The Planning Commission had a pre-application review of the proposed Planned Unit Development – Blueberry Woods.
This proposed residential mixed-use development is located on four (4) parcels exceeding 103-acres located adjacent to the M-45 and US-31 intersection. The PUD is intended to be developed in two (2) phases.
The initial phase includes about 64-acres with two (2) apartment buildings, eight (8) quadplexes, and nineteen (19) duplexes. Because of regulated wetlands, the development will have a great deal of natural open spaces.
If we look toward history for inspiration for the future, it is seen that this general area was formerly the Village of Agnew, a “whistle-stop” for trains along the railroad and the West Michigan Pike (i.e., M-11, now US-31).”
Described in The Path of Destiny by David Seibold: “It was suggested that one way of pumping some life into the small, rural community would be to have a train depot…at one time there was a hotel, a general store, a Grange Hall, a sawmill and a box factory.” Further, the 1948 Township Zoning Ordinance and map illustrates a concentration of commercial property, agricultural, and smaller residential lots.
Although this area was historically considered a community hub providing a mix of services necessary for a residential population, Blueberry Woods will set the tone for new development in the area. It is effectively creating a new community and establishing a baseline of compatibility for future developments.