to, um, to educate people in town about PFAS. But, um, the problem with these chemicals is you can't see them, you can't smell them, you can't taste them. And so the group was primarily women, and we were labeled fearmongers um, you know, you know, we hate our town because we're trying to get people not to move here. You know, we're gonna cause the, the town property values to go down because we're talking about this contamination. So initially we, we had a lot of, um, uh, pushback from the town. Um, and then, you know, throughout the years there, there were a couple of red flags, but I never really put them all together. All six of my kids, um, were born with dyslexia, um, which is a learning disability could be genetic couldn't, you know, might not be genetic who knows. Um, I recently put down my fourth dog who has died of cancer. Um, and that seems a little problematic to have four dogs, you know, in one household all have cancer like that. Um, my kids all have autoimmune issues. Um, again, genetic, maybe, maybe not it's, it's not in either of our families. Um, my husband, um, had, uh, several heart attacks and had a quadruple bypass at age 55, which is fairly young for that, and again, you know, we thought, you know, maybe it's just bad luck and everything. Um, and then in May of last year I was diagnosed with, uh, breast cancer. Um, it was invasive lobular cancer, which, um, very lucky to have found it early. Um, and so I opted for, uh, a bilateral mastectomy. Um, they, they were trying to get me to only do one side, but I, I did both. Um, and they found four precancerous conditions in the unaffected breast. So, um, I had, I spoke with the environmental working group in DC, and they suggested I get my blood tested for PFAS chemicals. And this is after being on a whole house filtration system, having water delivered by Saint Gobain for the last three years, plastic bottled water. Um, I have 12 chemicals in my blood that are above the toxic limit that that is allowed for humans, 12 PFAS chemicals. My, um, PFOS chemicals are 38 times the maximum value that's allowed for humans, and those are associated with breast cancer. Um, my PFOA chemicals, I have more than 99% of Americans do. Um, and those are associated with ovary and fallopian tube cancer. So I had previously had, um, a hysterectomy, but, um, because of the blood levels, my oncologists, um, decided that, that it would be, um, prudent for me to go and remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes to, to get rid of them before the cancer could essentially find them. So, so that's what it's like living in a contaminated town. We have to amputate parts of our body, our bodies to stay ahead of the, the poisonous toxins that will give us cancer, um, in order to stay alive, you know, we have to, we have to lay them at the altar of corporate greed because they're not stopping. They're to this day. They're still, um, emitting PFAS, uh, chemicals into our, our environment. Well, and, and my husband had his blood tested, and he has the same chemicals I do. He doesn't have them at as high a level as I do, but, you know, and of course the, the, the corporation is saying, there's no direct proof right now that PFAS causes chemical or causes cancer. Um, Page 2 �but we're finding that there, there are cases where it's causing cancer, and you know, I'm done, I'm done, I've got cancer, you know, so, I, there's nothing for me to, to, to hold back anymore.So, you know, they're saying that that it's not related, and I'm saying it's quacking like a duck, it's looking like a duck it's walking like a duck. You know, I think what we have here is a big fat duck. Danielle DeVasto: So you had mentioned that you were starting to get involved with the, the group, your local group. Um, is it something that you're still doing, or how did that, how has that been? Wendy Thomas: Yeah. Yeah. So because of that group, um, that's the reason I ran for state rep the first time there were two others that were involved in that group. So we became the water warriors for our town, and we got elected. It's a very red town, we're blue, but, um, we got elected. Um, and so we immediately went up to the state house and we, we put bills forward to, um, uh, have maximum containment, uh, contamination levels for PFAS in our water. Um, and again, uh, a lot of people, um, pushed back because they didn't know what PFAS was. They didn't know the damage. Um, and we were, we were just constant. We would sit down next to somebody at lunch, and we'd say, hey, how are you? I'm Wendy Thomas, have you heard about PFAS? You know, so, um, we did a, you know, know a real educational job, um, educating the other, uh, state representatives. Um, I also put together a team that, um, outside of the legislature, because sometimes you can get things done faster outside of, um, the procedures. And we, uh, developed some educational, uh, material regarding PFAS, uh, for people in New Hampshire. Um, and, and I've been to some conferences and, uh, attend, you still attend meetings on it. And, and now, so I wasn't a state rep for the second term, but I got reelected the third term, so, oh, I'm back up there putting more PFAS legislation in. Danielle DeVasto: Did you have a background in government in, in legislation? Wendy Thomas: No. Danielle DeVasto: Running for representative? Wendy Thomas: No. No. Um, I have, um, a degree in, in communications. I have a degree in, um, medical biology. So, um, you know, the impact of all of this made, made tremendous sense to me. Um, I'm also, um, I, I am an instructional designer. I'm a tech writer, I'm a journalist, you know, so all of these things sort of merge together in this, in this, um, path forward for advocacy Danielle DeVasto: You have a lot of skill sets to draw on that I'm sure — Wendy Thomas: Yeah but government wasn't one of them though. some of these archaic rules that we have to follow are like, you can't walk in front of the speaker during session, if you do, you have to apologize to the entire, you know, it's just some very weird things, Danielle DeVasto: But you mentioned that, so since, since working in this position and as a representative that you've been doing a lot of education, not just for the community, but also within the legislature. Wendy Thomas: Yes. Yeah. So this year I've put two bills forward. I think they're both gonna die because, um, there's, there's problems with lobbyists, you know, lobbyists have money, and they don't want, you know, PFAS to be acknowledged because it's gonna cost money to remediate and to, to treat Page 3 �it. One of my bills was that if, if, um, a real estate agent is, is showing property to a prospective buyer, they need to notify the buyer about PFAS in the water. It sounds logical. I mean, PFAS, if you drink it for a long time, it, it will hurt you. Um, but the real estate agents, um, were against that because they thought it would put too much of a burden on the seller. You know, the test is about $200. It's come down from about $400. Um, and the thing is in New Hampshire, we only recognize four, four of the many, many, many thousands of PFAS chemicals. So, you know, it was just a drop in the bucket, but at least it was something. Um, and then I put a bill forward to, um, mandate that insurance companies pay for preventive care, uh, PFAS care, if your blood tests over 20 parts per million. Um, and boy, they didn't like that one at all, the, the lobbyists and they, you know, they're, they're pretty strong up there. Um, and the reason that that came forward is that, um, originally my, the surgery to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes was denied by my insurance company, because they were like PFAS. What, you know, what's that, you know? So, um, once my physician, um, diagnosed me with environmental toxins, then it went through, um, I also know of a young woman in town, um, who I think she's 24 years old. She has some breast issues. She had some lumpy breasts and went to, you know, lives in our town. Um, I urged her to go, you know, to, to a clinic and have her, her breasts examined. And, and, um, she did, and she asked about a mammogram, and they said, oh, no, no, no, no, you don't get a mammogram until you're 29 years old. Well, if she has cancer from PFAS in her breasts right now, she could be dead by age 29. You know, so things are going to have to change for those of us that have high levels of PFAS in our blood. You know, um, the CDC came out with some terrific guidelines, uh, recently they haven't fully adopted them, but they will. Um, and these guidelines, even, you know, if a, if a baby has PFAS, um, above 20 parts per million in their blood, you start checking them for cholesterol at age one, you know, um, when we talk about high cholesterol, um, high blood sugar, um, as a result of PFAS in our body, we're not just talking about an inconvenience inconvenience. Those are killer diseases, you know, cholesterol that's, that's what almost killed my husband. You know, so it's, it's invasive, it's pervasive. Um, you know, and the biggest thing I think is that, uh, PFAS chemicals are hormone disruptors and everything revolves around hormones, everything in our lives. And if you doubt the power of hormones, you've never had a teenage son, you know. You know, but everything revolves around, uh, hormones. And if you, if you mess those up, you know, you're messing up the entire body. You know, one of the, the, um, medications that they wanted me to go on is an estrogen blocker for, um, my, my breast cancer. But no one, no one can tell me if these hormone disruptors work with these, this medication, or if it works against this medication. So yeah, I've been reluctant to take it. I, I take a supplement instead, um, hoping that, you know, maybe that will, that will work, but it's things like that. We don't have the science, um, it's going to be, I'll probably be long dead before we have the science that's gonna prove this because we're working so slowly in the United States, Europe is doing a better job, but, uh, we're really dragging our heels on PFAS studies in, in the United States. Page 4 �Danielle DeVasto: I've heard from other people that dealing sometimes dealing with the medical community has been frustrating because, because of that leg, has that been your experience or have you been able to get, like, get support and — ? Wendy