Hastings-Area Trends and Background

Transcription

Hastings-Area Trends and Background
Understanding demographic, economic, and land use trends is vital to informed decision
making in planning. The following section explains these trends in the City of Hastings,
Hastings Charter Township, and Rutland Township, within the context of Barry County.
POPULATION GROWTH, MIGRATION, AND PROJECTIONS
EXHIBIT 1
Barry County Population
SOURCE: Williams & Works, Barry County Master Plan, 2005.
The population of Barry County has grown at a fairly steady pace.
The only decline in the region’s population took place between 1910 and 1930. This
decline was the result of populations statewide moving into urban areas as Michigan
became a center for industrialization.
Since 1930, the county’s population has been steadily increasing.
Between 1990 and 2000, the county grew from 50,057 residents to 56,755 residents,
an increase of more than 13 percent.
Interlocal Approaches to Growth Management
11
EXHIBIT 2
Population Growth by Township (plus City of Hastings), Barry County
Yankee Springs Township realized the highest rate of growth between 1990 and 2000
at slightly more than 43 percent.
Other townships with substantial populations that also experienced high rates of
growth between 1990 and 2000 are Rutland Charter Township (30.2 percent),
Thornapple Township (27.9 percent), and Irving Township (40.9 percent). These four
communities comprise the northwest corner of the county and have been impacted the
most by the growth and out-migration of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
In addition to rapidly developing Grand Rapids, the burgeoning Kalamazoo and
Battle Creek areas are likely to impose population pressures on Barry County in the
near future.
12
EXHIBIT 3
Population Levels Over Time
8000
7000
6000
1980
1990
2000
2005
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Hasting City
Hasting Township
Rutland Township
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau.
According to 2005 Census data, the City of Hastings has a population of 7,166. Even
though the city experienced strong population growth between 1990 and 2000, this
dynamic has slowed down in the last six years.
According to 2005 Census data, Hastings Charter Township has a population of
3,074. The population increased by 144 (4.9 percent) since 2000 and by 244 (8.4
percent) since 1990. Thus, Hastings Charter Township has not seen strong population
growth in the last two decades.
According to 2005 Census data, Rutland Charter Township has a population of 4,106.
The population increased by 46 (12.6 percent) since 2000 and by 1,306 (46.8 percent)
since 1990. With this population dynamic, Rutland has shown a strong growth
pattern.
13
EXHIBIT 4
Barry County Population Component Change, 1990–2000
Population
1990
2000
50,057
56,755
1990–2000 Change
Number
6,698
1990–2000
Natural increase
%
Births
Deaths
Number
%
13.4%
7,806
4,580
3,226
6.4%
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau and Michigan Department of Community Health.
The rate of natural population increase for the county from 1990 to 2000 was
estimated to be 6.4 percent, while the total rate of population increase over this same
period was 13.4 percent.
It can therefore be determined that the rate of in-migration to Barry County over the
same time period was 7 percent. In other words, more than half of the county’s rate of
population growth has been the result of people moving into the community.
In comparison, the average natural increase for the state of Michigan between 1990
and 1999 was 5.6 percent, while the overall average rate of growth for all Michigan
counties over the same period was 6.1 percent, which shows only a 0.5 percent
increase due to in-migration. 1
0F
1
Williams & Works, Barry County, Michigan: A Master Plan. Adopted October 11, 2005.
14
EXHIBIT 5
Migration by Township, 1990–2000, Barry County
In-migration and out-migration in Barry County ranges from a low of 12.4 percent
out-migration for Prairieville to a high of 36.2 percent in-migration for Yankee
Springs from 1990 to 2000.
It is important to note that some communities have reported miscounts in the 2000
Census and/or are subject to population losses due to changes in the way the Census
defined residence in 2000.
15
EXHIBIT 6
Population Projections
Jurisdiction
2005 Estimate
Constant Proportion Method
Barry County
Hastings Charter
Township
Hastings, City of
Rutland Charter
Township
2010 Projection
2020 Projection
2030 Projection
59,892
67,935
81,318
97,338
3,074
7,166
3,487
8,128
4,174
9,730
4,996
11,646
4,106
4,657
5,575
6,673
59,892
63,009
69,740
77,189
3,074
7,166
3,216
7,234
3,519
7,373
3,851
7,514
4,106
4,594
5,750
7,197
59,892
65,838
71,784
77,730
3,074
7,166
3,346
7,300
3,618
7,434
3,890
7,568
4,106
4,988
5,870
6,752
Constant Growth Rate Method
Barry County
Hastings Charter
Township
Hastings, City of
Rutland Charter
Township
Arithmetic Average Method
Barry County
Hastings Charter
Township
Hastings, City of
Rutland Charter
Township
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau; calculations by Public Sector Consultants Inc.
Based on three methods shown above (constant proportion, constant growth rate, and
arithmetic average), population projections are provided for Barry County and the
three communities.
The constant proportions method appears to exaggerate the population projections
while the predictions under the other two projection methods are close.
It is projected that population for each community will increase moderately between
2005 and 2010.
According to the constant growth rate and arithmetic average methods, Barry
County’s population will increase by 28–30 percent in the next 25 years.
In 2005, the population of Barry County is estimated to be 59,892, which was ranked
33rd among Michigan’s 83 counties.
The population growth rate between 2000 and 2005 was 5.5 percent in Barry County.
This growth rate was ranked 16th highest among all Michigan counties.
Given the current momentum, Barry County is projected to reach a population of
more than 63,000 by 2010.
Overall, population increase will depend on the following factors:
• Quality and quantity of commercial and industrial development
• Quality of public services such as health and education institutions
16
• Types and quality of housing
• Image of the region as a desirable place to live
• Overall economic health of the state
AGE, SEX, AND ETHNICITY CHARACTERISTICS
EXHIBIT 7
Median Age, 1980–2000
Jurisdiction
1980
1990
2000
Barry County
Michigan
U.S.
30.0
28.8
30.0
33.8
32.6
33.0
36.9
35.5
35.3
In 2000, the median age of Barry County residents was almost 37 years compared to
the overall median age for the state of 35.5 years.
The trend shown in Exhibit 7 indicates that the population has been aging over time.
Barry County’s age structure seems to be skewed slightly older than that of the state
and national average.
EXHIBIT 8
Comparison of Age Groups, Barry County, 1990–2000,
Age
Under 5 years old
5–18
19–24
25–34
35–44
45–64
65 and older
Total
1990
Population
2000
Population
Percentage of
2000
total population
1990–2000
Percentage
change
3,694
11,003
3468
7,880
7,695
10,468
5,849
3,836
12,301
3,486
6,934
9,592
13,979
6,627
6.8%
21.7
6.1
12.2
16.9
24.6
11.7
3.8%
11.8
0.5
–12.0
24.7
33.5
13.3
50,057
56,755
–
13.4%
The 2000 Census figures reveal that the number of persons aged 65 years and older
grew by 778, or slightly more than 13 percent, since 1990. The rate of increase in a
senior population may have implications for the land use and public service needs of
the community. As of 2000, more than one in nine Barry County residents was aged
65 or older.
17
The fastest growing age group is the “empty nesters,” which is the 45-to-64-year-old
cohort. This includes the oldest of the “baby boomers.” This age group increased by
3,511 people, or by about one-third, from 1990 to 2000. People in this age group
typically have reached their peak earning potential and have more disposable income
than other age groups.
The college-age population of 19–24-year-olds has shown negligible growth
throughout the 10-year period (18 people or 0.5 percent). It is also clear that the
demographic group of those aged 25 to 34 is declining significantly (-12 percent). It
appears that young adults are leaving Barry County, possibly for higher education or
job opportunities, and not coming back.
School-age children 5 to 18 years old make up almost 22 percent of the 2000
population of Barry County. This group has grown by almost 12 percent, indicating
an increased need for schools and services.
EXHIBIT 9
Comparison of Race/Ethnicity, by Selected Jurisdictions, 2000
White
Jurisdiction
Barry County
Carlton Township
Hastings Charter
Township
Rutland Charter
Township
Hastings, City of
Grand RapidsMuskegon-Holland
MSA
Michigan
African American
#
%
54,829
2,235
2,732
96.6%
96.7
98.0
#
%
201
21
0
0.4%
0.9
0.0
Latino
#
%
Total
654
34
0
1.2%
1.5
0.0
56,755
2,312
2,788
3,460
96.8
8
0.2
16
0.4
3,574
7,049
96.4
15
0.2
135
1.8
7,309
6.4
3.2
1,088,514
9,938,444
903,354
7,805,325
83.0
78.5
77,517
1,391,487
7.1
14.0
69,154
322,160
In terms of ethnicity, Barry County is a very homogeneous Caucasian community.
Almost 97 percent of the county population is white, compared to 78.5 percent of the
state population.
The Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is the
closest major urban area to Hastings. It exhibits a higher proportion of minority
groups than the Hastings/Barry County areas.
African Americans, Latinos, and people of other races/ethnicities reside in the county
in proportions of 1.8 percent or less.
18
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
Housing Quality
In the 1990 Census, a total of 370 housing units in the county were reported as
lacking some plumbing facilities.
Only 108 housing units out of a total of 23,879 were reported in the 2000 Census as
lacking complete kitchen and/or plumbing facilities. 2
It may be concluded that the vast majority of the housing in the county provides
complete plumbing and/or kitchen facilities and the number without such facilities
declined by about 71 percent during the 1990s.
1F
Housing Affordability
Comparing median household income with median rents and median mortgage
payments indicates that much of the housing in the county would be considered
“affordable.” 3
In 2000, median annual household incomes stood at $46,820; therefore, using the 25
percent standard, about $11,705 might be needed annually for housing costs in an
affordable market. The Census reported that median mortgage payments were $888
monthly, or $10,656 annually, and median monthly rent was $493, or $5,916
annually.
It is important to remember that median household income reflects the midpoint in
the range of all incomes. Therefore, about one-half of the households in the county
have incomes falling below the median. In addition, according to the Census, about
27 percent of homeowners in the county devote more than 25 percent of their
household income to mortgage payments and nearly 40 percent of renters spend more
than 25 percent of their income on rent.
