Re: E-M:/ High Density Developments to Preserve Agricultural Land???

["William Tobler" <williamtobler@critterswoods.org>]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enviro-Mich message from "William Tobler" <williamtobler@critterswoods.org>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

We both have a right to our opinion.  In my opinion, what you are 
describing is an attractive urban development, not preservation of 
country, rural, or farmland.  Attractive urban development should be 
done too, but not masquerade as something else.

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
---
> Enviro-Mich message from "Bonnie Shupe" <BONNIES@cannontwp.org>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
---
> 
> I think I missed the first part of this, but I don't agree with you 
that clustering will detract from the rural atmosphere.  The way that 
we do clustering encourages the homes to be placed where they'll have 
the least impact on the environment and also the least impact on rural 
views. 
> 
> The clustering allows visible open space surrounding the homes and 
saves the woods, wetlands, steep slopes, etc. that make our area 
desirable.  This dedicated open space allows a place for the residents 
to recreate and commune with nature.  IMHO, they're getting the best of 
both worlds, a neighborhood atmosphere created when the homes are 
clustered together and the rural atmosphere from the open space.  They 
still may have to travel to get their cheez doodles, but they'll be so 
busy having fun, they'll forget all about their need to munch. :)
> Bonnie
> 
> Bonnie L. Shupe
> Cannon Township Clerk and Watershed Administrator
> 6878 Belding Road NE
> Rockford, MI 49341
> (616) 874-6966
> (616) 874-8940 (fax)
> e-mail: bonnies@cannontwp.org
> web site: www.cannontwp.org
> 
> >>> "William Tobler" <WilliamTobler@CrittersWoods.org> 04/23 6:24 PM 
>>>
> I live in an area that is still relatively rural, or at least most 
urban folks think so.  I actually would prefer to live in an area a 
heck of lot more rural than is available.
> 
> The problem for a rural township within a commuting distance of 
employment is the clustering proposal will quickly transform it to 
anything but rural.  The factors that keep urban and suburban people 
away are:
> 1)  Yuk, you live on a dirt road?
> 2)  Echk, you drink water that comes out of the ground?
> 3)  Ooh, where does this go when I flush?
> 4)  Ach, you go how far to buy cheez doodles?
> 
> Creating the cluster home situation takes away all of these 
deterrents.  It would be one thing if we were building it for the 
township's residents to live in at their choice.  But instead, you are 
inviting every one else to move in and take away from you what you hold 
dear.  If you build it, they will come, and in short order, they will 
have the local votes to take away the rest, and they will.  I've spent 
my entire life moving from one area or another that has become a place 
that I wouldn't even want to visit.
> 
> As far developers paying their way, forget it.  They don't and they 
won't.  Not even close.  It is a real struggle to get the developers to 
even build and pay for the amenities that they promised to put into 
their developments in the first place.  Our legislators won't fix it 
either.  How many years have they had the opportunity to fix the 
inequity of MHP developments?
> 
> The only solution is to address urban and suburban flight, and not 
create yet more new urban and suburban sprawl.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> =============================================================ENVIRO-
MICH:  Internet List and Forum for Michigan Environmental
> and Conservation Issues and Michigan-based Citizen Action.   Archives 
at
> http://www.great-lakes.net/lists/enviro-mich/
> 
> Postings to:  enviro-mich@great-lakes.net      For info, send email to
> majordomo@great-lakes.net  with a one-line message body of  "info 
enviro-mich"
> =============================================================
> 

-- 



==============================================================
ENVIRO-MICH:  Internet List and Forum for Michigan Environmental
and Conservation Issues and Michigan-based Citizen Action.   Archives at
http://www.great-lakes.net/lists/enviro-mich/

Postings to:  enviro-mich@great-lakes.net      For info, send email to
majordomo@great-lakes.net  with a one-line message body of  "info enviro-mich"
==============================================================