We, the undersigned residents of Sparta Township, respectfully call on the Sparta Township Council to rescind Resolution 26-167, which authorizes the submission of Sparta's petition for Highlands Regional Master Plan conformance for the Planning Area. 

The township has made a consequential decision regarding the future planning and land use of Sparta without appropriate input from residents.  

We believe that decision was made before Sparta residents were given a full and meaningful explanation of what Highlands conformance could mean for our community and for individual property owners. 

Residents deserve to understand potential implications for: 

• Land use and zoning
• Development potential and property rights
• Existing and future residential properties
• Septic systems and infrastructure
• Environmental and development regulations
• The Township's future planning decisions
• The potential costs and benefits of conformance
• Current and future tax implications
• The potential impact on the Township's tax base and school funding

The Township has made the Highlands Initial Assessment materials available to the public, but residents need a meaningful opportunity to understand what those materials mean and what the consequences of the proposed conformance could be for Sparta. 

Our concern is not that Sparta should avoid responsible planning or environmental protection.  Our concern is that residents should not be asked to accept a major long-term planning commitment before they have had a meaningful opportunity to understand its consequences.  Residents deserve a clear understanding of how full Highlands conformance could affect our land, our property rights, our ability to develop, our infrastructure, our tax base, and the funding of our schools—before the Township makes this long-term commitment.

We therefore respectfully ask the Sparta Township Council to:

1. Rescind Resolution 26-167 and withdraw the Township's current application for Highlands Plan Conformance.  
2. Stop further action toward Planning Area conformance while residents have an opportunity to fully understand the proposal.
3. Provide clear, accessible information explaining how conformance will affect Sparta's land use, zoning, property owners, development potential, taxes, and municipal planning.
4. Conduct a meaningful public process before considering whether Sparta should pursue Highlands Plan Conformance in the future.
5. Lastly, if the question of whether Sparta should pursue Highlands Master Plan Conformance in the Planning Area comes up again, it shall be placed before Sparta voters at a public referendum if and when that time comes.

Sparta's future belongs to the people who live here.  Major decisions affecting that future deserve informed public participation before, not after, the decision is made.  

If you agree, please sign this petition and share it with your Sparta neighbors! 

Are you a Sparta Township Resident? If you live in Sparta Township, please also complete our brief residency questionnaire after signing.  This will allow us to distinguish Sparta residents from supporters who live elsewhere.  

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