Banks Township Master Plan
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B a n k s To w n s h i p
Master Plan
2019
Acknowledgements
PLANNING COMMISSION
Don Miles
Chairperson
Bill Austin
Member
To m C o o p e r
Member
Rick Diebold
Vice Chairperson
Joni Wieland
Secretary
Irene Shooks
Recording Secretary
TOWNSHIP BOARD
Thomas Mann
Supervisor
Donna Heeres
Clerk
Katherine Postmus
Tr e a s u r e r
To m C o o p e r
Tr u s t e e
David Rasmussen
Tr u s t e e
Planning assistance provided by
T h i s P l a n u p d a t e s t h e B a n k s To w n s h i p M a s t e r P l a n
prepared by M.C. Planning & Design
Maps & Tables
Map 1: Regional Location 7
Map 2: Wetlands 15
Map 3: Hydric Soils and Steep Slopes 16
Map 4: Septic Limitations 17
Map 5: Farmland Classification 19
Map 6: Agricultural Capability 20
Map 7: Existing Land Use 25
Map 8: Survey Employment Map 35
Map 9: Future Land Use Map 44
Table 1: Existing Land Use 24
Table 2: Natural Resources & Open Space Goals 38
Table 3: Infrastructure & Services Goals 39
Table 4: Housing & Neighborhood Goals 39
Table 5: Business & Economic Development Goals 40
Table 6: Future Land Use Districts 43
Table 7: Zoning Districts 46
4
Contents
INTRODUCTION 6
PEOPLE & ECONOMY 9
N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S 13
EXISTING LAND USE 23
INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES 26
PUBLIC INPUT 29
GOALS & OBJECTIVES 39
FUTURE LAND USE & ZONING 45
5
This page was left blank intentionally 6
M A STER PLAN 7
I N T R O D U CTION
PURPOSE AND guide future development based County, which is situated in
on the background studies, key the northwest part of northern
PLANNING land use trends and community Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Banks
PROCESS issues. These goals, along with Township has 45 square miles of
a detailed map of existing land land area. Antrim County is located
The purpose of the Banks Township use, provided the basis for the in northwestern Lower Michigan,
Master Plan Update is to provide future land use map which along Grand Traverse Bay (Lake
guidelines for future development, specifies where the various types Michigan).
while protecting the natural of future development ideally will
resources and rural character of Banks is bounded on the north by
be located in the Township. This Norwood and Marion Townships,
the Township. This plan presents plan also provides suggestions for
extensive background information and the East by South Arm
implementation of the identified Township which are in Charlevoix
including socio-economic data goals and policies. The guidance
on the Township; description and County, the west by Lake Michigan,
provided by this Master Plan and on the south by Torch Lake
mapping of natural resources; and Update can be utilized influencing
inventory of existing community and Central Lake Townships in
changes to the Zoning Ordinance Antrim County. Traverse City is
facilities. The background as well as other measures the
information is analyzed to identify approximately 40 miles southwest
Township is authorized to take. of the Banks Township border. The
important characteristics, changes,
and trends occurring in Banks Regional Location map illustrates
Township. Community concerns L O C AT I O N A N D the Township’s proximity to a
were initially identified based on a number of other communities in
Citizen Survey conducted in 2018,
REGIONAL Michigan. The Banks Township Hall
as well as public input throughout SETTING is located at 6520 Center Street in
the master planning process. Goals Ellsworth.
Banks Township is located along
and policies were developed to the northwest corner of Antrim
8 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
Map 1: Regional Location
LUCE
Munising
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SCHOOLCRAFT
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MACKINAC
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Manistique St. Ignace
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I MACKINAC ISLAND
Mackinaw City
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Island
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(
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ga
EMMET
hi
CHEBOYGAN
ic
PRESQUE
j
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M
Petoskey ISLE
Charlevoix Ç
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ke
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La
CHARLEVOIX
N. Manitou Island _
^
BANKS
East Jordan
TOWNSHIP h
? Gaylord
MONTMORENCY
S. Manitou Island OTSEGO
ANTRIM
Bellaire Ç
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Peni nsula Town ship
z
?
LEELANAU
Empire
½
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Traverse City
GRAND TRAVERSE KALKASKA
m
? CRAWFORD OSCODA
BENZIE ½
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Frankfort
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ø
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I OGEMAW
MISSAUKEE
MANISTEE WEXFORD ROSCOMMON
BANKS TOWNSHIP 0 10 20
Regional Location
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, Banks Township, Antrim County
City or Village Rivers
State Roads Lakes
Railroad DNR Lands
^ Banks Township
_
M A STER PLAN 9
HISTORICAL 1, 1863. Banks Township was school. All public schools eventually
organized March 11, 1863, the first closed and consolidated into
CONTEXT officially established township in Ellsworth Community Public Schools.
As provided by Nancy Ritsema, Antrim County. Pearl & Adams built The Village of Ellsworth incorporated
January 22, 2013 a pier at Antrim City and began to in 1938 and elected its own village
ship cordwood to Chicago at about officials.
The history of Banks Township
the same time and in 1868, Gilbert
began long before recorded
Randall was appointed postmaster
accounts of its initial settlements.
of Atwood, a settlement
T H E S TAT U S
The natural features impacting
its settlements were the Grand
dependent upon lumbering and OF PLANNING
farming east of Antrim City.
Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan AND ZONING
which runs the entire length Early gristmill and lumbering
of Banks Township’s western settlements were centered around IN BANKS
boundary, and the Six Mile, St. the Chain of Lakes as well as the TOWNSHIP
Clair, Ellsworth and Wilson Lakes Bay. Mitchell, a flour and grist mill
settlement, was established in 1862 Banks Township has a locally adopted
with connecting rivers near its
and then Needmore and Oxbow. Master Plan and administers its own
eastern boundary. The lakes are
Ellsworth, founded in 1881, Township Zoning Ordinance. The
part of one of the largest spring-
included Needmore and Oxbow initial Master Plan was adopted in
fed freshwater chain of lakes in
and a post office was established 1999 and the first Zoning Ordinance
the world. The Bay and lakes were
there in 1884 with Lewis DeLine in 1978. Since Michigan law requires
used as a food source and for sport
postmaster. The post office of the that a Zoning Ordinance correspond
fishing, and for transportation of
short-lived lumber settlement of with a current adopted Master Plan,
goods and people. Several creeks
Essex opened in 1900. maintaining an up-to-date plan is the
and streams feeding into the lakes
an important step in maintaining an
were water power sources for The Chicago and Western enforceable Zoning Ordinance. Banks
early lumbering and grist mills. The Michigan Rail Road laid tracks Township first established a Zoning
unbroken forests were cut by the through Ellsworth in 1892 and Board in 1978, which was later
lumbermen and the land used for later a track spur into the town changed to a Planning Commission.
agriculture when cleared of timber. of Essex. Lumber, produce, and On June 20, 2011, the Banks
Shale deposits near Ellsworth shale products were shipped on Township Planning Commission was
were mined by the late 1800s and the railroads until the mid-1970s. re-established in accordance with the
later gravel, at various township Passenger train service ended in Michigan Planning Enabling Act, as
locations. 1962. There were nine rural public amended.
