Envisioning our community’s future together.

Why envision?

Conklin is an unincorporated, compact village that reflects the historic, rural, and agricultural character of Chester Township.

As it looks toward the future, its existing sanitary sewer system is at capacity. All remaining hookups in the sewer system are reserved for existing open lots in the sewer district. At the same time, Main Street has a few vacant parcels which could strengthen Conklin’s local identity and vibrancy.

How might the community support future needs while preserving and protecting the rural lifestyle, village character, and natural features unique to Conklin?

MAR 7 HDR & NC PROPERTY OWNERS SURVEY

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MAR 7 HDR & NC PROPERTY OWNERS SURVEY *

Approach & Timeline

  • Listen & Learn

    February - April 2025

    It all begins with understanding the community and its character. What do community members love about Conklin? How would they like Conklin to look and feel in the future? What are some possibilities to consider?

  • Draw & Explore

    April - June 2025

    Building on the early understandings, the community’s ideas are drawn. This enables the community to see and explore possibilities. What are preferred possibilities? What would be needed to make these a reality?

  • Review & Implement

    June - August 2025

    The community’s vision and practical considerations (e.g. utilities, planning, and zoning) are summarized as a Subarea Plan. With the community’s review and support, the Plan will move towards adoption and implementation by the Township Board.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • A subarea plan is a road map that guides how a specific area, like Conklin, could grow over the next 20 years. The plan is shaped by the community’s participation and feedback. It outlines a shared vision, guiding principles, framework, and design possibilities for the area. The plan gets adopted by the Township Board and is used in conjunction with the Master Plan to determine updates to zoning maps and regulations, as well as capital facilities plans for infrastructure like sewer or water.

  • We would love to have your involvement! A community’s vision embodied in a subarea plan is only as strong as its participation. Please visit the GET INVOLVED page on this website to find out more on upcoming events.

  • After the community visioning, the Subarea Plan report is prepared for review and will move towards adoption after the community’s feedback. The Township will begin the implementation phase. Depending on the Subarea Plan recommendations, this could include Zoning Ordinance updates, capital improvement plans, Parks and Recreation Plan updates, and other important community initiatives.

  • Funding for this community effort was made possible through a grant by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.