Project partners discuss options for the managament of a potential comercial corridor.

In 2007, community leaders in the City of Hartford, Hartford Township, the City of Watervliet and Watervliet Township worked together to develop the I-94 Corridor Economic Development Plan. Among other things, the Plan outlines a series of recommendations to develop nearly 2,100 acres lying within each of the four participating jurisdictions and along Interstate 94. More importantly, the Plan calls for development that will increase jobs but also protect natural resources and provide for public amenities.

One of the first tasks charged to community leaders was to determine the best potential combination of planning and zoning authority to oversee the future development of the site. With a grant of assistance from the Partnerships for Change Sustainable Communities Program, the project partners, with assistance provided by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, initiated the planning process in August of 2008.

After several meetings, local officials agreed to pursue the development of a joint planning commission and a joint marketing committee to oversee the potential development of the site. To date, the local jurisdictions are still working to develop the joint planning agreement. 

Special Note: The Watervliet/Hartford Community was the first community to receive a First Steps award under the new Partnerships for Change Sustainable Communities program.