CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HIGHLAND
Oakland County, Michigan

Lifestyle Considerations   
 
Highland Township's rural "small-town" character has been preserved thus far due to the limitations on development resulting from the lack of sanitary sewer service. The Oakland County Health Department enforces a strict groundwater protection policy, which limits the density of development permitted with onsite sewage disposal. While this has been instrumental in limiting the influx of "big box" retail and similar land uses that residents perceive as a "threat" to their chosen life style, it also limits the ability of developers to step in and meet perceived needs such as quality restaurants and potential major employers.
Since 1995, the Township has actively worked with residential developers to create the core of a municipal water system. In the summer of 2002, the watermain was extended up M-59 and Milford Road to serve the areas master planned for industrial land use. The watermain was also extended to the future municipal complex-current home of the US Post Office and Township Library.

The community is actively developing parks and a bikepath system. The 80 acre Duck Lake Pines will open in 2003, providing a variety of recreational activities including tennis, volleyball, softball, hockey, basketball, archery and nature trails. A four-mile bike path along M-59 will be completed in 2003. There are many active and focused citizen groups with interests in specific sports such as the Hi-White Softball Organization, and Equestrian Clubs.

The community has organized both a Downtown Development District and Authority, and a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The DDA is working closely with the Planning Commission and a private development group to develop a vision for the historic "Highland Station Area", a ten-block area of historic homes and businesses adjacent to the railroad tracks in need of revitalization. The BRA was organized to assist a development group interested in acquiring and expanding "Hi-Mill", an existing manufacturing facility with known groundwater contamination.

The community is served by the Highland Business Association, which cooperates for some promotional and civic activities. The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce also works with local Highland Township businesses, as well as area businesses in nearby Milford Village.

The local government employs a full time planning and development director to manage community projects and serve as a resource to property owners and developers. The local staff is also supported by the services of the Planning and Economic Development Services staff at the County Level. The County maintains a "One Stop Shop" for planning information, financial and business development services. The GIS system and many internet based services are available to the local government at no cost.