Beaver Island -- One Island, One Community, One Township
Posted: Sun May 06, 2018 10:06 am
"Beaver Island Residents to Cast Historic Vote in May" is a recent headline in Michigan History Magazine (March / April 2018, page 10). Friday an article in the Petoskey News stated, “Voters on Beaver Island will participate in a historic vote on Tuesday, May 8, asking whether the island’s two townships should be consolidated into one.” This certainly is a historic, major, meaningful, and significant time for all of Beaver Island – voters, residents, summer home owners, visitors, and future generations. We have the opportunity on Tuesday May 8 to decide what direction the future of Beaver Island is taking.
How important is this for Beaver Island? Since January 2018 there have been at least 26 posts on the Beaver Island Forum on this topic with over 111,400 views. Yes, over one hundred thousand views! This is one of the most important undertakings in decades on Beaver Island. There has been discussion about consolidation on Beaver Island for generations. It is time for us now in 2018 to make a decision that will impact and improve our home for future generations.
I have heard one statement over and over these past few months, “We do not need to consolidate because we already act like one township.” If that is the case, if we are already acting as a unified, consolidated entity LET’S MAKE IT OFFICIAL! Let us become one BEAVER ISLAND! Where do you live? Beaver Island. Has anyone ever answered Peaine Township or St. James Township?! Not likely. We all call Beaver Island home!
In 2017 both Beaver Island township boards approved the "Beaver Island Master Plan" and according to this plan, "The 2017 Beaver Island Master Plan serves as the official policy guide for the Island's future development and growth..." (page 7). On page 130 of the Master Plan consolidation of the two townships into one township government is listed as a "top priority." The Master Plan is a very professional document that provides an excellent strategy for Beaver Island in the coming years. Referring to the statement “We (Beaver Island) are already working as a consolidated entity” my question is: In the five pages of “Action Plan Ideas for Government Action” as listed in the Master Plan, which items are the two townships working on in a consolidated manner? Working on before the vote for consolidation took place? Here are several examples of items with High or Top priority:
• Build a new public boat ramp / launch and new fishing pier
• Provide directional signs to welcome tourists
• Fund a seasonal position to maintain trails
• Look for ways to accommodate bicyclists
• Review regulations for surfaces permitted on waterfront lots to prevent water quality decline
• Provide affordable options for removing junk cars and large debris
• Enforce code violations for blight removal and strengthen code requirements
• Protect dunes
• Identify and fix culverts that are damaging fish migration and health
• Lower minimum building size to enable tiny home development
• Pilot clean energy projects in public buildings
• Improve communication infrastructure for EMS
• Two township should plan together for improvements with a Joint Capital Improvement Plan
• Consolidate the two townships into one township government
The Master Plan was approved unanimously by both township boards. What actions are occurring with both townships working together for the long-term improvement of Beaver Island? Which of these listed (just a few of the items listed in five pages of priorities) are currently in process in a CONSOLIDATED way with both townships? Are any of these?
We have discussed so many issues over the last few months. One comment that has stuck with me, “If we were to establish a settlement on Beaver Island in 2018, would we start with two townships?” Absolutely not. If we understand it is not a way to establish a new community, why not take this opportunity to rectify this? Consolidation is the future of Beaver Island.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss this issue further or if you have any questions: Home 231 448 2374; E-mail angel@islandairways.com; Mobile 231 675 7882
Beaver Island -- One Island, One Community, One Township
Vote Yes on Consolidation on Tuesday May 8, 2018
Angel Welke
How important is this for Beaver Island? Since January 2018 there have been at least 26 posts on the Beaver Island Forum on this topic with over 111,400 views. Yes, over one hundred thousand views! This is one of the most important undertakings in decades on Beaver Island. There has been discussion about consolidation on Beaver Island for generations. It is time for us now in 2018 to make a decision that will impact and improve our home for future generations.
I have heard one statement over and over these past few months, “We do not need to consolidate because we already act like one township.” If that is the case, if we are already acting as a unified, consolidated entity LET’S MAKE IT OFFICIAL! Let us become one BEAVER ISLAND! Where do you live? Beaver Island. Has anyone ever answered Peaine Township or St. James Township?! Not likely. We all call Beaver Island home!
In 2017 both Beaver Island township boards approved the "Beaver Island Master Plan" and according to this plan, "The 2017 Beaver Island Master Plan serves as the official policy guide for the Island's future development and growth..." (page 7). On page 130 of the Master Plan consolidation of the two townships into one township government is listed as a "top priority." The Master Plan is a very professional document that provides an excellent strategy for Beaver Island in the coming years. Referring to the statement “We (Beaver Island) are already working as a consolidated entity” my question is: In the five pages of “Action Plan Ideas for Government Action” as listed in the Master Plan, which items are the two townships working on in a consolidated manner? Working on before the vote for consolidation took place? Here are several examples of items with High or Top priority:
• Build a new public boat ramp / launch and new fishing pier
• Provide directional signs to welcome tourists
• Fund a seasonal position to maintain trails
• Look for ways to accommodate bicyclists
• Review regulations for surfaces permitted on waterfront lots to prevent water quality decline
• Provide affordable options for removing junk cars and large debris
• Enforce code violations for blight removal and strengthen code requirements
• Protect dunes
• Identify and fix culverts that are damaging fish migration and health
• Lower minimum building size to enable tiny home development
• Pilot clean energy projects in public buildings
• Improve communication infrastructure for EMS
• Two township should plan together for improvements with a Joint Capital Improvement Plan
• Consolidate the two townships into one township government
The Master Plan was approved unanimously by both township boards. What actions are occurring with both townships working together for the long-term improvement of Beaver Island? Which of these listed (just a few of the items listed in five pages of priorities) are currently in process in a CONSOLIDATED way with both townships? Are any of these?
We have discussed so many issues over the last few months. One comment that has stuck with me, “If we were to establish a settlement on Beaver Island in 2018, would we start with two townships?” Absolutely not. If we understand it is not a way to establish a new community, why not take this opportunity to rectify this? Consolidation is the future of Beaver Island.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss this issue further or if you have any questions: Home 231 448 2374; E-mail angel@islandairways.com; Mobile 231 675 7882
Beaver Island -- One Island, One Community, One Township
Vote Yes on Consolidation on Tuesday May 8, 2018
Angel Welke