2F
2
Barry County has not undertaken a comprehensive housing quality survey to identify areas of sub-standard
housing. However, the Census does identify housing units with incomplete plumbing and/or kitchen
facilities, which may be considered one measure of housing quality.
3
Housing affordability is a measure of the percentage of disposable income consumed in housing costs,
such as rent payments for rental properties and principal and interest expense for homeowners. Typically,
mortgage underwriters and housing specialists consider housing affordable if rent payments or principal
and interest payments fall below 25 percent to 28 percent of gross income.
19
EXHIBIT 10
Owner/Renter-Occupied and Vacant Housing Units, by Selected Jurisdictions,
2000
Owner-occupied
Renter-occupied
Vacant
Jurisdiction
Number
%
Number
%
Number
%
Barry County
Carlton Township
Hastings, City of
Hastings Charter
Township
Rutland Charter
Township
Michigan
18,061
768
1,905
75.6
85.0
64.6
2,974
70
903
12.5
7.7
30.6
2,841
66
142
11.9
7.3
4.8
23,876
904
2,950
933
84.4
55
5.0
117
10.6
1,105
1,208
2,793,346
85.8
111
66.0% 992,315
7.9
89
23.4% 448,618
Total
6.3
1,408
10.6% 4,234,279
Approximately three-fourths of housing units in Barry County are occupied by the
owners. The City of Hastings has the lowest owner-occupancy rate (64.6 percent) and
Rutland Township has the highest (85.8 percent), which is well above the state rate.
The City of Hastings has the highest proportion of renter-occupied housing units
(30.6 percent), while Hastings Township has the lowest (5.0 percent).
A frequently used analysis of the health of a community is the ratio of owneroccupied housing to renter-occupied housing. This ratio for Barry County is slightly
more than 6:1. The ratio of owner-occupied to rental housing in the City of Hastings
is 2:1, while the townships range from nearly 11:1 to 17:1. Generally, urbanizing
communities strive to achieve a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of owner-occupied to rental housing
within the market. The greater ratios found in Barry County and the townships are
indicative of their largely rural nature, typically providing fewer rental opportunities.
Each Hastings area jurisdiction has a vacancy rate at or below the state percentage,
while the proportion of vacant housing units in Barry County overall is slightly higher
than that of both the state and other local jurisdictions.
20
EXHIBIT 11
Total Housing Units and Average Household Size, 1990–2000
1990
Jurisdiction
Total
housing
units
Barry County
Owneroccupied
household
size
2000
Renteroccupied
household
size
Total
housing
units
1990–2000 Percentage Change
Owneroccupied
household
size
Renteroccupied
household
size
Housing
units
Owneroccupied
household
size
Renteroccupied
household
size
20,887
2.81
2.53
23,876
2.72
2.44
14.3
–3.1
–3.4
803
2.85
2.89
904
2.79
2.43
12.6
–2.2
–15.9
Hastings, City of
2,618
2.69
2.16
2,950
2.81
1.93
12.7
4.6
–10.4
Hastings Charter
Township
1,024
2.69
3.02
1,105
2.74
1.65
7.9
1.7
–45.4
1,050
2.92
3.09
1,408
2.76
2.18
34.1
–5.5
–29.5
3,847,926
2.78
2.31
4,234,279
2.68
2.21
10.0%
–3.6%
Carlton Township
Rutland Charter
Township
Michigan
–4.3%
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau. 1990 and 2000. Average Size figures for 1990 were calculated by Public Sector Consultants using weighted averages from available information.
There was an overall increase in the number of housing units in Barry County and selected jurisdictions, while there was a
continued decline in the number of people per household between 1990 and 2000.
The number of housing units increased by the greatest percentage in Rutland Township (34.1 percent) and by the least in Hastings
Township (7.9 percent).
The average household size in Michigan overall in 2000 was 2.68 persons while the average in Barry County was 2.72 persons. 4
From 1990 to 2000, the average household size decreased the most in renter-occupied housing units, between 10.4 and 45.4
percent within the Hastings area. The average household size of owner-occupied housing decreased slightly in Carlton and Rutland
Townships and Barry County, while it increased slightly in the City of Hastings and Hastings Township.
This is consistent with the trends seen throughout the country as family size continues to decline and the number of single-person
households grows. It is important to be aware of this trend, given that the combination of an increasing population and decreasing
household size can indicate a likelihood of less efficient development patterns.
3F
4
Williams & Works, 2005.
21
EXHIBIT 12
Building Permits by Jurisdiction, 1998–2004, Barry County
Community
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
Assyria
Baltimore
Barry
Carlton
Castleton
Freeport Village
Hastings
Hastings, City of
Hope
Irving
Johnstown
Maple Grove
Middleville Village
Nashville Village
Orangeville
Prairieville
Rutland
Thornapple
Woodland
Woodland Village
Yankee Springs
42
42
84
66
44
5
62
107
N/A
70
69
40
55
16
89
120
N/A
89
42
8
203
38
48
76
63
62
5
54
85
N/A
79
58
32
96
17
91
119
89
111
34
7
149
46
41
74
47
42
2
47
126
N/A
80
74
25
89
18
86
77
N/A
77
28
4
128
51
37
91
63
45
7
78
101
117
78
70
22
62
17
66
87
79
71
32
6
153
51
47
73
66
35
10
65
105
95
84
69
34
60
29
88
81
67
107
44
4
111
44
37
79
55
36
13
56
124
85
77
61
39
85
21
67
93
151
104
40
5
113
31
37
72
70
26
6
62
89
70
68
61
37
54
18
64
62
97
99
25
3
109
1,253
1,313
1,111
1,333
1,325
1,385
1,160
Total
* As of November 2004.
Exhibit 12 reflects recent trends in building permits by jurisdiction in the county. This
information includes all types of permits, but as indicated in Exhibit 14, the majority
of development in the county is residential in nature and it may be assumed that
essentially the same proportions would apply at the jurisdiction level.
22
EXHIBIT 13
Barry County Building Permit Trends, 1994–2002
Building permits are a good indication of investment in the community. The number
of total building permits issued in Barry County has ranged from 839 to 1,179 permits
per year from 1994 to 2002. 5
In every year but 2001, new residential construction accounted for the largest single
category of development in the county. This was followed by residential additions,
pole buildings, and garages.
These figures indicate that new residential building permits accounted for about 4,017
new single-family homes in the county from 1994 to 2002. These include building
permits for new residences (2,195), as well as manufactured housing units (1,822)
over this period.
4F
5
These totals may conflict with those in Exhibit 11, which may include other types of permits.
23
EXHIBIT 14
Projected Land Cover Change, 1980–2040, Barry County
Land Cover Type
Percentage of landscape
1980
Wetland
Forest
Agriculture
Built
7.43%
28.28
49.28
4.02
1980 Land Cover
Built
Projected percentage change
1980–2020
2020–2040
–2.6%
–2.3
–1.8
53.7
2020 Projected Land Cover
Agriculture
Other vegetation
Forest
SOURCE: Michigan State University Computational Ecology and Visualization Laboratory, 2004.
24
–10.4%
–6.4
–7.5
113.8
2040 Projected Land Cover
Lake
Wetland
Barry County’s built environment is expected to increase by nearly 54 percent from
1980 to 2020, and then more than double from 2020 to 2040. If that projection holds
true, Barry County will have 13.2 percent of its land, or 19,663 acres, built out. This
growth is centered around the Hastings area and along the many lakeshores.
Barry County is expected to lose about 9 percent of its farmland, or 6,737 acres, from
1980 to 2040.
25
EMPLOYMENT AND THE ECONOMY
EXHIBIT 15
Barry County Labor Market Trend
Year
Labor force
Employment
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
29,615
30,741
31,594
32,721
30,386
30,554
29,950
29,815
30,464
31,071
28,536
29,718
30,693
31,838
29,375
29,209
28,333
28,040
28,721
29,531
Unemployed
1,079
1,023
901
883
1,011
1,345
1,617
1,775
1,743
1,540
Unemployment
rate
3.6%
3.3
2.9
2.7
3.3
4.4
5.4
6.0
5.7
5.0
SOURCE: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.
For most of the period from 1996 to 2000, the county was enjoying virtually full
employment with around 3 percent of the workforce receiving unemployment
benefits. In 2000, 1,011 persons had filed for benefits out of a total workforce of
29,375.
By 2003, unemployment had peaked at 6 percent countywide, with some
communities reporting rates nearing 9 percent. Of course, this trend essentially
parallels that of the broader state and national economy.
In spite of the weakened economy, it is significant that unemployment in Barry
County continues to track well below that of the state overall. By 2005, it was 1.7
percentage points lower than the state rate of 6.7 percent.
26
EXHIBIT 16
Percentage of Employment by Industry, 2004, Barry County
SOURCE: 2004 County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau. Total percentages add up to more than 100 due to
estimated employment ranges provided by some industries.
As of 2004, manufacturing accounts for the largest share of local employment in
Barry County (31.1 percent), followed by retail trade (15.7 percent) and health care
(11.2 percent). The employment composition of Barry County is generally consistent
with that of nearby counties.
The primary manufacturing employers in the county include Bradford-White with
more than 1,000 employees, as well as VHI, Flexfab, Hastings Manufacturing, and
Viking Corporation.
A majority of the manufacturing firms in Barry County are located in the City of
Hastings.
Even though manufacturing is still an important sector in Barry County’s economy,
manufacturing employment has been declining parallel to general developments in
the national economy.
In addition to manufacturing employment, county residents find service employment
with Pennock Hospital, the various school districts, the county itself, and the
community’s numerous retailers.
27
EXHIBIT 17
Trends in Employment in Barry County, 1980–2000
SOURCES: Williams & Works, Barry County Master Plan, 2005; Woods & Poole Economics, Barry County 2003 Data
Pamphlet, 2003.
