by Joseph Schultz
The Leighton Township Planning Commission had a discussion Wednesday night on a zoning amendment that would require a water hookup to a new development. It is being proposed because an individual decided to dig a well on his new development, even though there are water mains available on two sides of his property.
The proposed amendment would require a water hookup if there is an available public or private community water works main within 200 feet of the property line. Those currently on a well could continue getting their water from there. However, if the well fails, and they need to dig a new one, they may be required to hook up to the community water works.
Commissioner Thomas Snyder said he was indifferent to enforcing the water hookup, but Commissioner Steve Shoemaker insisted the water works is for the benefit of the community, and must be supported by the community.
The Dorr-Leighton Waste Water Authority is a public utility owned by Dorr and Leighton townships. The Dorr-Leighton Water Works, LLC is a privately owned company. The Planning Commission understands that many residents would not like being forced to do business with a privately held company.
The planning commission would like to have a public hearing on the proposed amendment as soon as next month.
In other news from the meeting:
- Green Meadow Holdings asked to amend the existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) to expand Paris Ridge Estates. The plan would increase the number of homes in the development to 284. They are now held to 262 homes. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment to the Township Board, which will have a hearing in its December meeting.
- After some discussion about a proposed short-term rental ordinance, the commission decided to discuss it again at next month’s meeting. Commissioners said they do not want to rush and make mistakes on the ordinance. Their desire is to make compliance with the ordinance as easy as possible. However, they understand that without an ordinance, the courts will view all short-term rentals in the township as illegal. Adopting the ordinance would make short-term rental activity legal.