Thomas: No, no. That's another one of my crusades. So, um, when I got the, the, um, results of my blood P my blood PFAS levels, I presented them to my surgeon who did my mastectomy, who I was still under her care. And I said, these are my results. These are the interpretation of my results. And without even looking at them, she pushed them back to me. And she said, I'm just a surgeon. I don't need to know about PFAS. And I said, well, I've been advocating against PFAS since 2016. You are no longer my doctor. If you choose to remain ignorant, we can't have a relationship. See you, bye. Um, and my oncologist, she basically said the same thing. I said, what is the relationship between a, a hormone disruptor and this estrogen blocker? And she's like, beats me. So I don't have a surgeon. I don't have an oncologist. I'm trying to find somebody who's knowledgeable. As a State rep, I do have a platform. So I am going to go to the supervisor of, of these doctors in Southern New Hampshire and discuss PFAS education, because this is criminal, you know, all of Southern New Hampshire. It's not just our town because, um, water doesn't understand boundaries, air doesn't understand boundaries. Um, and so it's slowly spreading to the other towns, um, and to be a physician practicing in Southern New Hampshire and not know about the impact of PFAS on the human body is in its malpractice. Um, that's what it is. It's malpractice. Danielle DeVasto: Have you, um, have you been in touch with other communities or has your work kind of, I mean, you have, like you say, you have a larger platform, so I'm just curious if — Wendy Thomas: Oh, yeah. Yeah. So, um, the, you know, we've, we've formed sort of a coalition with the other, uh, communities, and we're working with them, although they're at the place we were in 2016, people are starting, you know, they're, we can't smell it. We can't taste it. I've lived here my whole year, and I'm not sick. I mean my whole life, and I'm not sick, you know, so, but the thing is there are, there is more information about PFAS, and people now are accepting that it can cause damage, you know, to, to humans and cancer. I mean, we have just a ton of cancer in this town. The State of New Hampshire does a cancer survey, but they're, they've only done it up to 2018. So they're five years behind. You know, so they have this false picture of how much cancer we have. I have been de I mean, every time I go to the state house, I desperately ask for, um, a, a survey on small animals, you know, pets, cats, dogs, even, uh, we're an agricultural community. So farm animals, um, because, um, I've talked to area vets, and they say they always know a dog or a cat when it comes from our town, 'cause it's got, you know, it's riddled with cancer, and it's got, um, uh, tumors all over its body. Um, Yeah. And then in Europe, the very first PFAS conference I went to, um, in Italy, there's a town that's very contaminated with PFAS, and they did, um, studies on their food, and it turns out that eggs, um, have a high amount of PFAS, produce has a high amount of PFAS because this company, you know, they burn their refuse and the, the soot, you know, the, the temperature doesn't destroy these forever chemicals. That's why they're called forever chemicals. So they're, they become particulate matter. It's spread over our town. Every time they burn this Page 5 �stuff, the rain drives it into the ground. The produce sucks it up. So our produce has PFAS in it. Our meat has PFAS in it, you know, any milk that comes out of this town has PFAS in it. So, you know, I mean the CDC, if you go to their guidelines, um, not the ones where you have PFAS in your blood, but just sort of general guidelines, they say, you know, the best thing you can do is remove the source. Well, that works. If you're only wearing a Gore-Tex jacket when you're camping, or if, you know, if you get rid of your glide, you know, dental floss, but when you live and breathe this stuff, the only way I can eliminate the source is to move out of my town, and who's gonna buy a house with no water in it. Danielle DeVasto: So what do you do? Wendy Thomas: Well, you know, again, I've got cancer, so, um, I have no, no F's left to give. So, um, I I'm out there banging the drum. I write letters to the editor. Um, I write op-eds, um, I've shared my cancer story, um, publicly in our town forum. Um, and many, many, many women have contacted me privately, um, to, to say that they also have breast cancer, or they have ovarian cancer or uterine cancer or, you know, things like that. So, um, I'm using my story to get attention about the problem, you know, I'm, I, I'm not doing it to get sympathy. That's not why I'm doing it. I'm doing it to, because this is not fair and people need to speak up about it. Danielle DeVasto: You've kind of hit at some of these already, but what concerns do you have about PFAS contamination moving forward? Wendy Thomas: I am concerned about the life of my town. Um, one of the things that is so underappreciated is that when pregnant women drink PFAS laced water at the levels we're seeing in our town, their children have a high incidence of learning disabilities. And, you know, they're, again, this is going to affect their hormones, which, you know, we have a, we have a high degree of, of kids with gender confusion in our town. And in, in surrounding towns, is it because of the PFAS chemicals? You know, again, we don't know, but again, it's another quacking like a duck situation, you know? So, so, you know, women, especially pregnant women, they need to be given filtered water. You know, we, we just can't, we can't let them drink this stuff. Um, and, and kids, you know, of women that have PFAS in their blood, we need to screen them immediately and start, you know, special education services or just, you know, monitoring services for these kids and the older people, you know, that have lived in town. Now, again, I've been here for 30 years. Um, I nursed all of my kids, so I drank a ton of water, um, which could explain why I have higher chemicals or higher levels than my husband. Um, but I'm worried about my children, you know, they're adults, um, they all have health issues, you know, what's gonna happen to them. I worry about, you know, my neighbor's children's, I worry about our town, you know, and it's, it's just, it's criminal what's happening. Um, but we can't, we're not, we don't seem to be able to stop it, which is, you know, I can't figure that out because it's directly hurting people, and yet they're allowed to continue. So, you know, whenever that's the case, you always have to follow the money, and I'm trying to figure out where the money is involved. Um, and I haven't come up with much yet. Page 6 �Danielle DeVasto: I mean, it's so ironic, right? You, you drink water because that's, what's supposed to be healthy for you.Good for you. And you're trying to make good decisions. And yet, as it turns out, you know the consequences. Wendy Thomas: You know, and I'm one of the water warriors. So, so I did all the right things. We installed that the filtration system, we, we drank from RO, um, and, and still, still, it looks like I may have gotten sick from these chemicals. Um, it looks like my whole family has been affected by these chemicals. So, you know, if a water warrior can't even protect our own family, what chance do other people in town have? I mean, right now in New Hampshire, you know, the, the utility bills are through the roof, you know, with inflation, with, with, you know, people losing work because their kids are home sick from school because they're getting infected with COVID. People don't have a spare $5,000 to, to make sure their water is clean, you know, and again, it's because of this, this corporation, you know, it's, it's truly an example of profit over people. You know, and the social warrior in me is just chronically incensed. Um, because it shouldn't be that way people should, should be first over profit. Danielle DeVasto: And this has been going on in Merrimack for quite some time. It sounds like. Wendy Thomas: Yes. Yes. Well, the, the company before this company was a one called Chem Fab, and I'm quite certain, they were probably doing the same thing, you know, disposing of their chemicals, uh, in, in ways that, that perhaps, well, no, that not perhaps that aren't legal. Um, but this company that moved in Saint Gobain it, their headquarters are in France, you know, and France has very strict environmental rules. If they did this in France, their CEO would be in jail, You know, but they came to America, and they came to the, to, to New Hampshire, live free and die. It's supposed to be live free or die, but, um, where we have, you know, few regulations, um, and they, they picked a town that was near river that had, you know, that wasn't, you know, a, a, a town that, that was organized. We don't have a town square or anything like that. Um, and they, they just ran with it because they could, so one of my goals is I wanna try to reach out to President Macron and just say, are you aware of this company destroying my town, this French company, you know, and if you are, why aren't you doing something about it? Danielle DeVasto: Boy, the things I bet you thought you'd never be doing, reaching out. Wendy Thomas: No, no kidding. I mean, I'm also trying to have a, have a meeting with President Biden, you know, because he's, he's big on the moonshot, you know, cancer program, and it's fine to fly to the moon. It's fine to land on the moon, but if we don't clean up planet earth, it's not gonna do us any good, you know, so, um, but very often politicians don't wanna hear this because, um, it impacts, you know, big donors to their campaigns. And I don't have big donors. I, um, am a state rep in New Hampshire. I am paid a hundred dollars a year to be a state rep. Danielle DeVasto: No big donors, Wendy Thomas: No big donors. No, no. I'm lucky if I get a free lunch every once in a while. Page 7 �Danielle DeVasto: Before we wrap up today, Wendy, is there anything else that you want to add that we haven't touched on or that you want to go back to and say more about? Wendy Thomas: Um, not really. I mean, that's, that's the story. Um, you know, as a result of this, I, I now have to live the rest of my life wondering if every pain is cancer or if, you know, every symptom is cancer. Um, thanks to