NOTE: It should be noted that the reporting mechanisms used by Woods & Poole differ somewhat from those employed
by the U.S. Census Bureau, so the percentages reported by Woods & Poole in 2003 will not mirror those found in the
2000 Census.
Employment in farming has decreased significantly since 1980; it has declined from
nearly 13 percent of the Barry County workforce in 1980 to less than 5 percent in
2000. (Note: It has recently stabilized, however.)
Manufacturing jobs, as a share of the total economy, declined as well. However, the
total actual number of manufacturing jobs was about 8,141 in 2000, according to the
Census.
Between 1980 and 2000, employment in the services sector grew from just under 18
percent to nearly 29 percent of total jobs, and employment in construction showed
strong increases through 1995, but has since leveled off. Since 2000, the importance
of the services sector in the county’s economy has continued to increase.
The trends in Barry County parallel a shift in Michigan’s economy from
manufacturing jobs to service industries. As manufacturing jobs move south or
overseas, Michigan communities are forced to redefine their economic future.
28
EXHIBIT 18
Barry County Employment Classification
Employment Type
2001
2002
2003
2004
Wage and salary employment
Proprietors employment
Farm proprietors employment
Non-farm proprietors employment
13,535
10,576
1,033
9,543
13,295
10,589
1,055
9,534
13,250
11,000
1,030
9,970
13,393
11,401
1,028
10,373
Total employment
24,111
23,884
24,250
24,794
Private employment
Farm employment
Government employment
Federal government
State government
Local governments
20,487
1,232
2,392
108
1,55
2,016
2,0258
1,241
2,385
104
151
2,014
20,526
1,228
2,496
103
143
2,135
21,081
1,244
2,469
101
145
2,109
Total employment
24,111
23,884
24,250
24,794
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System.
Farm employment seems to be stable over the last five years even though the
agriculture sector lost a great deal of employment between 1980 and 1990. It seems
this sector has consolidated its employment structure.
While federal- and state-level government employment has been relatively stable over
time, there have been increases at the local government level.
In 2004, the county’s employed labor force consisted of 85 percent private wage and
self-employed workers, 10 percent government workers, and 5 percent farm workers.
29
EXHIBIT 19
Working in Place of Residence, 2000, Barry County
Jurisdiction
Workers aged 16 % of In-state
years and older
workers
Michigan
4,540,372
Barry County
26,921
Carlton
1,123
Township
Hastings, City
3,254
of
Hastings
Charter
1,222
Township
Rutland Charter
1,810
Township
% of Workers
that work in
county of
residence
Workers
aged16 years
and older
living in
city/village 6
5F
% Workers
living in
city/village
who work in
place of
residence
98.4%
99.4
70.9%
40.8
2,860,461
5,746
30.8%
34.8
98.9
58.2
11
27.3
99.7
67.0
3,254
46.6
100.0
62.6
0
0
99.6
54.7
0
0
Almost all residents of Michigan, including those in Barry County and the Hastings
area, also work in Michigan.
A significantly smaller percentage of people work in their county of residence. Only
40.8 percent of Barry County residents work in the county, while 67 percent of City
of Hastings residents live and work in Barry County.
An even lower proportion of workers both live and work in the same city or village.
Of the workers that live in an incorporated city or village in Barry County, only 34.8
percent work in their place of residence. In contrast, almost 47 percent of City of
Hastings residents work in the city.
6
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a “place” is defined in Michigan as a city or a village.
30
EXHIBIT 20
Comparative Unemployment Rate, 2000–2003, Barry County
SOURCE: Williams & Works. 2005 Barry County Master Plan and Michigan Department of Career Development, Office of
Labor Market Information.
Exhibit 20 illustrates the seasonal fluctuations in local unemployment rates. The
winter increase in unemployment is clearly evident, even as the overall rate increases.
This may be due to several factors, but since about 10 percent of the county’s labor
force is employed in the agricultural or construction industries, which tend to reduce
employment in the winter months, this seasonal adjustment may be a perennial
feature of the local economy.
31
EXHIBIT 21
Labor Market Projections
Year
City of Hastings
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Unemployment
rate
Labor force
Employed
Unemployed
3,666
3,594
3,578
3,656
3,729
3,213
3,117
3,084
3,159
3,248
453
477
493
496
480
12.4%
13.3
13.8
13.6
12.9
1,222
1,198
1,193
1,219
1,243
1,168
1,133
1,122
1,149
1,181
54
65
71
70
62
4.4%
5.4
6.0
5.7
5.0
1,833
1,797
1,789
1,828
1,864
1,753
1,700
1,682
1,723
1,772
81
97
107
105
92
4.4%
5.4
6.0
5.7
5.0
Hastings Charter Township
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Rutland Charter Township
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau; calculations by PSC.
32
EXHIBIT 22
Distribution of Employment by Industry, 2000
Occupation
City of Hastings
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and
hunting, and mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing, and
utilities
Information
Finance, insurance, real estate, and
rental and leasing
Professional, scientific, management,
administrative, and waste
management services
Education, health, and social services
Arts, entertainment, recreation,
accommodation and food services
Other services (except public
administration)
Public administration
#
22
%
0.7%
Hastings Charter
Township
#
25
%
2.0%
Rutland Charter
Township
#
13
%
0.7%
172
1,090
131
394
5.1
32.4
3.9
11.7
86
379
66
109
6.9
30.2
2.6
8.7
112
572
119
200
6.1
31.0
6.5
10.8
85
2.5
65
5.2
43
2.3
40
2.2
19
1.5
53
2.9
236
7.0
70
5.6
182
9.9
108
3.2
84
6.7
80
4.3
615
18.3
254
20.3
282
15.3
190
5.6
60
4.8
91
4.9
180
5.3
23
1.8
61
3.3
104
3.1
47
3.7
36
2.2
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Summary File 3.
Even though the employment data for individual communities is five years old, it is
certainly suggestive for the current structure. Manufacturing accounts for the largest
share of local employment, followed by education and health care services.
Recent anecdotal evidence indicates that overall, the service sector has been
increasing its share in the employment distribution, which is generally consistent with
nearby counties.
The City of Hastings serves as the commercial and industrial hub of the Barry County
region. Despite the rural characteristics of the surrounding communities, the City of
Hastings has a rich history of industrial development, with four companies providing
jobs to area citizens.
A majority of the manufacturing firms in Barry County are located in the City of
Hastings. There are currently 37 manufacturing firms in the City of Hastings, with a
total of 2,042 employees. The industries represented by these companies include
plastics, automotive machinery and components, commercial sprinkler systems,
industrial press equipment, recreational sports equipment, aerospace, and stone
finishing. A 44,600-square-foot industrial incubator provides flexible leasing
accommodations for manufacturing and office space to start-up enterprises. The
incubator is operated by the City of Hastings along with a 40-acre municipal
industrial park.
33
EXHIBIT 23
Population below Poverty Level, 1989–1999
1989
Jurisdiction
Michigan
Barry County
Carlton Township
Hastings, City of
Per capita
income+
Population
below
poverty level
$14,154
12,417
11,667
11,842
11,329
13,294
1,190,698
4,455
184
786
311
127
1989–1999 Percentage
change
1999
% of Total
population*
in poverty
13.1%
9.1
8.9
12.4
11.7
4.6
Per capita
income+
Population
below
poverty level
$22,168
20,636
20,226
18,042
22,492
23,141
1,021,605
3,089
153
574
96
136
% of Total
population*
in poverty
Per capita
income
Population
below
poverty level
10.5%
5.5
6.6
8.1
3.6
3.9
56.6%
66.2
73.4
52.4
98.5
74.1
–14.2%
–30.7
–16.8
–27.0
–69.1
7.1
+Based on total population.
*Population for whom poverty status is determined.
Barry County and the Hastings area have seen remarkable growth in per capita income. The City of Hastings had the lowest rate of
growth in income (52.4 percent), which was slightly below the state figure of 56.6 percent. Hastings Charter Township had the
largest increase in per capita income, nearly doubling over the 10-year period.
The proportion of the population below poverty level has decreased in each jurisdiction. The most significant decrease is found in
Hastings Charter Township, where the proportion of the population in poverty dropped more than eight percentage points.
The total number of people below poverty level has also decreased in each jurisdiction, with the exception of Rutland Charter
Township where the number increased by 9 people or 7.1 percent (although the proportion of the population in poverty went down
due to an overall increase in population).
34
EXHIBIT 24
Barry County Business Establishments and
Employment by Establishment Size, 2004
Barry County Business Establishments, 2004
Number of
establishments
Sector
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and other
Mining
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Information
Finance and insurance
Real estate and rental and leasing
Professional and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises
Administrative and waste services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services, except public administration
Government and government enterprises
3
7
1
204
67
40
168
20
11
48
26
66
5
45
7
71
20
73
154
74
Total establishments
1,110
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Economic Information System: NAICS Classification.
Number of employees per establishment, 2004
1 to 4 employees
5 to 9 employees
10 to 19 employees
20 to 49 employees
50 to 99 employees
100 to 249 employees
More than 999 employees
Number of
establishments
618
198
77
123
64
19
6
5
1
Percentage of
establishments
55.7%
17.8
6.9
11
5.8
1.7
0.5
0.5
0.01
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census, County Business Patterns data series.
NOTE: This information excludes most government employees, railroad employees, and self-employed persons. Size
class 1 to 4 employees includes establishments having payroll, but no employees, during the mid-March pay period.
35
Firms in the construction sector have the largest proportion among all business
establishments of Barry County. Retail trade firms occupy the second largest share in
Barry County.
Nearly 60 percent of major employers of Barry County are located in the Hastings
region (city and township).
Given the general rural/county characteristics of Barry County, business
establishments are primarily small-scale businesses—73.5 percent of the
establishments have fewer than 10 employees. Employers with more than 100
workers constitute only 2.8 percent of all establishments.
Private sector establishments constitute more than 93 percent of all business
establishments and account for 85 percent of all employment in the county. The
private sector’s share in Barry County seems larger than that in many other rural
counties. Thus, Barry County is poised for strong economic development based on its
entrepreneurial and business assets.
