Spotlight on…Pittsfield Township: 10 years of planning, development, and preservation

In 2010, Pittsfield Township adopted a Master Plan after two years hosting meetings and collecting input from residents. Like all good plans, it planned for the future, created the environment for action, and set actions in place to implement projects. It creates a coherent and comprehensive development and preservation pattern resulting in practical, productive, and sustainable growth and conservation.

Proactive Planning for the Future

Included in this blog are just a handful of the projects that the township has developed or is in the process of developing. Each illustrate the diverse needs, holistic approach, leadership, and collaboration needed for transformative projects that improve the quality of life of current residents and contribute to attracting future residents.

Multimodal Transportation and Greenways

One of the first actions from the township’s Master Plan was establishing a vision of greenways and a multimodal transportation system that supported all modes – driving, transit, walking, and biking. Over the last 10 years, the township developed more than 10 miles of trails and pathways that connect to a growing transit network and enhance first-and-last-mile access to core services that includes township hall, parks, local businesses, and the county’s Border-to-Border Trail.

Developing greenways at this scale and over such a short time period requires both coordination and smart use of resources. By leveraging multiple funding sources – a local park millage, County Parks and Recreation Commission funds, MDOT Economic Development funds, SEMCOG Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds, and County CDBG funds – the township has allocated nearly $6 million for projects to improve walking and biking, enhancing access for residents throughout the community.

Using Green Infrastructure and Green Space Preservation

In addition to developing an ever-growing network of trails to allow residents to move around in a healthier way – on foot or by bike – the township is also investing in public parks and maintaining and growing identified conservation districts.

In January, the township hosted four public forums focused on how to best leverage resources to comprehensively and deliberately preserve the community’s open and green spaces. These forums represent the next step in Pittsfield’s efforts to proactively plan for a more sustainable future. The township has already been busy with preservation; a current example is the construction of rain gardens and bioswales along the Platt-Textile Greenway. Projects like this enhance already-in-place green infrastructure, including rain, pollinator, and community gardens across the township.

Placemaking and Equitable Development

Over the last 10 years, Pittsfield Township has worked hard to provide for inclusive and diverse spaces where everyone is welcome to live, work, and recreate. This work has resulted in more than 1,000 new multi-unit and rental housing options in the township.

By establishing six form-based districts – each with pre-existing developments that could be infilled with mixed-use, dense destinations – the township has begun diversifying its housing stock, especially in places adjacent to destinations with retail and entertainment. To support these efforts, the township has strategically developed placemaking initiatives throughout the community – wayfinding and welcoming signage, pop-up recreation and social gathering events, and public art.

A lot can change in 10 years. With continued emphasis on sound and forward-thinking planning, collaborative and intentional investment, and projects focused on sustainability, there is little doubt Pittsfield Township will have much to celebrate in both the near-term and throughout the next decade.

Like many communities throughout the region, Pittsfield Township has taken a comprehensive and holistic approach to local planning that complements SEMCOG’s regional planning efforts. “Pittsfield Township is a proud SEMCOG member,” said Mandy Grewal, Pittsfield Township Supervisor. “We have applied SEMCOG’s regional plans locally and successfully implemented many projects over the past 10 years. And we’ve followed up that planning by identifying and allocating funding for these innovative projects.”

Over the last 10 years, SEMCOG has developed multiple regional plans that not only provide a collective vision of where we need to go, but also how to get there. These plans range from traffic safety, to green infrastructure; to parks and recreation and water resources; and to housing and bicycle and pedestrian mobility. While much focus is on policies and actions that can shape the direction for the region, how these plans are implemented locally is vital for both measuring success and inspiring future projects and development.