PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/AM) – An unprecedented backlash from Portage citizens over proposals for large new developments near Austin Lake has prompted the City Council to change how they handle such plans.
Citizens will get to see every major new development proposal before it goes to city staff or the Planning Commission.
Development Director Peter Dame says any new large development plan will be posted on the city’s website soon after it comes through the door, all in an effort to make sure the public is engaged.
He says developers will also be asked to meet with neighbors before the plans proceed.
Dane says the current notification process is limited and outdated, because only homeowners within 300 feet are notified, and nobody reads the newspaper notice.
Council member Terry Urban says it’s important for citizens to understand that first proposals are usually a developers wish list, and that they rarely get everything they want. H also would like to see an education piece added to the city’s website.
Until now, citizens had to wait until a formal plan was submitted to the Planning Commission before even finding out that something had been proposed. Nearby homeowners would be notified and an item would be posted in the paper.
It was partly rumors and speculation about the projects near Austin Lake that drew so much opposition. Portage officials hope full disclosure might help avoid that in the future.
The new transparency plan was approved unanimously by the Portage City Council this week.
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