Changes, changes and more changes.
Independence Township officials should be receiving a formal proposal within the next week for a possible Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and 100-room hotel development near the Sashabaw Rd. and I-75 connection.
According to Supervisor Dave Wagner, township officials have spoken informally with Orco Investments Inc., a Troy-based developer, concerning development of a 72-acre parcel located across from the Farmer Jack. The parcel is surrounded by Waldon Rd., Walters Lake Rd., Sashabaw Rd. and I-75.
Wagner stated the developers have informed him there are two small parcels in the vicinity that have declined to sell, but the developers wish to move forward with their plans anyway.
Wagner added he was told one parcel is owned by a Birmingham woman, and the owners of the second parcel have asked too much money. However, the supervisor stated he has not yet researched the property lines himself.
In addition to the commercial development, Wagner said informal talks have indicated that single family homes and condos will be included in the development.
‘There is already some single family housing that is near there,? said Wagner.
Nothing to date has been filed with Township Planner Dick Carlisle, and Wagner said the developers will have one large hurdle to overcome: a residential zoning.
In other township news, the Independence Township Board of Trustees approved appointments to both the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals at their Dec. 21 regular meeting.
Supervisor Wagner’s recommendations for the planning commission were met with some debate and discussion. Wagner recommended to replace township board representative Daniel Travis with Daniel Kelly. The other changes on the commission include replacing David Lohmeier with Dr. George Krull; replacing William Kessler with Richard Eagan; and re-appointing Sam Moraco and R. Jane Boyer.
‘I don’t feel real comfortable replacing him (Dan Travis), but I understand the supervisor has the philosophical concept to make this a rotating position,? said Daniel Kelly during discussion. Kelly added that he would not be participating in the vote since he is a subject of the motion.
The board approved the appointments with a 3-2 vote.
After the vote, Dan Travis made a few comments on the changes happening within the township’s administration. He cautioned losing the institutional memory found within many continuing township officials and pointed to how retaining much of this can be beneficial to the residents. He also complemented the township’s master plan, planner and building department for the many years of hard work and dedication that has brought the township to where it is today.
Travis ended his remarks with comments on his extensive work with the planning commission.
‘In my nearly 30 years of working with the planning commission, I have never been told I was not doing an excellent job,? said Travis.
Supervisor Wagner echoed these final thoughts of Travis.
‘I also have never heard a negative word in regards to Mr. Travis? work on the planning commission,? said Wagner. ‘And Mr. Kelly’s remarks are correct; my intent is to simply create a rotating position to present new ideas.?
The township board unanimously approved the following members to the zoning board of appeals: B. Jill Palulian (2007), Stanley S. Cool, (2007), Thomas P. Andrews (2006), Larry Rosso (township board representative) and Cheryl Karrick (2005).
In other township business:
? The board approved the hiring of Tracy Malek as the full-time, non-union Head of Young Adult Services. She was hired with a starting salary of $40,000 and a start date of Dec. 28. After six months of satisfactory performance, she will receive an increase of $1,000.
? Township Trustees approved the 2005 meeting schedule. Copies of the schedule are available in the township offices.
? The township board voted unanimously to remove the employee computer purchase program.
The township originated in 1997, when many township departments were just becoming accustomed to using computers. The program established an interest free loan so full-time employees could purchase their first computer, software and printer (one system per household). The intent was to help township employees become computer literate, thus improving skills in the township workforce.
The program worked successfully; however, township trustees felt the plan had outlived its usefulness.
In the motion, the program will discontinue on Feb. 1. First time purchasers through the program, who are full-time employees, will have until then to participate in the program.