This is the second in a series of articles about the proposed “open space” millage, set for a November vote, this time focusing on those in support.

Resource protection trumps tax concerns for supporters of an open-space millage proposal.
‘That’s true, we’re asking for tax money,” said Jim Reed, member of Independence Goes Green, a group formed to promote the millage. “If they (opponents) don’t want to spend tax money, then why do they want to live in this community? Go live on the back end of Alaska or the Yukon. You don’t have to pay any taxes up there.?
The new tax, which would collect up to 0.45 mills on property over 10 years, about $768,400 total, would be used to purchase and preserve undeveloped property in Independence Township, he said.
“Avoiding further traffic congestion, pollution and damage to our ground water from uncontrolled runoff are major benefits that will accrue from this millage,” Reed said.
“In addition, we will protect our drinking water wells which we all depend on. I feel that we need fewer strip malls and drug stores while protecting two critical water corridors- the Clinton River and Sashabaw Creek.”
The money would be used to purchase property or property rights, called easements.
“You don’t have to buy it, you can buy easements,? said Reed. ‘That would take the property out of the development packet, keep it with the owner, and protect the wetlands and waters at the same time.?
Fountains Golf and Banquet Center, formerly Liberty, is an example, he said.
‘The easement not only saved the course for the community, but it certainly permits active recreation,” he said. ‘Easements on public lands can allow many and diverse recreational uses. The purpose of easements is to insure that the lands can never be sold or commercially developed.?
Independence Township Parks and Rec would be in charge of administering funds, selecting and managing all properties acquired, and directing maintenance.
‘All millage monies go directly to the township,? he said.
North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy is mentioned in the millage proposal because it would help maintain the properties, he said.
‘We think people moved out here because it’s rural,? he said. ‘We don’t want to be another Auburn Hills and the only way you can avoid that is to take some of this property off the market.?
The land conservancy, a non profit organization, would receive the same benefit as the general public, Reed said.
‘More open space, better ground water protection, reduced congestion and pollution,? he said. ‘NOHLC will be obligated to inspect the properties and work with the township to maintain them ? a negative benefit. It adds more work for their volunteers.?
Independence Township’s Master Plan has a Greenways Plan, including waterways, wetland corridors, and other natural resources, Safety Path system, tree-canopied streets, parks and other preserved areas, and cluster developments with private open space.
However, it doesn’t guarantee anything, Reed said.
‘The Greenways Plan says, here is where greenways can be. It doesn’t say the township is going to do a thing about it. They give lip service to green, but haven’t committed to anything,? he said. ‘We’ve got a nice thing on paper, but no process to implement. Our objective here is to make it happen.?
The group plans an informational meeting, 7 p.m., Sept. 23, at Carriage House, Clintonwood Park.
Coming up next: Independence Township’s role in the proposed millage.