BIG ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY
In summary, economic growth and sustainability are essential for local communities because they improve quality of life, create jobs, enhance local character, attract tourism, foster community engagement, reduce poverty, protect the environment, increase local control, promote innovation, and enhance social cohesion. Our talent and resources are excellent and we are in a position to take action.
KEY ISSUES
Placemaking
I have always been a huge advocate of placemaking. Placemaking is a collaborative process that brings together community stakeholders, businesses, and government agencies to improve the physical and social environment of a community. Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired... a destination for all. Creating the space, facilities and infrastructure for community engagement and improved quality of life is key for Waterford Township. The new master plan and critical changes in antiquated ordinances are paving the road to obtain these goals.
Community Center
We must support the development of a new community center that will service all sectors of our population. Community centers play a vital role in building strong, resilient communities by providing a range of programs and services that meet the diverse needs of the community... a valuable component of placemaking as well. It will provide a social hub for people to gather and connect. The wide range of programs and services such as arts and crafts, fitness classes, youth programs and senior services will help meet the needs of our community. It can also help promote economic development by providing space for small businesses to start up or grow, offering job training and employment services. The benefits of a community center are endless and needed in Waterford Township.
Dixie Highway Drayton Plains Revitalization
Waterford township is blessed with an abundance of lakes, streams and parks... which we always refer to as the gems of our community. Our quality of life certainly is enhanced by these amenities. However, most of our neighboring communities also have a specific area referred to as their "downtown" where there is a hub of commercial activity, shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It's a destination that attracts residents and visitors to walk, shop, dine and live. The new Federal grant opportunity will allow us to begin to re-develop the "Drayton Plains" area, a once vibrant historical corridor, to include streetscape projects such as street lighting, trees, green space, wider sidewalks, etc. . Ultimately, with careful strategic planning it can be a major driver of economic development and growth.
Blight/Economic Development
I am proud of this community but often embarrassed by the blight - vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and houses in derelict or dangerous shape, as well as overgrown lawns, uncollected litter, inappropriately placed parked vehicles, and other signs of neglect. We are not unique to this problem. Blight affects all types of communities — rural, urban, and suburban. However, neighborhood blight and the presence of vacant and abandoned properties have profound negative impacts. Blighted properties decrease surrounding property values, erode the health of local housing markets, pose safety hazards, and reduce local tax revenue. We need successful programs to mitigate the impact of blight and promote neighborhood revitalization. This past term our leadership team has made progress and we need to stay on this trajectory. I believe community development is critical for sustainability. We have an amazingly talented workforce who, with leadership and residential support, have the ability to put innovations and policy strategies in place to combat this ongoing problem.