The Clark Township Planning Commission approved revisions to the township master plan following a public hearing Tuesday, November 25, where members of the community made comments concerning the remaining chapters of the master plan and zoning ordinances under revision.

Several residents voiced concern about the expansion of commercial zones and reduction of minimum property frontages along M-134 and M-129 in Cedarville and Hessel. Under the revised master plan, the two commercial zones will nearly double in area, and minimum lot frontages will be reduced from 200 ft. to 100 ft.

Outgoing Township Supervisor Linda Hudson predicted the reduced frontages will allow increased commercialization and eventual over-development of the community.

The commission, however, made no changes to their proposed master plan following the public comments.

Under the revised master plan, the commercial zone in Hessel will be extended along M-134 westward to where Nye Road intersects, to the east where Island View Road intersects, and south to Lake Street. The Cedarville commercial zone will be extended west along M-134 to 4 Mile Block and east to Short Street. The two zones are to be extended to accommodate existing and future commercial properties.

Also at the meeting, the commission heard public comments concerning the six remaining zoning articles under revision.

Changes were made to article six concerning the keeping of horses. Under the new ordinances, open housing will now be allowed as primary shelter, and the animals will only require access to fresh water, not both fresh and running water, providing wells and facilities comply with County Health Department standards.

The commission also agreed to allow corn and wood pellets for heating to be stored in wood-storing sheds.

The commission met again Monday, December 1, at the Clark Township offices to approve changes made to zoning articles six (General Provisions), eight (Signs), 10 (Zoning Districts), 11 (Special Land Use and Special Use Permits), 12 (Development Options), and 14 (Site Plan Review). The changes have been noted in previous articles appearing in The St. Ignace News.

The changes made at the November 25 public hearing had to be put in writing before the commission could approve the six articles, and planning consultant Brad Kaye of Traverse City-based Gourdie-Fraser did so for the special meeting December 1.

The commission scheduled the special meeting to approve the zoning articles because several members will be leaving the commission. Dana Leach and Mike Patrick's three year terms ended, and Mike Miller left the commission to become the Clark Township Clerk.

"They're trying to meet to get everything dealt with while they have a full commission still," Mr. Kaye said.

Final revisions to the zoning articles made by the township planning commission, which began in May 2007, are now awaiting approval by the Mackinac County Planning Commission, followed by approval by the Clark Township Board, to become official.