this, this company, living in my town, I have to be concerned about my two daughters, you know, whether or not they're going to have cancer. I have to be concerned about my four sons, whether or not they're gonna have to, you know, end up having cancer. Um, it's just this chronic anxiety. Um, and, and I could leave my town, you know, I could move to greener pastures, but the damage has already been done, you know, so I'm gonna stay here, and I've decided I'm gonna stay here and fight, um, and try to get acknowledgement and maybe some re- remediation, you know? Um, but yeah, I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not being quiet. I've never known for being quiet. So Danielle DeVasto: Well, thank you so much, Wendy, for taking the time to share your story today. Wendy Thomas: Oh, my pleasure. Thank you for what you're doing. This is really important work. Danielle DeVasto: Thank you. Wendy Thomas: You're welcome. Page 8 � 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 Living with PFAS Interviews Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Devasto, Danielle Description An account of the resource Beginning in 2021, the Living with PFAS interviews were recorded to gather the personal stories of individuals impacted by PFAS contamination. PFAS, or per- and polyflourinated substances, are a large group of human-made chemicals used widely since the 1940s to make coatings and products resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They can be found in countless household items, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, and water-resistant clothing. These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and build up in animals, plants, and people. PFAS have been linked to increased incidences of various cancers, increased cholesterol, decreased fertility, birth defects, kidney and liver disease, and immune system suppression, and thyroid dysfunction. It is estimated that PFAS are in the drinking water of more than 200 million Americans (Andrews & Naidenko, 2020). In Michigan alone, over 280 sites have PFAS contamination exceeding maximum contamination levels for groundwater (MPART, 2024). Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Living with PFAS (project) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In copyright Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Personal narrative PFAs (Perfluorinated chemicals) Groundwater--Pollution 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-11 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource video/mp4 application/pdf audio/mp3 Type The nature or genre of the resource Motion Picture Text Sound Language A language of the resource eng 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 PFAS0037 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomas, Wendy Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2023-03-01 Title A name given to the resource Wendy Thomas, 2023 (Interview video and transcript) Description An account of the resource Wendy Thomas grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut and now resides in Merrimack, New Hampshire with her husband and six children. After her concerns and advocacy over PFAS grew, Wendy was elected to the New Hampshire State House of Representatives, where she worked to improve water quality and educate other representatives. In this interview, Wendy discusses her family's history with PFAS contamination of their well water, as well as her own advocacy and political action related to PFAS. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource DeVasto, Danielle (interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Personal narrative PFAs (Perfluorinated chemicals) Groundwater--Pollution Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Living with PFAS (project) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives 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 Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f8f3653d2c6a99cc88861bcaced07ca7.pdf 2f5606eb2a737fcff888ca41aebed75f PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Alfred Thomet (00:54:18) Audio skips throughout interview. Skips until (00:32) (00:32) Background: • Grew up in Lowell, Michigan. • Father was a farmer. • Member of the Future Farmers of America. (02:18) Enlistment: • Enlisted for Navy in East Grand Rapids. • Chose Navy because of convenience. (03:10) Training: • Began training at Great Lakes Training Center. • Then sent to San Bernardino, California before being shipped overseas. • Has a lot of admiration for his commanding officers. • Feels his basic training prepared him well for his work in the war. (05:25) • Sent to Okinawa, Japan. • First day on Okinawa was a terrible storm. • Member of a naval supply detail. • Served as a truck driver to supply ships. • Experienced combat when arriving in Okinawa. • There were a few casualties in his unit. • The men would play cards to entertain themselves, they also played softball. • He had no time for leave while overseas. • Took 30 days to get from Okinawa to the United States. (16:18) Discharge: • Worked at a factory after returning home from service. • Began working in automotive business in 1950. (18:07) Veterans organization: • Joined American Legion and VFW. (18:21) View of War: • Believes American’s attitudes towards war are different today then they were in the forties. (20:00) Length of Service: • Served 16 months in active service. (20:55) Family Life: • Spends time with his children and grandchildren. • His father was a WWI veteran. (23:15) Explanation of Photographs: �(24:18) Memories of his wife. • Did not meet his wife until after the military service. (27:40) Okinawa continued: • Two typhoons occurred while he served. • Japanese civilians would attempt to sneak into camp at night. • Served in the Navy with his cousin. (33:58) Explanation of Newspaper articles and photographs: (38:10) Explanation of K-Rations: • Three rationed meals the military would carry with them. • Everything had 4 cigarettes with them. (40:20) Members of his unit: • One member had never learned how to drive, but was assigned to be a truck driver. • Cousin in the Navy is named Edward Bird. • Extensive amount of camaraderie within the unit. (45:15) Recollections of childhood. 947:35) Feelings of the Draft: • Feels a volunteer army is a better army than one that is drafted. (49:15) Joining the Navy: • Joined the Navy thinking he would become an aircrew man. (53:34) Photographs: � 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 ThometA Title A name given to the resource Thomet, Alfred N. (Interview outline), 2007 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thomet, Alfred N. Description An account of the resource Alfred Thomet became a member of the United States Navy at 17 years old. He served in the Pacific theatre, specifically on Okinawa, in 1945. He worked as a truck driver in a supply route for the Navy. He returned to Lowell, Michigan after his service where he married and had a successful automotive career. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Brenk, Nancy (Interviewer) Lowell Area Historical Museum (Lowell, 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 United States. Navy 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> 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 2007-05-31 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 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text 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/58f1abd439d4f6c84518b07cfaed1b6d.mp4 ce6119647bb1fdcbac1aa76069adf7c0 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/807936426b8be469a1372e38fdb98d5c.pdf 099106c18a42e3973fca9fb6763febd4 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Evertt S. Thompson (00:53:27) (01:36) Born in Detroit Michigan 1924 Dec 19 (02:02) He was drafted in march 1943 (02:23) He wanted to be a pilot yet found out that he was color blind (03:03) He did his basic at Florida (03:46) St Petersburg Florida for 9-10 weeks (04:31) He was sent to the University of Illinois by the army to take classes (05:04) in 1944 he was sent camp Cutter, Missouri the army determined that he was able to take care of large diesel engines (06:09) 1944 November he went to California and then went on a troop ship on his way to New Guinea. (07:37) He was in charge of building and operating radio stations in New Guinea, where he stayed until June 1945 (08:42) He then went to Manila. He was very close to a military POW camp. He was there for a few weeks. He did not do much there beyond a little KP duty (10:05) He found out that the Japanese had surrendered (10:31) He was still in Manila and went into town to register for classes. When he got back to the base he found out that he was going to Japan so he could not take college classes. (11:12) He found out that he was on his way to go Japan. On the USS Titan, he slept in clean sheets for the first time in a very long time. The voyage took 18 days (11:41) during the trip he was a little nervous because no one knew if there were rogue subs in the water. (12:49) He anchored outside the bay. He says that there must have been every U.S war ship outside the bay. (13:59) He was two hundred yards away from the USS Missouri �(14:52) in August he went into Tokyo. The Japanese had put bed sheets over all the gun emplacements (16:05) There were B-29’s flying very low and on the belly there was POW written. Their mission was flying in medicine and supplies to the POW camps. He said it was a welcome sight. (16:54) Sep 2 1945 he describes the ships for the Generals and the Japanese before the signing (18:11) he took pictures standing 10 ft away from Macarthur and Chester Nimitz (19:10) He describes seeing General Wainwright. (20:00)He describes the feeling of the day. (20:32) He was not allowed off the ship for three days. When he was allowed off the ship, the troops had to carry their rifles. (21:28)He built a radio tower for Tokyo he stayed there for a month or two until his living facilities burnt down. He lost a lot of his things in the fire. (23:09) He then moved into a school building. (23:42) He describes how he was allowed to move freely to around Japan. (24:47) He got to travel within 100 miles of Tokyo. He describes the devastation of the bombing and how you could see for miles and there was nothing because of the destruction of the housing. (26:06) The