“Lincoln Township is primarily a bedroom community for the city of St. Joe, Benton Harbor,” says Glenn Youngstedt, Township Supervisor. “Three school systems serve us and have about 150 acres of parks, including softball, baseball, and soccer fields.We even have a splash pad and two pavilions. Our proximity to Lake Michigan makes us a popular destination for summer residents from places like Chicago and Indianapolis.” OUTDOOR ASSETS AND FUTURE CONNECTIONS Youngstedt highlights the township’s outdoor amenities, which include a beach currently under reconstruction and nearby Grand Mere State Park, a 600-acre natural forest. “St. Joe is a lovely lakeside town that attracts a lot of summer tourists,” he adds, noting the synergy between the township and surrounding areas. From a civic standpoint, Lincoln Township’s development vision is clear. The main commercial artery, Red Arrow Highway, is the central corridor for current and future growth. “We’re working on more non-motorized trails,” Youngstedt explains. “We’d love to have a bike trail that runs from Stevensville— our central village—all the way into St. Joe. That’s a four- to five-mile stretch, and it would connect a lot of our residents to recreational and commercial areas.” ECONOMIC TIES WITH STEVENSVILLE Stevensville, a charming village encircled by Lincoln Township, is a key part of the area’s social and economic landscape. Although it operates under its village government, the connections between Stevensville and Lincoln Township run deep. The two communities share residents, services, and a variety of public events that bring people together. “There was a Mother’s Day market downtown last weekend that was well-attended by both township and out-of-town residents,” Youngstedt adds, illustrating the collaborative spirit and shared momentum that define their relationship. Events like these not only strengthen community bonds but also energize the local economy by attracting visitors and generating foot traffic that benefits small businesses throughout the area. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 LINCOLN TOWNSHIP, MI
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