Trustees Corner

Happy July, Hinckley! I truly hope you and your families are well.

As many of you know, the trustees voted against the rezoning of the old Hinckley Elementary School, in a two to one vote, leaving it zoned residential. I was the single trustee that voted in favor of business zoning as the property is designated business in our comprehensive plan future land use map. I noted that the 87 acres just east of the property had submitted a concept plan for a small development which has paused since the application for the map amendment. The school property could be purchased and connect to the 87-acre property for a mass development in town center. I did my due diligence and spoke with residents to garner public opinion prior to the vote. My findings were 63 citizens in favor of residential and 157 for business, therefore my vote reflected that of the people and served the directive outlined by the comprehensive plan.

After a year of work, the Comprehensive Plan audit process is complete. I am deeply grateful to the 2021 and 2022 board of trustees, the steering committee and the citizens that were active in the process via email and in meetings and to those who completed the survey. We experienced the highest level of engagement with a survey during this process at a 37% response rate. OHM Planning company has shared the results of the surveys along with its recommendations which can be found on the Hinckley Township website at hinckleytwp.org. The planning company will be sharing a memorandum for the comprehensive plan with the audit findings for the trustees to accept or reject. After the trustees have made their determination, the Zoning Commission will have clear directives as to implementation of change to the zoning resolution.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Have a wonderful summer! ∞