PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich.—A Plainfield Township manufacturer is getting a tax break to expand its business.

Last week, the Plainfield Township Board unanimously approved a three-year tax abatement for Preferred Tool and Die to purchase $664,685 worth of new equipment for its facility a 5400 West River Drive.   The company tells the township the new equipment will allow it to double its workforce to eight employees.

Plainfield Township Superintendent Cameron Van Wyngarden says the township welcomes the opportunity to help a local business grow and succeed.

Van Wyngarden says the township policy has a two-step policy for industrial tax abatements, to ensure businesses follow through on their promised investment while providing an opportunity for extended benefits.  The Township will first grant a three-year abatement; the business then may request a five-year extension.

KENT COUNTY, Mich.-- The Kent County Parks Department is looking for volunteers to help clean up parks this spring.

The 2014 Kent County spring clean event has not been scheduled for a specific day,  because of lingering snow cover.  However, volunteers are encouraged to sign up with he Kent County Parks Department and let them know what projects they'd like to work on, when the time comes.

People interested in pitching in to improve any of the county's 34 parks should contact Volunteer Services at (616) 632-7842 or email park.volunteers@kentcountymi.gov .  Volunteers can explain what work they'd like to do, and the Parks Department will then organize the clean-up effort.  The spring clean event provides an opportunity to meet new community members and make a difference throughout Kent County.

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich.—Senior citizens have a new way to get around in Plainfield Township.

During its regular meeting March 3, the Plainfield Township Board approved purchasing a shuttle bus for the Plainfield Senior & Community Center. The 2013 Eldorado National bus can carry up to 29 passengers.  Township Superintendent Cameron Van Wyngarden says the bus is being paid for with a $20,000 Community Development Block Grand and $35,000 in donations to the Center. The bus will be owned by the township, but maintained by Northview Public Schools through additional donations to the Senior & Community Center.

Van Wyngarden says the purchase is a great example of separate government organizations working together to provide cost effective services that meet the needs of the community.