Chapter 12: IMPLEMENTATION
 
An often overlooked, but important section of a master plan is the Implementation section.  Sometimes, people believe a master plan solely exists as a basis for the zoning ordinance.  Although zoning can be an implementation tool for a master plan, there are other means to achieve the goals of a master plan.  The Antrim County Planning Commission has chosen not to use zoning as one of their tools, instead they would like to fulfill the master plan’s goals using other mechanisms.
 
The mechanisms are listed as tasks in a timeline, but are not listed by priority.  The Planning Commission will determine the priority based on the request from the Board of Commissioners.  After an item has been finished, it can be checked off as completed or in progress.  The items in the listing were identified as an issue during the master plan process. 
 
  • Immediate Priorities (2007) 
  • Distribute copies of the adopted Master Plan to the following townships:  Banks,   Torch Lake, Milton, Elk Rapids, Central Lake, Forest Home, Echo, Helena, Kearney, Custer, Jordan, Chestonia, Mancelona, Warner, and Star.  Distribute copies to the following villages: Ellsworth, Elk Rapids, Central Lake, Mancelona, and Bellaire.
  • Distribute copies of the adopted Master Plan to the surrounding counties and townships.
  • Work with the Economic Development Corporation to assist in their goal implementation.
  • When reviewing a township or village master plan, look at the Guiding Principles listed in the Antrim County Master Plan and note areas where the community’s master plan could be amended to further implement the Guiding Principles.
  • When reviewing a township or village zoning ordinance, look at the Guiding Principles listed in the Antrim County Master Plan and note where the ordinance applies the Guiding Principles. 
 
  • One To Four Years
  • Work with the County Forester to develop a tree planting plan. This plan should discuss the environmental, scenic, and financial benefits of hardwood trees to the Antrim County. It should also have an outreach component.
  • Contact the Department of Environmental Quality and environmental consultants to pursue a Wellhead Protection Program.
  • Designate an area for an Environmental Green Industrial Park. 
  • Encourage the development of a countywide wetland educational program that will emphasize the legal definitions and uses of wetlands. 
  • Team with interested parties and commission a comprehensive study for the Chain of Lakes water level.
  • Commission a new aerial land use study and compare the findings to the 1978 and 1998 results.
  • Work with farm groups and the Michigan State Extension and Northern Lakes Economic Alliance offices to promote agricultural related businesses.
 
  • In Five Years
  • Continue to monitor the evolvement of alternative wastewater disposal systems.   This may result in a significant change that should be addressed in the 2011 master plan update. 
  • Compare development densities with improvements, such as road connections and sewer availability.  Use this information when updating the master plan.
  • Review this task list to identify projects not accomplished.
  • Review this master plan and update where needed.