Watervliet Charter Township began as a much larger block of land that included the areas now known as Watervliet Charter Township and Coloma Township. It was a perfect location for industry, with its rolling acres of timber and the flowing waters of the Paw Paw River emptying into Lake Michigan at the harbor of St. Joseph. Prior to the formation of Coloma Township in 1917, prosperous sawmills encouraged the formation of the early village of Shingle Diggings, which was followed by the birth of the cities of Coloma and Watervliet.

As timber was cleared, and the early village of Waterford (later called Watervliet) was established, farming of the newly cleared land became a lucrative business in Watervliet Charter Township. Hard working, resourceful men turned harvested acreage into thriving farms. Harvey Sherwood came to the Township in 1870 and became known as the "Apple King of Michigan", with one of the largest orchards in the State. His farm was called Lake View, because of its panoramic view of Sherwood Bay on Paw Paw Lake.

After his marriage in 1854, Sebastian Smith settled in Watervliet Charter Township. As an entrepreneur, he encountered and overcame many difficulties, due to his insistent efforts. By 1878 he had established himself as one of the first major international businessmen in the area when he succeeded in shipping carloads of apples to London, England.

Over the years, Watervliet Charter Township maintained its rural atmosphere, yet wisely encouraged businesses to locate within its borders.

Watervliet Charter Township covers approximately 7 square miles and is easily accessible from Interstate 94 and other main highways. The community promotes a high quality of life in a rural atmosphere and seeks the growth of industry and commerce in the area.

A. Merge the police force, fire brigade, and possibly government of Watervliet Charter Township, Watervliet City, Coloma Township, and Coloma City.

B. Witness a steady economic growth.

C. Increase the industrial tax base of the community.

D. Promote residential development.

The City of Coloma, in cooperation with Coloma Township, Watervliet, and Watervliet Charter Township, has formed a Strategic Planning Task Force, which submitted a Strategic Plan in January 1991. The proposed strategies are as follows:

A. Develop a Master Land Use Plan as a cooperative venture among the four communities of Coloma City, Coloma Township, Watervliet City, and Watervliet Charter Township.

B. Support, market and promote retention of existing industrial and commercial sites.

C. Market and promote the development of potential commercial and industrial sites.

D. Maintain and expand the agricultural industry and related operations.

E. Utilize waste gas generated at Orchard Hill landfill site.

F. Develop signage on major and minor arteries including Interstate routes 196 and 94, State route 63 (33), Red Arrow Highway, and MI-140 to promote commerce, tourism, and industry in the Coloma-Watervliet area.

G. Plan for future expansion of water and sewer services to serve the needs of existing and future residential, commercial, and industrial development.

H. Pursue improvement plans to upgrade transportation systems included but not limited to roads determined to be vital to the success of tourism related, commercial and industrial establishments in the area.

I. Expand industrial capacity energy utilities to potential industrial and commercial sites.

J. Promote and expand both rail freight and rail passenger services to enhance both local industry and tourism.

K. Provide a greater variety of retail shopping opportunities.

L. Expand the hospital services in Watervliet to further meet the needs of Coloma residents in an economically viable manner.

M. Establish a linear parkway along the Paw Paw River from Watervliet to Coloma.

N. Promote and enhance recreational opportunities of Paw Paw Lake and area waters; explore public/private use issue on Paw Paw Lake using watershed management guidelines.

O. Establish community goals to prevent or alleviate environmental hazards or nuisances, especially those that relate to surface and groundwater quality, wetlands, air quality, noise levels, and solid waste management.

P. Attract and obtain a new motel or hotel in the Coloma-Watervliet area to enhance tourism and to possibly serve as a meeting facility. Encourage Bed & Breakfast operations in the Coloma-Watervliet area.

Watervliet Charter Township Hall

4959 Highway M-140

P.O. Box 384

Watervliet, MI 49098

Phone: (269) 463-5113

Fax: (269) 463-4808

Website: www.watervliettownship.org

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