Morton Township Residents
for Responsible Development
Morton Township Residents for Responsible Development (application for 501(c)(4) Non-Profit in progress) was formed to educate and engage the general public, including the residents of Morton Township, about land use and development issues that impact the community, including zoning, environmental regulations, and sustainable development concerns and practices. Our organization works with the involvement of our community to preserve and protect its natural resources and rural culture and help ensure responsible development that will be a benefit to, enhance, and improve our community. Our volunteer Board members represent Canadian Lakes, Tri-Lakes, School Section Lake, and the Community in general. Meet our Board of Directors Here.
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Our Immediate Focus
Campground and RV Park:
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A Developer has submitted a rezoning application that proposes to convert 5 parcels of land, representing 45 acres, into a Campground and RV Park. The proposed development is on 105th Ave and Lake Drive/St Ives Drive, across from the Lake Mecosta public boat launch. That application would be assessed against the Township’s Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances. The Developer withdrew the initial application, which would have been evaluated under Section 13.1 of the Zoning Ordinance, and submitted another application for conditional rezoning, which will be evaluated under section 5.1 of the Zoning Ordinance. Relevant document links: Morton Township Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
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Morton Township Residents for Responsible Development has retained Legal Counsel to help us. You can learn move about our representation here. Our attorneys have requested all documents related to the RV Park filings from the Township under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The attorneys have reviewed both applications and will be formally submitting a letter of opposition to the Township on our behalf. We will continue to utilize our attorneys throughout this opposition.
Morton Township Master Plan
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Morton Township has recently solicited Requests for Proposal (RFP) from firms to review and update the Township Master Plan. Three proposals were submitted, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposals and made a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to select one of the firms to begin work on updating the Master Plan. Given that the Master Plan is the ‘blue print’ for future development in the community, we feel it important that it protects our natural resources and rural culture. Morton Township Residents for Responsible Development will be actively involved in monitoring the revisions to the Master Plan over the coming months.
Links to updates generated since the RV Park was first proposed are below, so you can become more acquainted with our work since last October.
Our Long-Range Goals
Monitor local development projects and proposals to ensure they align with the community's goals and values, the township Master Plan, and advocate for changes or modifications as necessary.
Create a platform for residents to voice their concerns and ideas about development and land use, and represent these perspectives to local decision-makers.
Encourage community involvement in local planning and decision-making processes, including public hearings, Township meetings, and other forums for public input.
Conduct research and gather information on best practices for responsible land use and development, and share this information with residents, policymakers, and other stakeholders in Morton Township.
Build partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities to promote responsible development and sustainable land use practices.
Provide resources and support to residents and community groups to help them effectively engage in land use and development issues.
We Need Your Help!
We want to hear from our community! We want and need your support for us to be effective with a common voice. Please join us and we’ll keep you updated on our efforts via this website and email. Visit our Join/Contact Us page to join our email list, share your views, and ask questions.
Again, we desperately need your support. We need your voice, we need your presence, and we need your financial backing. Please continue to show up for Planning Commission Meetings and voice your opinion. If/when Public Hearings are held, attend and voice your opinion.
Continue to write to the Township and Planning Commission at: planningcommission@mortontownship.org
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In order to fund our legal counsel, organizational activities and professional services, we need your financial help. Please consider making a donation through our Donate page. None of our Board Members or volunteers are paid.