The Bay was the waterway by schools and one private Christian
which prehistoric Native Americans
of the Woodland period (A.D
600-1600) arrived and made
semi-permanent settlements near
the mouth of Antrim Creek. Their
descendants regularly visited the
same area into the late 1800s to
inspect burial sites, tend gardens,
fish and hunt.
Some of Banks Townships roads
were originally Native American
trails.
The Bay brought early settlers in
1859 to Antrim City and its post
office was established in 1862.
The first recorded homestead
was Richard Knight’s on January
1 0 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
PEOPLE & ECONOMY
P O P U L AT I O N much of northern Michigan. The Prosperity Index on Page 10),
Census tally, taken on April 1st, the anticipated seasonal increase
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, does not count residents who would be at least 820 persons. In
the population estimate for Banks winter elsewhere. Respondents addition, many summer visitors stay
Township is 1,609 persons (828 are asked to declare a permanent at private lodging places or at the
male – 781 female), averaging residence different from their April homes of family or friends.
approximately 35.8 persons per location, if more than six months
square mile for the Township’s 45 The following pages summarize
are spent at the alternate address. a number of demographic and
square miles of land area which However, many fail to do so for
includes 0.7 square miles in the socioeconomic trends in Banks
reasons of misunderstanding or for Township. For comparison
Village of Ellsworth (see Dashboard tax purposes.
on page 11). This population purposes, Banks Township
density can be compared to In reviewing the social and estimates have been compared
approximately 49.4 persons per economic information derived with the Village of Ellsworth,
square mile for Antrim County and from Census data, the Antrim County, Michigan, and the
174.0 persons per square mile for estimate presented for housing United States.
the State of Michigan. characteristics show 327 units or
30.8 percent of the total housing
In discussing the population for units as seasonal, recreational, or
INCOME AND
Banks Township, however, it is
important to note that the number
occasional use homes. With this EMPLOYMENT
in mind, it can be assumed that
presented by the 2010 Census does Employment data on the civilian
the Township’s resident population
not reflect the actual number of labor force is compiled on a
increases by at least 50 percent
persons residing in the Township monthly and annual basis by the
during the summer months. Based
during the summer months. This Office of Labor Market Information
on the average household size
situation can be seen throughout (OLMI), Michigan Department of
in Banks Township of 2.52 (see
Technology, Management andBanks Township Prosperity Index
Clam Lake Township
Wexford County
Prosperity Index Key
Banks Township Ellsworth Village Antrim County Michigan USA
Households
Total households
High School Graduate
625
88.1% 100% Average Household Size
2.52
Average Family Size
2.98
Bachelor's Degree
Median Household Value
21.6% 100% $112,700
Median Gross Rent
$800
Dutch Ancestry Education
Population Enrolled in School
18.0% 100% 419
High School Graduate
88.1%
White Alone No High School Diploma
94.1% 11.9%
100%
Commuting
Commute by Public Transportation
0.1%
Manufacturing Commute by Carpool
19.6% 100% 15.2%
Average Commute Time
19.0 minutes
Employment
Unemployed
In Labor Force
2.9% 100% 55.2%
Self-employed
9.7%
Commute Alone by Car, Truck, or Van Veteran Status
69.8% 100% 10.1%
Disability Status
15.3%
Housing Vacancy Rate Income
Median Household Income
36.0% 100% $48,906
Median Earnings for Workers
$26,591
65 Years and Over with a Disability Male Full-Time Earnings
$42,946
32.5% 100% Female Full-Time Earnings
$34,375
Population in Poverty
With Health Insurance 13.8%
91.9% 100% Children in Poverty
22.5%
Receving Public Cash Assistance
3.5%
Industry
Education, health care, social assistance
24.4%
Retail Trade
9.7%
11Banks Township Dashboard
Population Population Growth
1,850
0.06
1,800
0.04
1,750 0.02
0
2010 2015 2020 2025
1,700 -0.02
-0.04
1,650
-0.06
-0.08
1,600
-0.1
1,550 -0.12
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Education
Housing
Graduate or professional degree Renter-occupied
7.50%
11.90%
Bachelor's degree Owner-occupied
14.10%
Associate's degree 28.8%
10.60% Some college, no degree
32.2%
11.90% 71.2%
High school graduate
No high school diploma
23.70%
Household Income Work
7% Very high income ($150,000 and up) Unpaid family workers
9.7%
High income ($75,000-$149,999) Self-employed
24.2% 12.0%
18.6% Moderate income ($35,000-$74,999) Government workers
12.8%
Low income ($25,000-$34,999) 76.7% Private wage and salary workers
Very low income (less than $25,000)
37.4%
79.3%
12M A STER PLAN 1 3
Budget (formerly the known as community characteristics or household in Antrim County and
Michigan Department of Career housing needs. For example, a 2.49 for the State of Michigan
Development). As the statistics large percentage of seasonal as a whole. These numbers are
show, the unemployment rate for housing units is indicative of an a significant change from prior
Antrim County has traditionally increased seasonal population, as is decades. Over the past few
been higher than that of State. the case of Banks Township. decades, many communities across
Banks Township unemployment According to the 2016 US Census the state have experienced a
rate has been and continues to be American Community Survey shrinking average household size.
lower than the County, but higher estimate there are a total of 976 This trend to smaller households
than the State rates. housing units in Banks Township: is important, because it creates
The highest percentage of the jobs 858 single-family units, 18 units a demand for additional housing
in Banks are in Manufacturing, in multi-family structures, and 100 units, even in the absence of
in Village of Ellsworth in arts, mobile homes. When compared numerical increase in population.
entertainment, recreation, to the State as a whole, seasonal
accommodation and food services housing in the Township and OWNERSHIP
and in the County are in the County is very significant.
According to the 2016 ACS, in
educational, health and social
Banks Township, 71.2% percent of
services industries (see Prosperity
Index on page 10).
