The buildable footprint of Keatington 6 was limited because of wetlands to the east and north. There wasn’t room for an entrance like the other Keatington subdivisions all have.

Also, the builder had to accommodate a pumphouse from which the township drew water.

The compromise struck was to relocate the entrances from Aldrin, Orbit, and Galaxy Way to the intersection at Orbit and Galaxy; the property is therefore our entrance.

Keating and the township thought to protect the “green space entrance, island, cul-de-sac whatever you want to call it”, by attaching it to the pumphouse which they thought would be used forever. Further protection was thought to come by planting Jack Pine, and positioning boulders carefully on the property.

Finally Keating sought to protect the property by holding the deed to the land separately.

But the township fought an adverse possession suit to take the land. I don’t understand that. Why now in 2000’s?

Galaxy Way and Orbit provide the main, green feature for our collective subdivisions, just as the entrance to Eaton Gate provides charm and character to that neighborhood.

Children play at Orbit and Galaxy. The space provides some limited access to the lake. It serves us in many ways, mainly as a meeting spot. People from all around Lake Voorhies jog and ride past and enjoy. It greets our commuters daily.

We take pride in our cul-de-sac. We all observe wildlife, the fox family that lives there, ducks, and bunnies raise their families.The property is heart and soul for our three subs. We love it.

My story is not something I just made up. It’s not hearsay. There are more than 30 neighbors who all have the same understanding about this property, and can explain it, and who have testified so to the township.

After 30 years, there is no excuse to build and destroy the property. It violates trust our community has placed in the township. There must be some solution that doesn’t break everyone’s heart.

*In the light of Flint’s water crisis, and what we now know about possible future water shortages we may face, we should rethink selling this, our valuable source of freshwater.

Eric Whitesel

Orion Twp.