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Public Resources

TAAR assists the public with mediation resources and information on the REALTOR® organization:

Property Owner's Environmental Guidebook - The Guidebook is designed to assist the property owner who wants to be a better steward of the land; protecting not only the value of the property but also the beautiful natural resources of northwest Michigan.

Managing Your Septic System- This brochure explains how a septic system is designed, how it works, and how to take care of it. There is a preventive maintenance record  that you can use to keep a record of how often you have it pumped or worked on. It also contains tips for prolonging the life of the system. For more information regarding septic maintenance view Septic 101 at www.williamspumping.com/helpful-septic101.shtml provided by Williams Pumping Service.
 
Lead Based Paint Pamphlet - Are you planning to buy, rent, or renovate a home built before 1978?  Read this EPA Pamphlet on how to protect your family from lead in your home.
 
The Condominium Buyers Handbook - This handbook is intended as a guide for people who are considering buying a condominium. It provides a summary of portions of the Condominium Act (MCL 559.101 et seq.) and is directed primarily toward residential condominium buyers, although the Act also provides for business, campground and marina condominium developments.

Five County Region Phone Numbers - A list of regional phone numbers ranging from Homeless Assistance, Emergency Food, Health/Dental Care, Legal Aid, Meals, and many, many more helpful phone numbers.
 
Community Housing Choices- This website administered by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments will help both individuals and agencies find the information they need to gain access to affordable housing and housing programs in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. 
 

♦"Growing Smarter, Living Healthier: A Guide to Smart Growth and Active Aging" - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Aging Initiative has announced the availability of the “Growing Smarter, Living Healthier: A Guide to Smart Growth and Active Aging” guidebook. This guidebook goes beyond the fundamental principles of neighborhood and town design to promote awareness among older adults on why community design matters and how to get involved in decisions about growth.
 
The guidebook offers practical suggestions for older adults on how to engage in the planning and redevelopment process and provides links to resources about how to remake neighborhoods to improve access to local amenities, whether someone lives in a city, suburb, or small town. You will also find examples of how older residents are working with their communities to provide more housing options and gathering places, promote healthier eating choices, and make it easier to carry out daily activities. The guidebook also contains a self-assessment tool that allows communities to rate themselves.
 
The guidebook is available electronically on the Aging Initiative’s web site at www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/guide/index.html. To obtain a hard copy of the guidebook, you may order on line at www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/order.htm.
 
 
This guidebook provides the foundation to bridge smart growth principles and active aging initiatives in order to create an enriching and accessible community for residents of all ages and those who are interested in environmental health issues for older adults and their families. If you have questions, please call Kathy Sykes at 202-564-3651.

     •  Age Healthier Breathe Easier
     •  Diabetes and Environmental Hazards
     •  Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
     •  Effective Control of Household Pests
     •  Women and Environmental Health