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July 14, 2008

Forum: Optimism for future of Acme

By DOROTHY DUNVILLE

When I think of any place in the world I want to live, the only place I can imagine is Acme, Michigan. The old saying "there is no place like home" really fits for me. It's not only the beautiful vistas, water, parks and VASA Trail, it's also the places we run into our friends and neighbors.

The corner hardware where we can pick up a quick part, the local eateries where we are asked to join a table for a bite, good laughs and stories. Acme is where neighbors watch your house when you leave town, they know your kids and ask how they are doing. This is what makes a place a home. I know that all of us on our township board feel this way about Acme.

There is so much to be optimistic about here in Acme. Our township has been working on many exciting projects. Among them are two important initiatives that will ensure a bright future for our residents.

Take shoreline preservation. In the past year, Acme made good progress toward the goal of creating a public waterfront park with a swimming beach, biking and hiking paths and public gardens. A citizen advisory committee is in the process of exploring some promising options for securing grants, and using state and federal sources to fund the first phase of this project.

Also, Acme residents had the foresight to vote for a farmland preservation initiative. We are one of only three communities in the state that have such a program. Our Citizen Farmland Advisory Committee is working to purchase development rights from farmers interested in participating, allowing them to continue to farm their land while preserving the rural character of the area and encouraging more dense development in more appropriate areas in the township.

Our farm families have demonstrated support for this project and we are eager to move forward.

We have many accomplishments to celebrate over the last few years. Horseshows By the Bay was a great success last year, and we look forward to another wonderful show this year. It is a fun, inexpensive treat for the family.

We have a new farmers market. Every Saturday morning, in the park-like setting next to the stream at The Stained Glass Factory, local vendors sell their goods. Friends and family meet to socialize and enjoy the bounty of our fine community.

Acme Township has passed a winery ordinance and we hope to have a thriving winery business. Our township board is eager to welcome additional commercial development that is consistent with our Master Plan. We are a growing and thriving community.

Acme is home to many good neighbors. Those we have known for years and new families moving to the area are all wonderful people. The Acme Township Board is dedicated to keeping everything that is special about our home for future families to enjoy. I want the people of Acme to know that we really do have them in our hearts.

About the author: Dorothy Dunville is the Acme Township clerk. She has been an active member of the community for 34 years.

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