The vacant gas station at Dixie Highway and Ortonville Road is no more, thanks to a grant from Oakland County to Independence Township.
The former BP station at 6756 Dixie Highway was vacant for more than four years. Since the location closed, several business plans for the location have been proposed and rejected.
In August 2013, a developer proposed several businesses including a Tim Horton’s drive through restaurant. Those plans fell through and the developer withdrew his request, unable to satisfy township requirements.
Officials acknowledged several plans for the property had fallen through, and something needed to be done to address challenges including problems with traffic, safety and soil contamination.
By summer 2014, the township announced it secured special funding under Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, a special financing program through Oakland County created to assist communities in redeveloping and restoring difficult properties.
The $151,000 in costs to improve the property will be fronted by Oakland County and repaid over the course of 19 years, via a net increase in property value. Funds will be used to demolish the building, remove contaminated soil and build a new building.
After development, the property, currently valued at $209,000, will increase to over $525,000. Under the deal, the township will receive taxes on the $209,000 while Oakland County will receive taxes on the difference.
Township Supervisor Pat Kittle said developing the property would have a ricochet effect on the area by encouraging neighbors to upgrade properties and storefronts.
Dixie Highway, the township’s oldest main road, is a major area of concern for officials as the master plan is reviewed every five years.