Monthly Archives: September 2016

UPDATE: September 13, 2016 controversial Board topics

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As previously reported, there were a number of potentially controversial issues discussed at the September 13, 2016 Oakland Township Board meeting.  This is a brief update on the decisions made on those topics:

A developer’s request to extend an expiring sewer tap pay back program

  • The Board, in a 6 to 1 vote, rejected the request, indicating that the original legal agreement was to be followed as it was written.  Supervisor Gonser was the dissenting vote.

A Pulte request to approve a Preliminary Site Condominium request for 57 units on the northeast corner of Adams and Gunn Road (across from Delta Kelly School)

  • The Board voted to table, in a 7 to 0 vote, a decision on this request, pending a review of the many factors that could influence the availability of ‘sewer taps’ for the development.  Once the sewer tap issue is resolved, the developer would then be able to make a decision whether to proceed as they currently plan, or not.

2016 Millage levy setting

  • The 2016 millages were approved, in a 6 to 1 vote, at the carry-over levels but comprehending the “Headlee rollback” calculations. Supervisor Gonser was dissenting vote.

Hunting in Oakland Township

  • The Board requested that the Township Planner work with the Township Manager and Attorney to come back to the Board with a recommendation regarding hunting in Oakland Township.

Why is this important to the citizens of Oakland Township?  Probably the most important issue that was raised in this meeting was the potential of changing Oakland Township’s sewer tap policy.  If the policy changes, the density of development in Oakland Township could significantly be impacted, since land can be developed with smaller lots if the property is serviced by sewers.

Full transparency by the Board is essential to make sure our citizens understand the reasons for any change to our long standing, and effective, sewer tap policy.

Richard Michalski

Safety Path and Trails Open House – Wednesday September 21

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Oakland Township’s Safety Paths and Trails Committee has been working on improving the paths and trails network within our Township.  They have scheduled an “Open House” for September 21 between 2:30 PM and 4:40 PM, and 6:00 and 8:00 PM, at the Paint Creek Cider Mill.  The purpose of the Open House is to gather resident input on our current and future path and trail system.  Input is desired from all types of trail users.  There is no formal program, so feel free to drop in at any time during the two hour periods to review what has been done to date, and provide input on the direction Oakland Township should take on our Township wide trail and path system.  Free Cider and Donuts will be served.

Here is a formal notice of the event (click on image to enlarge):

open-house-half-flyer

Here is some information on some recent projects the Committee has been working on:

Safety Path and Trails accomplishments

MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEXT WEDNESDAY!

Richard Michalski

 

 

 

Traffic light at Adams and Gunn Road

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Many of you have now experienced the traffic issues resulting from the four way flashing stop light at the intersection of Adams and Gunn Roads (especially during rush hour traffic).  The north-south traffic backs up for almost a half mile.  Even though there are very few vehicles traveling east-west on Gunn (except when Delta Kelly students are being dropped off or picked up), every car traveling on Adams must stop.

While I was stuck in that mess last week, there was a tailgating accident a few cars in front of me.  Stop and go traffic, along with texting, were probably the reasons for the accident.  I suspect there have been, and will continue to be, more accidents like that.

There have been a number of serious accidents at that intersection prior to them putting in the four way light. Clearly something had to be done.  I called the road commission today, and they informed me that the four way light will probably be there for two years.  They indicated that they must procure additional property at the intersection to increase line-of-sight – and “that takes time”.  ARE YOU WILLING TO PUT UP WITH THIS FOR TWO YEARS?

So what can you do?  Here is a link to the Road Commission website.  If you fill out the form on line with your comments and concerns, maybe we can influence their timing, if not the type of design solution they chose, for this intersection.  Currently they are considering a four way regular light or a traffic circle.  I am not sure it will have an impact, but two years is a long time to have the current situation in place.

Here is the link to the Road Commission website:

http://www.rcocweb.org/FormCenter/Contact-Us-4/Contact-Us-Form-43

One final comment, as reported in a recent post, Pulte is wanting to add 57 homesite on the North-East corner of Adams and Gunn, adding to the traffic congestion at that intersection.  When they brought their initial request to the Planning Commission two years ago, they were told they needed to provide a traffic study of the impact of their proposed development.  As of the July 2016 Planning Commission meeting, they had refused to perform the study.  In July, the Planning Commission rejected their proposal because they did not have sewer taps and had not performed the traffic study (among other things).  You may want to come to the September 13 Oakland Township Board meeting to express your opinion on that proposed development.  

Richard Michalski

Controversial items on September 13th Township Board meeting

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First of all we hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer.  There have not been many posts on the website this summer, other than the results of the primary elections in August.  However, Township business is picking up.

There are a number of controversial items on Tuesday’s (September 13) Township Board meeting.  The topics that will probably receive the most discussion at the meeting include:

  • A developer’s request to extend an expiring sewer tap pay back program
  • A Pulte request to approve a Preliminary Site Condominium request for 57 units on the northeast corner of Adams and Gunn Road (across from Delta Kelly School)
  • 2016 Millage levy setting
  • Hunting in Oakland Township

As always, resident input on topics may influence the decisions the Board makes.  

If you have opinions on these matters, please either attend the meeting, or send an email to the Township Board with your thoughts on these topics.

Here is a copy of the agenda for the meeting:  

September 13, 2016 BOT agenda

You can go to the Township’s official website http://www.oaklandtownship.org to read additional documentation on these agenda items:

  • Click on ‘Township Documents’ at bottom of page
  • Click on ‘Misc Documents’ on left side of page under Public Documents
  • Click on ‘BOT Packet Sept 13, 2016 part 1‘ & ‘2’ – scroll down to the topics of interest

Why is this important to the citizens of Oakland Township?  These agenda items not only will have a financial impact on all of us and the Township, they will also have a long term impact on the character of our community.

The balance between the wishes of current residents of Oakland Township and property owners who want to develop their land is maintained by the State and Local laws and ordinances.  The developers often want to ‘push the envelope‘ or ‘work the boundaries’ of the ordinances to their advantage.  Having a well informed community support their elected leaders ensure the ordinances to the full intent of the law is essential in protecting our community.  Your participation will help them do that.

Richard Michalski