This website provides information about Salem Township’s Urban Service District and potential plans for it. Information on the site is provided by Salem Township and property owners within the USD. The site is not paid for with taxpayer dollars.
Located in eastern Washtenaw County and bordering Wayne and Oakland counties, Salem Township offers a special combination of rural charm and proximity to urban amenities.
The community has maintained this unique character over time due to its comprehensive land use planning dating back to the 1960s.
Nearly 20 years ago, the Salem Township Board of Trustees recognized a need, responsibility and opportunity to effectively manage its future, and established an Urban Service District (USD) immediately adjacent to — and encompassing — the exchange at M-14 and Gotfredson Road. This forward-thinking action was designed to preserve the fabric of Salem Township, while ensuring local economic development in a responsible manner as the area grew. The USD is a vital part of both the Salem Township and overall Washtenaw County master plans.
Comprising about 1,400 acres, the USD is legally zoned for residential, retail and office development. It’s intended to generate smart local economic development in a clearly defined area and in harmony with Salem Township’s existing natural features and quality of life.
The USD provides the critical mechanism to maintain the community’s rural character and balance by locating and containing development at existing freeway interchanges. And it helps assure a strong future for Salem Township, its families and businesses.