The Detroit News
Edward L. Cardenas The Detroit News
December 10, 2000
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The switch from septic systems to sewers in two parts of Shelby could help the proposed creation of a downtown area and expansion of development along Van Dyke in this fast growing mid- Macomb township, officials said.
The $1.3 million sewer project will be funded through a combination of township money and assessments paid by property owners in the areas where the work will be done.
A one-mile sanitary sewer will be built on the west side of Van Dyke between 23 Mile and 24 Mile, while a quarter-mile sewer line will be installed on 25 Mile between Parkview and Washington.
The proposed Shelby Center downtown would be near 24 Mile and Van Dyke.
"It's part of good planning to provide infrastructure. This may allow the progression of development along Van Dyke," township Supervisor Ralph Maccarone said.
While the sewer improvements were not made especially for the Shelby Center plan, Maccarone said, the work could "accommodate" any improvements to the area in the future.
"It is still in the preliminary stages," he said about the Shelby Center. "The township is not the front-runner on this project. It is up to the developers to come to us.
"We are moving forward on zoning the area for its intended purpose and expect to have (the zoning ordinance) in place by early spring."
Developers then will be in a position to submit actual plans to the township, Maccarone said.
New urbanism
Shelby Township's population was 38,939 two decades ago. In 1990, 48,655 people called the township home. It is expected to grow by another 16,000 people this year, according to the U.S. Census.
The township lacks a traditional downtown or central business district. Utica once served as the downtown for parts of Shelby and Sterling Heights. But rapid population and housing growth, and location of Utica near the southwest corner of the township, helped make the small city ineffective as a downtown, according to the Shelby Center Design Plan.
Initial plans for the Shelby Center include single-family homes, parks, offices, entertainment venues, open space and retail shops. The plan allows for pedestrian traffic and would create a neighborhood feel and is part of the "new urbanism" which mandates small lots and clustered development.
"It is a framework for what we are trying to achieve," Shelby Planning Director Glenn Wynn said. "The planning commission wanted to create a focal point that is distinctive."
Some guidelines yet to be approved by the township board include artwork in public spaces, outdoor lighting, information kiosks, no free-standing business signs, and no flashing lights or moving components on signs.
Two other Macomb communities either have started or plan to begin work on new downtown areas. The Sterling Heights City Center Commons is almost complete and is more of a community center than a commercial center, City Manager Steve Duchane said.
The focal point of City Center Commons is the 200-seat auditorium and community center.
In Macomb Township, the so-called new urbanism also is championed with the Town Center project that would incorporate four neighborhoods within a five-minute walking radius.
Boon to businesses
Shelby officials will not do any actual building on the Shelby Center, with the exception of work on the existing municipal grounds. They are, however, formulating zoning plans and recommendations for businesses looking to move to the area. The installation of the new sewer lines into the heart of the township will allow current businesses to expand.
Trustees unanimously approved the sewer projects last week. Work on the sewer line along 25 Mile will be smaller than the Van Dyke project and both likely will begin sometime in February or March, Public Works Director Ted Schoenherr said.
Construction on each project is expected to take 45 to 60 days. Schoenherr does not expect major delays on Van Dyke when construction begins.
"There is going to be a construction zone, but I don't anticipate the road being blocked," he said.
Rick Blakley, owner of B and H Construction in Shelby Township, said the new sewers will help his company.
"We have been here 10 years and have been waiting for this," Blakley said. "I have a septic field in the back of the building that I would love to make into an additional parking lot."
Business and home owners petitioned for the change from septic tanks to sanitary sewers. "It's a positive thing for public health," Schoenherr said.
Shelby must get easement rights from some property owners to build the sewers. Once the rights are gained, the 10- to 12-inch-diameter sewer lines will be laid 10 to 18 feet deep. Connections to homes and businesses on the east side of Van Dyke will be made by boring beneath the road.
Schoenherr said the sewer project will require removal of some trees in the work areas.
"We wanted to try to save the trees, but trying to do that would have been expensive," he said. "We are going to try to minimize the tree removal."
Shelby Center design guidelines
* Encourage development that incorporates unique open space and park designs.
* Permit market demand to determine specific business location into the center.
* High-quality materials.
* Avoid high-maintenance features.
* Promote safe, identifiable pedestrian crossings.
* Promote image of Shelby Township as a town of trees.
* Unique benches.
* Convenient trash receptacles.
Source: Shelby Center Design Plan
Downtowns
Shelby Township is not alone in its efforts to establish a downtown. Sterling Heights and Macomb Township both have embarked on similar, yet different, plans:
Sterling Heights City Center Commons
Location: Utica and Dodge Park roads.
Highlights: college-like campus; 200-seat auditorium and community center; remodeled city hall; new senior activities center; upgrades to historic Upton House; improvements to the library.
Cost: $6 million, with funds coming from block grants and donations to the city's Community Foundation.
Macomb Township Town Center
Planned location: near 25 Mile and Broughton.
Highlights: old "downtown" feel; would incorporate four neighborhoods within a five-minute walking radius from the middle of the Town Center; would include 2,500 homes and offices.
Cost: includes a $7 million township office complex and $10- million parks and recreation center.
© 2000 The Detroit News. via Bell&Howell Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
