Local developers breathed a sigh of relief when Lake Orion Village Council members on Feb. 28 unanimously voted to let them go ahead with their 27-single-family unit condominiums on the west side of Newman Road.
Council president Bill Siver, who is one of the developers, asked that he be allowed to vote. ‘I don’t feel a conflict exists,? he said. ‘We’ve met everything asked for by the Master Plan.
According to the village’s charter, any council member who has a financial interest in any question that may come before the council should ask to be excused from voting on the subject.
Siver was frustrated because the village has been unable to seat a full council for the past several months due to vacations. The council had decided to delay any action on the proposed development until more members were present.
Councilman Harry Stephens was the only councilman absent on Feb. 28.
‘If we can’t have a full council, I shouldn’t be left out,? Siver said.
Council members had indicated by a vote at a meeting in January that Siver not participate in any vote on Newton Meadows.
Village attorney Gary Dovre told council members they could revisit the motion to excuse Siver, but they declined to do so.
‘I can’t go against this (the development) if this is what the community wants,? councilman Tom Albert said. ‘But I would like to see more green space.?
According to developer James Cummins, 25 residents in the area and 15 businesses have indicated they’re in support of the project.
Cummins said the development will be a big plus for the community. ‘We’ve been told everyone wants single family residences in the village.
‘The houses are characteristic of the turn of the century. We’ve tried to bring in all the things encouraged by the Master Plan,? he added.
Cummins was asked why sidewalks aren’t part of the project.
‘We’re trying to keep a rural appearance. Everyone came to the conclusion that sidewalks aren’t what we want to see in this development,? he said.
‘And currently these lots are nonconforming. We’ll be legalizing these lots.?
The homes, just over 1,750 square feet plus garage, would be sold for $230,000-$240,000.