HOUSEHOLD the permanently occupied housing
units are owner-occupied. The
Given the limited number of SIZE renter-occupied housing in Banks
employment opportunities within 2010 Census data shows Banks Township accounts for 28.8 percent
Banks Township, an assumption Township has a household size of the total housing units (see
can be made that the majority of 2.48 persons per household, Dashboard on page 11).
of residents find employment compared with 2.36 persons per
elsewhere outside the Township or
are self-employed.
E D U C AT I O N
Education is an important factor
in analyzing the capabilities of
the local work force and in the
economic vitality of a community.
Educational attainment is tracked
by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Statistics according to the 2016
US Census American Community
Survey estimate, 88.1 percent of
Banks Township residents (25 years
of age or older) are high school
graduates or higher. Township
residents with a bachelor’s degree
or higher amount to 21.6 percent
of the population (see Prosperity
Index on page 10).
HOUSING STOCK
& HOUSING
VALUES
An evaluation of housing stock
and property values can be
very beneficial in determining1 4 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
NATURAL RESOURCES
Banks Township’s character is Updated maps illustrating natural channels. Banks Township is in
defined, in large part, by abundant features are included in this the upper portion of the Elk River
natural resources, including lakes, section of the plan, as appropriate. Chain of Lakes Watershed. This
ponds, streams, woodlands, Descriptions of each feature appear location means the actions of this
farmlands, open space, wetlands, below: community will impact the waters
topography, and exceptional and communities downstream.
scenic beauty. These resources These waters as well as the many
influence the suitability of land for
W AT E R other smaller lakes and streams
various land uses and contribute RESOURCES contribute to the area recreational
to the area’s desirability for year- activities. It is extremely important
One of the most valuable natural
round and seasonal residential and that the quality of these surface
resources of Banks Township is
recreational development. waters be protected from the
water. Banks Township abuts the
Natural resources provide tangible negative impacts of development,
shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay
benefits to residents and visitors such as pollution and loss of scenic
of Lake Michigan. Additionally, a
alike. Lakes, streams, woodlands, views to open water.
number of named and unnamed
meadows, wetlands, hydric lakes, ponds and streams are found Lakes, ponds, and watercourses
soils, floodplains, topographic in the township. The Township is support aquatic, shoreline, and
features, and scenic viewscapes located within two watersheds, streambank wildlife habitats. Lakes
are irreplaceable, environmental, the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed and streams make significant
economic, and recreational and the Elk River Chain of Lakes contributions to the Banks
resources, that are highly valued Watershed, with the watershed Township’s character, as well as to
components of the community’s divide being essentially US-31. the area’s tourism and recreation
character, and are viewed as Ellsworth Lake, St. Clair Lake, oriented economic base. Land
essential to the region’s tourism Wilson Lake are a part of the chain adjacent to shorelines exhibits the
and recreation oriented economic of interconnected narrow lakes community’s highest densities of
base. which follow the former drainage residential development. ProperM A STER PLAN 1 5
land use management can help important role in the groundwater the region’s recreational and
protect the quality of surface recharge process, and provide economic base. Areas of rugged
waters, as well as minimize damage a wide range of recreational topography provide wildlife
to sensitive aquatic, shoreline, and opportunities. The fractionalization habitat and opportunities for
streambank ecosystems. of productive woodlands for forestry and recreation, though are
Both groundwater and surface homesites or other land uses generally less suited to intensive
water are vital resources within impacts their ability to be managed development without extensive
Banks Township. The entire for timber production or utilized erosion control measures.
township relies on groundwater for by animal species requiring large Steep roadway grades, septic field
drinking water. The entire township contiguous areas. Antrim County failures, soil erosion and excavation
is located in an area where has a professional forester to costs are some of the difficulties
vulnerability of drinking water provide assistance for responsible associated with steep grades. The
aquifers to surface contamination forest management. Hydric Soils and Steep Slopes map
is high due to permeable soils over Another factor impacting forested shows extreme slopes (greater than
highly sensitive drift lithology. areas in Banks Township are 12 percent) which are a constraint
diseases that are contributing to upon potential development.
the health decline and death of Development in areas with severe
WETLANDS tree species. While healthy Ash slopes and ravines should be
Wetlands provide habitat for a trees once made up much of the monitored. If development is
wide variety of plant and animal hardwood forested areas, the permitted, sensitive site planning
life, function as natural stormwater Emerald Ash Borer is responsible should be required along these
retention and filtration systems, for wiping out virtually all ash trees slopes to prevent erosion.
and play a significant role in the in the Township. The EAB is an
groundwater recharge cycle. exotic beetle native to Asia and has
When drained or filled to provide killed tens of millions of ash trees in
SOILS
developable land, these practical Michigan. The EAB larval injury in All township residents rely on
benefits can be irreparably altered turn predispose trees to attack by individual groundwater wells and
or destroyed. There are a number other insects and diseases. While private septic systems for water
of sources for wetland data, each drastically changing the landscape, supplies and sewage disposal.
using different criteria and thus these dead trees also pose a safety That portion of Banks Township
resulting in different maps. The risk to people and property. surrounding the Village of Ellsworth
general wetland areas are mapped will likely be able to take advantage
on the Wetlands Map based on of municipal sewer supply systems
the national wetland inventory GEOGRAPHY if, and when, such systems become
(Map 2). The Hydric Soils and Steep AND available.
Slopes map shows more hydric Soils influence the capability of land
soils indicated than actual wetland TOPOGRAPHY
to accommodate development (see
areas identified during the land use According to geologists, the Map 3). Soil characteristics present
update. It is likely that some of the surface geology of the region was opportunities for the development
areas with hydric soils have been formed 10,000 to 12,000 years of certain land uses, and limitations
built upon and consequently are no ago by glacial activity. Numerous for others. Permeability, filtration
longer classified as wetlands. advances and retreats by the capability, load bearing capacity,
glaciers resulted in the locally shrink-swell potential, slope, and
complex pattern of erosion and
WOODLANDS deposition. The drainage channels
soil type influence the suitability
of land to accommodate septic
Woodlands provide renewable scoured by the glaciers resulted system absorption fields, thus
timber resources, wildlife habitat, in the drumlin formations and Map 4 identifies the areas with
buffer the sights and sounds of depressions oriented linearly from limitations for septic location.
