The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing to update its 2050 Master Plan. Every five years (per Public Act 33 of 2008), all Michigan cities are required to have their Planning Commissions review their Master Plans and determine if amendments are necessary, or if the city should adopt a new document.

Master Plans

Master Plans chart the direction of the City’s development for the next 30 years.

Master plans are critical policy documents. They are the primary way for the community to answer the following questions:

• What do we want our community to look like in 2050?
• How do we get there?
• How can we ensure our community is resilient by avoiding or mitigating risks or threats that we may face?

The plan will continue to address land use, transportation, housing, downtown, economic development, and public safety.

Suggested Updates

The city’s current 2050 Master Plan reflects the need for more housing options in the community. Proposed updates are as follows:

• Add information from the Mission Street Improvement Plan project. This plan, approved by the Mission Street Improvement Plan Steering Committee, and the Mission/Pickard DDA, focuses on roadway improvements, zoning updates, and strategic investments along the Mission Street Corridor.
• Other suggested updates include incorporating results from the recent Parks & Recreation public outreach efforts, as well as the completed Town Center redevelopment.

Public Input Needed

Public input is imperative during this amendment process. The public is invited to participate in a series of open meetings, which will be held at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. The public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts during the public comment section of each meeting. This can be done in-person or virtually, in some cases.

April 3: Planning Commission - 7 p.m. - City Hall/Hybrid

April 22: Parks & Recreation Commission - 6 p.m. - City Hall (no hybrid option)

April 28: City Commission  - 7 p.m. - City Hall/Hybrid

City of Mt. Pleasant Master Planning History

Major projects and policy changes often result from a master planning process. The city adopted its first Master Plan in 1946 with subsequent plans being adopted in 1965, 1987, 2006, and 2020. For instance, the 1965 Master Plan led to the development of “Town Center” and the creation of a new 1971 zoning ordinance. The 1987 Master Plan led to significant investments in park accessibility for individuals with disabilities; facility investments to improve drinking water quality; and extensions of Bellows and Preston Streets.

For more details regarding the 2050 Master Plan Update visit www.mt-pleasant.org/masterplan.

For information about the Mission Street Improvement Plan visit www.mt-pleasant.org/missionstreet.