The Oakland Land Conservancy (OLC) has approached Addison Township about purchasing a piece of land in the township in an effort to protect it.
The 80-acre property, located on the northeast corner of Leonard and Haven Rd., is owned by Paul Trask, who’s father owned it until he passing away.
Addison Supervisor Bob Koski said Trask and his brother have been trying to sell the land, which is about 50-acres of wetlands, for the last few years.
The Trasks have been asking for $1 million for the property, according to Koski. ‘We have told them we’re interested in it, but we don’t have the money,? he said. Enter the OLC.
If OLC were to obtain the 80-acre property from the Trasks, they would work at permanently protecting the wetlands, natural features and open space available.
They would also create a conservation easement and transfer the property to Addison for a nature park at very little cost to the township.
‘There may be some legal costs … but in theory, it should be rather low,? Koski said.
Though no monetary figures have been discussed as of yet, Koski said the purchase of the property will be funded mainly by a private developer to fulfill the obligations of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (MDEQ) wetland permit.
Once purchased, the OLC would be named as owner of the land while the developer begins protecting the land. After it is completed, the OLC would transfer ownership of the land to the township.
Although nothing has been officially presented to the Addison Township Board of Trustees, Koski said they are ‘not against the concept? and will be open to the idea of protecting the land.
The OLC has requested a closed session for discussion of the property, but a date has not yet been set.