The Orion Township Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution encouraging the Road Commission for Oakland County to pursue improvements at the M-24 and Dutton Road intersection, provided Orion Township does not have to give up any of its Tri-Party Funds for the project.
‘This resolution came about in regards to development (on Dutton),? explained supervisor Jerry Dywasuk. ‘There have been meetings with Auburn Hills, MDOT and Oakland County.?
Dywasuk said the resolution supports improvements at the intersection using $1 million in state grants, but no money from Orion Township, as the road will be primarily used by businesses like the Dutton Technology Park, and not township residents.
Morgan Hill resident Joe Geraci said the resolution should include something about improvements for residents, like those in the Hi Hill Subdivision who find it difficult to navigate Silver Bell Road at certain times of the day.
‘There’s no break in traffic from Adams Road,? he said. ‘They should put a light at Squirrel and Silver Bell to break up the traffic.?
Oakland County Commission Eric Wilson said the improvement project would be a ‘positive thing? for businesses and citizens alike.
‘But I will continue to push for a safety light at Squirrel and Silver Bell,? he said.
‘We’re going to get the tax dollars, and that’s why we want the area to remain industrial,? said clerk Jill Bastian of the M-24/Dutton intersection.
Treasurer Jim Marleau worried that by adopting a resolution encouraging the road commission to go forward with the improvement project, the board might be committing some of the township’s Tri-Party Road Funds to be used.
‘There will be no Tri-Party Funds from Orion Township,? promised Dywasuk.