Requirements for incorporation.

Do we meet the requirements?

Prepared by J. K. Hardy, Citizens for a Better Jackson Township.

The following represent the requirements that we must meet if we assume that almost the entire unincorporated area of Jackson Township were to seek incorporation into a single city.

It shall consist of not less than four square miles.

The unincorporated areas of Jackson Township consist of approximately 35.5 square miles.

It shall have a population of not less than twenty-five thousand and a population density of at least one thousand persons per square mile.

According to the 1990 Census, the population of Jackson Township was 31,738 at the end of 1989. This excludes the residents of Hills and Dales.

One method to estimate the present population is to determine the number of Dwelling Unit permits granted from 1990 to the present. That value is then multiplied by 2.2 and added to the 1990 population value. During the period from 1990 to 1997, the Jackson Township Zoning Department reported a total of 2513 permits. This would indicate an increase in population of 5529 people during that period. As such, a reasonable estimate of our current population is 37, 267 people.

Since the total area that can be incorporated is 35.5 square miles, we are able to meet the population and population density requirements.

It shall have an assessed valuation of real, personal, and public utility property to general property taxation of at least twenty-five hundred dollars per capita.

Based on the estimated population, a total of $93,167,500 in assessed valuation is required. According to data provided by the Jackson Township Clerk's Office, our present valuation is $914,016,475 -- about ten times greater than the minimum required.

It shall not completely surround an existing municipal corporation.

The Village of Hills and Dales is completely surrounded by unincorporated portions of Jackson Township. In order to meet this requirement, at least some portion of the township must not be included in the proposed area. One option that has been suggested would be to omit 2-3 currently platted lots that consist of about 30 acres. It is our understanding that the majority of this land is currently undeveloped.

It shall be contiguous.

Regardless of the area that is not be included, the remaining area will be contiguous.

No territory within the boundaries of a military base, camp, or similar installation under the jurisdiction of a military department of the United States government.

We are not aware of any military installations that are presently located in Jackson Township.