THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE August 24, 2006
Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
SUPERVISOR'S E UPDATE August 24, 2006
Since first becoming aware of the potential vacating of Van Horn Road
by Wayne County last week the Township has taken numerous steps to oppose
this action. The following is an update as to what steps have been taken
to date, and what actions the Township plans to pursue over the next few
weeks.
The Township Board has established a study session on Monday, August
28, 2006 at
7:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor Township Board Room regarding the vacation
of Van Horn Road. I have requested that the Wayne County Executive's Office
be in attendance so as to provide residents a complete understanding of
the proposed Daimler Chrysler project and proposed vacation of Van Horn
Road. Residents will be able to voice their opinion regarding this project.
At the conclusion of the Study Session it is my hope that the Township
Board will adopt a formal resolution opposing the vacating of Van Horn
Road.
The Township Board has reviewed the proposed Daimler Chrysler expansion
project and how the project will impact Van Horn Road in detail and has
reviewed alternative vehicular routes on Vreeland Road, West Road, and
throughout downtown Trenton.
On August 21st I formally requested of the Wayne County Executive's Office
and the Wayne County Commission that a public hearing be established to
address this significant issue. The request for a formal public hearing
set forth a preference of having the public hearing occur either in Grosse
Ile or Trenton rather than in Detroit. We do not have confirmation of
when and where the hearing would be conducted. We will advise all residents
when the hearing has been confirmed. Once established we will need as
many of our residents to take the time and attend this hearing.
On August 24th, in an effort to obtain as much information prior to the
public hearing, I additionally requested that Wayne County immediately
conduct a traffic count study to determine the traffic flow patterns of
the main routes which impact Island residents. These routes are Vreeland
Road, Van Horn Road, Parkway Road (west side of County Bridge), West Jefferson
leading into downtown Trenton, and Fifth Street in front of NA Mans &
Sons.
We have had extensive contact with the Wayne County Executive's Office,
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Gibraltar, and
the City of Trenton in relation to both the expansion project and the
vacation of Van Horn Road.
Even though Daimler Chrysler was to make an announcement on Wednesday,
August 23rd as to whether they were moving forward with their expansion
project, I was advised late last night that because of a utility issue
(gas line) near and/or around Van Horn Road, that Daimler Chrysler was
delaying its announcement until September 6, 2006. We will keep you posted
if they make any other determination prior to that date.
I personally would suggest that a resident movement be established and
petitions be circulated which would evidence residents' opposition to
the proposed vacation of Van Horn Road. It is important that Wayne County
hear that a large majority of Island residents oppose this road vacation.
Additionally by circulating petitions, residents will become educated
of the implications which they will be confronted with if the County vacates
Van Horn Road. If such a petition is pursued, and is submitted timely
prior to the public hearing, I believe it would have an additional impact
on Wayne County's final decision.
Upon the conclusion of the August 28th Study Session, I will provide
you with another E Update and provide a copy of the Township Board's resolution
of opposition to the vacation of Van Horn Road.
If you should have any questions or comments concerning this issue please
feel free to contact me at 734.281.7100 or email me at kkobi@aol.com.
Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisor's E Updates, please send
an email address to: KurtK@grosseile.com
Watch for E ALERTS for Breaking E News and on the township website or
tune to Grosse Ile Community Radio 1700 AM.
Any questions or comments regarding the information provided in this
E Update, or other questions related to the Township, please feel free
to contact Supervisor Kobiljak at KurtK@grosseile.com or at his Township
Office 734-676-4422 Ext. 215
|