civilization, moderate the effects of northwest to southeast, as seen in These same features influence the
wind, stabilize soils, contribute to the Township’s topography (slopes). quality of wildlife habitat, and the
the quality of air and surface water,
Topography contributes to the productivity of agricultural and
store and filter stormwater, play an
Township’s scenic beauty, and forestry operations.1 6 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
Map 2: Wetlands
Potter
Matchett
Phe n
od
lp s Maso
o
rw
No
½
I Beck
Lake Shore
s
on
rs
Pa
Center
McCracken
Warner
1st
Gennett Mascho
Knollcrest
Skiel
Richardson Church Skinner McElroy Flagg
Marion Center
Jolliffe
Lord
Bayview
Brown
Boss
Carpenter
Lakeshore
Be
Lime Lake rgs
ma
Hillt
Orchard Ridge
o
p
Slough
Doctor
Coeling
Valley
Brinkers
Bay Ridge
Atwood Best
Rex Beach
Ridgev
Byers
Brant
iew
Hillman
Church
Antrim
White
Kingar
e
Antrim Dells Lak
ch Ea
Tyrrell Bea s
row
Forest Hill tJ
or
da
n
Lincoln
Hill
Center
Sha
Dungannon
Simmons Bluff
Main
Brid
Potts
n no
Resort
Peebles
ge
n
Dennis
Kilkenny
Eaton
Tipperar
Wexford
y
Glenbe
Galway
igh
orth
Ellsw
Essex
rlane
Old Di
Dublin Rubingh
Timbe
xie
Predmore
Pine Bennett
White
Premore
Rames
Timbe
Pleasant Hill
rlake
Scott Maple Hill Wilson
Klooster
Toad Lake
Sinclair
Pachakee
Farrell
Mitchell
d
for
aw
Cr
n
Lore
Rushto
Bennett Hill
½
I
Ba
ys h
Shooks
or
e
Gregory
Bayview
Ol
d
Pa
Mohrmann
Lake
rk
Veldkamp
Roberts
Michigan
M 88
Beadle
Ogletree Creek
Michigan
ins Trill
pk iu m
Ho
Youngdike
Cedar
Bu
rch
BANKS TOWNSHIP
Thie
rr
0 0.5 1
Wetlands
y
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, Banks Township, Antrim County
Township Boundary Freshwater Emergent Wetlands
State Roads Freshwater Forested / Shrub Wetlands
All Roads Potential Wetland Restoration Areas
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / PondsM A STER PLAN 1 7
Map 3: Hydric Soils and Steep Slopes
Potter
Matchett
Phe n
od
lp s Maso
o
rw
No
½
I Beck
Lake Shore
s
on
rs
Pa
Center
McCracken
Warner
1st
Gennett Mascho
Knollcrest
Skiel
Richardson Church Skinner McElroy Flagg
Marion Center
Jolliffe
Lord
Bayview
Brown
Boss
Carpenter
Lakeshore
Be
Lime Lake rgs
ma
Hillt
Orchard Ridge
o
p
Slough
Doctor
Coeling
Valley
Brinkers
Bay Ridge
Atwood Best
Rex Beach
Ridgev
Byers
Brant
iew
Hillman
Church
Antrim
White
Kingar
e
Antrim Dells Lak
ch Ea
Tyrrell Bea s
row
Forest Hill tJ
or
da
n
Lincoln
Hill
Center
Sha
Dungannon
Simmons Bluff
Main
Brid
Potts
n no
Resort
Peebles
ge
n
Dennis
Kilkenny
Eaton
Tipperar
Wexford
y
Glenbe
Galway
igh
orth
Ellsw
Essex
rlane
Old Di
Dublin Rubingh
Timbe
xie
Predmore
Pine Bennett
White
Premore
Rames
Timbe
Pleasant Hill
rlake
Scott Maple Hill Wilson
Klooster
Toad Lake
Sinclair
Pachakee
Farrell
Mitchell
d
for
aw
Cr
n
Lore
Rushto
Bennett Hill
½
I
Ba
ys h
Shooks
or
e
Gregory
Bayview
Ol
d
Pa
Mohrmann
Lake
rk
Veldkamp
Roberts
Michigan
M 88
Beadle
Ogletree Creek
Michigan
ins Trill
pk iu m
Ho
Youngdike
Cedar
Bu
rch
BANKS TOWNSHIP
Thie
rr
0 0.5 1
y
Hydric Soils and Steep Slopes
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, Banks Township, Antrim County, USGS
Township Boundary Percent Slope:
State Roads 20.0% - 30.0%
All Roads 30.1% - 40.0%
Rivers / Streams 40.1% or greater
Lakes / Ponds
Hydric Soils1 8 BA N K S T OW N S HI P M A STER PLAN 1 8
Map 4: Septic Limitations
Potter
Matchett
Phe n
d
Maso
oo
lp s
rw
No
½
I Beck
Lake Shore
s
on
rs
Pa
Center
McCracken
Warner
1st
Gennett Mascho
Knollcrest
Skiel
Richardson Church Skinner McElroy Flagg
Marion Center
Jolliffe
Lord
Bayview
Brown
Boss
Carpenter
Lakeshore
Be
Lime Lake rgs
ma
Hillt
Orchard Ridge
o
p
Slough
Doctor
Coeling
Valley
Brinkers
Bay Ridge
Atwood Best
Rex Beach
Ridgev
Byers
Brant
iew
Hillman
Church
Antrim
White
Kingar
e
Antrim Dells Lak
ch Ea
Tyrrell Bea s
row
Forest Hill tJ
or
da
n
Lincoln
Hill
Center
Sha
Dungannon
Simmons Bluff
Main
Brid
Potts
n no
Resort
Peebles
ge
n
Dennis
Kilkenny
Eaton
Tipperar
Wexford
y
Glenbe
Galway
igh
orth
Ellsw
Essex
rlane
Old Di
Dublin Rubingh
Timbe
xie
Predmore
Pine Bennett
White
Premore
Rames
Timbe
Pleasant Hill
rlake
Scott Maple Hill Wilson
Klooster
Toad Lake
Sinclair
Pachakee
Farrell
Mitchell
d
for
aw
Cr
n
Lore
Rushto
Bennett Hill
½
I
Ba
ysh
Shooks
or
e
Gregory
Bayview
Ol
d
Pa
Mohrmann
Lake
rk
Veldkamp
Roberts
Michigan
M 88
Beadle
Ogletree Creek
Michigan
ins Trill
pk iu m
Ho
Youngdike
Cedar
Bu
rch
BANKS TOWNSHIP
Thie
rr
0 0.5 1
y
Septic Limitations
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, SSURGO Soil Data, Banks Township, Antrim County
Septic Suitability
Very Limited - Water Table, Seepage Very Limited - Slow Water Movement
Very Limited - Water Table, Seepage, Ponding Pits
Very Limited - Seepage Beaches
Very Limited - Seepage, Slope
Very Limited - SlopeM A STER PLAN 1 9
The Banks Township Planning systems constructed in such soils For the purpose of planning, the
Commission examined maps pose a threat of groundwater most significant areas of those
illustrating the extent and location contamination from septic system with prime agricultural soils are
of soil characteristics during the effluent. Intensive development those currently in active agricultural
planning process as a means should be limited in areas with use, as shown on the Agricultural
of delineating areas within the these types of soils, in order to help Capability map (Map 6).
