It’s that time of year again.
A time for local government officials to set forth goals they wish to see come to light in the new year.
Aside from all township officials and trustees being up for re-election in November, here’s what local officials have to look forward to in 2008.
For Addison Township Supervisor Bob Koski, the list is a short, but important one.
Adding more gravel to the numerous dirt roads in the township is a high priority, though which roads will be graveled won’t be determined until sometime after March when the budget is complete.
The supervisor also plans to see the expansion of the Watershed Preserve park, located north of Leonard on Rochester Rd., completed by June or July. Currently, trees are being cleared and dirt dumped for a new entrance and parking area, ‘so people can use it more,? according to Koski.
The township is also hoping to move forward with the Oakland Land Conservancy’s (OLC) plans to preserve and protect 80-acres of property located on the northeast corner of Leonard and Haven Rd.
After preservation is finished, Koski said the OLC will help the township write a Michigan Natural Features Trust Fund Grant so the township could acquire the property for the community’s use.
Once transferred to Addison Twp., it would be the township Park Committee’s job to maintain the property. Any trails or boardwalks for fishing they may want to add to the conserved area would be funded solely by the township.
Koski said Donna Folland, the Executive Director for the OLC will be on hand at the next Board of Trustees meeting (Tuesday, Jan.22) to give the public a timeline for the project.
In Oxford Township, supervisor Bill Dunn has one wish for the new year.
‘I’d like the economy to turn around,? he said. ‘It’s going to be a rough year not only for Oxford Township, but probably the entire state.?
With building severely decreased and property values shrinking in Oakland County, Dunn said it’ll take a lot of work to rebound.
However, he is excited about the possible Kohl’s department store being built just north of town and Detroit-based American Axle bringing about 80 new jobs right away and then 200 in the long-run.
‘They’re doing some modifications at the property (2300 X-Celsior) and I believe they’re putting some equipment in the building,? he said. ‘So, it’s moving along.?
At the village level, Manager Joe Young said there’s a lot to look forward to as well.
He’s hoping the Jan. 22 meeting with the Michigan Department of Transportation will bring about some changes in the ongoing traffic and pedestrian issues along M-24; mainly, the installation of traffic signals at Stanton/Dennison and Broadway.
Young also said the Oxford Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is hoping to have the Oxford-based Relume Technologies install new LED (light-emitting diodes) lights in all of the parking lots downtown.
‘They’re a third of the energy cost and have a much brighter, more natural light,? Young said. ‘We’re excited about having those done.?
Young said the village has also considered the possibility of getting the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum to move from their current headquarters on the corner of W. Burdick and Washington into the vacated township hall at 18 W. Burdick.
‘We’re looking at the possibility of having a seven-day a week business there,? he said. ‘It’s just a suggestion some people have.?
Also being anticipated by village officials and residents alike is the opening of the restaurant and ice cream parlor being built next to Centennial Park, as well as the Crittenton Medical Plaza on S. Washington.
‘We’ve got a lot of good things to look forward to this coming year,? Young said.