The City of Sterling Heights is embarking on a planning process to establish a clear direction for its future through the creation of a new Land Use Master Plan and Parks, Recreation Plan and Non-Motorized Master Plan.
Earlier this year, the city announced it had begun work with Detroit-based consulting firm Wade Trim Associates, Inc. to update its Master Land Use and Parks, Recreation and Non-Motorized Master Plan and create the city’s first-ever non-motorized transportation plan. With Sterling Heights’ limited area for new growth, the city is seeking to create a sustainable future through land use and parks and recreation development.
As part of this planning process, the City of Sterling Heights is seeking citizen input through a Community Comment Map. This online mapping tool has been established to allow citizens, property owners, business owners and other interested persons to share their thoughts and opinions. The mapping tool allows users to provide comments related to specific locations within the city, while also viewing and interacting with the comments of others. Using pre-established topic categories as a guide, such as housing, public safety and transportation, users of the mapping tool are asked to identify strengths and opportunities that can contribute to a preferred future, or perceived weaknesses and threats to the future. The Community Comment Map can be accessed through the following web link: www.communityremarks.com/sterlingheights/.
“As we look to the future of Sterling Heights, the input from citizens and business owners is crucial to the planning process,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “The city’s goal is to establish a plan for the future that solidifies Sterling Heights as one of the premier communities in the Metro Detroit area. We know our residents and others with a vested interest in the city’s future prosperity have fantastic ideas, and this is the time to share those ideas.”
The city will also be hosting a Community Vision Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Rd. The open house-style event is open to the public and will provide a forum for feedback and discussion on the future of Sterling Heights. The city encourages all interested residents to attend and communicate their thoughts and wishes to Wade Trim Associates present.
The Land Use Master Plan will serve as a road map consistent with the Visioning 2030 plan for land use and development within the city, based on the character of the community and market realities. The Parks, Recreation and Non-Motorized Master Plan will outline goals, strategies and recommended capital improvements for recreation and non-motorized facilities over the next five years. Led by the City Council and Planning Commission, the city will be assisted by the consultant team of Wade Trim Associates, Inc. in cooperation with livingLAB, ArchiveDS and Colliers International. The planning effort is expected to be completed by the summer of 2016.
For more information about the project, go to www.sterling-heights.net/masterplan. Media seeking additional information can contact Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle at (586) 446-2471 or bdoyle@sterling-heights.net.
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City of Sterling Heights — Visioning 2030
Mission Statement:
A vibrant, inclusive community for residents and businesses that is safe, active, progressive and distinctive. Sterling Heights – a bold vision for an exceptional quality of life.
Guiding Principles
• Safe, well maintained and desirable neighborhoods enhanced by great schools
• Plentiful leisure and recreation opportunities featuring fully utilized parks
• Abundant pathways for biking and walking
• Focal points that are both public and private to serve as destinations for residents and visitors • Well maintained and aesthetically pleasing roads and green spaces
• Successful, vibrant and attractive commercial centers with unique offerings
• Destination for high-tech and emerging industries and entrepreneurs