By CHRISTIE BLECK
March 11, 2011
From Ingham County Community News
MASON - The Mason Zoning and Development Department underwent a few big changes in 2010, creating a few challenges that according to its director are being met.
David Haywood, zoning and development director, presented the highlights of is department's activities in the 2010 annual report to the City Council on March 7.
Last year, the building official/building inspector position was cut, with general code-enforcement responsibilities moved to the Police Department.
Haywood said his department garnered help from the reception desk, staffed by Eileen Northrup and Cortney Tostevin, to process building permits and input data such as inspection results, filing permits and other items.
"So, that was a very helpful 'picking-up' of that activity so it didn't fall onto a single lap," Haywood said.
Through the end of July 2010, the Zoning and Development Department handled a total of 149 code-enforcement complaints while after Aug. 1, the Police Department handled 94.
Zoning staff, according to Haywood, has been working closely with the Police Department's code enforcement officer, Jim Duthie, for a "seamless transition."
However, in his written report to the council, Haywood noted that with the elimination of the building official position, zoning staff no longer has a "builder's eye" on the city to identify properties where work is being performed without the proper permits and/or review.
Staff, Haywood poinited out, is working with Duthie to encouraging more observation of possible violations.
David Haywood, zoning and development director, presented the highlights of is department's activities in the 2010 annual report to the City Council on March 7.
Last year, the building official/building inspector position was cut, with general code-enforcement responsibilities moved to the Police Department.
Haywood said his department garnered help from the reception desk, staffed by Eileen Northrup and Cortney Tostevin, to process building permits and input data such as inspection results, filing permits and other items.
"So, that was a very helpful 'picking-up' of that activity so it didn't fall onto a single lap," Haywood said.
Through the end of July 2010, the Zoning and Development Department handled a total of 149 code-enforcement complaints while after Aug. 1, the Police Department handled 94.
Zoning staff, according to Haywood, has been working closely with the Police Department's code enforcement officer, Jim Duthie, for a "seamless transition."
However, in his written report to the council, Haywood noted that with the elimination of the building official position, zoning staff no longer has a "builder's eye" on the city to identify properties where work is being performed without the proper permits and/or review.
Staff, Haywood poinited out, is working with Duthie to encouraging more observation of possible violations.
Special projects
Haywood, along with volunteer coordinators Jon and Amy Vincent and Kelli Green, spearheaded the new Mason Community Garden at 213 N. Jefferson St.
Residents maintained garden plots measuring 10 feet by 10 feet for $5 per season to grow produce for their own use.
Volunteers also grew produce for Mason's Capital Area Community Service's food pantry. The result in 2010 was 400 pounds of produce grown and delivered to residents in need.
"We actually got food on people's tables," Haywood told the council.
Also, there are plans to expand the garden.
Amy Vincent said in a March 8 phone interview that the plots this season will be 15 feet by 15 feet, with four more plots to be added.
"We've got the space and the interest," she said, "so we're going to make it larger."
History made its way into the Zoning and Development Department in 2010 as well. Haywood said that all properties in the city's Historic District were reinventoried. The last such study was performed in 1984.
Haywood said the latest study, which eventually will be online, shows the changes that have occurred in the district.
"It'll be a clearinghouse for all our historic resources," Haywood said.
The aging Mason Library kept the department busy as well, with staff responding to a foundation leak, basement flooding and a disabled sump pump, among other calls.
"It continues to be our responsibility, and probably always will be," Haywood said.
Building and permits
A total of 165 building permits were issued in 2010, down 19 percent since 2009, which saw 204 permits issued. However, Haywood noted that single-family permits were up, from six to nine.
"That's an encouraging sign," he said. "People are still interested in the market."
Major commercial projects on the horizon, Haywood said, include a new banquet facility at Bestsellers Books & Coffee company and a $3.4-million remodeling project at Meijer.
The Meijer product involves moving the pharmacy to the front of the building with a drive-through section, moving the bottle-return section to the front and interior remodeling. Also, Green Acres, a retirement community, plans to build a 20-unit building, Haywood said.
For the full report, visit http://www.mason.mi.us/.
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