Loch Alpine Residents’ 2020 Vision
Loch Alpine is a closely joined neighborhood of 450 diverse homes nestled in a beautiful topography of hills, lakes, parks and pathways connected by a network of scenic roads.
Clean pristine lakes are available for recreational use and surrounded by pathways that provide residents and their guests a place to unwind within this enjoyable retreat; only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the City of Ann Arbor.
Individual homes and yards are well maintained, mailbox stands are neat, tidy and functional, and everywhere you walk, bike or ride you are engaged by scenic views reminding you that this is a desirable place to live. Roads and paths are well maintained and provide a reliable thoroughfare for walking, biking and automotive travel. Beautiful ornamental trees adorn yards and common areas. Functional infrastructure components are indiscernibly integrated with the natural greenscape.
The affordable Ann Arbor Country Club (AACC) thrives and remains involved in the community providing dining, golf, swimming, tennis and a gathering place. Traditional community special interest groups, from playgroups to the garden club, allow residents to get to know each other. People stay informed about community happenings through social events, internet-based and paper-based newsletters or bulletins. Young and old residents share experience and knowledge through volunteer and social activities.
Loch Alpine is an influential member of the governmental entity that encompasses surrounding and adjoining neighborhoods. Day-to-day management of community resources is handled by an adequate staffing of professionals while policy and strategic leadership matters are left to volunteers who reside within the community. Well-defined and monitored architectural controls maintain housing quality standards.
Financial budgets are sufficient to fund anticipated capital and maintenance expenditures without the need for special assessments of residents. A reserve for the maintenance and improvement of common areas exceeds 15% of the annual governmental budget. Annual budgets allow for the hiring of experts whenever appropriate to make expenditures at the most prudent time. Low household assessments and centralized services provide good value and keep the community desirable and affordable for both young and old families. Audits are performed routinely at a minimum of every two years.
Residents are knowledgeable regarding governance rules and regulations while effective communication happens between residents and professional staff in a governmental structure that is kept simple and efficient. Volunteer board terms allow for good decision-making and facilitate the transition of old and new members. This results in a strong and unified long-term vision among residents with volunteering continuing to be a rewarding experience.
Loch Alpine is involved and committed to understanding and influencing of outside organizations and developments that affect our community. Residents serve in elected and appointed positions to engage in regular communication with surrounding governmental and nonprofit entities. A minimum of one community member from Loch Alpine sits on each of the functional boards of Scio and Webster Townships. Proactive coordination occurs with the Washtenaw County Sheriff, Drain Commission, Road Commission and the Huron River Watershed Council. Service providers deliver good value to residents due to cooperation between Loch Alpine and surrounding communities.
Internal and external ecological, recreational, water/sewer, transportation and educational systems are kept in harmony through effective strategic planning and the maintenance of existing systems. Involvement in the governmental planning process prevents damage to existing interdependent systems. Active volunteer participation on appropriate township boards ensures balance is preserved and enhanced.
A productive relationship, including reciprocal board representation, with the AACC allows for coordinated planning and management that resolves issues quickly and effectively. Joint meetings and direct leadership discussions with neighboring communities build trust, gain political influence, develop cooperative agreements and allow for informal discussions regarding future governance possibilities; such as evolving into a village and/or annexation.
Continuous review and amendment of this long-term strategic vision is a priority.