Novi Township: Where Unity Triumphs Over Division in Michigan’s Smallest Community

Novi Township: A Small Community with Big Unity

Novi Township is known as the smallest township in Michigan. It spans just 0.11 square miles and is home to around 160 residents. Unlike many places where politics can create rifts, here, in this peaceful pocket of paradise, politics fosters community spirit and collaboration. The feeling among residents is that they can work together regardless of party lines, prioritizing the welfare of their neighborhood over everything else.

A Space for Every Voice

Residents like Nathan Foster feel strongly about the harmonious nature of their community. “There’s never any controversy or competition,” Foster remarked. He recently secured the Democratic nomination for township trustee with just 23 votes, in a primary election where he faced no opponents. Foster will be joined in the November ballot by his neighbor, Kevin McCallum, who is running as an independent. The upcoming election for two trustee spots is expected to be a formality with no real competition.

In addition to Foster and McCallum, other positions in the township also have uncontested candidates, including Tony Galdikas for supervisor, Janeen Crittenden for clerk, and David Hall for treasurer. They too face no real challenger for their roles, which adds to the sense of stability in this small township.

A Unique Perspective

On a sunny afternoon, Galdikas and Crittenden explored what it means to be part of Michigan’s smallest township, emphasizing the closeness among neighbors. “We’re all very different people, but we’re all here for the neighborhood,” Crittenden shared. She noted that discussions are always directed toward what is best for everyone. “I think we could be an example for this crazy world,” she added, reflecting on how they navigate differences without the drama that often plagues larger communities.

Galdikas moved to the township with no prior knowledge about its status. He found himself captivated by the beautiful surroundings and the charm of country living, even though the community is situated near two larger towns. Much like him, Crittenden was drawn to the lush landscapes and wildlife, revealing a common bond among residents.

Life in a Small Township

The township, located in the Brookland Farms No. 1 subdivision, has about 58 homes, each sitting on roughly one-acre lots. These residences operate with their own wells and septic systems. Galdikas mentioned that there are only about 1.5 miles of paved roads to maintain, which requires infrequent repairs every couple of decades.

The residents enjoy lower taxes compared to their neighbors. In 2023, the tax rates for Novi Township were recorded at just 27.47 mills for principal residences, compared to 40.26 mills in the Northville school district. With no commercial establishments in the township, the community can focus solely on residential needs. They rely on external agencies for services, such as police and fire protection from the City of Novi and the Michigan State Police.

Simple Governance

Life here is straightforward. While disagreements are few and far between, Galdikas pointed out that everyone knows whom to contact when things go wrong. He recalled a time of deliberation lasting six months over landscaping designs for the mailbox area, which in the end resulted in unanimous approval.

Regarding more significant issues, the township once faced outside pressure to be annexed by the City of Novi, but residents voted it down, preferring to maintain their township identity. An attorney from the Michigan Townships Association emphasized the benefits of township governance, noting it fosters a close-knit community where neighbors serve one another through elected positions.

A Bright Future

Even as a tiny township with limited services, residents like Foster believe Novi Township is a “sweet enclave” and a treasure to be cherished. With only a few homes becoming available over the years, those looking to join this close community need to act quickly. “Typically when they go up, they get scooped up,” he explained.

As this tight-knit township continues to thrive, it serves as a refreshing reminder that peace, collaboration, and neighborly bond can still exist within government and community life.