The Township and state governments have always been for the benefit of the people, and requires the cooperation and input from the people to properly represent the people. It is CCCTWP’s goal to work with the governmental groups for the benefit of this unique community.

Committees have been set up for the different areas of concern: Township Planning Commission, Township Board, St. Clair County Road Commission, St. Clair County Board of Commissioners, DEQ/DNR, Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard, and a Master Plan Committee. Each Committee and its members have the responsibility of monitoring each area, attending the meetings, speaking at the meetings and reporting the findings to the Group. These reports are then posted via email and on the this web site.

Over the last year CCCTWP has been involved with the development of the Township, and the construction, application and implementation of the laws and ordinances. “ Citizens must be attentive to the Township’s decision-making processes, especially in the application of the planning and zoning ordinances,” says Chuck Miller, “…everyone is interested in the way the Island is developed, and the impact on the environment is critical to protecting this delicate area.”

To sustain this community as the rural low density, nature filled environment we value, we must continue to make certain that these principles are reflected in the laws and regulations for this Island Community. These laws and regulations come in many forms – the Master Plan for the area, and its associated zoning and building ordinances.

CCCTWP’s goal is to educate everyone in the processes and procedures involved in creating a well rounded community. To date there have been 3 public meetings. The first meeting was is December, 2007 and was an organizational meeting where ideas, procedures, group scope and initiatives were discussed. From this gathering the committees were formed and a plan was established. See Founding Principles and Mission Statement

Clay Township Master Plan

During the past year, many new developments have come to light that could greatly affect the Harsens Island / Clay Township area. As citizens voiced their concerns to the Township and the state regulatory agencies, it became apparent that there was a need for a group effort. The Concerned Citizens of Clay Township (CCCTWP) was formed. (Please visit http://www.ccctwp.org)..

The second public meeting was held on January 19, 2008. All were invited, mainland as well as island residents, visitors and Township officials. - Special Guest Presenter was Mr. John Nagy, Professional Community Planner. Mr. Nagy is the Former Director of Planning, City of Livonia, Former Economic Development Director, and currently Executive Director of the City of Livonia Downtown Development Authority.

In his various roles as Director during the explosive growth of Livonia, Mr. Nagy has proven that proper Planning and Development are vital. Rapid growth executed with proper planning and implementation procedures, garnered Livonia the reputation as one of the local communities exhibiting good planning.

The subjects covered were:

1. THE PLANNING COMMISSION

Commission member requirements and Duties of the Planning Commission

2. ORDINANCES

Zoning Ordinance Text and District Map(s), Zoning Amendment Standards and Requirements

3. CLAY TWP ZONING ORDINANCE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

Existing Zoning District of the Boy's Club property, Special Land Use standards of the existing

zoning districts, Discretion of the Planning Commission

4. ILLUSTRATION CONCERNING THE BOY'S CLUB PROPERTY

5. QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

This was a view from a Planner's perspective. Our quest for responsible development in Clay Township is accomplished by participation in the processes of ordinances, zoning and master plan design

The 3rd Public Meeting was held in March at the Lions Hall, with guest speaker Patrick Meagher, President of Community Planning & Management (CPM), the Planner for the Township.

Mr. Patrick Meagher gave a presentation titled Planning and Master Planning to a crowd of about 70 residents at the Harsens Island Lions Club. CPM represents 22 different municipalities throughout the local counties, Oakland, Lapeer, St. Clair and Macomb, and have been the Planners for the Township of Clay for the last 4 years.

Mr. Meagher’s presentation covered: the Foundation of our laws and ordinances – the Constitutional considerations, Michigan Laws, Planning and Zoning Laws; the Players - Township Board, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Residents; the Master Plan – its Vision and effects on ordinances, zoning, rezoning, and board reviews.

Response was overwhelming, with great participation by all who attended. Mr. Meagher is looking forward to the input from our residents, and to work with the citizens in the developmental process(es) of this comprehensive Master Plan for Clay Township.

Our next agenda is currently being planned for the summer months and will be posted on our web site and throughout the community.

Concerned Citizens of Clay Township is a volunteer group of citizens interested in their community. We all can’t be at all of the meetings, but we can be informed and prepared to respond responsibly when issues impacting our community arise. Please join us – we would like to hear from you and learn with you.