Preserving & Protecting

Amanda Nimke Ballard for preserving and protecting the rural character of Sylvan Township

 The first goal of Sylvan Township’s 2017 Master Plan is to “Preserve the rural character of the Township through growth management and preservation of natural resources and active farming operations.”

Outside of our urban district next to the City of Chelsea and our lake areas, we see lots of green spaces across our township. We have quiet communities with low population and traffic density, abundant wildlife, and little to no light pollution. This did not happen by chance.

For decades families have invested their lives in the rural communities across our township. Because of this awareness and the dedication of landowners and representatives, our township has retained the rural qualities many of us cherish.

Amanda Nimke Ballard believes it takes careful planning with smart policies and initiatives for preserving and protecting Sylvan Township.

It takes careful planning, with sound policies and initiatives, to ensure local government doesn’t undermine the things residents love most about their communities. Making sure our zoning protects existing communities is crucial to maintaining them. Weighing development costs and promoting growth where you want it and not where you don’t is fundamental to successful rural planning.

I have spoken to many past elected and appointed officials to understand how we got to where we are today, deepen my knowledge base for future planning, and avoid serious unintended consequences.

Amanda Nimke Ballard believes if we are going to preserve the rural character of the township we also need leadership on the board for land preservation.

I have also spoken with hundreds of residents across the township who confirmed a broad consensus for keeping our township rural. If we are going to preserve the township’s rural character, we also need land preservation leadership. Unfortunately, this has not been the focus in the past, and we are behind what neighboring townships are doing to encourage preserving their farmlands and natural areas. I have collaborated with Legacy Land Conservancy, Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program, the Huron River Watershed Council, and local consultants to understand the programs available to our land owners as a way to preserve land and still recoup its market value.

As our Township Supervisor, I will continue to work with community members and other officials to preserve and protect the rural character of the township and the integrity of existing communities.