community suited to various types protect the groundwater.
of development. It should be noted Forestland Soils
that the maps are not site specific, Farmland Soils Forestland soils are rated on the
and do not eliminate the need for
Prime farmland soils possess basis of their timber production
detailed on-site investigations when
fertility, nutrient holding capacity, potential, and are classified as
land development proposals are
texture, drainage, and slope either national or regional.
made.
characteristics which make them Soils classified as national are
Descriptions of soil characteristics well suited to crop and forage capable of producing greater than
examined during the planning production. These soils are one cord, or 1,000 board feet of
process are as follows: considered important on a national timber per year per acre, and are
basis. Soils characterized as “prime considered important on a national
Hydric/Wetland if drained” possess all of the above basis. Soils classified as regional are
Soils characteristics when artificially considered important on a regional
drained. (Map 5 Farmland and state basis, and are capable
Hydric/wetland soils are generally
Classification map). Important of producing from one-half to one
unsuited for septic system
farmland soils possess all of the cord, or from 500 to 1,000 board
installations, road construction, and
above characteristics, though slope feet of timber per acre. Typically,
building site development. These
is between six and twelve percent. the highly productive forest soils
soils tend to be of insufficient
These soils are highly productive also include the prime farm soils
strength to support building
when conservation tillage practices discussed above. The forest soils
foundations (Map 3).
are used.
Shrinking and swelling of soils
during freeze/thaw cycles can
damage building foundations
unless soils are modified with
appropriate fill material.
Septic Limitations
High water table, wetness,
slow permeability, slope, rapid
permeability, and poor filtration
capability influence the ability of
septic systems to function properly.
Hydric/wetland soils, and heavy
clay soils are characterized by slow
permeability and are generally
considered unsuited for septic
system installation. As seen in the
Septic Limitations map, the entire
Township is classified as having
either moderate or severe septic
limitations.
Soils that exhibit rapid permeability
or poor filtration capability are
unable to adequately filter septic
system effluent. Accordingly, septic2 0 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
Map 5: Farmland Classification
Potter
Matchett
Phe n
d
Maso
oo
lp s
rw
No
½
I Beck
Lake Shore
s
on
rs
Pa
Center
McCracken
Warner
1st
Knollcrest Gennett Mascho
Skiel
Richardson Church Skinner McElroy Flagg
Marion Center
Jolliffe
Lord
Bayview
Brown
Boss
Carpenter
Lakeshore
Be
Lime Lake rgs
ma
Hillt
Orchard Ridge
o
p
Slough
Doctor
Coeling
Valley
Brinkers
Bay Ridge
Atwood Best
Rex Beach
Ridgev
Byers
Brant
iew
Hillman
Church
Antrim
White
Kingar
e
Antrim Dells Lak
ch Ea
Tyrrell Bea s
row
Forest Hill tJ
or
da
n
Lincoln
Hill
Center
Sha
Dungannon
Simmons Bluff
Main
Brid
Potts
n no
Resort
Peebles
ge
n
Dennis
Kilkenny
Eaton
Tipperar
Wexford
y
Glenbe
Galway
igh
orth
Ellsw
Essex
rlane
Old Di
Dublin Rubingh
Timbe
xie
Predmore
Pine Bennett
White
Premore
Rames
Timbe
Pleasant Hill
rlake
Scott Maple Hill Wilson
Klooster
Toad Lake
Sinclair
Pachakee
Farrell
Mitchell
d
for
aw
Cr
n
Lore
Rushto
Bennett Hill
½
I
Ba
ysh
Shooks
or
e
Gregory
Bayview
Ol
d
Pa
Mohrmann
Lake
rk
Veldkamp
Roberts
Michigan
M 88
Beadle
Ogletree Creek
Michigan
ins Trill
pk iu m
Ho
Youngdike
Cedar
Bu
rch
BANKS TOWNSHIP
Thie
rr
0 0.5 1
y
Farmland Classification
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, SSURGO Soil Data, Banks Township, Antrim County
Township Boundary US Department of Agriculture Classes:
State Roads Prime Farmland if Drained
All Roads Farmland of Local Importance
Rivers / Streams Not Prime Farmland
Lakes / Ponds No Data / Urbanized LandsM A STER PLAN 2 1
Map 6: Agricultural Capability
Potter
Matchett
Phe n
od
lp s Maso
o
rw
No
½
I Beck
Lake Shore
s
on
rs
Pa
Center
McCracken
Warner
1st
Gennett Mascho
Knollcrest
Skiel
Richardson Church Skinner McElroy Flagg
Marion Center
Jolliffe
Lord
Bayview
Brown
Boss
Carpenter
Lakeshore
Be
Lime Lake rgs
ma
Hillt
Orchard Ridge
po
Slough
Doctor
Coeling
Valley
Brinkers
Bay Ridge
Atwood Best
Rex Beach
Ridgev
Byers
Brant
iew
Hillman
Church
Antrim
White
Kingar
e
Antrim Dells Lak
ch Ea
Tyrrell Bea s
row
Forest Hill tJ
or
da
n
Lincoln
Hill
Center
Sha
Dungannon
Simmons Bluff
Main
Brid
Potts
n no
Resort
Peebles
ge
n
Dennis
Kilkenny
Eaton
Tipperar
Wexford
y
Glenbe
Galway
igh
orth
Ellsw
Essex
rlane
Old Di
Dublin Rubingh
Timbe
xie
Predmore
Pine Bennett
White
Premore
Rames
Timbe
Pleasant Hill
rlake
Scott Maple Hill Wilson
Klooster
Toad Lake
Sinclair
Pachakee
Farrell
Mitchell
d
for
aw
Cr
n
Lore
Rushto
Bennett Hill
½
I
Ba
ysh
Shooks
or
e
Gregory
Bayview
Ol
d
Pa
Mohrmann
Lake
rk
Veldkamp
Roberts
Michigan
M 88
Beadle
Ogletree Creek
Michigan
ins Trill
pk ium
Ho
Youngdike
Cedar
Bu
rch
BANKS TOWNSHIP
Thie
rr
0 0.5 1
Agricultural Capability
y
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, SSURGO Soil Data, Banks Township, Antrim County
Township Boundary Least Limitations Most Limitations
State Roads Slight Limitations Limited Uses, Erosion Hazards
All Roads Moderate Limitations Moderate Limitations on Use, Hazards
Rivers / Streams Severe Limitations Severe Limitations, Grazing Only
Lakes / Ponds Very Severe Limitations Only Recreational Use / Aesthetic Use
No Data / Urbanized Lands2 2 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
include a greater area because Water levels in the Great Lakes ago, and rainfall in Michigan
slope is not considered a significant naturally fluctuate, and those has been projected to increase
limiting factor. fluctuations can be rapid and by another 20% by the end of
dramatic. Since records began, the 21st century. During heavy
Lake Michigan’s water level has precipitation events, communities
RESILIENCY fallen by as much as four feet in are at increased risk of flooding
Resilience is an umbrella term for as little as two years. Researchers and corresponding property and
the planning and design strategies have found that Great Lakes infrastructure damage. Areas
needed to help communities shorelines may be subject to more with higher percentages of
develop the necessary capacities erosion and flooding risk as a impervious surfaces are more likely
to meet the economic, social, result of climate variability. With to experience negative impacts
environmental and climate the recent rise in Lake Michigan to water quality. However, rural
challenges of the future. water levels, the Banks Township areas with aging septic tanks
In Banks Township, climate Park has experienced significant could be impacted by extreme rain
variability and changing weather erosion of newly installed events, causing negative impacts
patterns are impacting everything infrastructure. Future public and to drinking water sources and
from agricultural productivity to the private infrastructure investments inland lakes and/or watersheds.