allies did not bomb the emperor’s palace or the business district. (27:26) The U.S took over office space. Macarthur took a building across the street from the emperor’s palace. (28:41) Interactions between Japanese and American troops (29:23) Speaks of the people of in Japan (30:28) He did not find too much belligerence (31:05) He stayed at the radio station until December 1945 (31:32) He then stayed at the West Point of Japan. The emperor’s son had a residence there. �(32:16) He then went home in Jan. 1946 (32:54 )He went to Michigan State and became a civil engineer. (34:32) He discusses his later careers (35:19) He did not think that the military affected him later in life. (36:37) Discusses basic training. (38:56) He stayed St Petersburg for three weeks after basic. (39:34) He went to the Citadel, South Carolina to be shipped to school. He lived in fraternity houses. (40:51) When he went to Missouri and found out what he was going to do in the Army (41:47 )He took a night school course in diesel engines before he went in the military. (43:48) Trip across the Pacific ocean: everyone got sea sick for about three days. At night all the ships had to be lightproof, because of the submarines (46:34) In New Guinea they sleep in tents and it was a sad night because of the day before Christmas. It did not bother him to be away form home. (47:57) He moved into larger facilities he had to sleep in netting and he had to take a pill to warn off malaria. The pill was called atabrine. (49:13 ) He worked with the natives. (50:00 )Manila was obliterated by the Japanese bombing. He gave food to the kids in Manila because they were starving. (51:17 )Last thoughts In New Guinea he saw a bunch of downed aircraft and from the scrap he made bracelets and things to send home. End. 53:27 ��;,f' . .... . . ��~_\.. ~ \ l q 4S­ Yo Ko ho...w-. e, �M 0 ",,",0 r~ ~ ~ \. 5 O-W\ i ~S4. ~ ;. ~ '" ~ r ~ A r w. t c:rlt e, e Q tQ~ J~M �.J ~~-e.. CV-.. R Q...~ c-e ~~"" \.-°tll-Q,A l~~~ d~ ~~O-\-C) ��w~~li ueJ b 't ~o~ \- ( 't'-Ct. �w ..• .Ir~ \a o..~ Mo\- . 8'\Jj i. yO . . . . . G.. l-JQ.o...Y' 0" �f\J, \(,K k). c R~ SO qJ~ To Kli G' f C?4.s­ ~~ �~ ...... II •, ). ����• ... ~, i • . . ' /;':~ " . ' j ' : . .; • . ' .i · :; . : ; \'1 " ' - •~. ;' ,, ' .' . I '. , ~ , " , . . .. . ' .• , . • '. ' .. '~ �-',. ~ . .- .. - - _ - __ '---:-. :. ... ... ~ -. . -.:- .. (f . - - . �t .. • • ~ I . . ., .- .. .. . ~.. , " . I . - . .. : .:. . . :. ... '_. ��I .. I t . I ' _ •. . _, " " .... . . . . . " ' . .:.. ."... .:.: ;­ - ­ ---' ~. �" �· I ���p __ - - _ ..-­-­ ------_.-- -_ . _._.-._.. ._-- --._. - - �� 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 ThompsonE Title A name given to the resource Thompson, Everett (Interview outline, video, and papers), 2007 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thompson, Everett Description An account of the resource Everett Thompson served in the Army Signal Corps in World War II. He was drafted in March 1943. After doing basic training in Florida, he was sent to the University of Illinois where he took classes to prepare him to take care of large diesel engines. He was shipped out to New Guinea, and operated large diesel engine generators for radio stations until June of 1945. He spent a few weeks in Manila, waiting to be sent into Japan as part of a large convoy. Once there he witnessed the men boarding the USS Missouri to sign the armistice. After a few days he was able to leave the ships and see Japan. He helped build and operate a large radio tower in Tokyo and saw the devastation of the bombing within 100 miles of that city. He came home in January 1946 and entered Michigan State University, becoming a civil engineer. Photographs and correspsondence from Thompson's service are appended to this interview outline. 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 United States. Army. Signal Corps 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 2007-05-24 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/4ae9f1e29b0113a3a6dd0967f0f7e173.mp3 15da504d4b3769c702d805f04cd593e3 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/b005b797a646b8ca5e258e4225a2a64a.pdf e69e00e7322d6d569ad4adc974bef305 PDF Text Text GV043-07 Connected Exhibit Interviews Interviewee: Scott Thorbjornsen Interviewers: Gayle Schaub Date: April 26, 2016 Gayle: Scott: Ok, alright whatever you want to tell me about. So, anything. Like, what’s your major? I’ll ask you some questions. 00:09 My major is Allied Health Sciences with an emphasis in speech language pathology. I initially wanted to go into physical therapy, and then after my freshman year and seeing how competitive it was I didn’t have the drive I thought I did for it. So I asked some people around, thought I might do engineering for a little bit but that was I think a too much of a change. And a girl on the team, she was in the SLP program and she told me to do it. She said she was having a lot of fun in it, so I started taking classes for that and got into the undergrad program in my fourth year so now I’m in it and I’ll have a fifth year to finish the undergrad. Gayle: Scott: Speech Pathology 1:12 Gayle: Scott: So is that like, what are you leaning towards? School or? 1:19 Gayle: Scott: I’m not sure yet, I want to coach someday so I think a school would be like more fitting for that but, like right now I just took a course over the brain and the senses and all that stuff and like aphasias and dementia and that stuff was really interesting so I might go that way too, we’ll see. So how did you start rowing? What made you get interested or did somebody rope you into it? 1:53 Gayle: Scott: Yeah, yup. I was a part of sports ever since I was young, my dad coached, and my older sister played sports, my younger sister played sports. I just wanted to try something new and that’s kind of how I went, like when I went to Grand Valley I knew they had a lot of options. You can find anything you want here basically. So I didn’t want to play any sport that I played before, and some kid stopped me on the sidewalk and said “Hey come to this meeting, its rowing” like “Oh I just saw that in the Olympics this past. So.. So you were recruited. 2:40 Yeah, yeah. So yeah, that was 2012 so the summer Olympics had just ended and I was walking around campus and the guy was like, yeah. He said “come to the meeting” and I went to the meeting, it seemed fun. I got farther along, went to some practices and paid my first set of dues and I was like, “Well I guess I’m sticking around” so… �Gayle: Scott: What were your sports before this? 3:06 Gayle: Scott: Wow, but you haven’t done those here? 3:11 Gayle: Scott: I played football, I wrestled, and I played baseball. No. I’d like to get back into wrestling, somehow but… You don’t mind the weather extremes of rowing? 3:23 Sometimes it gets bad but- Gayle: How was the Lubbers regatta? Scott: Lubbers cup this year was cold. I think it was… Gayle: Worse than when there was ice on the river? Scott: 3:37 Gayle: Scott: [Exhales] Yeah, I think so. I Think Saturday morning when we raced it was hovering around thirty degrees, maybe a little bit lower. Yeah it was cold. And then we raced again that day, but later in the afternoon – in the evening – so it was a little warmer. We raced Sunday morning and it wasn’t too bad but Monday morning it started to snow so the rest of it got cancelled. Naturally as Lubbers cup goes. I remember my freshman year, that was really bad. It was a one-day regatta then, so now there’s two days of it, then it was just one day and it was like just down pouring rain, wind, like whitecaps on the lake. We raced, we won, which was awesome, because we beat Michigan which doesn’t happen very often. So, yeah we won, and I remember I was just like, shivering for at least thirty minutes after the race was over. It was cold, but it was a lot of fun too. What’s the best and worst thing about rowing? 5:00 The best thing about rowing…well I guess the first, best thing about rowing is just like the friendships you make. Like I’m close with a lot of people and even if I’m not close with them I’ve met a lot of people through rowing, whether they’ve rowed or not like friends of friends, you make a lot of connections. It’s kind of similar to a fraternity in that way, in like, you just meet a lot of people and you bond over rowing. But it’s not just a fraternity though. Like we’re all competing and we’re all working for a goal at the end of the year. And the second best thing I guess is the types of challenges you face, like keeping everything in perspective. Knowing that what you’re doing now, like the adversity you face is just building you into a better, more prepared person for your future. I know there’s a lot of kids who leave the team because they feel they’re not being productive enough in, like, building for their future, but rowing and there are other club sports where you put in just as much time or a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication like wrestling. And when people see that you’ve done that and dedicated four years to a sport that physically demanding, mentally demanding; it takes up a lot of time. They don’t brush that off, they look at that and they see that and are like “wow that’s impressive, I know that I can rely on you to be her.” And I think a lot of people see the day to day �things they’re missing out on. Or they see what other students are doing to get prepared and they keep comparing themselves and they just don’t look at the bigger picture or… Gayle: It’s difficult though isn’t it? Balancing and- Scott: Oh yeah, it’s really- Gayle: It’s a lot of work Scott: It is a lot of work. Yeah it’s tough. Gayle: So you started rowing though, right after you got here? Scott: Yeah. Gayle: Cause the season is in fall? Scott: Yeah. Gayle: It’s all year long Scott: 7:40 Gayle: Scott: Did you do the England one? 8:25 Gayle: Scott: Its fall, winter, spring, all year. Most people try to stay in shape over the summer, I failed at that. But I mean, it’s a lot of fun, I’ve had a lot of great experiences. But I guess the worst thing about rowing is…is all that stuff. A lot of traveling. I mean, it’s fun to travel, it’s fun to see all these cool places that we’ve been to but it’s a lot of weekends gone, and it’s a lot missed out, where you could have spent with friends or family, but you know, it’s a good time. That’s this summer actually. The last time they went was my freshman year, and this year we’re going again and I will be attending. What’s that called? 