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Description

This corridor plan was jointly commissioned by the Village of Berrien Springs and Oronoko Charter Township in response to the 2013 findings of the M-139 Corridor Improvement Taskforce. The twelve appointed members of this taskforce included Village and Township officials as well as a range of private property owners and citizens.

In anticipation of expanded water and sewer service, a major indoor equestrian arena, and various private and university development prospects, the taskforce identified the following challenges and opportunities that deserve attention and planning:

• Existing zoning along the corridor creates unnecessary burdens due to non-conforming uses and structures.

• The Village and Township zoning is “mismatched” and does not present a unified vision.

• Existing zoning is unlikely to support the vision set out in the 2007 Master Land Use Plan for Berrien Springs or the vision set out by the 2010 Master Plan for Oronoko Charter Township.

• Existing zoning predetermines land use and is not very flexible for changing markets.

• Existing zoning does not enable a very efficient use of land and infrastructure.

In response, the Village and Township collaborated in securing the services of the Andrews University School of Architecture, Art & Design to conduct a public participatory process, to develop a proposed sub-area plan, and to propose recommended changes to the existing zoning ordinances.

Beginning in August 2013, the team conducted a series of seven public meetings with property owners and stakeholders, and one internal meeting with community officials. The results of this process are presented within this report and are intended to be carried forward as outlined at the end of this document.

Publication Date

2014

Publisher

Andrews University School of Architecture

City

Berrien Springs, MI

Disciplines

Urban, Community and Regional Planning

M-139 Corridor Improvement Plan: Enabling a Strong, Place-based Vision for Berrien Springs & Oronoko Charter Township, MI

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