Horizon Community Planning - Testimonials

I take pride in the long-term client relationships that have developed over years of service. I have worked with most of our ongoing clients continuously for over eight years. Client relationships are built on exceptional service and trust, two key principles of Horizon Community Planning and the foundation on which it stands. - David M. Jirousek, MCP, AICP, Owner/Principal Planner 

With the unanimous Council vote to approve the waterfront zoning changes, I wanted to send a note thanking you for all your work on the project. You provided excellent analysis, expertise, and information to both the Planning and Council. The waterfront is very important to the community and this work will go a long way in helping the community strike the right balance with future projects. 

Ryan Cummins, City of Saugatuck Director of Planning, Zoning & Project Management, January 23, 2024

The City of Port Wentworth needed a complete rewrite of our ordinance, and we needed it done as quickly as possible. Horizon more than exceeded my expectations with their professionalism and the final product.  I would highly recommend them to fellow planning officials for projects big or small as it pertains to land use ordinance updates. Jason Stewart, Port Wentworth Assistant City Manager, January 19, 2024

David Jirousek has been a great asset to the Bertrand Township Michigan Planning Commission. The township has used his services on many occasions such as drafting new zoning ordinances; refreshing current zoning language; plus development of our comprehensive Master Plan document. We find him professional, knowledgeable and timely with his input. Equally important, a man who's demeanor is a pleasure to do business with. Mark Wagner, Bertrand Township Planning Commission Chair, October 13, 2021

The City has worked with David Jirousek, Horizon Community Planning, for several years on various projects.  Mr. Jirousek has kept the City upon current practices to help our community be a vibrant and welcoming community to residents and businesses.  With Mr. Jirousek’s leadership, the City’s recent Master Plan was prepared with input from area residents and businesses which resulted in a plan which will lead the City to a better developed City in the future.  Craig Bessinger, Ferrysburg City Manager, October 11, 2021

Byron Township has been leading the way in growth for Kent County these past few years and David Jirousek with Horizon Community Planning has been instrumental in helping us ensure that every project meets our Zoning Ordinance standards. He was also crucial in preparing our Master Plan and updated it into an easy to read document. We feel David is practically an extension of our staff because he truly cares about his clients and the future success of their communities. Peggy Sattler, Byron Township Clerk, October 7, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Dave Jirousek in 2017-2018 on the comprehensive rewrite of Holland Charter Township’s zoning regulations.  Dave’s efforts resulted in a Zoning Ordinance that was clear, simple, and above all very easy for the public to understand and for the Township to administer.  Through Dave’s efforts, language was streamlined, repetitive and archaic sections were eliminated, and requirements were updated to reflect the latest legal precedents.  Dave’s long-term vision on the project, combined with his patience throughout the entire process, were keys to the successful completion and implementation of the new Zoning Ordinance.  In my professional view, that is a model Zoning Ordinance for all communities in the region, if not throughout the entire State of Michigan.  John D. Said AICP, former Director of Community Development, Holland Charter Township, October 7, 2021

I have had the pleasure of working with David Jirousek of Horizon Planning as the planner for our Township for a number of years.  I find David to be very thoughtful regarding our Township's unique issues and concerns and how those issues and concerns can be addressed through proper planning.  David's reports are always very thorough and well reasoned.  David displays his professionalism and experience both in his written reports and recommendations as well as through his excellent communication skills.  David is always prepared and represents our Planning Commission and our Community at the highest level.  Tim Newhouse, Byron Township Planning Commission Chair, October 7, 2021

I have had the pleasure working with David Jirousek as Community Planner for the Paw Paw Township Planning Commission and he has been thorough and detail oriented in his work with zoning ordinance work, development review and working with our Planning Commission. He has been a valued asset guiding me as Chair of the Planning Commission. I always look forward to conducting the meetings with him. Kip Kerby, Paw Paw Township Planning Commission Chair, September 18, 2021

Having experienced other community planning consultants over the years,  I can say without any reservations, that David Jirousek from Horizon Community Planning has been the best to work with.   Whether it be planning, zoning, or development review, he makes us better. Bill Van Tassel, Almena Township Supervisor, September 15, 2021

David and Horizon Planning provide consistent and reliable planning and development services our community needs. Being able to tap into their expertise to help us solve challenging issues that arise throughout the year has helped us respond appropriately and effectively while positioning our community for future growth. I highly recommend anyone looking for a skilled planner to consider David and Horizon Planning.  Zach Morris, Antwerp Township Planning Commission Chair, September 15, 2021

Mr. Jirousek has consistently used his knowledge, experience, and communication skills to provide a wide range of planning services to the Township. His responsibilities have included the review and processing of development projects, including site plans, special exceptions, variances, and all other community development concerns. Mr. Jirousek prepares and presents development projects to the Planning Commission. He has been instrumental in updating the Township's Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Jirousek’s contributions to the Township’s Planning & Zoning efforts have been numerous. He has consistently demonstrated his professionalism and understanding of the Township’s uniqueness and rural planning challenges. He has been truly committed to advancing the Township’s rural planning effort and has worked well with multiple staff members across many departments. Almena Township has been very fortunate to have Mr. Jirousek as a consultant and will benefit from his contributions for many years to come. Jim Horton, Almena Township Planning Commission Chair- September 14, 2021

Our Township has used Horizon Community Planning for years, and David has always provided us excellent service. From Master Planning down to simple site plan reviews, Horizon always delivers detailed and thoroughly thought-out planning services. David clearly has a wide range of experience and thinks creatively to solve complex land use problems. Dan Wells, Gaines Charter Township Community Development Director- September 14, 2021

Horizon Community Planning delivered a quality Master Plan that reflects vibrant current and future images of our village and highlights its potential.  Despite the limited resources, Horizon Community Planning encouraged the participation of the community and worked closely with the Village’s Planning Commission and Council to solicit feedback that succeeded in bringing these images to life. The Master Plan sets clear expectations and attainable long and short-term goals. It delivers a road map that is easy to follow and use as the foundation for creating and completing projects some of which were implemented while working on the plan. We are very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable and talented team as the one we found in Horizon Community Planning.  Sam Ajwah, Village of Fruitport Planning Commission Chair- September 14, 2021

David Jirousek is very well prepared at all Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Review meetings, and his due diligence is done prior to meetings so questions can be answered in a professional and understanding manner. David guides Board members through the meeting material and stays impartial during the development review process. Don Stull, Paw Paw Township Supervisor- September 14, 2021