A local official and an interested citizen discuss the draft future land use map at the second public meeting in the Bear Lake Community

The Village of Bear Lake, Bear Lake Township and Pleasanton Township were awarded a Partnerships for Change grant in the third round of funding to assist in the development of a Joint Planning Commission (Public Act 226 of 2003) and a Joint Comprehensive Plan.

Representatives from the three jurisdictions had been looking for a way to realize the shared vision for preserving the Bear Lake Community as an enviable place to live -- preserving the community’s agricultural heritage, natural environment, quality lakes and small-town charm.

Through Partnerships for Change, LIAA assisted the three municipalities in establishing formal joint planning commission and developing a new community-wide comprehensive plan.

Please visit the Bear Lake Community website for more information.

Community Update: The participating jurisdictions and Joint Planning Commission are currently working together to implement several of the goals and objectives of the community-wide comprehensive plan. In addition, the Joint Planning Commission is exploring the potential of developing a joint zoning ordinance.