It’s known as RCOC Project #48691.
But beyond the acronym (Road Commission of Oakland County) and the bureaucratic project number is something much deeper for Orion Township residents–the widening of Baldwin Road from Morgan Road to Waldon Road.
The project was originally conceived in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
‘After years and years of this, it’s going to move forward quite quickly,? said Township Supervisor Matt Gibb. ‘We’re pushing the road commission hard on this,? Gibb said.
The hold up has always been where the money will come from.
The road commission says they don’t have it.The township does and wants to get started.
‘We have our $3 million,? Gibb said.
Instead of waiting for the road commission to pony up the matching funds, the township would begin the pre-engineering work and environmental assessments necessary for the project.
‘I’m going to hold the road commission to the fire on this,? Gibb said.
The RCOC would reimburse the township when funds become available.
A report on the project was received at the board’s meeting Feb. 2 with hopes of meeting further with members of the road commission.
Gibb said he hopes to discuss the road widening further at the second board meeting in March.
‘We’re no longer going to wait on someone else,? he said. According to Olsen, the DPW is running out of places to put the downtown snow.
‘The temperatures have played a big role – the snow’s not melting and we have no place to put it,? he said.
The below-average temps can also create dangerous road conditions. The DPW can only use salt to remove ice and snow above a certain temperature. Below that, they rely on plowing and sand to help drivers and pedestrians.
Olsen asks residents to be patient with road crews.
‘Our first priority is to keep main roads open and clear for emergency vehicles and bus routes,? he said.
And Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh applaudes them for it.
‘We have a better response ability because we have a responsible DPW,? he said. ‘I tip my hat to them.?
The police force has been dealing with their own weather-related issues this winter.
Because of the extreme temperatures, their electronic equipment malfunctions more often, and when the mercury drops below zero, there’s the worry of patrol vehicles starting.
Narsh reminds residents and business owners alike to keep shoveling sidewalks, especially those on school walking routes.
As far as snow removal ordinance violations go, the code officer tries to be as fair and reasonable as possible.
‘What we’re seeking is voluntary compliance. It’s a safety issue,? said Narsh.
Since November, code officers have issued well over 100 warnings, but only ten citations.
‘Let’s face it – it’s been an abnormal year,? Narsh said. ‘Everyone’s been challenged.?