8:38 It’s called the Henley Royal Regatta, and that’s on the Thames River, just outside of London Gayle: When? Scott: The women leave…late May or Early June, and they’re there for ten days. Then we leave on the 22nd and get back on July 5th, so it’s a good, about ten days there. So the women must be leaving the 12th. Gayle: Where do you stay, in a hotel? Scott: I think we have a host family, so we stay in someone’s house. Gayle: Cool. Scott: Yeah. Gayle: Where? �Scott: In Henley. Gayle: Oh. Scott: 9:35 Yeah, I couldn’t really tell you much on the location either. Yeah it’s going to be a lot of fun, I’m excited for it. Yeah, it’s a different style of racing too. Instead of a heat, a semi, and a final, and you advance each round, this is single elimination. So you race, it’s one boat, two boat race, and the one who wins moves on and the other is done for the rest. So, that’s… I don’t know… risky. Gayle: But you get to go to England. Scott: You get to go to England, which is going to be a lot of fun. Yeah, I’m excited for it. Gayle: So, if somebody asked you like what… is there… I don’t know… is there a time or something that you can think of in your four years… four years? This is your fourth year? Scott: Yeah, it’s my fourth year. Gayle: That stands out, because of for any reason, either the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. And not just sports, but anything. Like is there a time where you think “oh God, I’m glad that’s over” or “I wish that would happen again” or something? Do you have a memorable class or a frustrating class, or something that… Scott: 10:54 I mean my freshman year was a lot of fun, just cause everyone who was on the freshman team, guys on the boys side, none of them had rowed before. So we were all just learning this new sport together, and we were all a bunch of goofballs. And our coach, it was his first year being the novice first year coach. Gayle: Hugh? Scott: Yeah, that was Hugh. So yeah, we had a lot of fun just messing around, learning a new sport, and being dudes on the team. I don’t know. Gayle: Do you get nervous? Like for those… I don’t know what they call them. You know those erg (ergometer, or rowing machine) tests or whatever, the timings? Do you ever… does that ever effect you, like your head? Scott: 11:50 I get a little nervous. I do... for like when we have our practices in the winter it’s really, it’s the same thing week in and week out, routine. But then at the end of our winter training, our winter season, we have a 2,000 meter race on the erg, and that’s basically like our last big test before the spring season. So it’s like we build… where all the winter training is like, kind of leads up to this, and so that’s a little nerve-wracking because our coach makes it a big deal. So I think he wants us to get nervous for it. Because he wants us to have – feel that anxiety and get ready for the spring. But it's because alumni show up, some friends show up, and it’s you, and you’re lined up with seven other people, and there’s a screen in front of you that shows like where you’re at compared to the other people. So it’s basically just like a �race. So that’s a little nerve-wracking, but other than that one it’s not. I don’t really… Gayle: Scott: Gayle: Scott: Gayle: Scott: Have you ever like not done the way you wanted? Have you ever wanted something and not gotten it? Or are you one of the more successful physically? 13:17 No… yeah… I’m… As a rower I’m pretty small. Most guys are six foot or taller. I’m 5’10. I’ve put in – I had to work a little more than some guys I think. So height’s an advantage? 13:35 Yeah, yeah. But in… yeah, I don’t know there’s seat racing that we do. Last year when we seat raced I didn’t do so hot, and I was pretty disappointed, but I don’t know. You just got to keep on going I guess. Like you might get discouraged but keeping things in perspective and just knowing that if you keep going, keep working, it’s going to pay off eventually. Like it might not happen now. It could take a year for it to happen. I mean I know there’s… I mean not me personally, I’ve worked my way all four years, and I’ve gotten to this point. I’m in the varsity boat now. But there’s…I know other kids who… they rowed four years at Grand Valley too, but they didn’t get into the eight, or maybe they rowed a pair all four years. But, you know, they still showed up and they still put in the work. Because that’s just how it goes. Yeah. You’d make a lousy coach if you couldn’t do that. You’re a quitter. 14:55 Yeah, so… And there’s kids who put in, you know… They do our practice, and then they put in an extra 20 minutes a day, just on their own. And that’s just like they have a lot more passion for rowing than I do. I mean I like rowing but it’s not… I don’t have like that definite like “this is what I want to do” type thing for it, and I don’t know if that’s something I’m still looking for. I don’t know. I guess I’m competitive out of passion for competing. I don’t know. So I just go out there and do what I can. I guess but… Gayle: Is there wrestling at Grand Valley? Scott: Yeah there’s a club team. Gayle: And you choose not to do that? Scott: Gayle: Scott: 15:46 Yeah I didn’t….Yeah I just wanted to try something different. So I do want to get back into that, and we’ll see how that happens but… I don’t know. So what would be the best, like, recruiting technique? Or, not technique but what did somebody…well you wanted to do it, right? You wanted to do something. But if somebody were kind of like on the fence, “I’m not sure if I want to do a sport. I’m new here and I’m not sure if I want to do that.” What would make a good pitch? 16:24 Well for rowing, I think just selling them on the comradery and the amount of traveling you do. The traveling does get to be a lot, especially after four years of doing it. It’s a lot, and maybe for freshman too, they see that and maybe they’re �maybe a little intimidated. But it’s just a great experience to go see Washington D.C. or San Diego, or Florida… Gayle: Yeah. Scott: Or Philadelphia, Georgia. Gayle: Do you think people should do it if they only want to do it for a year? Scott: Gayle: Scott: Gayle: 16:57 Yeah, I think there’s a lot of kids who come out for their freshman year and don’t come back. Probably more than who stay. 17:08 Yeah, I mean there’s always sixty or seventy freshman in the fall and by the end of the spring season there’s twenty, maybe. And of those twenty, maybe ten come back for the next year. And I think those kids who did it their freshman year are glad they did it their freshman year. I mean I live with two of them… Oh you live with rowers too? Scott: 17:41 Yeah I live with two guys who were on my freshman rowing team, and they’re glad they did it that one year. They loved it but they’re ok with not coming and doing it again and that’s fine. It’s a hard sport, but it’s a lot of fun and you get a lot out of it. You learn a lot about yourself, you learn a lot about other people. You learn how to deal with adversity and… Gayle: There might be some academic programs that don’t mesh well with the demands of the sport though, do you think? Scott: 18:20 I mean there was a girl last year that was in the nursing program, and she would have clinicals and class, and she was able to work around it. And there’s two guys in the engineering program right now, maybe three. Gayle: Scott: That amazes me. 18:36 And they do what they got to do. There was one kid, he did his robot stuff last Saturday, and so I mean we just move practice for him. So he went and did that and he’s been doing a bunch of projects this semester. So it is doable, there’s kids on…there’s been kids who are in business fraternities… Gayle: But you can’t go home every weekend? Scott: No. No you can’t go home every weekend. Gayle: Where are you from? Scott: 19:14 I’m from Bangor, which is between Kalamazoo and South Haven. Gayle: Ok Scott: So like an hour south. �Gayle: Scott: But you don’t get home very often? 19:23 No. That’s just, I don’t know. I get caught up in…the going so I just…I forget sometimes. Just kind of going and going and going and I get a weekend off, and I just kind of don’t do anything and I think “Oh, I could have gone home”. Gayle: Was studying and stuff an adjustment for you when you got to college? Or not? Did you have a pretty grueling high school program? Scott: No, I would say getting… Gayle: Like managing your own time? Scott: Gayle: Scott: 19:59 Yeah, there’s definitely a learning curve to that. And in some programs it’s not very forgiving either. Depending on what you want to do to you got to come in and hit the ground running. Which is not what I did. But I managed fine I think. I haven’t done terrible in school… Any mistakes you learned from that you just say “oh well”? 