January 2017

WHEREAS: We, the undersigned residents of Lowell Charter Township, strongly oppose the construction of Kissing Rock Estates and/or any other housing development on the designated property located on or along Kissing Rock Road. 

WHEREAS: This new development is extremely unpopular with local residents for a variety of reasons. First, it will cause irreparable damage to the area environment and ecosystems. It will destroy the natural environment that local residents have moved here to enjoy. Preservation and enjoyment of the natural environment are the primary reasons local residents have chosen to reside in Lowell Charter Township. Community members have purchased land for their homes in this area for the sole purpose of being surrounded by nature. When choosing this area, they purposely opted for a rural environment.  Adding this development robs them of their choice to be secluded from the busy atmosphere of city life. 

WHEREAS: Lowell Charter Township residents have no interest in turning the township into a densely populated community similar to that of Allendale or Caledonia. These rural areas have been ruined by developers placing profit over community needs and expectations.  Last, this project will negatively impact the conditions of area roads by creating additional traffic and use.  It presents a serious concern for water drainage and water quality due to the increase in sewage, and there will be an unwanted increase in noise and light pollution from the increased population density.  This project is not necessary, nor does it fit in this area.  There are many other options within the township for new housing, and there are more suitable places for site condominium or planned unit developments, but Kissing Rock Road is not one of them.   

WHEREAS: It is also important to reflect on the fact that this project is truly inconsistent with the mission and vision of Lowell Charter Township.  The vision states that Lowell Charter Township is a zoned community and our township officials have worked diligently to preserve the natural resources and open spaces of our beautiful township while giving homeowners and business owners the kinds of services they would expect from a modern and growing community.

WHEREAS: This project does not preserve the natural resources, nor does it preserve the open spaces of the township. It is inconsistent with the vision for the Township, and because of this we are demanding that this project be denied. Further, should this development project be approved by the Township Planning Commission, Lowell Charter Township residents will consider said approval/actions a negligence of duty to and responsibility to preserve the natural resources and open spaces of our community and Township.

THEREFORE: The undersigned residents demand that the application to develop Kissing Rock Estates be denied.