Gathering Concerns And Generating Solutions

by Bob Kellum

itizens for Land Stewardship, in conjunction with the Lenawee County Planning Commission, is conducting planning workshops in five areas of the county as a means to generate public involvement in updating the County Land Use Plan. The five areas are identified by characteristics specific to each and suggest that some land uses may be more appropriate than others.

CLS aspires to workshops that are models of democratic consensus process. This goal is both broader and more fundamental than addressing the host of hot button issues that challenge county land use planning. I-73, urban sprawl, farmland preservation and mega-farms all imply a narrower agenda than what is required of good planning. Although these issues are deserving of open dialogue, planning is easily held hostage to them if a broader mission is not recognized.

Through these workshops, CLS will offer intellectually honest, fair and stimulating forums for political discussion. The workshops endeavor to render diverse land use opinions into ever greater consensus and provide a means to address the area's intractable land use issues.

IRISH HILLS/US-12 — Onsted Middle School cafeteria, 10109 Slee Rd. (park and access from back side) Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.

URBAN CORE — Raisin Charter Township Hall, 5525 Occidental Hwy., Thursday, March 22, 7:30 p.m.

WEST AGRICULTURAL — Hudson Community Center 323 W. Main St. (parking access off Church St.), Monday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

SOUTH AGRICULTURAL — Madison Township Hall, 4008 S. Adrian Hwy., (additional parking behind Farm Bureau office) Wednesday, March 28, 10:00 a.m.

EAST AGRICULTURAL — Deerfield School cafeteria, Deerfield Rd. (enter through doors at end of sidewalk by gym) Thursday March 29, 7:30 p.m.

Contents

Design by Kenny King.