36
EDUCATION
Higher Education
The Kellogg Community College Fehsenfeld Center is a 95-acre campus two miles west
of Hastings in Rutland Charter Township. The Fehsenfeld Center opened in 1996 and
offers the opportunities of video classrooms and computer and science labs to Barry
County area residents. Initially, the campus provided 14 courses at Hastings High School
to about 100 students. Currently, there are 110 course offerings and approximately 700
students per semester.
In addition to Kellogg Community College, which has its main facilities in Battle Creek,
several colleges and universities are within an hour’s driving distance from Barry
County, including Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and
Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Schools located in and near Grand Rapids
include: Grand Valley State University, Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone
University, and smaller schools, such as Davenport University and Grand Rapids
Community College. Michigan State University, in East Lansing, is the largest facility for
higher education in the state, and is located about one hour’s drive to the east. 7
6F
Public Schools
Barry County is served by 12 public school systems, 5 of which have facilities in the
county. Cumulative total enrollment of the five districts is approximately 15,000 students.
It is important to note that several of these districts are multijurisdictional, serving
communities in neighboring counties. In fact, in addition to the Barry County
Intermediate School District, parts of the county are served by the Ionia, Eaton, Calhoun,
Kalamazoo Valley, Kent, and Allegan Intermediate Districts. Some districts serve only
small portions of a township near the border of the county.
For the purposes of this report, the two districts covering the City of Hastings, Hastings
Charter Township, and Rutland Township are detailed. The following paragraphs
describe facility locations and provide enrollment numbers for the school districts that
serve the Hastings area.
Hastings
The Hastings school district encompasses more area in Barry County than the other
districts. The administration building is in the City of Hastings. Hastings serves portions
of the following communities in the county: Assyria Township, Baltimore Township,
Carlton Township, Castleton Township, Hastings, Hastings Township, Hope Township,
Irving Township, Johnstown Township, and Rutland Township. Total enrollment is
almost 3,400 students in 2004, with approximately 200 teachers, counselors, and
librarians. Star Elementary is the district’s newest building. There are no immediate plans
to build new school facilities, as enrollment is steady. All of the district’s facilities are
located in the county:
7
37

Hastings High School―Hastings
Hastings Middle School―Hastings
Central Elementary School―Hastings
Northeastern Elementary School―Hastings
Southeastern Elementary School―Hastings
Star Elementary School―Hastings
Pleasantview Elementary School―Bellevue
Thornapple-Kellogg
The Thornapple-Kellogg school district serves families in the northwestern area of the
county. The administration building is located in Middleville. Primarily, the district
covers portions of Freeport, Irving Township, Middleville, Orangeville Township,
Rutland Township, Thornapple Township, and Yankee Springs. Total enrollment is
almost 3,000 students as of 2004.
Page Elementary was constructed in 1989 and the middle school in 1998. It is important
to note that the district also plans to expand all elementary schools, the middle school,
and the high school. Thornapple Township is one of Barry County’s fastest growing
communities due to its proximity to metropolitan Grand Rapids, and the influx of new
students into the area should be expected to continue. The following facilities are located
in the county:

Thornapple-Kellogg High School―Middleville
Thornapple-Kellogg Middle School―Middleville
Page Elementary School―Middleville
Lee Elementary School―Middleville
McFall Elementary School―Middleville
Michigan Career and Technical Institute
In addition to the public school districts in Barry County, the Michigan Career and
Technical Institute (MCTI) serves adults with physical, mental or emotional disabilities
to help them gain productive skills. The school and dormitory is located at 11611 West
Pine Lake Road in Prairieville Township. Approximately 370 students are enrolled, with
some living at the facility and others commuting daily. Ninety-eight percent of MCTI’s
clients are affiliated with Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
38
EXHIBIT 25
School Enrollment, Educational Achievement, and Economically
Disadvantaged Students, 2005, Barry County
Hastings Area
School District
Classroom profile, 2004
Enrollment
Enrollment (%), 2005
Economically disadvantaged
Students with disabilities
Proficiency tests, 2005
Reading proficiency
Math proficiency
Reading and math proficiency
(RaMP)
College prep, 2005
ACT: average score
ACT: participation rate
AP: scores 3 or above
AP: participation rate
Estimated graduation rate—
Cumulative Promotion Index
(Urban Institute)
Spending per student, 2004
Operating expenditures
Instructional expenditures
Revenue per student, 2004
Total—local, state, and federal
Community profile, 2005
Median household income
Adults with a bachelor's degree
Single-parent households with
children
Is this district making adequate
yearly progress (AYP)?
Thornapple
Kellogg School
District
Michigan
3,392
2,910
1,757,604
26.0%
12.2
19.0%
9.5
32.5%
13.9
78.1%
71.3
74.7
82.2%
76.5
79.3
77.3%
63.8
70.5
21.5
54.9%
75.0%
20.8%
65.9%
20.9
57.5%
64.2%
11.1%
77.3%
21.4
69.0%
NA
NA
72.7%
$7,160
$4,832
$7,422
$4,475
$8,624
$5,117
$8,312
$8,612
$9,652
$62,555
19.2%
$73,001
17.1%
$62,535
24.4%
8.6%
8.6%
10.9%
Yes
Yes
NA
SOURCE: 2006 Standard & Poor’s, www.schoolmatters.com. Figures given are the most recent data available.
Barry County’s school districts are, for the most part, performing at about the same
level as the average for districts in Michigan as a whole. Both districts are
outperforming the state rate in reading and math proficiency.
39
Compared to the state, however, these districts have a lower percentage of adults with
a bachelor’s degree and very low participation rates on the ACT exam. Hastings has a
significantly lower estimated graduation rate.
Of the two districts, the Hastings Area School District has the larger enrollment and
the higher success rate in advanced placement (AP) tests and the higher average ACT
scores. This district also contains the higher percentage of adults with a bachelor’s
degree in the area.
The Thornapple-Kellogg School District is the wealthier of the two districts and has
the higher percentage in reading and math proficiency on the state tests.
Hastings Area School District has no immediate plans to expand its capacity, as
enrollment is steady. The Thornapple-Kellogg District is planning to expand all
schools in the district due to increases in population, which should be expected to
continue. Rutland Township should ensure that there continues to be a supply of
affordable housing to accommodate families moving to the area.
There are several colleges and universities within an hour’s driving distance of the
Hastings area, and one community college campus within the region serves about 700
students per semester; therefore, higher education capacity does not seem to be an
issue.
Hastings-area students are performing at about the same level or above other
Michigan students on standardized tests, indicating that their preparation is adequate.
Barry County continues to lag behind Michigan in the number of persons aged 25 and
older with a college degree. This may be the result of a combination of factors:
students are either choosing not to attend college (signified by a lower-than-average
ACT participation rate) or those who are attending college are not returning to the
area (signified by the 12 percent drop in the 25–34 age bracket).
40
EXHIBIT 26
Educational Attainment, 2000
Jurisdiction
Barry County
Carlton Township
Hastings, City of
Michigan
Total
population
aged
25 and older
Less than
high school
% Less than
high school
37,132
1,491
1,980
4,669
2,258
6,415,941
4,915
199
279
636
204
1,064,133
13.2%
13.3
14.1
13.6
9.0
16.6
At least high
school graduate
(includes
equivalency)
% High school
graduates
32,217
1,292
1,701
4,033
2,054
5,351,808
86.8%
86.7
85.9
86.4
91.0
83.4
Bachelor's or
higher degree
5,472
164
287
894
478
1,396,259
% College
attainment
14.7%
11.0
14.5
19.1
21.2
21.8
High school educational attainment increased significantly (8.5 percent) from 1990 to 2000 for persons aged 25 and older.
Residents of Barry County are slightly more likely to have a high school diploma than residents from other areas of the state. 8
Barry County lags behind Michigan in the number of persons aged 25 and older with a college degree. In 2000, nearly 22 percent
of Michigan residents had a college degree; in Barry County the rate was just under 15 percent, which ranks the county thirty-ninth
among Michigan’s 83 counties. 9
Rutland Charter Township has the highest percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
7F
8F
8
9
Ibid.
41
Quality-of-Life Services
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE
Public parklands in Barry County provide for public hunting, manage wildlife, conserve
natural spaces, preserve aquatic wildlife habitat, and provide an important aesthetic
amenity for residents and tourists. This section provides a brief inventory of major public
recreation opportunities in Barry County and the Hastings Area.
There are over 25,000 acres of state-owned recreation land in Barry County. The Barry
State Game Area is the largest recreation facility, with over 10,000 acres of woodlands
and lakes. Coupled with the Middleville State Game Area, these facilities offer area
residents and tourists nature and wildlife preserves, hunting areas, camping areas, and
small lakes for fishing and canoeing. The 5,000 acres of the Yankee Springs State Park
provide many forms of recreation, such as modern and rustic campgrounds and cabins,
snowmobiling, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, and outdoor meeting facilities;
fishing and water sports take place on the park’s nine lakes and the Yankee Springs
recreation area also offers six trail facilities.
The City of Hastings owns and operates five parks. The largest and most popular is Fish
Hatchery Park, which provides amenities such as ball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas,
and fishing sites. Tyden Park has recently received new modern bathrooms. Bob King
Park (5 acres) includes an accessible playground and is known as a place of community
volunteering; and Hastings integrates a number of other neighborhood parks into its
landscape, such as Third Ward and Second Ward Parks, with 2.0 acres and 0.8 acres,
respectively. In addition, Charlton Park (330 acres), located in Hastings Township, offers
picnicking, fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, and a historic museum and village.
Within the southwest portion of Rutland Township, there are two golf courses, a gun
club, and a bird sanctuary; this land use category represents only 1.8 percent of the land
area in the township. There are no public community parks or schools located in Rutland
Township, making it necessary to travel to surrounding community facilities for
developed outdoor recreation, including: basketball/tennis courts, soccer/softball fields,
and traditional playgrounds.