Lake Michigan shoreline and water will need to be carefully designed With more frequent and intense
levels. These changing conditions with consideration of the dynamic precipitation events coupled with
can have big impacts on the nature of the Great Lakes. undersized culverts, roads and
economic and environmental health Heavy rains occur twice as private properties surrounding
of a community. frequently as they did one century inland lakes like St. Clair Lake
have experienced unprecedented
Pictured above (left) is an undersized bridge culvert between Ellsworth Lake and Saint
C l a i r L a k e . R i g h t i s t h e s t a i r w a y l e a d i n g t o L a k e M i c h i g a n a t t h e To w n s h i p P a r k .M A STER PLAN 2 3
flooding in recent years. Future
zoning and development decisions
will need to take these more
intense precipitation events into
account.
From a farmland perspective,
climate change is predicted to
result in drier summers on average,
which could negatively impact
agricultural yields. Heavy rain falling
on agricultural lands can lead to a
correspondingly heavy amount of
runoff discharged into waterways.
These trends about the impacts of
climate change have been used
to inform the goals and actions
of the Banks Township master
plan to ensure future growth
and development decisions take
changing conditions into account
to the best degree possible.
Landscaping and other design solutions can be used to
offset the impact of large expansive parking lots2 4 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
EXI S T I N G LA N D U SE
EXISTING LAND Agricultural is smaller (155 acres), and the
average farmer is older (59 years
S TAT I S T I C S Although the percent of land in
old).
agricultural use has decreased since
According to the Census, Banks earlier mapping done in 1978,
Township’s land area is 45 square general and specialized farming still Commercial
miles, which includes 0.7 square constitutes the predominant land Banks Township has very little
miles in the Village of Ellsworth. use in the township. As shown in commercial development. As
The existing land use and land Table 1, agricultural land makes illustrated in Map 7, the commercial
cover in the Township was up 42% of the Township. The and business development is
updated in the fall of 2018. Table active agricultural lands are well concentrated in the Atwood Village
1 illustrates the distribution of dispersed across the Township. area along the U.S. 31 corridor and
the current land uses and cover Prime or Important farmland soils in the Village of Ellsworth.
types throughout the Township. are discussed and mapped in the
The 2018 existing land use map Natural Resources portion of this
and inventory update started with
Industrial /
section. Extraction
the statewide mapping, and was
further updated using recent aerial According to the 2012 U.S. The areas classified as industrial
photography and field checking Agricultural Census, there as been and/or extraction are primarily
as well as data from the Township a slight increase in the number of sand and gravel extraction sites.
assessor. Table 1 presents the land farms in the County since 2007, While there is virtually no industrial
uses by category, showing the but an overall decrease in acres of activity at present, there is an
number of parcels, total acres and agricultural land since. Compared area zoned for manufacturing in
percent of the Township in each of with the state as a whole, the Atwood and another area just
the land use categories. average farm in Antrim County outside of the Village limits. TheM A STER PLAN 2 5
Ta b l e 1 : E x i s t i n g L a n d U s e
No. To t a l Percent
Land Use
Parcels Acres o f Tw p
Agriculture 197 12,058 42%
Commercial 47 361 1%
Industrial / Extraction 14 169 1%
Natural Resources 50 1,068 4%
Public 20 73 0.3%
Residential 1,036 4,508 16%
Residential Agricultural 121 4,041 14%
Residential Natural Resource 578 6,274 22%
T O TA L 2,063 28,551 100%
future land use map also identified Example of public lands include the Residential Natural
these areas as places that would be Banks Township Park, the Fire Hall, Resources
compatible with future industrial Township Hall, and property owned
activity. by the Village of Ellsworth. Similarly, the Residential Natural
Resources category is for large
wooded or open space parcels that
Natural Resources Residential are not farmed and have at least
Generally, areas classified as natural Single family homes constitute one residential dwelling on them.
resource include open space that is the predominant developed land Residential Natural Resource land
wooded and/or not actively farmed. use in the community. Residential makes up 22% of the total area
This land use category also includes development is spread throughout within the Township.
recreational areas such as the the Township along roadways,
Antrim Creek Natural Area. with concentrations found in the Industrial/
Also included is nonforested land area of the Village of Ellsworth, the Extractive/
such as herbaceous open and unincorporated Atwood Village
area, and along the shoreline of
Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n /
shrub land. Nonforested areas are Utility
scattered throughout the Township Lake Michigan. Residential land use
and are found in nearly all sections occupies 16% of the land area in Banks Township has a very limited
the Township. amount of land in industrial use.
of the Township.
