July 23, 2003 Meeting Notes

I. Introductions

The meeting came to order at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Sych asked the attendees to introduce themselves to the group. The list of attendees is attached at the end of the document.

II. Meeting Orientation

Mr. Sych discussed the agenda, and the goal of discussing the third and final draft of the resolution of consensus.

III. Discussion of Draft Resolution

Based on comments from the June meeting, Mr. Sych prepared a third and final draft resolution endorsing a by-pass of Schoolcraft and presented it to those in attendance. Mr. Sych highlighted the change to the resolution. There was discussion on whether the words, "in the future," should be removed from the fourth to last paragraph as it was clearly agreed that the by-pass would occur in the future and this language is deemed redundant. It was finally agreed that the words should be removed.

ON A MOTION made by Don Ulsh and DULY SECONDED by Newell Dean, Schoolcraft Area US-131 Planning Committee passed the following resolution:

A RESOLUTION OF THE SCHOOLCRAFT AREA US-131 PLANNING COMMITTEE TO ENDORSE A US-131 BY-PASS OF SCHOOLCRAFT

WHEREAS, US-131 is an integral part of the highway transportation system, owned and operated by the Michigan Department of Transportation, in the Schoolcraft area, Kalamazoo County and southwest Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the increasing amount of traffic on US-131 in the Village of Schoolcraft, particularly truck traffic, continues to erode the quality of life for residents; and

WHEREAS, the grade crossing of US-131 by the Canadian National railroad has increased in traffic which continues to be a disruption in traffic flow and safety; and

WHEREAS, the efficiency and safety of US-131 is imperative to Schoolcraft area residents, businesses, and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the economic vitality of the Schoolcraft area and the quality of life for area residents must be maintained and improved whenever possible in accordance with the following, equally important, Corridor Principles for US-131:

• Minimize impact on farmland by utilizing a minimal amount of new right-of-way and following existing property lines and existing rights-of-way
• Continue existing US-131 corridor as a primary business route and direct development along its existing roadway through such measures as planning, zoning and access management.
• Improve commercial and industrial connection between the Villages of Schoolcraft and Vicksburg, which may be achieved by developing VW Avenue as a primary all-season road, minimizing conflicts for emergency access, and improving access to US-131.
• Maximize accessibility and efficiency of farms and farm operations.
• Improve rural/small town character with room for natural growth.
• Minimize impact on existing travel patterns.
• Minimize impact on residential property.
• Develop a collective, permanent agreement among the community and the Michigan Department of Transportation for the next 20 years.

WHEREAS, the Schoolcraft Area US-131 Planning Committee has worked for the past year discussing community transportation issues and determining if there is community consensus to support a US-131 by-pass of Schoolcraft.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Schoolcraft Area US-131 Planning Committee believes there is general consensus for a US-131 by-pass of Schoolcraft and therefore, endorses a US-131 by-pass around the Village of Schoolcraft in accordance with the Corridor Principles for US-131 as listed above.

The Committee further urges the governing bodies of the Villages of Schoolcraft and Vicksburg and the Townships of Prairie Ronde and Schoolcraft to make this same endorsement.

The Committee further requests that the Michigan Department of Transportation reinitiate by-pass planning and facilitate further community involvement in that process.

Finally, the Committee recommends the following key planning activities for US-131 in the Schoolcraft area.

• Implement access management along the corridor in coordination with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Kalamazoo County Road Commission.
• Continue streetscape and traffic flow improvements.
• Maintain effective enforcement of traffic laws.
• Create an economic development action plan for the corridor.
• Complete the US-131 Corridor Study in the Schoolcraft Area by the Michigan Department of Transportation with local involvement.
• Develop local land use plans that identify the corridor while recognizing agricultural lands and improving commercial and industrial development of the existing corridor.

IV. Next Steps

Mr. Sych indicated that the SAUPC would take August off, but then would reconvene on September 24 for discussion of the next steps, including transmittal of the resolution to MDOT. In the mean time, the local jurisdictions will be requested to consider passing the same resolution.

V. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. SAUPC will meet again on 24 September 2003 at 7:00 p.m., at the Village of Schoolcraft Hall.

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Attachment 1
List of Attendees