Documents & Resources

Background

The new cooperative planning effort was spurred on by a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation awarded to the Land Information Access Association (LIAA), a nonprofit community service organization based in Traverse City. LIAA worked successfully with the City and two townships in the past to help develop a community-wide Recreation Authority and plan under a program called Partnerships for Change.

Final Growth Managment Plan

The Newaygo Community Growth Management Plan was adopted by all three jurisdictions in the spring of 2009.  Click here for a copy of the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Growth Management Area (GMA)?

A GMA is an area designated to receive the majority of urban development in the community.

2. Why have a GMA in Newaygo?

The purpose of the proposed Newaygo GMA is to encourage and guide urban growth toward existing urban areas while maintaining the surrounding area's rural character. This will strengthen our urban areas and assure the most efficient use of existing city services. We will save money by using the existing roads, water lines and sewers to their fullest extent before building more of this infrastructure.  One benefit of the GMA will be shared revenues for cooperative projects.

3. How will the proposed Newaygo GMA work?

Together, the city and two townships will guide new urban development following a community-wide GMA plan. Each jurisdiction will adopt the plan and put it to work through their land use regulations. Additionally, the city and townships will continue planning and coordinating development together under a GMA Management Board.

4. What areas are being considered for the GMA?

The public will help determine this. Community members are invited to participate in a series of public meetings over the next several months. The first meeting was on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the high school.

5. What will happen to township properties that fall within the GMA?

Over time, proposed improvements to properties in the GMA, based on a phased development plan, will be incorporated into the city and be eligible for city services. If a property that is incorporated into the city under this plan is not developed, the owner will have the option of hooking up to city water and sewer service. Of course, it is likely that the sales value of properties newly eligible for city services will increase - even without new development.

6. How do community members benefit from the GMA?

Residents benefit in several ways. First, the GMA will help maintain the community's rural character by guiding development to urban areas in and adjacent to the city while preserving natural and agricultural lands in outlying areas. Second, the increased revenues from development in the GMA return to the community by helping to pay for services and contributing to recreational and other community-wide amenities. Third, the GMA will help ensure that existing resources such as roads, water lines and sewers are used most efficiently, keeping costs as low as possible. Fourth, development procedures and patterns will be more predictable, making land investments more secure for residents and developers.