The Township of Muskegon is the oldest Township in the State of Michigan. It was created by the State Legislature in 1837 and included parts of what is now Ottawa and Oceana Counties. Over the years, as a result of decisions by the State of Michigan and annexations by the City of Muskegon the Township ended up with the complicated configuration that now exists with our political boundaries encompassing about 23 square miles.
The Township is divided by the Muskegon River basin with about one-third of the Township North of the river and two-thirds to the South.
The Township provides a full range of services including Fire, Police, Water, Sewer, Parks and Recreation, Sanitation and Highway Departments. Muskegon Township is one of the two Townships in Michigan with a DPW department.
The Township Seal Origin
The Township seal or insignia you see on the right side of this page and on Township stationery, vehicles and our flag has a rich history and meaning. In 1972 the former Township Clerk, Jack Joslyn, recognized the need for an appropriate and distinguished official seal for the Township. Jack designed and had a local artist fine tune the basics for manufacture.
Jack incorporated the Michigan Seal to represent the State in which the Township is located. The six stars represent the entities which have occupied or governed the areas: The American Indian, Spain, France, Great Britain, Colonies and finally, the United States of America. The eagle and its freedom in flight is equivalent to the freedom of our citizens in this Nation.
Department of Public Works
In 1915, Samuel Keur was elected as the first Highway Commissioner for the Township of Muskegon. There was very little responsibility with the position based on today's standards, but over the years, as the Township grew and with the advent of motor vehicles, the Township gradually put into service road maintenance equipment. The department primarily did dirt road grading, oiling, and snow plowing of secondary streets that the county Road Commission did not have manpower or equipment to get to as soon as our citizens desired, especially after World War II in the late 40's.
After World War II, a program for establishing parks and playgrounds was started until today there exists seven parks including Softball World, Parslow, Quarter-Oak, Wesley, Jolman, Evanston, Riverside and Buel Parks. With the exception of Softball World, these parks are maintained by public works employees. Recreation programs are conducted in cooperation with Reeths-Puffer and Orchard View Schools.
Commercial and Retail
Muskegon Township has a total of over 500 businesses divided into two Commercial/Retail Districts in general.
The District North of Muskegon River is made up of the Whitehall Road corridor and the Holton Road (M-120) corridor anchored by Meijer's Shopping Center at North Getty Street and Holton Road.
The District South of Muskegon River is basically along Apple Avenue (M-46) anchored by Plumb's Grocery in the Beltline Plaza Shopping Center at the Northeast corner of US31 and Apple Avenue. K-Mart is also located at that intersection at the Southwest corner.
Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Is Now Available
Muskegon County has a Homeowner Rehabilitation Program available for owner-occupied low income households.
The home must be located outside the cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights and Norton Shores.
Household income must be at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income) based on household size.
Repairs include, but are not limited to : roof, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical, heating, siding, well, septic, handicap upgrades and enery efficiency. House will be brought up to meet HUD's (Housing & Urban Development) Housing Quality Standard (HQS).
Emergency repair assistance is available.
Very low income households (at or below 50% area median income) loans are 0% interest, deferred loans. Over 50% AMI up to and including 80% AMI, call for details.
