By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

INDEPENDENCE TWP. — On Nov. 2, Independence Township finalized the purchase of nearly 39 acres of vacant land on Perry Lake Road from local resident and landowner BJ Rumph.
This property is connected to Clintonwood Park and serves as a branch of the Clinton River headwaters and contains significant wetlands. A portion of the land is suitable for park expansion, and the township is currently exploring those options.
“Purchasing this property is an important investment in both the preservation of the headwaters and wetlands, and the opportunity to expand offerings at Clintonwood Park in the future. I am excited we were able to complete this purchase and continue to enhance our township parks,” said Independence Township Supervisor Jose Aliaga.
The purchase was initially approved 6-0 at the Independence Township Board of Trustees regular meeting on Sept. 19, with Township Clerk Cari Neubeck making the motion and Treasurer Paul Brown seconding the motion. Aliaga and trustees Sam Moraco, Terri Nallamothu and Matt Stoian all voted yes. Trustee Ron Ritchie was absent.
The cost of the purchase is $350,000 with an earnest money deposit of $25,000, and Township Budget and Operations Analyst Rick Yaeger confirmed the funds are coming from the general fund.

PHOTO: From left, new Independence Township Parks, Recreation, and Seniors Director Adam Kline, Independence Township Supervisor Jose Aliaga, closing officer Angela Pieron from Partners Title Agency, LLC., and the seller, BJ Rumph, at the closing of the township’s land purchase. Photo: Laura Haynes