Several trail facilities serve the area. The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, when completed,
will run approximately 42 miles from Grand Rapids to Vermontville. This multi-use
recreational facility travels alongside or on a former rail corridor, and serves Barry, Kent,
and Eaton Counties. The North Country Trail, which links seven states, is a footpath that
will ultimately reach a length of 4,000 miles. Currently, more than 1,700 miles are
completed. The trail will be the longest hiking facility in the United States, and the North
Country Trail Association is seeking to develop trailway through the Barry State Game
Area and Yankee Springs State Park. Finally, the West Michigan Snowmobile Trail
traverses part of Barry County. The trail facility totals 195 miles.
42
Private Facilities, Historic Museums, and Entertainment
In addition to these many amenities, Barry County boasts other recreational and cultural
facilities that serve the community and the region. For example, the YMCA Community
Center, near Algonquin Lake in Rutland Charter Township, provides many outlets for
recreation and social interaction. The YMCA campus includes a retreat and conference
center, and a camp that attracts youth from all over the county. In addition, the campus
incorporates organized sports, gym facilities, fitness classes, birthday parties, aquatic
lessons and pool programs, and other activities.
The Barry Expo Center, located at 1350 N. M-37 Highway in Rutland Charter Township,
has been home to the annual Barry County Fair since 1990 and offers a variety of events
throughout the year. The facility sits on 160 acres and has six barns, three outdoor arenas,
a half-mile oval dirt track with a grandstand that seats 2,500, a 260-site campground with
electric and water hookups, and parking for up to 4,000 cars. The Expo Center also has
two banquet halls with a capacity of 450 people each, and a fully licensed kitchen. The
facility is available for events ranging from horse shows, to wedding receptions, to
antique shows.
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Central to these services is the County Central E-911 Dispatch facility, located at 2600
Nashville Road in the City of Hastings. The primary responsibility of the dispatchers is to
take calls for law enforcement, fire, and ambulance needs. The dispatchers are trained to
provide medical assistance over the phone, and of course the operation runs 24 hours a
day, seven days per week. The county dispatchers send helicopters to automobile
accidents in which a victim needs to be flown to a hospital, and will call Consumer’s
Power and/or Great Lakes Energy when a car hits a power pole.
Police
Barry, Prairieville, and Woodland Townships: Nashville and Freeport Villages: and the
City of Hastings are the jurisdictions in the county with a local police force. Middleville
has a separate contract with the County Sheriff’s Department for a dedicated officer
position. The County Sheriff’s Department also serves the remainder of the county. The
department has 29 full-time officers that patrol the entire county. The Hastings base
station houses these officers, as there are no remote deputy locations anywhere in the
county. Also in Hastings is post #58 of District 5 of the Michigan State Police. The City
of Hastings Police Department patrols within the corporate limits of the city and employs
approximately 15 full-time officers.
Fire
The Hastings Fire Department provides protection services for a 135-square-mile radius,
which includes the City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township, Hastings Township,
and Baltimore Township. One half of Carlton Township and one quarter of Irving
Township are served by the Hastings Fire Department as well. The City of Hastings and
the BIRCH (Baltimore, Irving, Rutland, Carlton, and Hastings) Association operate the
department. Employed are one full-time fire chief, three full-time drivers, and 20 on-call
members. The department handles approximately 250 calls per year.
43
Hospital
Pennock Hospital’s primary facility, located on West Green Street in Hastings, opened in
1916 and has since evolved into a first-class general acute care facility. The hospital
remains a key feature in the community, providing health care services and serving as a
vital employer for the region with over 600 full-time staff.
The full-service facility has more than 90 beds and provides outpatient services to Barry
and neighboring counties. It has physician (family practice) offices in Clarksville, Delton,
Hastings, Lake Odessa, Middleville, Nashville, and Wayland.
In 2002, the hospital saw 3,259 surgical procedures and operating revenue of
$69,276,000. The hospital maintains Pennock Village, a retirement community consisting
of 38 apartments, and operates the Health and Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art gym
facility.
Pennock Hospital is currently making the following improvements: enlarging the
conference center, the cafeteria, and the emergency walk-in clinic as well as making the
latter more attractive. In addition, a new outpatient services center has been constructed
that houses the outpatient medical program, radiology, outpatient x-ray and laboratory,
and all billing functions for the hospital. The new outpatient facility is open later, assists
in easing parking congestion, and allows continued growth of the hospital by freeing up
space for expansion in the foreseeable future.
Important to note are plans for even more improvements. The hospital purchased the 33acre Howard Ferris Farm, near M-43 and M-37 in Rutland Charter Township, for longrange growth. Due to estimated population growth in the area, the hospital is considering
a 20-year plan that would relocate the facility to this site. The hospital now sits on five
acres, which is inadequate to accommodate the expansion necessary to serve a growing
population. The hospital also believes the location of the farm is better situated to serve
the growth areas in the county.
UTILITIES
Public utilities are an important element in a growth-management plan. Through the
delivery of reliable and plentiful water and the safe and efficient disposal of wastewater,
communities can achieve an improved quality of life for local residents. Utility systems
also have the potential to aid in growth management by enabling greater densities in
selected locations. Finally, and most important, public utility systems give the community
the ability to provide effective stewardship over such important natural features as
groundwater and surface water features.
Public Wastewater Systems
The City of Hastings sewer system currently serves approximately 2,700 homes and
businesses and treats approximately 900,000 gallons per day (GPD). In 1998, the
wastewater treatment facility was improved from a one million GPD maximum to a
maximum treatment capability of two million GPD, indicating a significant additional
capacity. The sewer system is capable of treating industrial wastewater, with specific
limitations.
44
According to the City of Hastings website, the Water Supply and Sewage Disposal
Department is responsible for providing an abundant, high-quality supply of potable
water to the residents and businesses in Hastings and the surrounding area, and for
collection and treatment of the wastewater generated by these individuals and businesses.
The department maintains the water and wastewater treatment plants and the water
distribution and sanitary sewer collection mains. The department provides funds for
development, extension, and improvement of facilities required to carry out its duties.
The department employs full-time staff at the water and wastewater treatment plants and
utilizes personnel from the Department of Public Services for maintenance of the water
distribution and wastewater collection mains. The City of Hastings has developed the
following goals for maintaining and improving the water and sewer services:
Goal 1: Provide a high-quality potable water supply in adequate quantity to the
residents and businesses in the City of Hastings and surrounding area.
Goal 2: Provide potable water at consistent and adequate pressures necessary to
conduct normal business and personal practices.
Goal 3: Promote the city's water treatment and distribution system to encourage new
customers and to increase demand for water from existing customers.
Goal 4: Provide the most competent, knowledgeable, and courteous staff possible.
Goal 5: Provide sufficient water and wastewater collection, distribution, and
treatment capacity to accommodate existing and future demand.
Goal 6: Maintain the wastewater collection system in a manner that assures
continuous wastewater removal from sensitive buildings and facilities to the fullest
extent practical.
The Hastings sewer system serves the dense development in the central city and also has
limited services extending beyond the city limits. Current extensions serve development
in Rutland Charter Township west along Green Street and M-37 extending west to WalMart at the M-37/43–Heath Road intersection. The service area extends west along M37/43 to the Tanner Lake Road intersection. The current agreement between Rutland
Township and the City of Hastings allows the township to convey up to 100,000 GPD of
wastewater to the city system. Negotiations are currently under way with Hastings
Charter Township to extend sewer lines to specific dense developments in the township.
45
EXHIBIT 27
Barry County Area Sewer District Capacities, Gallons per Day (GPD)
Sewer system
Average GPD
City of Hastings
Gun Lake
Village of Middleville
Southwest Barry
Lakewood (Woodland)
Thornapple Township
Village of Nashville
City of Plainwell (Lake Doster)
Gull Lake
900,000
550,000
325,000
220,000
500,000
36,250
115,000
500,000
431,200
Maximum GPD
2,000,000
1,200,000
500,000
420,000
750,000
40,000
200,000
1,300,000
705,050
SOURCE: Williams and Works, Barry County Master Plan, 2005.
NOTE: All average and maximum capacity figures are estimates only. Maximum capacity figures do not necessarily
indicate that the sewer treatment facility is designed to treat this amount of sewage on a daily basis over an extended time
period.
Public Water Systems
Public water systems are located in the population centers of the county including the
City of Hastings; the Villages of Freeport, Middleville, and Nashville; Yankee Springs
Township; and in the unincorporated Delton area in Barry Township. The benefits of
having a public water distribution system include fire safety, daily water quality
monitoring, pressurized high-volume water supply for intense uses such as schools and
industrial applications, and constant and consistent water pressure. The EPA has
compiled the following summary of the different types of water systems in Barry County:
Community water systems that serve the same people year-round (e.g., in homes or
businesses): 18
Transient noncommunity water systems that do not consistently serve the same
people (e.g., rest stops, campgrounds, gas stations): 158
Nontransient noncommunity water systems that serve the same people, but not
year round (e.g., schools that have their own water system): 16
The City of Hastings Type 1 water system 10 is supplied by groundwater from four wells
located within the city limits. Three of the four wells are in excess of 290 feet deep and
supply high-quality water. During 2002, the City of Hastings distributed 349 million
gallons of water or an average of 956,000 GPD. Water is distributed to approximately
2,700 sites including residential, commercial, and industrial development. The water
system is rated at a maximum output of four million GPD with an expandable maximum
output of six million GPD.
9F
10
Water systems are classified by the State of Michigan into a series of “types.” A Type 1 system serves
more than 15 units or 25 residents on a year-round basis, which is often, but not required to be, owned and
operated by a public entity. A Type 2 system serves fewer than 15 units on a year-round basis and is often
privately owned. This can include large commercial facilities and churches. Each type is subject to
regulation by the state, although the standards are higher for a Type 1 system due to its generally extensive
service area.
