WHITEHALL — The Whitehall Township board unanimously passed a resolution opposing Michigan House Bills 5529-5532 at its regular meeting Monday, stating the bills would undermine local zoning ordinances.
The bills, which Supervisor Dennis Kroll described as "silly legislation," would amend the Land Division Act and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Among other changes, these amendments would prohibit municipalities from imposing a minimum square footage above 1,500 when considering land divisions for a parcel served by public water and sewer. He added that the stated rationale for the bills is to combat the affordable housing crisis in the state. Kroll agreed it was a worthy issue to address but felt this was the wrong approach.
Kroll shared that Republican state senator Jon Bumstead has already stated opposition to the bills. (The bill's co-sponsors are all Democrats, though Republican Joe Aragona of Clinton Twp. is one of the two sponsors.) Kroll felt it was important for the township to formally lodge its disagreement with the bills; the Michigan Township Association and the Michigan Municipal League have also done so. Trustee David Holly said that if enacted, the requirements could result in homes as small as 522 square feet, far smaller than average new home builds.
The township also unanimously approved a $2,000 contribution to the White Lake Fireworks Committee for this year's fireworks celebration. This is an increase from the usual $500. Kroll said the township's financials are in very good shape and it is significantly under budget. Additionally, the board felt the increased contribution underscores the importance of the U.S.'s 250th anniversary celebration.
Trustee Chuck Schmitigal reported that the White Lake Ambulance Authority's financial reports are also very strong. He shared that Fruitland Township is planning to place a resolution regarding WLAA membership on the ballot in August. He added that even if Fruitland voters approved that, the WLAA's other member municipalities would have to vote to accept Fruitland into the authority for it to occur.
