Good evening Mr. Supervisor and the Acme Township board,
As the President of the Acme Business Association I would like to
share my thoughts as the voice of the majority of businesses in this community.
It is time to over come the obstacles of the past and look forward to the
healing process of making this township we call home a place mirrored and envied
by all. The time is right we have a new start, a new balance with Meijer and the
Village at Grand Traverse along with you our appointed and elected Acme Township
Board, to communicate and work in synergy to create employment opportunities in
such an unstable economy. To close the gap of trust and responsibility of all
parties concerned it will not only be one of the greatest challenges, but one of
the most rewarding of all accomplishments personal and professional in this
development.
As you move forward in the process of reestablishing trust between the
parties and rebuilding creditability with some of the citizens of Acme township
and seek to understand the meaning of this powerful under taking and the truth
of its outcome that will benefit generations to come.
I believe these identities along with strict and proper communication
guidelines for (governmental and developers) could indeed be the start of a
great and fulfilling partnership for all to imitate in other struggling
communities with similar obstacles.
When the Planning Commission and the Acme Township Board communicate
with the developers with the Master Plan at hand, it will be clear of the intent
of the actions taken to proceed with the development, taking away the chance of
a underlying obstacle to cloud the focus of creating employment opportunities
and giving this township a feeling of connection.
This development needs to move forward, however we need leaders with
vision, a passion to shape the future and the inward calling for their character
to rise above the outside influences and seek out the security and stability
this development would bring to this (our) community.
The finalization of this project should move forward swiftly and not
sacrificed in the name of political agenda, scrutinized and analyzed until it
falls by the wayside of one side against the other. In the eyes of opinions
opposing or that are in support of this development, if we genuinely listen with
sincerity to all opposing and supporting menus I believe we can and will reach a
common ground. For those in this community that approach this project with a
closed mind and oppose this development they can be assured, they will stand
alone. And for those who embrace the future and the opportunities this
development will bring to our community a sense of pride and accomplishment to
live and work in a well rounded vibrant community, but let us not forget that as
we move towards what we believe is a more ecologically sound future, we continue
to respect and protect our natural resources as a whole which includes green
space, wetlands, landscapes and wildlife corridors.
The word Change: to the fearful it is threatening because it means
things might go wrong, to the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get
better, to the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make it
better. Mr. Supervisor and the Acme township board I say these things not for
personal gain, but to let all those truly concerned with the outcome and future
of this township they call home a feeling of they to can have a fresh and new
start and overcome their adversities in this generations economic hardship. I
challenge you the board to understand that while our time has not yet come, we
need to focus on the footprint we will leave for generations to come.
In closing I would like to express a sincere thank you to the Acme
Township Board in which I hold in the highest regard for their leadership and
respect shown in this time of public opinion.
Thank You
Jeff Stanley