Justus On Plymouth Growth
Plymouth's namesake in Massachussetts, was founded by English settlers trying to start a new life. Plymouth Rock welcomed people to the land of opportunity before there was a Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.
Our Plymouth Township however, isn't exactly crawling in new residents. Township population is slightly down since 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
While campaign mailings are floating around the township full of candidates touting their cost cutting prowess or devotion to special groups, nobody has come out on the side of long term economic and population growth. Growth, economic and otherwise, is key to the long term success of individuals, businesses, and communities.
Without a vision for growth, how can we exepct the township to remain such a wonderful place to live?
My strategy for growth in Plymouth Township follows the example set by Governer Snyder. First, explore consolidation and best practices to shave cost from government without negatively impacting services. Secondly, cut targeted tax incentives to the few and use the savings to lower the tax burden for all businesses and individuals.
Efficient services and amenities from the government, combined with a low tax burden will ensure our township remains a desirable place to live and do business in the years ahead.
Hairman
8:56 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I do not believe that groth is ALWAYS better. I do not believe the Plymouth's want to become a Troy. I believe we should consolodate the " Plymouth's." Reduce the overhead of having two governing entieies. We would NOT need two treasures,clerks,
police chiefs, attorneys, etc.
I have seen many areas GROW and lose their charm.
I am a NON PARTASIAN voter so I have malace towards none.
Andrew Justus
11:29 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thanks for your comment and your concern. My main concern is that it's difficult sometimes to simply maintain population/GDP without either shrinking or growing. I understand your desire not to lose our small town feel as well. Some areas, not just in metro Detroit but nationally, grow in ways that rob character from the area and create lots of road congestion. That's why I think it's important to have some sort of a plan when it comes to growth.
I've heard a lot of people say that it would make sense to consolidate services and/or whole governments. Historically, Northville and Northville Township used to be part of Plymouth. Then somewhere along the way someone thought four governments would be better than one, but obviously we see today that can cost more than it needs to.
Michael Kelly
5:26 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
The township is basically fully developed, we have no large tracts of land to develop for residential growth. A positive factor for the township is the low population density and separation of the commercial developments along the freeway corridors.
Eliminating tax incentives only pushes businesses to communities that will be eager to offer them. Tax reduction is temporary and the gain in jobs usually offsets the tax reduction with increased activity in the retail sector by the new workers. Consolidation of services is the priority of the current township board along with the low tax rate which makes our community desirable to both businesses and residents.
Michael Kelly
Trustee
Hairman
5:53 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
By " consolidation of services " do you include for the PLYMOUTH'S
one treasure, one clerk, one planner,one fire chief, one police chief etc.?
PlymouthMafia
3:19 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Its great to see a young person get involved in the political process, I commend that. However you may still be a bit young and naive. There is nolonger anywhere left to develop. What you see is what you get. Our town wont change much from the way you see it now from most of your life. In fact its better off that way. For example look at the more recent developments, our township has allowed. Kroger gas sickens me.... A new gas station should never have been allowed to be developed there. Kroger needed its retail expansion, but Plymouth didn't need a third gas station on that intersection. Trustee Mike Kelly supported that! He would have difficulty sharpening a pencil, But Supervisor Reaume would help by cranking the gear, as kelly put the pencil in and ground it to the eraser. How about further growth and expansion, by allowing a charter school to be developed out off of N. Territorial, in the country, surrounded by half million dollar homes.... If that the kind of development you are referring to, run for office elsewhere. Actually the originally approved plan for that property was 40 condominiums, called the Vineyards of Plymouth.... Take a drive by and look at it Andrew, then drive around and have a better look at the surrounding homes and property.
PlymouthMafia
3:32 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
Our elected officials need to protect Plymouth from unwanted growth, yet support new industry and businesses. You can't over build, that is why Livonia, our neighbor is declining. Working with homeowners, and businesses to make improvements to the infrastructure and what we have, without forgetting where we come from, and keeping what is our small towns greatness, other cities wish they could have. Someone here mentioned consolidation of the two cities. THAT'S SMART! We should be one community.... The Plymouth community. One town, one government.... Non-Partisan. That's truly the way to go to hold on to our prosperity.... Glad you mentioned it Hairman, its actually being discussed by several current candidates, who are being assisted by a prominent attorney instructing them how it can be done, and what is needed to allow the voters to decide.... I could see Township hall, another campus for Schoolcraft college
John McKay
2:53 pm on Friday, July 13, 2012
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