Public Asked To Review County Master Plan in February

Mackinac County's Master Plan moved one step closer to formal adoption, with commissioners agreeing, January 25, to ask the public to review it beginning in February.

Dean Reid of the county planning commission asked commissioners to take the step so the document can be formally adopted this year. State law gives local governments 65 days to review a draft plan.

A public hearing is scheduled for April 25, after which the Mackinac County Planning Commission can adopt it, if residents favor it. The hearing will be at the St. Ignace Public Library at 7 p.m.

A series of meetings around the county in September 2005 offered residents their first opportunity to view and comment on the plan. The Master Plan will guide the area's future direction by presenting the county's view of its infrastructure, character, natural resources, and sense of community. The county's plan does not have to be adopted by local governments, nor does it supersede any plan cities and townships may have.

Wade Trim of Gaylord developed the master plan at a cost of $29,900.

Drafts will be distributed to local governments by February 7, said Planning Commissioner Michelle Walk. Copies will also be available at the Mackinac County Extension office in St. Ignace, the Les Cheneaux Community Library, St. Ignace Public Library, Curtis Public Library, and the Engadine Public Library.

Comments can be sent to the Mackinac County Planning Commission in care of MSU Extension, 100 South Marley Street, St. Ignace, or during the public hearing.