Aug 18, 1999
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Milan News-Leader Vote delayed on proposed railway center The Milan Township Board of Trustees unaninously approved a motion to delay vote on a controversial site plan that would pave the way for the construction of a truck and rail distribution center. Rather than voting on whether to approve or deny the plan and rezoning request,trustees decided to postpone a decision for at least another 60 days. Trustees approved the move at the August 11 in order to apply to the Southeastern Michigan Council of Government (SEMCOG) for an independent study to be done on the project's impact. SEMCOG specializes in regional planning and a possible study would predict the impact that the proposed center would have on the community and natural environment. More than 100 people showed up for the township meeting despite rumors that no decision would be made on the proposed railyard. To accommodate all the spectators and to avoid a potential fire hazard the meeting was moved on the side lawn of the township hail. Sound equipment was provided by local residents. At the onset of the meeting Milan Township Supervisor, John Bruckner explained that the Planning Commission had not yet made a recommendation on the site plan and that it would be premature for the board to make a decision at this point in time. Bruckner indicated that the township would request an opinion from the state attorney general on the fiscal impact of the project. Representatives from AAR properties felt that to delay any decision until a study be done by SEMCOG is a unnecessary action. "I believe this is a new spin done in order to place undo hardship on the applicant," said Bill Robbins, developmental director for the project. Kristine Currie, a representative from Wade-Trim, the engineering firm, said that it wasn't definite that SEMCOG would conduct the study and that a possible study could take anywhere from 45 days to a year. After the decision by the board, residents stayed to share their opinions about the proposal and express some support in the decision to inquire SEMCOG. Carol McCrae-Hokenson of Milan Township presented a petition of 290 signatures and a prepared statement to the township trustees. The statement conclusively called for the appointment of a Master Plan Revision Committee that would consist of members of the Milan Township Board, Planning Commission, and six impartial Milan Township residents. "This is a project that would cause people to leave their homes, said Jim Hokenson. "The definition of an inappropriate land use is a project that would cause people to leave." |
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