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Individual Septic Systems and Wells
Barry County has several water distribution and sewer collection systems that serve the
densely populated areas, although a majority of the population in the suburban and rural
areas of the county utilizes on-site individual septic tank and drainfield systems and
individual household wells. The 1990 Census data indicated that of the 20,887 housing
units in the county, approximately 22 percent were served with a public or private water
system and 32 percent were served with a public sewer system. Clearly, a majority of the
homes in 1990 are dependent upon on-site systems.
The Census did not survey water and sewer services in 2000, but the total number of
housing units increased by 2,999 units, for a total of 23,876 units for the year 2000.
Utilizing the same percentages reported in 1990 for homes with public sewer systems (32
percent) would indicate that there are approximately 16,000 homes served by on-site
septic systems in Barry County. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department estimates
that a three-bedroom home produces about to 325 GPD of wastewater, which would
amount to over five million GPD of sewage being discharged into on-site septic systems
throughout the county. While these figures are estimates based on past data, it is clear
that water quality protection in Barry County, in part, is dependent upon the proper
functioning of thousands of on-site systems.
Rutland Charter Township relies on individual wells for water supply and does not use a
public water system. Though abundant, the groundwater supplies in the township can be
affected as more area becomes impervious and greater demand is placed on groundwater
supplies.
DRAINAGE
There are no county drains within the city limits and few traditional storm drains. The
municipal storm water system is a separated system, meaning that storm water is treated
separately from the sewer system. Hastings municipal code requires that any
development cannot create more discharge of storm water than already occurs. Because
of this, new developments must create their own retention basins or storm water
management systems. By maintaining the status quo of storm water discharge, the city
has had no problems with undercapacity of the system or flooding. The city is beginning
to look at rain gardens as an option for storm water management and have a project in
conjunction with the library under way. Within the city, the use of “French drains,”
which direct surface flow into the groundwater system, is recommended; such drains
work well with the soils within the city, but not for the heavier soils in the townships.
The townships do have county drains, but do not have municipal storm water systems.
They work with the Barry County Drain Commissioner on drainage-related issues.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Barry County has a Solid Waste Oversight Committee that manages the countywide solid
waste plan. Three franchised haulers serve the city: Waste Management is the largest,
Sunset Waste Services is a regionally based hauler, and Les’s Sanitary Service is a
locally owned business. The franchised haulers employed by the city are only available
for residential collections; commercial collections are market-driven and businesses
47
contract with whomever they prefer. There is one landfill in the region near Hastings,
owned and operated by Waste Management, but most of the waste from the county is
exported to Battle Creek. According to Jeff Mansfield, City Manager, there is significant
potential capacity and constructed air space capacity available in the region that is not
being used.
The county also coordinates a recycling program and collects millage for solid waste
management, recycling, and composting programs. The franchised haulers have a
community drop-off site for compostable materials and a community recycling center,
which the townships also use as needed although they are not charged for this service.
The haulers are required to offer curbside recycling to city residents; however, they
charge customers individually for this service. The city provides monthly pick-up of
compostable materials to residents and there is a city drop-off facility as well. There is
also a spring and fall pick-up of yard waste that is free to residents. The townships offer
no curbside service; individual residents must pay for it.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation links between the Hastings area, West Michigan, and the larger Midwest
region are quite good. Three state highways (M-37, M-43, and M-179) converge on the
community, providing easy access to Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.
Major and Local Streets—City of Hastings
The City of Hastings has two special revenue funds devoted to streets: the Major Street
Fund and the Local Street Fund. Major streets are primarily streets serving as the
principal network for through traffic connecting to state trunk lines. Local streets are
streets that access residential neighborhoods. The financing for the Major Street Fund
results primarily from the State Shared Gas Tax, supplemented by the General Fund; the
Local Street Fund is primarily financed by General Fund revenues, supplemented by the
State Shared Gas Tax.
Construction
The Construction Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for all new street
construction and reconstruction projects in the city on streets classified as major under
P.A. 51. Relatively few street construction projects fall in this category due to the smaller
number of major streets than local streets (only about one-third of the city’s streets are
classified as major streets) and the requirement for most streets to be constructed as local
streets and then reclassified as major streets following construction. Some outside sources
of funding do allow for major street construction with sole or supplemental revenue
coming from entities other than the city. These include but are not limited to the
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Department of
Commerce, and federal enhancement programs such as those developed under the
Internodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). All major street construction
projects are subject to the regulations included in P.A. 51 and are frequently subject to
additional regulation depending on the sources of funding used to finance them.
The Construction Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for all new
construction projects or reconstruction projects for local streets. Most street construction
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projects fall under this category since most of the streets within the city are local streets
(there are just under 30 miles of local streets and just under 15 miles of major streets
within the city). As noted above, all streets are first designated as local streets, although
they may later be reclassified as major streets. Local street construction projects funded
by grants, special assessments, or other methods are budgeted (when possible) and
tracked through the Construction Department of the Local Street Fund. Since not all local
street construction can be anticipated (public call at mid-fiscal year for a special
assessment district may initiate a specific street construction project, for example), it is
not always possible to incorporate all expenditures for local street construction into the
initial budget.
Revenue
The Revenue Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for providing operating
revenue to fund the operations for the major street system within the city. 11.
10F
The city receives revenue for maintenance of the major street system from the State of
Michigan. This revenue is significantly larger than the revenue received from the state for
maintenance of the local street system. The revenue received is based on a formula
(which changes annually) incorporating a funding factor multiplied by the number of
miles of major streets within the city. Several other external and internal sources of
revenue supplement the revenue received from the state.
Sweeping
The Sweeping Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for all street sweeping
done on the major street system and the Sweeping Department of the Local Street Fund is
responsible for all sweeping done on the local street system. Street sweeping is done with
a mechanical street sweeper operated during the spring, summer, and fall seasons as long
as weather permits.
Traffic Services
The Traffic Services Department of the street funds is responsible for placement,
replacement, and maintenance of all regulatory and warning signs, signals, and pavement
markings on or along the street systems in the city. This includes maintenance and other
tasks necessary to ensure that traffic services appurtenances function as desired.
Installation and maintenance of signs, signals, and pavement markings is done in
accordance with the most current federal, state, and local regulations. The Michigan
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides comprehensive guidelines for
traffic services material installation. The cost of installation, operation, and maintenance
of traffic signals jointly regulating traffic movements on both state trunk lines and major
11
All the streets in the city are designated under P.A. 51 of the Public Acts of 1951 as either major or local
streets. In general terms, streets that accommodate vehicular traffic whose destination is along or close to
that street are categorized as local streets under P.A. 51. Streets serving traffic with destinations outside of
the local area of the street are categorized as major streets under P.A. 51. Streets must meet specific
requirements for dimension and construction to be eligible for categorization as major streets. P.A. 51
requires annual reporting of any changes to the local or major street system as well as financial and audit
reporting of the city’s expenditures relating to the street system.
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streets (such as at the State Street-Broadway intersection) is shared by the city and
MDOT. The state retains the responsibility for actually performing the work.
Winter Maintenance
The Winter Maintenance Department of both street funds is responsible for snow and ice
removal to the fullest extent possible from the major street system. Labor for this task is
provided by the Department of Public Services.
Routine Maintenance
The Routine Maintenance Department of the Major Street Fund is responsible for all
maintenance tasks performed on the major street system and the related right-of-ways in
the city, other than reconstruction projects. All work done on these streets must be done
in accordance with P.A. 51 to ensure that the streets remain eligible for funding as P.A.
51 major streets. The major street system functions as the primary arterial network for
vehicular traffic in the system, providing a means for nonlocal destination traffic
(nonlocal to that specific street or neighborhood) to traverse the city.
The Routine Maintenance Department uses employees of the Department of Public
Services for most maintenance tasks. When it is more efficient, or when special skills or
equipment are needed, outside contractors are hired to perform certain tasks. As with all
Major and Local Street Fund departments, general supervision of the Routine
Maintenance Department is the responsibility of the Director of Public Services, with the
Superintendent of Streets and Construction overseeing day-to-day operations.
The Routine Maintenance Department of the Local Street Fund is responsible for all
maintenance work done on the local street system except complete construction or
reconstruction projects. Most of the work done by this department is done by employees
of the Department of Public Services. However, when it is either more efficient to
contract with outside contractors, or when outside contractors can provide expertise or
equipment not available to Department of Public Services employees, the work is
contracted out. The Local Street Routine Maintenance Department is the largest user of
labor within the Department of Public Services.
The Routine Maintenance Department primarily focuses on the day-to-day maintenance
tasks necessary to keep the local street system (and the related public right-of-ways) in
good repair. These tasks range from the annual sealcoating program to tree removal and
trimming to storm sewer repair. All work must be performed with the safety of the
traveling public assuming the highest importance.
Transit
Barry County Transit (BCT) was initiated in 1982 and serves the entire county door to
door. According to the MDOT website, in 2002 BCT served 79,908 people. In addition,
residents of the City of Hastings and the Village of Middleville can take advantage of the
“quickie bus,” a demand response door-to-door service. All 14 vehicles are lift equipped.
Approximately 15 employees run BCT from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
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Air Transportation
Hastings City/Barry County Airport, located in northeast Rutland Charter Township,
offers general aviation services, primarily serving corporate and recreational aviation
needs. The airport has one asphalt runway (3,900’ x 75’) and two turf runways (2,567’ x
200’ and 2,400’ x 190’), which can accommodate twin-engine aircraft and small business
jets. Special operations at the airport include parachuting and ultra light aircraft activity.
The airport employs one airport manager under the authority of the airport commission.
Land use at the airport includes airplane hangers along with some commercial and light
industrial activity. Land use adjacent to the airport is primarily residential.
Commercial passenger air service is available through the Kent County International
Airport and the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport. Both facilities provide
daily jet and turboprop service to regional hubs in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Pittsburgh.
GOVERNANCE
Local Government Structures
PSC analyzed the current governance structure of the City of Hastings, Hastings Charter
Township, and Rutland Township. More specifically, PSC identified:
The public policy goals of the three jurisdictions
The capacity of each jurisdiction to implement goals
The extent of conflict or consistency between existing goals and current policy
decisions
In addition, PSC identified the current level of cooperation and the extent of conflict or
consistency among the goals of all three jurisdictions.