The majority of the property in
Wetlands are also included in this Residential this category is either active sand
category and include land that and gravel excavation operations,
Agricultural
has sufficient water at, or near, or former Antrim shale excavation
to support wetland or aquatic This category is for farmland sites.
vegetation. with at least one home located
on the parcel. Although the
Public predominate use is farming, we
The land classified as public wanted to distinguish these parcels
includes areas owned by the from agricultural parcels with no
Township, County, State, or other residential structures.
quasi-governmental entities.2 6 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
Map 7: Existing Land Use
Gennett Mascho
Knollcrest
½
I
Skiel
Richardson Skinner Flagg
Marion Center
Jolliffe
Lord
Bayview
Brown
Boss
Carpenter
Lakeshore
Be
Lime Lake rg sm
Hillt
a
Orchard Ridge
op
Slough
Doctor
Coeling
Valley
Brinkers
Bay Ridge
Atwood Best
Rex Beach
Ridgev
Byers
Brant
iew
Hillman
Church
Antrim
White
Kingar
e
Antrim Dells Lak
ch Ea
Tyrrell Bea st
row
Forest Hill J or
da
n
Lincoln
Hill
Center
Dungannon
Simmons Bluff
Main
Brid
Potts
Resort
Peebles
ge
Dennis
Kilkenny
Eaton
Tipperar
Wexford
y
Glenbe
Lake Michigan
Galway
igh
orth
Ellsw
Essex
rlane
Old Di
Dublin Rubingh
Timbe
xie
Predmore
Pine Bennett
White
Premore
Rames
Timbe
Pleasant Hill
rlake
Scott Maple Hill Klooster Wilson
Toad Lake
Sinclair
Pachakee
Farrell
Mitchell
d
for
aw
Cr
n
Lore
Rushto
Bennett Hill
½
I
Ba
ysh
Shooks
or
e
Roberts
Youngdike
Bunker Hill
Kiessel
Meggison
1
19
Terrace
wn
BANKS TOWNSHIP
no
k
0 0.75 1.5
Un
Existing Land Use
Miles
Data Sources: Michigan CGI Data Library, Banks Township, Antrim County, Esri Imagery, National Land Cover Database
Township Boundary Agricultural Residential Agricultural
State Roads Commercial Residential Natural Resource
All Roads Natural Resource Industrial / Extraction
Rivers / Streams Public
Lakes / Ponds ResidentialM A STER PLAN 2 7
I NFRAS T RU C T UR E & S E RVI C E S
W AT E R A N D systems are regulated by the POLICE, FIRE,
Health Department of Northwest
SEWAGE Michigan. AMBULANCE
DISPOSAL Police protection is provided by
SOLID WASTE the Antrim County’s Sheriff’s
SYSTEMS Department, dispatched from the
Banks Township does not own Private solid waste haulers serving Village of Bellaire. Additionally, the
or operate a public drinking Banks Township include: Waste Village of Ellsworth has one officer.
water system or a public sewer Management and American Waste. The Kalkaska State Police Post also
disposal system. Consequently, There is an Antrim County recycling supplements the County services.
two important determinants for drop-off site located near the Hugh
Campbell fields in Ellsworth. The Banks Township fire district is a
siting a septic system are soil volunteer fire department governed
suitability and depth to bedrock. by the Township Board. The district
Township residents primarily rely OTHER PUBLIC provides fire protection services for
on onsite private wells for domestic the community. The primary fire
drinking water, although there UTILITIES station is located on Center Street
are a few areas which are served Electric power is provided to the in Ellsworth with a second facility in
by shared wells. There are no Township. Natural gas service is not Atwood.
public sewage disposal systems currently available to most residents
operated within the Township. The The Township participates in
but is available in portions of the
Village of Ellsworth is currently mutual aid agreements for police,
Village. Cell phone coverage is
exploring options to construct a fire, and ambulance services within
generally available in the area from
public sanitary sewer system for Charlevoix and Antrim Counties.
AT&T or Verizon. Limited Charter
the Village. All private drinking Under these agreements, the
cable serves the Township.
water wells and sewage disposal Township can request additional2 8 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
emergency services from other the Atwood Cemetery on Church Township, with the exception of
municipalities on an as-needed Road and the Catholic Cemetery roads located within Ellsworth
basis. off US-31 and Essex Road. Village limits.
The Antrim County Transportation
SCHOOLS AND T R A N S P O R TAT I O N (ACT) provides an on call dial-
a-ride bus service within Antrim
LIBRARIES AND ROAD County. For transportation needs
Ellsworth Community Schools MAINTENANCE beyond the County boundaries,
operate an elementary school ACT coordinates with the similar
The only major, highway through transportation services in adjacent
(pre-k-6) and a high school (7-12)
the Township is US-31, which is counties. Additionally, a six county
which are centrally located in the
the dominant north/south route regional transit system coordinates
Village of Ellsworth. Most of Banks
through the Township. It is a state two systems, the “Regional Ride”
Township is served by the Ellsworth
trunkline under the jurisdiction and the “Health Ride” which serve
school district; small portions of
of the Michigan Department of Antrim County. The Regional Ride
the Township are served by the
Transportation. The total length is a fixed route system that was
Charlevoix and Central Lake School
of US-31 passing though Banks implemented in early 1998. One of
Districts.
Township is approximately six miles. the routes passes through Banks
Banks Township is also served
The main county roads traversing Township on US-31.
by Ebenezer Christian School,
Banks Township are C-48 and The Breezeway is an identified rural
a private non-denominational
C-65. C-48 primarily runs east/ route connecting US-31 to US-131
school, located on White Street in
west in the northern portion of along C-48 in both Charlevoix and
Ellsworth.
the Township. C-65 primarily runs Antrim Counties to promote the
Post high school education is north/south in the eastern part of use of this scenic rural route to
available locally at North Central the Township. increase awareness of the small
Michigan College (NCMC) main
The Antrim County Road towns thus boosting the economic
campus in Petoskey, as well as
Commission provides road activity for the local businesses
Northwestern Michigan Collage
maintenance and snow removal along the route.
(NMC) in Traverse City, and the
services on public roads in the
M-Tec in Gaylord. Additionally,
the Char-Em Intermediate School
District also offers a variety of
professional development courses.
GOVERNMENT
FACILITIES
Banks Township Community
Building is located on Center
Street. The Township Community
Building provides shared space for
Banks Township and the Village
of Ellsworth business, as well as
community meeting space. The
Banks Township Community
Building is adequately meeting the
Township needs at this time.
There are four cemeteries located
in Banks Township. The cemeteries
are the Old Antrim City Cemetery
on Old Dixie Highway, the
Ellsworth Cemetery on Eaton Road,M A STER PLAN 2 9
P UB LIC IN P U T
Community input is critical in to the master plan website from better Internet and cellular services,
ensuring the master plan reflects the Township website and also an non-motorized infrastructure, and
the current and future needs and opportunity for members of the more job opportunities. A complete
desires of all Township residents. public to provide input through the listing of all input can be found in
Every effort was made to collect project website. Appendix B.
public input from as many residents
and local stakeholders as possible. I N P U T S TAT I O N S COMMUNITY
In addition to the required public
hearing, public review period,
A number of stations were set SURVEY
up throughout the community
and public notices, and number A community-wide survey was
encouraging residents and visitors
of other innovative engagement developed and targeted towards
share their vision for Banks
techniques were employed. households and businesses in
Township. The posters were placed
The following summarizes those the Township. The survey was
at the Front Porch, the Township
engagement methods and the developed with input from
Hall, Friske’s Farm Market, and the
input that was received. the planning commission and
Good Samaritan Resale Shop.
