After months of discussions, the Independence Township board voted not to recommend the closing of Campfire Circle.
However at their June 15 meeting, the board did say they would recommend the installation of speed humps, which are larger than traditional speed bumps, if petitioned by the residents.
Campfire Circle connects Lake Waldon Village and Spring Lake subdivisions. Residents of Lake Waldon Village petitioned the township to close the street which they said is used as a cut-through. Residents stated traffic, vandalism and speeding are all concerns and their safety is at risk.
Residents were hoping for either the complete closure of the street or the installation of a gate. However, the board was unanimous in agreeing both were not options for the community.
‘I am voting no for a basic, fundamental reason,? Trustee Larry Rosso said. ‘I don’t believe we should in any way be building barriers. It divides the community, divides the neighborhoods and divides the township. We work on behalf of the entire township, not just a part of a neighborhood.?
Trustee Dan Kelly said it was a safety issue.
‘The issue has been presented as a health and safety concern within one neighborhood but I think it conflicts with the health and safety of the entire township as it relates to police and fire,? Kelly said.
Before voting, township attorney Steve Joppich informed the board Campfire Circle, as well as all roads in all phases of Lake Waldon Village, were public roads. There was a debate at a previous meeting as to whether the road was public or private.
The board held a public hearing on May 11 when they heard from residents of both subdivisions as well as township officials. Township Planner Dick Carlisle, Independence Township Lieutenant Dale LaBair and Independence Township Fire Chief Steve Ronk all opposed the closing of the road.
If the residents decide to petition for speed humps, they would pay for the installation with a Special Assessment District.
‘To go against all our consultants would not be a good idea for us,? Clerk Joan McCrary said. ‘This is not a decision because we just don’t want to close the road. All of our consultants and the Oakland County Road Commission have told us why we should keep it open.?
While the township does not have the jurisdiction to open or close the road, they were choosing whether to recommend or oppose the issue to the OCRC.