City of Hasting
A Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) is currently being developed in the City of
Hastings with input from residents and local officials. The draft plan outlines the
following goals for the city:
Become the residential location of choice within Barry County
Encourage small business development that will serve the city’s growing residential
populations
Strengthen the city’s role as a destination for other county residents
To achieve these goals, the CCP offers the following policy options:
Protect and capitalize on the area’s natural features, rural character, small town
charm, and high quality of life
Retain existing residents and capture a larger share of Barry County’s population
growth
Retain character-contributing structures and settings as integral parts of the city fabric
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Distribute traffic efficiently and increase opportunities for nonmotorized
transportation
Extend water and sewer service to undeveloped portions of the city to accommodate
the increasing share of Barry County’s residential growth and attract new business
Develop a high-tech communications infrastructure
Encourage information sharing on issues of mutual concern and partnerships in
pursuing shared objectives with nearby townships and Barry County
In addition to these goals and policy options, the draft CCP identifies action strategies to
implement the goals and policies. A review of the meeting notes from the city council,
planning commission, zoning board of appeals, local development and finance and
brownfield redevelopment authority, and downtown development authority (DDA)
indicate that current policy decisions are consistent with the township’s goals. Examples
include:
Façade Improvement Grants: The DDA has committed to a façade improvement grant
program and will continue to allocate the resources needed to continue this already
successful program.
Façade Improvement Loans: U.S. Department of Agriculture funds have been secured
to begin a Façade Improvement Revolving Loan Fund. Loan activity will be focused
on projects that present greater financial need due to the scope of the renovations.
Efforts to access additional funds to increase these resources will continue as a high
priority.
The Planning Commission has recently completed the creation of a Planned Unit
Development in the DDA District. Design guidelines, setbacks, landscaping, lighting,
and pedestrian orientation specified by the ordinance are all designed to build on and
enhance the core downtown area.
An application for funding has been submitted to the MDNR Trust Fund. The funds
will be used to extend the Thornapple River Walk Trail system from the downtown to
the southeast city limits.
The City of Hastings appears to have the capacity to carry out the action steps identified
in the CCP, although budget constraints are a hindrance. A key example of this is the
creation of the Community Development Department, which provides a focal point for
efforts to implement the action steps, including securing grant funds, organizing events to
bring people downtown, working with the Industrial Incubator, and managing the façade
program. This department works well with other relevant city entities, such as the DDA,
which is important when working toward implementing citywide improvement strategies.
Hastings Charter Township relies on Barry County for planning and zoning guidance.
The township was very active in the development of Barry County’s master plan, which
identifies the following goals for the community:
Protect natural areas and wildlife habitat; double acreage of currently protected areas
in the county.
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Include natural and open areas with coordinated plans for contiguous greenways and
waterways.
Maintain and improve the health of the waterways.
Preserve groundwater through protection of recharge areas.
Include storm water management, low-impact development, and water resource
protection as fundamental decision-making criteria for land use decisions.
Support at least 100,000 acres of profitable and sustainable farming.
Ensure that profitable and sustainable industrial development is located in proximity
to appropriate infrastructure.
Foster local business ownership and entrepreneurship.
Foster positive community image and build unique identity for the area by hosting a
diverse range of commercial and public destinations for arts and entertainment.
Strategically extend utility services to encourage growth and development consistent
with local and county land use goals and objectives.
Host a broad range of housing opportunities.
Keep new development in form and scale to existing small town personality.
Provide safe and well-maintained roads.
Emphasize trails, pathways, and sidewalks in community developments that invite
connections to natural areas and recreational facilities.
Support public transportation that is flexible to future shifting demand.
Assure that planning and land use decisions and enforcement take place in a fair,
efficient, consistent, and transparent manner that supports the growth management
policies of the county.
Assure that Barry County will play a leadership role with the State of Michigan in
promoting coordination among local units of government and within the larger
region.
Educate the citizens of Barry County about the basics of land use and planning issues
and the need to maintain a balance between competing goals.
According to county officials, the township is active in assisting the county in achieving
these goals. For example, the township recently decided to review all zoning board of
appeals requests before submitting them to the county: the township is an active
participant in the M-37 corridor study committee, and supports farmland preservation
within the township.
It is important to note that while local officials in Hastings Charter Township seem to
support the implementation of the above countywide goals, other residents of Barry
County are conflicted about their level of support for the farmland preservation goal. In
2004, voters defeated a property tax increase referendum that would have compensated
farmers for their development rights, 54 percent to 46 percent. Due to weak support for
more aggressive policies and numerous questions from landowners, the county’s Draft
Master Plan was adjusted just prior to adoption. While not completely undermining its
farmland protection goals, the future land use plan was revised to moderate policies
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intended to protect agriculture by significantly restricting nonfarm housing development
in parts of the county.
The limited capacity of Hastings Charter Township to achieve these goals is offset by the
fact that these are the goals of the entire county and, therefore, the implementation of
these goals can be shared with county officials and other local officials within the county.
When necessary, the township is not shy about asking for professional planning
assistance and trying innovative approaches, as evidenced by its participation in this
interlocal cooperation study effort.
Rutland Charter Township’s master plan (February 2005), which was developed with
input from township residents and local officials, articulates the following goals of the
community:
Preserve the rural character of the community, including the rolling hills, inland
lakes, and woods. The rural character will be defined by clean lakes, streams, and
rivers; clear air; native wildlife; and quiet and star-filled nights.
Preserve the diverse residential character by managing growth to ensure that
residential development strengthens existing neighborhoods and that new
development is adequately configured to be in harmony with existing natural features
and transportation networks.
Secure the economic health of the area through growth that is compatible with the
area’s natural features; is esthetically attractive; is served with appropriate water,
sewer, and transportation infrastructure; and is balanced with the commercial needs of
the region.
Grow in a rational and sequential manner avoiding patterns of sprawl and using
innovative and flexible approaches to integrate development with the township’s
natural features.
Provide the opportunity for public water and sewer utility services to existing and
planned future development in order to guide growth and development and to protect
natural resources such as groundwater and surface water.
Provide leadership in cooperation with neighboring communities to manage growth,
seeking to establish consistent and compatible land use policies and to effectively
communicate those policies to other units of government and to the public.
Provide access to a variety of recreational opportunities that emphasize the natural
features of the landscape.
Maintain large tracts of undeveloped and unfragmented lands. These lands will be
characterized by unique natural features and active or fallow farmland, which will
preserve the rural character of the township.
Retain the safety and efficiency of the roadway network, mass transit services, and air
transit services, and ensure that they effectively serve the township and the
surrounding region. Road networks will be improved and expanded in accordance
with the township’s land use objectives.
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It also contains an implementation strategy to achieve these goals over the next 25 years.
Interviews and a review of the meeting notes from the township board and planning
commission indicate that current policy decisions are consistent with the township’s
goals. For example, the township has adopted a Mixed Use District (MUD) ordinance,
which is designed to diversify land uses, direct development to already developed areas
(thus decreasing development pressure in agricultural/rural areas of the township while
maximizing utilization of existing infrastructure), preserve natural features, and reduce
impervious surfaces. The township is also revising its zoning ordinance to ensure it
reflects the master plan and is as streamlined as possible. In addition, there are frequent
joint meetings of the board, planning commission, and zoning board of appeals, which
shows a willingness to cooperate and increase efficiency. It is also clear that the board
relies on the planning commission for expertise and advice on planning issues.
The capacity for the township to meet these goals is limited, though. Lack of available
funding and staffing constraints limit the township’s ability to implement strategies
required to achieve community goals by 2030. For example, Rutland Township has had
to decrease the role of its Planner of Record, Williams & Works, due to budgetary
constraints and because the township’s zoning administrator holds an eight-hour-perweek position.
Current Level of Cooperation
The City of Hastings, Hastings Charter Township, and Rutland Township engage in a
large number of cooperative efforts, particularly compared to other areas of Michigan.
The following are examples of these efforts.
Hastings Fire Department (City of Hastings and BIRCH Association—Barry, Irving,
Rutland, Carlton, and Hastings Charter Townships)
Joint Planning Committee (City of Hastings, Hastings Charter Township, Rutland
Township)
Industrial Park (City of Hastings and Rutland Township)
Joint Library Board (City of Hastings, Hastings Charter Township, Rutland
Township)
Planning, Land Use, and Zoning
There is remarkable compatibility among the various master plans and zoning policies of
the City of Hastings, Hastings Township (Barry County), and Rutland Township. Exhibit
28 indicates future land use designations along the margins of the City of Hastings and
the two townships in terms of use and residential density. Furthermore, in terms of land
use policy, each community recognizes the central role of the city as the urban core of the
community and all speak clearly about the need for and desirability of interlocal
cooperation to address larger-than-local issues and concerns.
The City of Hastings draft Comprehensive Community Plan includes an action plan
template that outlines key steps in formulating a plan for staged extension of water and
sewer service both within the city and, potentially, to adjoining areas. At the same time,
the city’s plan calls for support efforts to aid the county in preserving surrounding rural
character and farmland.
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Hastings Township, as part of the Barry County Master Plan, indicates that a large
portion of the township surrounding the city is designated as an urban growth area.
The Rutland Charter Township plan seeks to encourage economic growth in “rational and
sequential” patterns where utilities are available and with incentives to promote the
township’s objectives and disincentives to sprawl patterns.
The following sections review the central issues affecting relationships between the three
jurisdictions, their transportation links, and their regional position. This background
provides the context for discussion of future land use and current zoning patterns. Finally,
areas that may be suitable to accommodate additional development density from
outlaying areas of Barry County are identified.
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EXHIBIT 28
Future Land Use Designations
SOURCE: Williams & Works, 2005.
