Community Development
The mission of the Community Development division is to promote tribal development while expanding the Tribe's ability to exercise its sovereign rights through planning, analysis, recording, and implementation, all while protecting Mother Earth.
The Pokagon Band Community Development team recently conducted several townhall forums to discuss village design for the Dowagiac Edawat, Hartford Edawat, and South Bend Edawat. Topics discussed include types of housing needed, desired amenities, other improvements, and areas of emphasis for development, such as environmental preservation, safety, yard maintenance, and recreation. The insights gathered at these events will help to inform future planning for these sites.Â
For those unable to attend these events, or wishing to provide additional input, an online survey at: https://metroquestsurvey.com/vw62c was released March 3 providing an interactive way to address the issues. The online survey will be available through May 2 and all citizens who have not had the opportunity to attend the townhall forums or wish to provide additional input are welcome and encouraged to do so. Â
If you have further questions, or would like assistance in completing the survey, please contact Robert Torzynski AICP, Planning Manager at (269) 782-4896 or via email to:  Robert.Torzynski@PokagonBand-nsn.govÂ
Geographic Information Services (GIS)
GIS provides accurate information, assistance, support, and utility location, as well as maintains and creates information to aid in the development of maps to support Departmental activities.
Steven Wahweotten, GIS Specialist
Steven.Wahweotten@PokagonBand-nsn.gov
Ten County Service Area | Tax Exempt Area | Utility Line Installation Specifications
Utility Locating & Excavation Policy | Utility Line Trace Wire Product Specifications | Child Safety Zone Map
Land Development Pre-Application Review
All building, demolition, grading, and excavation activities taking place on Tribal Lands (with a few limited exceptions) must meet various codes, ordinances, and specifications in order to protect health, safety, and the environment. These requirements vary depending on the scope and the nature of the project. For example, a new flag pole may require a utility locate only, while a new structure may require building permits, utility locate, and environmental review.
To ensure that all projects meet all standards, a Pre-Application Review is required and is coordinated by the Community Development Team. For further information including a Pre-Application Conference Request form, please contact Robert Torzynski, Planning Manager, at: Robert.Torzynski@PokagonBand-nsn.gov, or by telephone at (269) 782-4896.
Tribal Road Program
Tribal Road Program keeps inventory of all the roads, maintains a long-range transportation plan, and creates an annual transportation improvement plan.
Realty/Properties
Realty/Properties retains records of all Tribal-Owned Properties, including:
- Mortgages
- Rentals
- Easements
- Utility Information
- Addresses
- Surveys
- Leasing documents
Wendy Lipscomb-Hatcher
Housing and Community Development Office Manager
Wendy.Hatcher@PokagonBand-nsn.gov