by Mike Knaak
Integrating St. Joseph Township into the city of St. Joseph took another step Aug. 27 when the Planning Commission approved amending three zoning ordinances.
The ordinance updates come after a July vote by the township approving annexation. The amended ordinances are intended to ease the annexation process for residents and businesses.
The three ordinances addressed concerns raised during a public hearing and were developed by a committee of four members each from the city and township.
A new rural residential ordinance was designed to establish and preserve areas within the city for agriculture, open space and very low-density residential development.
Additionally, the committee proposed a Hwy. 75 Business District and Light Industrial District to accommodate existing construction piles.
No people spoke at a public hearing and the amended ordinances were passed unanimously.
The amended ordinances now need a vote of the City Council, probably at the Sept. 17 meeting.