57
Central Location/Transportation
Being at the center of Barry County, Hastings/Hastings Township/Rutland Township are
served by three major state routes:
M-37, which enters Barry County from Kent County/Grand Rapids/Caledonia to the
northwest, travels through Hastings, and heads south into Calhoun County to Battle
Creek
M-43, which comes into northeast Barry County from Eaton County, enters Hastings
from the north, and exits Hastings from the west along a shared route with M-37 and
M-17, and heads south into Kalamazoo County
M-79 connects M-37 just south of Hastings with M-66 and Nashville to the east. M66 provides a major north-south, non-freeway route through the State of Michigan,
and also provides connections to I-96 in Ionia County and I-94 in Calhoun County
These state routes connect Hastings/Hastings Township/Rutland Township in a unique
way when compared to other communities in lower Michigan. This community is within
one hour or less of Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Lansing. In addition, the
community is within about three hours of both Detroit and Chicago. Barry County, and
thus Hastings/Hastings Township/Rutland Township, is not considered an urbanized area
by the U.S. Census Bureau. The rural nature of Hastings/Hastings Township/Rutland
Township, when combined with its centralized location (especially its proximity to Grand
Rapids and Kalamazoo/Battle Creek) makes the area attractive as a bedroom community
for three metropolitan areas.
The Barry County Community Opinion Survey (2004) indicates that a plurality of adults
in the county works in the Grand Rapids area, but that a plurality also uses local Hastings
(and the surrounding area, primarily Rutland Township’s commercial corridor) for
grocery shopping and health care needs. In addition, a large percentage of respondents
said they go to Grand Rapids for entertainment purposes. As more people from within
Barry County commute to Grand Rapids to work than drive into Hastings for work, there
will be significant market pressure to place commercial services along the thoroughfares
that these workers travel. This will have the tendency to draw new commercial
development westward along M-37, away from the city.
As new residential development tends to move outward from Grand Rapids along M-37,
the communities along this route, including Caledonia, Hastings, and Middleville, have to
address the issues of increased traffic congestion and increased commercial development
that is attracted by the new residential growth.
While the limited availability of water and sewer service along this corridor will help
control the location of commercial development, these municipalities must work together
to prevent development in the less expensive land between these commercial centers. In
addition, these communities must work with the implementation provisions of the M-37
Access Management Study for Barry County.
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City of Hastings
A significant factor contributing to the desirability of Hastings/Hastings
Township/Rutland Township is the rural, small town atmosphere of Hastings, in which
the surrounding rural environment of the townships plays a significant role. (The draft
City of Hastings Comprehensive Community Plan says that Hastings’ “small town
charm” is identified by the public as one of the most important factors contributing to the
quality of life in the area.)
Included in Hastings’ attractive features are the centralized location within commuting
distance to urban employment, the availability of important services, and the rural and
small town atmosphere. These features also create significant challenges for the
Hastings/Hastings Township/Rutland Township area, including the significant growth in
single-family housing in the northwest portion of Barry County (Hastings, Irving,
Rutland, and Thornapple Townships). A common thread tying all of these communities
together is M-37, which connects the City of Hastings, the Village of Middleville, and
Barry County with Caledonia and Grand Rapids to the north.
The City of Hastings 2006 Draft Plan also identifies rural and suburban residential areas
to the west of the city as being a reason for the city to rezone adjacent properties for
higher densities. The logic stated in the draft plan is the opportunity for the city to capture
a segment of the single-family home development that may otherwise occur in Rutland or
Hastings Townships. These densities would be at approximately four units per acre in
order to make extension of water and sewer utilities feasible.
The city’s draft plan discusses the extension of sewer service to the northwest along State
Road, north on Country Club Drive, and southward along Cook Road at the western edge
of the city. Another important element of the city’s plan is to provide an interconnected
street network, comparable to the existing grid pattern that distributes traffic over a wide
area as opposed to concentrating it in specific corridors. This element can have a
significant impact on neighborhood character as it is impacted by traffic patterns.
The actual amount of commercially zoned property in the west side of Hastings is
somewhat limited by the shallow depth of properties fronting on West State Street due to
the presence of the floodplain and existing development, such as the hospital and city
garage and jail facilities.
The city’s draft plan discusses relocation of some city-owned facilities in order to make
room for future expansion of the hospital. With these limitations in mind, it is important
to understand that property left for expansion of the commercial business district is
largely located outside the city limits in Hastings and Rutland Townships. The small
piece of Hastings Township north of West State Street is limited by is location in the
floodplain of the Thornapple River.
On the south side of the city there is an existing/planned commercial corridor along South
Hanover Street. The city’s draft plan recognizes the strip nature of development likely to
occur in this location; however, it discusses the importance of this area as a gateway into
the city along M-37. As a result of this important location, the draft plan discusses the
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possibility of requiring new development to have minimal setbacks with parking in the
rear, sidewalks, and retail storefronts on the ground floor.
Hastings Township
The Barry County Master Plan recognizes the area of Hastings Township adjacent to the
city as an “urban planning area” for a distance that varies from one to two miles from the
city’s boundaries. There are three important corridors leading from the city into Hastings
Township: M-37 heading southward, State Road heading eastward, and M-43 heading
northward. Because of the easy transportation access out these three corridors, the
potential exists for additional growth. Since not as may people commute to Battle Creek,
Lansing, or Nashville from Hastings, the pressure for additional commercial growth in
these three directions will not be as great as it is along M-37 in Rutland Township.
These three corridors do provide opportunity for residential bedroom neighborhoods and
supporting convenience services. In addition, these are logical corridors for extending
water and sewer services from the city to serve new development as well as existing
development that may be on failing private systems, or even to provide public sewer to
existing development around small lakes in Hastings and Carlton Townships.
The urban planning area between the “country residential,” “agricultural,” and “rural
conservation” areas south, east, and north of the city provides opportunity for transition
of land uses from the higher density parts of the city to the outlying areas of the county.
The M-37 corridor south of the city does provide for commercial development, which is
roughly a continuation of commercial development along this road within the city limits.
The city’s draft plan recognizes the current nature of this commercial corridor and
proposes to modify it because of its importance as a gateway into the city. Hasting
Township should recognize the city’s intent and develop compatible zoning standards for
this corridor.
The State Road corridor east of Hastings is zoned for residential and agricultural use.
There are pockets of suburban-density residential neighborhoods that may at some time
benefit from sewer service and provide opportunity for transitional infill development
outwards from the city.
North Broadway (M-43) north of Hastings is also primarily a residential corridor with
suburban residential zoning fronting on this primary roadway. While residential growth
in this direction with close ties to the city is a reasonable development pattern, the effects
of increasing traffic may eventually create a blighting influence on residential
development with direct frontage on the roadway. Future planning efforts should consider
transitional land uses and application of access management techniques along this
corridor.
Rutland Township
The township recognizes the city’s role in Barry County as a central location for
employment, retail, health care, and other public services. The city does not have the land
area necessary to accommodate all of the county’s needs for new commercial
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development, but the new development that does occur in the township should not drain
market share from the city.
Rutland Charter Township has begun implementation of some of its strategies through
the adoption of the Mixed Use District although no zone map changes have been
established. There is reasonably good consistency between the township’s plan for low
intensity and mixed uses in the vicinity the M-37 corridor west of the City of Hastings
and extending to the M-43 cutoff.
The purpose of the Mixed Use District is to provide a variety of land uses such as office,
retail, commercial services and even light industrial, along with compatible residential
densities. This district is intended to limit the size of buildings to an overall footprint of
10,000 square feet or less, which would limit the development of large-scale shopping
centers.
The Mixed Use District provides opportunity to meet the needs of the community for
land uses that cannot be accommodated in downtown Hastings, uses that are selfcontained to the M-37 corridor and will not directly compete with the function of the
central business district. The township should consider these issues when implementing
its mixed-use district.
This area, because of its designation for mixed use, provides opportunity for new
development to create land use transitions between commercial centers and adjacent
medium-density residential areas. The anticipated higher intensity development will be
dependent on cooperation between the city and Rutland Township for provision of sewer
service.
The current zoning designations of much of the land adjacent to M-37 for a distance of
1.5 miles west of Hastings and Hastings Township currently permit larger sized buildings
and development scaled to draw from a regional market. Some property owners may
consider the Mixed Use Zoning District a “down-zoning” from their current designation,
even though the variety of land uses that would be permitted is greater.
An important consideration for development of new commercial centers is obsolescence
of buildings. It is important to plan for redevelopment of obsolete commercial centers.
One technique is to assure that new developments preserve enough open space to permit
long-term expansion of the retail establishment without creating the “need” for a business
to move to the outskirts of town because it needs more space. Another technique may be
to require “redevelopment” or “demolition” bonds be posted on new commercial centers.
While this Mixed Use District will provide an important commercial node to the region,
it should be built out with due consideration for adjacent land uses and complement, not
compete with, downtown Hastings. When zoning designations are developed for the M37 corridor to implement the Mixed Use District, the concept of transitions needs to be
one basis for the district standards.
Because Rutland Township serves as a gateway into the community, the township also
needs to be sensitive to the quality of development permitted in this area, including
architectural design, landscaping, and pedestrian access. In addition, services permitted in
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this district should be sensitive to competitive relationships with the city’s Central
Business District.
TDR Receiving Area
Another important consideration facing the Hastings/Hastings Township/Rutland
Township area is the possibility of becoming a receiving area for Transfer of
Development Rights (TRD) from other areas of Barry County. TRD receiving areas
should generally be supported by public water and sewer systems in order to support
additional density. By setting areas aside for the possibility of receiving additional
residential density (as the city’s draft plan proposes) additional units received could be
accommodated.
Potential areas for receiving additional development include the mixed use area west of
Hastings, which could accommodate development of apartments or townhouses. There
are also opportunities for suburban density residential development along M-37 to the
south and M-43 to the north. State Road to the east provides opportunity for infill
development between the city and established suburban residential neighborhoods. All of
these areas could potentially be served by extension of sewer services that would be
necessary to accommodate densities that are higher than could be accommodated by
traditional well and septic systems.
The community should carefully consider these areas for designation as TDR receiving
zones. The density by right for these areas would need to be determined, as well as the
density increase that could occur by transfer of development rights.
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