Historical Study

The Township Board appointed a Historic District Study Committee in June 2002 for the purpose of studying Commerce Village and surrounding township properties for historically significant structures. The Committee has been meeting since that time at least monthly, on the fourth Friday of each month; however, some meetings vary from that schedule and meetings are added as need be. The Committee has photographed and surveyed the Village area and identified a list of properties within the township, outside of the village area, that appear to be historically significant structures.

The goal is take a proactive approach to community planning that will protect and renew the area. Optimally, this will be accomplished by encouraging new development and renovation of the existing residential and commercial building stock. A cohesive – NOT identical – form of development is the optimal outcome. The Study Committee feels that educating the public about the unique historical significance of an area will contribute to a sense of pride in that area. Although a historic preservation ordinance is not in effect at this time, the study itself has resulted in a big step being taken towards the goal of awareness and education. Additionally, many of the goals and objectives as set forth in the report have been incorporated into the (proposed) new zoning ordinance, which is slated to be adopted this spring. A new, optional overlay district for the Village Area has been incorporated into the ordinance which sets forth standards that are more typical for a historic, village type of setting. The overlay district provides for, among other things; pedestrian friendly site layout and design requirements and historically sensitive architectural guidelines for both new construction and renovations/additions to existing structures.

The study is available to examine in the Planning Department and has photos of all houses in the district as well as information regarding their history. The Study Committee is always looking for input and information about a home that may possibly be a historically significant structure. The Chairperson, Mr. Robert McGee, can be contacted through the Planning Department at 248-960-7050.