20:27 Yeah, my freshman year second semester I just kind of, I don’t know, fluffed off on my classes and didn’t really, care as much as I should have… Gayle: What kind of classes? Scott: Writing 150, Bio 120, and… Gayle: You remember? Scott: Yeah, couple other classes, but yeah especially Writing 150. Did the bare minimum in that class and didn’t put enough effort into it. So I definitely was like… Gayle: Well so what did you learn? Like you got a bad grade and went on with it, or did you have to retake it or? Scott: No I didn’t have to retake it, like I didn’t fail it or get below, like I got the credit for it. I think I got a B-… Gayle: (laughs) Scott: (laughs) Yeah it’s not bad but… Gayle: But you could have done better. Scott: Gayle: Scott: 21:42 Yeah I could have definitely done better. Yeah if I just put forth ten percent more effort I could have been a B+ or something, I don’t know. But… Does your program have a secondary admit or something? Was there anything where grades could be an issue along the way or? 22:00 Yeah, I guess for…There’s an application process to get the emphasis in Speech Language Pathology so…I had to apply twice for it cause for the first time I went in, I had an interview and I wasn’t selected. So that was a little rough, like… �Gayle: Scott: Do they tell you why? 22:25 No, not really. I’m thinking though that it was just…they wanted like another year or whatever to get my GPA up but…I don’t know. So that kind of hurt my pride a little bit I think like “Oh yeah I’ll get in at this” and I didn’t and just “oh, that’s, alright…” But I got in the second time and it’s been going well. I like the classes and I’m in the same class, all my classes are with the same group of people. So I’m making some good friends in there, too, which is great. It’s a lot of fun, having more people to relate to in the classes. And to have the support when you’re struggling in the class like, “Hey, does anyone get this?” Gayle: Have you ever used any of the services, like the writing center or the knowledge market? Scott: 23:30 Yeah I’ve used the writing center a lot, but other than that… Well I guess when I had math classes I used the Math Center a few times but… So Math Center and Writing Center I’ve used but other than that. Gayle: Scott: But they were worth it? 23:55 Yeah, they have good feedback and…And sometimes it’s good going there because, they give you a little bit of guidance but they don’t just give you the answer. Gayle: Mhmm. Scott: It’s a little less frustrating. You know you figure it out and you learn it better, and you learn it for yourself and it’ll stick. Gayle: Do you have a favorite professor here? Do you have someone that really stands out? You don’t have to name them (laughs) like if there was like a disaster. Scott: Gayle: Scott: Gayle: 24:32 Yeah. In the course evaluations at the end of the year, one question is always like “did you learn something from this professor?” And I always put yes, no matter like how bad the course went because you can learn something that’s not related to the course. You can learn how a better way to teach something would be, or you can learn how to deal with a pushy person, or someone who doesn’t listen. Or just a personality that doesn’t work with yours. 25:14 Yeah. Or how to deal with a personality, yeah. So you can learn other skills in the course even though you might not have learned much in the class. Teachers that stick out, I don’t know, I’ve had some pretty good professors. I had a good philosophy professor, philosophy 101, Klaskow I think was his name. I enjoyed it. Right now my SLP professors are all really good. Rankinen, this is his first year and he knows his stuff so that’s good. I just did a Student Scholars Day poster with Dr. Macauley; she’s very passionate, very into what she does. Just loves teaching and loves being a part of...She still does some clinical so she just loves that stuff and it’s cool to see how passionate she is. Did you pursue that or did she suggest you do that? �Scott: Gayle: Scott: 26:32 Well my roommate is friends with her daughter, takes a few classes with her daughter. And she said “Hey you should do a Student Scholars Day poster” and he was like, “alright, I don’t know where to start” and she was like “ask my mom.” So her mom gave him a poster to do and figured out I was his roommate and was like “you should do it with him.” And I said “I will.” So that’s how that went. Does that make you think about going to grad school or anything? That process? 27:05 Yeah. For SLP grad school is a requirement so I have to go anyway but yeah. Research is pretty fun I think, maybe not fun but, doing studies and finding correlations is fun. But the actual research can be boring sometimes. *laughs* Gayle: (laughs) But finding out that you can do it. Scott: Yeah. Gayle: Were you thinking about grad school when you started college? Scott: Gayle: Scott: 27:47 Yeah, kind of… You kind of had a big picture in your head. 27:52 Yeah. I wish I didn’t have to go to grad school. I knew I was going towards the medical field, so I knew it was probably going to be a necessity to go, even though I don’t really want to go. But it’s alright, it will just be another stepping stone. Gayle: Two or three years. Scott: Yeah, that will be nice. Grand Valley’s is an accelerated course, so that’s a year and a half. Gayle: So you’re going to do it here? Scott: I’m going to try and get in here. Otherwise I’ll go somewhere else, no big deal. Gayle: Is that something like your family…I don’t want to say encouraged but…I didn’t come from a college-going family. I was the only one in my family to go to college. It wasn’t anything that I really knew that much about and they certainly weren’t saying “hey you should do this”. Scott: 29:01 Yeah I think it was expected to go. I have an older sister and a younger sister and I think for all three of us it was like “you should probably go to college.” I know I was also thinking about joining the military, and my dad who was in the Air Force was like, “go to college first and think about it there.” I was like “alright.” I mean, I still think about joining and getting some grad school money from that and just…but yeah. Going to college was expected. Gayle: I don’t know if I have any other questions. Have you ever done any of the social events? Have you ever done the President’s Ball or? Scott: Yeah I went to the President’s Ball for the first time this year actually. �Gayle: Did you like it? Scott: Yeah it was fun, different. Something different to do in the college. Gayle: I’ve never stayed for the actual music, it’s too much for me. Scott: Yeah, we didn’t go to the dinner either so, we just went to the dance. It was fun, I guess. Gayle: I don’t know what other things there are. Scott: There was a jazz band in the upstairs part of DeVos, some swing dancing. It was fun. Gayle: I mean throughout the year there are other things or do you? Scott: 30:42 Oh, well there’s always those concerts. I don’t think I’ve been to any of those. Gayle: Mostly dedicated to early morning rowing or not. Are there early morning practices? Scott: Sometimes, they’re usually during the evening though. Gayle: When it’s warmer. Scott: 31:08 Yeah. The morning practices are hard when we have them just because you’re half asleep still but that’s alright. Gayle: Ok. I don’t know, anything else? That you can think of. You don’t graduate this year though you graduate next year? Scott: Yeah I graduate next year. Gayle: Are you going to go through the ceremony? Are you going to walk across the stage? Scott: Probably. Yeah, I don’t have a reason not to. Gayle: Kind of exciting. Scott: Yeah. Yeah it’ll be good. I’m sure my parents will probably want me to. Gayle: I’ll be there. Walt’s going across. Scott: Oh yeah? Gayle: And my other son will probably be graduating at the same time. Scott: Henry? Gayle: Yeah. Scott: Cool. Gayle: I’ll be in the audience, weeping (laughs). Scott: (Laughs) Yeah. �Gayle: It’s exciting. Have you ever been to one? Scott: My sister’s. She graduated from Western. Gayle: Here it’s really exciting, and Van Andel. It’s really big. There’s thousands of people, it’s really loud. Scott: 32:16 Yeah I’m excited for it, when it comes. One thing that I’m thinking of, when your parents …Like when we were talking earlier about the weekends off and it’s not much time to go home. I think this year especially I’m finally realizing how much my parents mean to me and how much they’ve supported me and what they’ve done. This year has been eye opening in that how much they’re willing to do and what they do for me and my sisters. Gayle: Scott: Do you tell them this? (Laughs) 33:07 I do thank them a lot but…yeah. I know when I first came to college my freshman year I was like “I can finally go off on my own a little bit and figure out what I can do. Do things on my own and not have a parent over my shoulder every second.” Gayle: Where did you live when you first got here? Scott: I lived on campus, in Frey. Which is next to North C. Gayle: Is it like the suite kind or the dorm room kind? Scott: It was like a one room apartment. So it had a small kitchen and a bathroom. Me and my roommate shared, it was all just like one room with two beds and a small kitchen. Gayle: How was your adjustment? Was it smooth or did you kind of go “ahhh!”? Scott: 34:07 I was fine. I didn’t have any problems, just kind of jumped right into it. Gayle: Did you go through transitions and stuff? Scott: Yeah I went to all the transitions. While all my roommate slept through most of them, all of them. Gayle: Did they make a difference did you think? Were they helpful? Scott: 34:28 If anything it got you out there and talking to your floor mates. You know the people tried to get you pumped up for the year. Which is good I guess. Gayle: But you don’t know what to expect so. Scott: Yeah. Gayle: I think that’s where getting involved in a sport helps. Scott: Yeah. �Gayle: I know that was different for Walt to just getting involved right away and having an immediate, like you said, an immediate group of friends. Scott: Yeah. I mean there were kids who were only on the team for like three, four months. And I still recognize a few of them, say hi and talk to them. You meet a lot of people in any club sport. Gayle: You going to try and maintain these friendships you think? Although if you’re here at grad school you might. Scott: Yeah, there are definitely people here I would like to keep in touch with. Which is although like something I’m not good at. Gayle: Facebook. Scott: Yeah, true. Gayle: It helps a lot. I’ve rediscovered people from thirty years ago. Scott: Yeah so, I don’t know. It’s been, as far as rowing goes, it’s been a good four years. I’m glad it’s over, or it will be over in a couple months. Gayle: Just because of the time commitment or the physical commitment? Scott: Mostly just the time. I mean it’ll be good to just have a three hour chunk of time back in my day. I’ll be twiddling my thumbs for those three hours, but that’s ok. Gayle: You’ll fill them up. Scott: Yeah, I’m sure. Gayle: If anything else you can sleep. Scott: Yeah. End � 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 Connected Exhibit Interviews Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Libraries Description An account of the resource Collection of audio recordings and transcripts of Grand Valley State University students sharing their stories and experiences. The recordings were conducted as part of an exhibit created by the University Libraries in fall semester of 2016 titled "Connected" which featured short audio clips of students. The clips were combined with watercolor portraits of GVSU students by Ellie Lubbers and an interactive watercolor painting activity. Students were encouraged to paint 3" circles of paper to illustrate their current feelings about the college experience and attach them to the gallery wall. The aim of the exhibit was to inspire feelings of community, connectedness, and welcome to new and returning students. