COLDWATER TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – In a move to protect local control over community development, the Coldwater Township Board passed a formal resolution Monday night, opposing a suite of state legislation aimed at overriding local zoning authority.
The resolution targets House Bills 5529 -5532, which are currently pending in the Michigan Legislature.
These bills propose significant statewide mandates that would require townships to permit higher-density residential projects, such as duplexes, by right while simultaneously limiting a municipality’s ability to set minimum lot sizes or enforce specific parking regulations.
Township officials expressed sharp criticism of the “one-size-fits-all” approach, saying that the legislation lacks both affordability guarantees and funding for the infrastructure needed to support increased density.
The board highlighted that local zoning is the primary tool used to coordinate sewer capacity, road networks, and emergency services, all of which could be strained by mandated growth. The board also pointed out that utility constraints, such as fixed electric service territories between the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities and Consumers Energy, make it difficult for the township to accommodate rapid, unplanned expansion without dedicated financial support or regional flexibility.
A significant portion of the board’s frustration centered on a lack of transparency and communication from state leadership. Despite Coldwater Township being one of the largest jurisdictions in Branch County, Township officials say that State Representative Jennifer Wortz, a sponsor of HB 5530, did not consult the township before introducing the legislation.
In its resolution, the board urged the Michigan Legislature to pivot toward incentive-based housing reforms that respect local expertise. Copies of the resolution have been forwarded to Rep. Wortz and legislative leadership to demand meaningful consultation before the bills advance further.
Comments