now are bringing water main as they develop their subdivisions, which is awesome.” Additionally, the township built a 3.5-million-gallon water storage tank in 2020, a proactive attempt to keep water rates from increasing during COVID. “With a lot of people being at home and working from home during that time period, water demand increased during peak demand time, which in turn, was going to cause us to raise our water rates to our residents,” Allen acknowledges.“The tank being constructed actually ended up reducing our rates, by allowing us to discharge from our tank during the peak demand times, and fill during off peak times.” These investments also support major industrial operations like Niagara Bottling, which chose Shelby Township after comparing multiple municipalities. “They wanted to make sure that they were getting the best water supply with the best quality, and that the infrastructure, our roads and everything else, would fit into what they needed,” Allen relays. “They’re a good partner here. They really do a good job, and I believe that they’re going to be looking at expanding over the next year or two. We’re looking forward to that.” A CONNECTED COMMUNITY With over 1300 acres of dedicated parkland, Shelby Township invests in its greenspaces and recreation amenities. A portion of the statewide Iron Belle bike trail runs through River Bends Park, bringing thousands of cyclists each year, along with visitors to the township’s scenic hiking trails and natural parks.“I don’t know of a township that has more recreational acreage than us,” Stathakis depicts.“River Bends Park is more than 850 acres, and Holland Ponds Park is about 200 acres. We’ve got nesting American Bald Eagles and also Great Blue Herons out there.” Walkability and connection are also priorities, and the township’s Sidewalk Committee has been working 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06 SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI VOLUME 4, ISSUE 01
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