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/626">University Libraries. Connected exhibit files</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Universities and colleges Michigan College students Oral histories Education, Higher--United States--Anecdotes 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Cadena, Cara; Schaub, Gayle; Frigo, Emily; Lubbers, Ellie; Fisher, Erin Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV043-07 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound 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 2016 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/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thorbjornsen, Scott Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2016-04-26 Title A name given to the resource Scott Thorbjornsen interview (audio and transcript) Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Schaub, Gayle (interviewer) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV043-07_ThorbjornsenS_2016-04-26 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/626">University Libraries. Connected exhibit files</a> 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 Relation A related resource Grand Valley State University Libraries. Connected Exhibit, September 2016 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Description An account of the resource Interview with Scott Thorbjornsen conducted by Gayle Schaub for the GVSU Libraries' Connected Exhibit, displayed in September 2016. Edited clips of interviews accompanied watercolor portraits of students and an interactive watercolor activity for exhibit visitors. Scott is an allied health science major, emphasizing in speech language pathology. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Scott thought about physical therapy and engineering before deciding on his current major. He became involved in GVSU Crew as soon as he arrived on campus his freshman year. Scott acknowledges that rowing is a physically and mentally demanding, time-consuming sport, but he feels it has given him perspective and taught him the self discipline to face whatever adversity he may encounter. Through rowing, Scott has developed friendships that, hopefully, will continue long after graduation. Scott’s strong athletic ability and keen interest in coaching make working in a school an interesting possibility for him, so that he might combine his academic and personal interests in his profession Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Subject The topic of the resource Universities and colleges Michigan College students Oral histories Education, Higher--United States--Anecdotes https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/f0f787d2859939c98e5744b7ec9a3cc1.mp4 d17f303f07f722c49240cbf2f7ca1efe https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/65afb737400a9d4b9d7aaa57523db156.pdf bf51bc83b8cf833023993008abdb1a8e PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Name of War(s): World War II, Korean War Name of Interviewee: Darrell Thornley Length of Interview: (01:09:41) (00:12) Background Information Born in [Cato, OK] on February 21, 1925 (00:13) Father owned an ice plant, a trucking line, and a transfer and storage unit (00:23) Raised in Duvant, OK and stayed there until he was 16, then left for his sisters’ house to work (01:05) Family effected by Dust Bowl (01:51) Recalls hearing about Pearl Harbor (02:09) (02:41) Enlistment/Training Received draft notice to report to induction center to take his physical (02:46) Got in the wrong line and was sent into the army in Forts Hill, OK (02:55) Basic training held in Camp Roberts, CA (03:22) Caught pneumonia while training in a creek in 110 degree weather, spent 5 days in the hospital (04:06) Described rifle training, physical training, and 25 mile hikes (04:53) Was asked to stay to serve with the training cadre, but didn’t like the strict drill instructors and asked to be transferred (05:30) Served as an active squad leader at Camp Roberts (05:51) (06:17) Camp Calin, San Luis [Obispo], CA Transfered to the 97th division, which was training to go to Pacific (05:40) Joined Company A 386 at Camp Calin in San Luis, CA (06:16) Briefly describes his experience training here (06:48) Trained to make assault landings at [Camp Pendleton] Had never been on ocean before, didn’t enjoy it (07:02) Unit scheduled to go to the Pacific, but due to the Germans’ counterattack after the Battle of the Bulge, their orders changed and they were sent to Europe (07:16) Describes his experience traveling by troop train from California to Camp Kilmer in New Jersey (07:35) (08:45) Crossing the Rhine River Arrived in LeHavre, France and trucked to the front lines (09:31) Allies counterattacking, unit went right into the fight on the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany (09:42) Briefly describes leading companies as a scout during their first endeavor (10:23) Germans were retreating once the U.S. began advancing towards the Rhine River (12:00) Describes crossing the Rhine River while under fire (12:00) Recalls that the troops was prepared and functioned well together (12:55) �Campaign before reaching the Rhine took about three weeks because they had to wait for supplies (13:55) Germans were retreating once the U.S. began advancing towards the Rhine River (14:55) German forces must have been “scraping the bottom of the barrel,” German troops comprised mostly of very young men (15:12) Didn’t have much confrontation with German forces (15:55) Describes fortifications used (16:15) Describes experience crossing the Rhine River while under fire (17:06) (18:30)Germany Once across the Rhine River, advanced as far as possible until support arrived (18:30) Describes the radio technology available and its applications (18:46) Describes experience occupying Cologne, Germany before and after crossing the Rhine River (19:11) Entered Germany upstream (20:12) One complete division surrendered to them (20:55) Describes his experiences and duties as a scout for his unit (21:03) Describes casualties suffered (23:43) Advanced to Ruhr Valley, sent to Czechoslovakia (24:25) Truck overturned upon arrival on May 2, broken an arm and was taken to hospital (24:35) His unit did not encounter any prison camps while driving across Germany (25:19) Fractured his skull when the truck that was evacuating him turned over on bridge in England (26:26) (27:13) Rehabilitation Spent 7 months and 12 days in a hospital in England (27:13) Took a hospital boat out of England once he was able to travel and landed at Newport News, VA (27:19) Was transferred by train to a rehabilitation center in Okmulgee, OK (27:37) After a visit home during his 30 day leave, received orders to go to a rehabilitation center in Fort Sam Houston, TX (27:48) Primarily evacuated because his wrist had fused together while healing from the fracture, making it stiff and mostly unusable. (28:04) Describes how he spent his time during rehabilitation (28:32) Had earned enough points to qualify for discharge (29:22) Went home and tried to return to work, but his position had been filled and he re-enlisted (29:41) Received $300 bonus for re-enlisting (30:18) Sent to 20th Armored Division in Killeen, TX as Cadre (30:46) Didn’t enjoy Cadre, asked for reassignment �(31:08)(31:14) Italy Didn’t want to join the infantry, but couldn’t get away from it. [Changed MOSs to ammunition pioneer (a 505 at the time)] (31:23) Taught and used demolitions to construct areas for buildings, latrines, and flagpoles (31:41) Stationed near Udine (32:37) Went to Trieste (an international port) after the 88th division dissolved. Continued training with 351st Regiment (32:51) Describes Yugoslavia’s advance into Italy (33:31) Recalls that Trieste was beautiful and largely unaffected by the war (34:19) Recalls that the local Italians were nice to them (34:45) Based in Italy for three years (35:14) (35:28) Re-Enlistment, 1948 Re-enlisted and was assigned to a unit in Fort Sill, OK (35:28) Found that there was no opportunity for advancement, asked for transfer (35:44) After 6 months of waiting, he was transferred to a National Guard unit in Fort Bliss, TX in 1948 (35:52) Didn’t enjoy that, asked to be transferred in 1950. Assigned to ordinance unit in Japan for occupational duty (36:12) (36:34) Japan Landed in Yokohama, Japan by passenger ship (36:34) Troop went to Camp Drake to be sent to various units in June 1950 (36:45) Sent back to infantry at 24th Division headquarters via troop train (37:05) Was a platoon sergeant with a Combat Infantryman Badge at the time. Joined Company A, 19th infantry (37:41) (38:08) Service in Korea Stationed in Pusan, S. Korea in June of 1950 (38:08) Troops were issued ammunition, boarded Korean trucks, and moved forward (38:23) North Korean troops had overrun much of South Korea and were moving towards their troops. Received orders to slow the Koreans’ advance (38:54) Majority of his platoon were replacements, not infantrymen, and therefore had no battle experience (39:09) Describes first contact with enemy during advance to Taejon River in which their commanding general was captured. Retreated to Pusan Perimeter. (40:42) Recalls his impression of the North Koreans (41:25) Managed to hold onto their position despite the North Koreans’ strength and bravery (42:06) Describes the differences between their tactics and the North Koreans’ (42:15) Suffered many casualties due to inexperience. Their platoon [company?] was reduced from 167 men to 9 by July 14, including officers (43:03) Describes the weapons used by the North Koreans, and what they utilized in response (44:24) �Recalls that the weather was hot and that they weren’t prepared for it (45:24) Frequently combined entire companies to replace casualties (46:06) Remained at Pusan perimeter until General MacArthur broke landing at Inchon. Left once Koreans’ supplies had been cut off (46:27) Unit advanced and took Seoul (47:24) Unit then advanced on the end of North Korea. Reached Yalu River, but were confronted by Chinese troops before they could advance further (47:36) Unit withdrew quickly toward Seoul. Suffered from stomach ulcers at this time and was evacuated to Kobe, Japan for one day. Unit was attacked while he was being evacuated (48:46) Was