THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE May 18, 2007
Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
Wayne County Bridge Construction Progress Meeting
Yesterday Township Manager Dale Reaume and I had the opportunity of attending a Free Bridge construction progress meeting with Wayne County officials and the contractor to get a better understanding of the status of the project. Per our walking tour of the bridge it is apparent that the removal of the concrete "walls" on both the north and south side of the bridge are moving ahead at a very deliberate pace. In light of the fact that removal of debris over water takes much more effort so that materials don't fall into the Trenton Channel, if you view the bridge from the Water’s Edge marina you will see much of the western section of the wall already removed. The contractor has also been working on the electrical system throughout the underbody of the bridge. Per the county officials and contractor, the project is moving along at the scheduled pace. Again even though I am sure we all would want the project to be done quickly, per my review, the project is under way in earnest.
I have received numerous comments that the work had not started or was too slow. Wayne County offered the following comments: Portions of the existing structure must be dismantled piece by piece, in a manner that is safe for the workers, the boaters, the environment, and the structure itself. The roadway is quite narrow, limiting the number of workers and equipment that can work at any one time. Additionally, the waterway must be maintained to large watercraft traffic at all times. The contractor is currently removing the parapet walls (which were saw cut last week), removing the sidewalk, removing electrical wiring, installing anchorages for scaffolding, preparing form work for concrete, and installing temporary safety railing.
In other free bridge construction news:
First: The County has agreed to come to the Township Board Meeting on June 25th and provide the board and residents an update on the project. Both the contractor and Wayne County Officials will attend the presentation. We will advertise the presentation so that all residents are aware of the review of the project.
Second: The contractor and the county will provide us weekly updates on the status of the reconstruction. We will provide island residents these updates via the E Update, the township web site, news media and provide hard copies at the Supervisor's office.
Third: Please don't attempt to walk or ride your bike over the bridge by going around the fencing system. The bridge is extremely unsafe at this time and officials indicated to me that pedestrians and bikers have slipped through on numerous occasions.
Farmer's Market - Get your fresh produce and plants on Macomb
This June 16th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, the DDA will be sponsoring its first ever Farmer’s Market. Grosse Ile businesses will be located at the Township parking lot across from the Grosse Ile Hardware to sell their fresh produce and products. Take the time to do your produce shopping on the Island - I am sure that you won’t go home empty handed.
Oakwood Urgent Care Grand Opening
Yesterday was the official ribbon cutting for the new Oakwood Urgent Care Center on Grosse Ile. This is a great addition to the Township's downtown district. This urgent care center is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm everyday throughout the entire year - including holidays. If you or your family members need quick and easy access medical care, visit the Urgent Care Center - it’s only a few minutes from your home.
Herbfest
Grosse Ile Herb Society will be their holding their annual “Herbfest” tomorrow at Centennial Farm from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The society is featuring “Treasures of the Mediterranean.” The annual herb plant sale will feature a seaside village and café, village artists and children’s garden activities.
Perennial Exchange
The Grosse Ile Garden Club will hold their annual perennial exchange tomorrow at the VFW Hall on Macomb Street. Perennials can be brought in between 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. allowing visitors to browse and enjoy refreshments before the exchange begins at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome!
Open Space Committee News
Two years ago the Greenways/Open Space Committee initiated an Island wide program to remove dead or dying trees from private property. The committee is now repeating the program. Please recognize that this is a resident driven program to privately contract with tree removal contractors. The Township has merely facilitated this program for the benefit of residents and in no fashion will directly negotiate for, or contract with, either residents or contractors. The purpose is to have residents group together and have a large number of dead trees removed at one time. As a result, tree companies would be able to quote reduced prices. The program will start on June 11th. Watch future updates for contact information.
Channels is Online!!!!
The 2007 edition of Summer Channels is in the mail and should be arriving shortly. But for those who can’t wait, go to www.grosseile.com and pursue the many programs and events scheduled for your summertime enjoyment.
Upcoming Meetings
Planning Commission – Monday, May 21, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
A Good Dad Saying
“If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Lewis Carroll
This Day in History
On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington State exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.
Did you know?
Running out of steam
Heron of Greece invented steam power in 50 BC. But the leaders of the day thought that it would cause unemployment which may lead to unrest and the invention, well, ran out of steam.
The Supervisor will hold office hours to meet with residents each Wednesday and Friday afternoon and any Monday that a board meeting is scheduled. To make an appointment with the Supervisor, please contact Administrative Assistant Carol Knopp at 734.676.4422, ext. 210.
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 AM 1700 Grosse Ile Community Information Radio.
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
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