Township Board and was open
A total of 48 comments were from June - August 2018. In July
PROJECT submitted. Comments about why 2018 the postcard was sent to all
people choose to live in Banks
WEBSITE Township highlighted its friendly
residents and businesses within
the Township, with a link to the
A project website was developed residents and beautiful natural electronic survey. Hard copies of
as a tool for gathering input, scenery. In terms of what could the survey were also available for
place to review draft maps and change, comments highlighted the people to pick up at the Township
documents, and to house the need for affordable housing, more Hall and other community
community survey. There was a link shopping and retail opportunities, locations. Residents could also call3 0 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
and request that a survey be mailed to their home. A total of 96 individuals completed the survey. The following
summarizes the results from the survey and was used to identify goals and prioritize actions.
Question 1: How would you rate your satisfaction with the following public services?
It is interesting to note that residents who responded to the survey are most satisfied with fire protection and
emergency medical services. However, despite the high level of satisfaction, there also seems to be a great deal of
uncertainty as to the quality of these services; likely because the general population rarely uses the services. High
speed Internet received the lowest level of satisfaction, which is supported by comments regarding lack of service
in many areas of the Township.
Fire Protection 54% 15% 31%
Emergency Medical Services 49% 15% 4% 32%
Law Enforcement 46% 22% 6% 26%
Trash Collection 39% 23% 7% 31%
Road Maintenance 34% 26% 38%
Zoning Enforcement 28% 29% 25% 18%
High Speed Internet 27% 18% 40% 16%
Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Don't Know
Question 2: Please rate how much of a problem, if at all, each of the following are in the Township:
Short-Term Vacation Rentals 59% 17% 10% 14%
Noise or Nuisance from Incompatible Land Uses 56% 21% 9% 14%
Inland Flooding 52% 28% 13% 7%
Zoning Enforcement 43% 22% 15% 20%
Junk/Trash 38% 33% 17% 12%
Street/Road Conditions 25% 24% 33% 18%
Not an Issue Minor Issue Moderate Issue Major Issue
With regards to issues in the Township, is interesting to note that the highest percent of respondents rated
short-term rentals as a non-issue. However, given the recent public comment at planning commission and Board
meeting, it is evident that short-term rentals are presenting a very large problem for a relatively small subset of
the population. Given higher water levels, inland flooding is a bigger issue compared with previous years. Not
surprisingly, street and roads conditions as well as zoning enforcement were rated as a major issue by the highest
percent of respondents.M A STER PLAN 3 1
Question 2: The second part of this question asked respondents to expand on their responses, and specifically to
identify any other major zoning issues. A total of 21 people provided additional issues. Four respondents noted a
need to address the flooding issues. Three respondents noted a desire for less regulation, while two respondents
desired better zoning enforcement. Two people also noted there was too much noise in the Township and two
people said that taxes were too high. Two individuals commented on road conditions - one was in favor of more
paving while the other wanted to preserve their gravel drive. Single issues (not necessary with a basis in zoning)
noted by one person only included:
• Better speeding enforcement
• Desire for boat launch facilities
• Desire for more revenue generating businesses
• Concern of hotels being run in single family neighborhoods.
• Pollution from outdoor wood furnaces
• Lack of reasonably price high speed Internet
Question 3: How important are the following in Banks Township?
Water Quality 63% 12% 3% 19%
High-Quality Schools 47% 18% 15% 17%
Access to Trails and Recreation 45% 22% 9% 16%
Open Space 34% 25% 18% 18%
High-Paying Jobs Within or Near the Township 26% 24% 32% 9%
Access to Commercial and Retail Services 12% 41% 25% 11%
Very Important Somewhat Important Neutral Somewhat Unimportant Very Unimportant
Water quality was rated as having the highest degree of importance, with high-quality schools and access to
trails and recreation second and third respectively. It is interesting to note that high paying jobs and access to
commercial and retail services were relatively low importance. This could be because of the high percentage
of retirees in the Township and the fact that the respondents represented an older segment of the population
relatively speaking.3 2 BA N K S T OW N S HI P
Question 4: Rate each of the following zoning issues as a priority for the Township.
Septic System Inspections to Protect Water Quality 27% 41% 7% 18%
More Flexibility on Agricultural Land 20% 20% 15% 22%
Short Term Rentals 17% 15% 25% 29%
High Priority Moderate Priority Low Priority Not a Priority
This question asked specifically about zoning issues in the Township. Septic inspections, short-term rentals, and
reductions in minimum lot size are all policies the planning commission is considering taking up in the near future.
Notably, 68% of respondents considered septic inspections to be a high or moderate zoning priority. This supports
the earlier finding that water quality is important to 75% of the respondents.
Question 5: Should Banks Township partner with Question 6: Would you support an increased Township
conservancies and others to protect farmland and millage to repair and upgrade roads in the Township?
other important natural features?
Undecided,
Undecided,
27%
24%
Yes, 35%
Yes, 57%
No, 19%
No, 38%
Over half of the respondents are supportive of preserving farmland in the Township by partnering with
conservancies and similar groups. In terms of road funding, about 1/3 of respondents would be willing to support a
millage increase to pay for roads repairs and upgrades. It’s also important to note that one-quarter of respondents
were undecided, likely needing more information about relative costs before making a decision.M A STER PLAN 3 3
Question 7: Would you be supportive of non- Question 8: Would you be supportive of expanded
motorized trails and expanded recreational snowmobile trails for Township residents and visitors?
opportunities for Township residents and visitors?
Undecided, 14% Undecided, 14%
Yes, 43%
No, 22%
Yes, 64%
No, 43%
Question 7 & 8 asked specifically about expanding recreational trails in the Township. Notably, 64% of respondents
were supportive of expanding non-motorized trails while only 43% of respondents were supportive of expanding
snowmobile trails. However, when looking at only respondents 50 years of age or younger, 53% were supportive
of expanding snowmobile trails. Similar percentages were found for all ages with respect to non-motorized trails.
Question 9: Do you agree with the following statements?
Banks Township should work to attract appropriate light industrial
18% 40% 20% 14% 6%
development in designated areas.
Banks Township would benefit from more commercial
24% 47% 12% 9% 5%
development in existing commercial centers.
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Results of this question indicate that survey respondents are receptive to new commercial and light industrial
activities in Banks Township. 58% are supportive of light industrial in designated areas while 71% are supportive
of expanding commercial opportunities in the Township.You can also read
