A community center might be in the cards for Orion Township if residents like what they hear when Tom Chen presents his final report to the board of trustees on April 5.
Chen was hired to do a feasibility study for Orion Township possibly building a community center. The process has been ongoing for the past two years, and Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk said the matter could soon be before voters.
‘I think we’re anticipating a public hearing at 8 p.m. on April 19,? he said. ‘After that the board will decide what to do…it’s my anticipation we’ll have a millage to vote on. It’ll be up to the citizens how they want to go forward.?
Another project moving forward in the township is the renovating of Union Church. Supervisor’s assistant Jill Verros said the church governing board, of which trustee Michael Gingell is now a member, will present a phases plan for using the rest of their funds at the next board meeting.
‘It’s all on track now,? Verros said.
Dywasuk said overall the township is doing well fiscally, and the board will be getting its final audit report in May.
‘We’re in a very advantageous position,? he said. ‘In early 2000 we had tremendous growth, and we’re now becoming the financial center for North Oakland County.
‘Businesses contribute tax revenue, and generally don’t require as many services (as residential),? Dywasuk said.
Dywasuk reported that improvements in some major roads in the township are planned for the near future.
‘MDOT has indicated they’ll completely resurface Lapeer Road from Brown Road up to Oxford this year,? he said.
‘The road commission is talking about closing Baldwin Road from Clarkston to Indianwood while they build the roundabout,? Dywasuk said. ‘We’re going to talk about some options.?
Dywasuk hopes to see the township’s parks and recreation department continue to provide quality programs for residents.
‘I think there’s a misunderstanding about the funds available,? he said. ?(Parks and rec) has inherited a lot of expenses they don’t have control over…for budgeting, things got moved out of the general fund into various departments. It’s not like (parks and rec) are really spending more money.?
Dywasuk said the township has been approached about a privately-owned hockey rink possibly being built in the Brown Road/I-75 area.
‘As much as we’re doing (with parks and rec), I think we could do a lot more,? he said.