asked if he was able to rejoin his unit. Describes briefly rejoining the fight after his three day evacuation (50:11) (52:52) Service after Evacuation Assigned to the 229th Ordinance Company, a base depot. Worked as the chief clerk of ammunition branch of Depot that was in control of the ammunition dumps in Japan (52:52) Joined 1st Cavalry Division which returned to Korea (54:16) Returned to the United States in 1952 and was assigned to a National Guard unit at Fort Bliss, TX. Didn’t enjoy that, volunteered to go back overseas. Joined 1st Cavalry Division, which returned to Korea (58:37) Describes what he thought of Japan at this time. (59:34) Left 229 Base Depot and went to another Depot in Kure. Stayed there until 1953 before returning to the United States (1:00:03) Received Bronze Star while in the IX Corps in 1954 (01:01:47) Joined 1st Ordinance of 906 Ammunition Company, stationed in Fort Knox, KY. Family joined him here. (01:03:11) Received orders to go to Saigon, Vietnam in 1958 as a part of a state department mission to recover equipment given to the French. (01:03:43) Three days before he was scheduled to return home, his hotel was bombed. Took cover behind a desk to protect himself. Witnessed his friend die in the blast (01:04:31) • Retired in 1966. � 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 ThornleyD Title A name given to the resource Thornley, Darrell (Interview outline and video), 2009 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thornley, Darrell Description An account of the resource Darrell Thornley was raised in Duvant, OK and was drafted into the army soon after hearing about Pearl Harbor. His extensive military career in World War II and the Korean War and beyond took him to France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Darrell held a variety of positions throughout his career, such as squad leader, scout, and Cadre leader. During his military career, he received the Combat Infantryman Badge and a Bronze Star Medal. 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 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 2009-05-14 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/eceba65595bbaaa37f729c9ec9e4d476.mp4 5c6ffff10c3fd57c3609928cbf29b604 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8116086c9a3a417c8207ee983602d9d7.pdf 4c101de9a7ea3e74b4a9583943159cc3 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Arthur Thorsen 40:44 Background information (00:17)          He was Born in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1923 (00:20) His father was a factory worker (00:30) His father had to change jobs during the 1930s, but his family stayed in Muskegon Michigan. (00:39) He did not finish high school and dropped out in the 11th grade. (1:03) At the age of 17 he joined the Navy. Due to his young age, this action did require his parent’s permission. (1:15) His parents were willing to let him enlist. (1:21) He enlisted in 1941 (1:27) He knew there was a war in Europe and figured he would be drafted. This encouraged him to join the Navy so he could pick his branch of service. (1:36) He chose the Navy because he didn’t want to be a soldier. (1:49) Basic training (2:00)       After enlisting he was sent to Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago Illinois. (2:10) Here he was required to become accustomed to Navy discipline. (2:26) He also attended a service school in Detroit Michigan where he learned mechanical engineering. (2:36) When Pearl Harbor occurred in December of 1941 he was in Boston on the Kilauea, an ammunition ship. (3:00) The Kilauea was about the size of a victory ship. (3:45) While on this ship he worked in the engine room where he checked gauges and monitored the engines performance. (4:00) Service on the Philadelphia (early 1942) (5:00)      After Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 he was placed on the Philadelphia. (5:09) The Philadelphia was a light cruiser. (5:20) This ship would make runs from the East Coast to Scotland on convoy escort. (5:44) While in the North Atlantic he experienced rough seas. (6:00) The ships he escorted would travel in the far North Atlantic because German submarines were unable to operate in the conditions found there. (6:58) �      Some of the convoys he was escorting were lost. (7:28) He was concerned about encountering German surface ships(7:52) While in Scotland he was given shore time; there was little to do there. (8:22) The Philadelphia also ventured to the Moroccan coast in Africa in November of 1942. (9:18) The Philadelphia assisted in a landing. However during the landing he was below deck in the engine room and witnessed very little of it. (10:23) Sometime after the landing he arrived back in the states and was transferred to the , a destroyer. (10:50) Service aboard the destroyer Anthony (approx. early 1943) (10:50)          The destroyer was new and was launched from Bath, Maine. (11:00) There was a commissioning ceremony for the Anthony. (11:20) The first task for the Anthony was down in Guantanamo Bay. (11:40) While serving on the Anthony he encountered German submarines and depth charges were dropped on them. (12:07) His battle station was the number 2 engine room. (In the middle of the ship.) This was a very sturdy place. (13:02) When the ship encountered subs, the ship would change course. (14:45) After Guantanamo he went through the Panama Canal and to Honolulu. (15:11) He traveled with other destroyers in a convoy as well as with a carrier. (16:00) When he stopped in Pearl Harbor he was able to stop and go ashore. There he saw the Arizona in the harbor but other battle signs were mostly cleaned up. (16:56) Service in the Pacific aboard the Anthony (17:00)           Once he left Hawaii the Anthony traveled to the South Pacific. (approx 1943) (17:20) For a time he was stationed in Guadalcanal in 1944. (17:54) The destroyer was primarily an escort and conducted some shore bombardments. (18:28) He worked in the engine rooms in shifts. When not on ship he likes to get on deck where it was cooler and the sun was out. (19:11) While off duty, there was little entertainment available to the soldiers. At Guadalcanal however there was a small beach area the sailors could use. (19:56) Movies were played on the ships for sailors. (20:20) One of the paces he stopped was Guam but he was unable to get off the boat. (20:55) His ship was also sent to Iwo Jima in 1945. Here, the Anthony had a spotter plane that gave coordinates for the ship to shell. (21:20) While pulling out of Iwo Jima a Japanese artillery fired upon the destroyers but did not hit the Anthony. (21:52) He stayed at Iwo Jima for a long period. (22:50) �                   While off Okinawa in March [April?] of 1945 the Anthony was attacked by Kamikaze pilots. (23:08) In Okinawa, his destroyer was in charge of providing cover for other ships. (Picket Duty) (23:16) The USS Brain was struck by a Kamikaze Pilot while the Anthony was on picket duty. Though he could not see the attack he could hear it in the engine room. He originally thought that the Anthony had been hit. (24:30) There were 4-5 occasions where the Anthony had near miss Kamikazes. (25:50) He was unaware the USS Brain was hit until he had made his way out of the Engine room and made it up top deck. (26:17) He saw neither the casualties from nor the damage that was done to the USS Brain. However he was able to see bodied bags filled with navel man after the incident. (27:13) After Okinawa he was sent off to Sasebo (September 1945) where he was given a rifle and a bayonet as war souvenirs. (27:41) He went to Nagasaki in September of 1945. (28:42) He was able to see where the bomb struck in Nagasaki and he toured much of the destruction. The navy did not know how bad the radiation was to the men who were exposed to it. (28:55) He was based in Sasebo for a short time before Nagasaki (29:30) He believes that he and the men stayed on the ship in Sasebo unlike when touring Nagasaki. (30:00) He saw very little of the Japanese civilians. (30:11) After his stay in Nagasaki the ship returned to the U.S. in November of 1945. (30:29) While traveling back to the U.S. the ship hit rough seas that caused the ship to take on some water. (31:00) Unlike being one a large ship, everyone had known everyone else on his destroyer. (32:30) In general his own captain would look after him as well as the other sailors. (32:40) Because of the dimensions of the destroyer, one of the sailors on the ship was washed overboard. The man was recovered several days later. (34:35) The ship had 2 casualties. (35:52) He was discharged in late 1946. (37:12) Post naval life. (37:30)      He stayed in the Navy for an extended period because he thought it would be a good way to make more money. (37:30) He was encouraged to reenlist and was offered 1st Class ranking. (38:00) He tried to go to school, but was unable to attend due to inefficient intelligence. (38:28) He ultimately ended up working in a factory that made mechanical parts for a wide variety of parts from mechanisms for McDonalds to bomb bay doors. (38:38) He worked for this company for 33 years. (39:05) �Effects of Naval Service (39:10)   He believed it was a good experience. (29:20) He learned how to work with people and cope with hardship. (39:55) � 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 ThorsenA0828V Title A name given to the resource Thorsen, Arthur (Interview outline and video), 2009 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thorsen, Arthur Description An account of the resource Arthur Thorsen is a Muskegon, Michigan, native who enlisted in the U.S. Navy before Pearl Harbor in 1941 at the age of seventeen. He worked mostly in the engine rooms of the ships he served on, initially an ammunition ship, and then the light cruiser Philadelphia in the Atlantic in 1942 and 1943 as it escorted convoys and supported the North African landings. He was then assigned to a new destroyer, the Anthony, which was sent to the Pacific in 1944. This ship also served as an escort and engaged in shore bombardments, notably at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and was then based at Sasebo, Japan, after the end of the war. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings United States. Navy World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2009-06-12 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