FeedsSupport grows for purchase
Add two more groups to the list of organizations that support the purchase of the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital property.
The Board of Directors of the Cascades of Northville has endorsed the purchase, and the Protect our Future (POF) organization has put on a successful fundraiser to campaign for the millage.
“It’s nice to hear our residents getting involved,” said Township Supervisor Mark Abbo. He spoke to both groups, but only to provide information, not to advocate a positive or negative vote.
Township voters will decide whether to purchase the property, which is along Seven Mile road between Haggerty and Northville roads. The township will levy up to one mill for 15 years to fund the $23 million purchase of the property.
Under the purchase agreement signed by township officials and REIS, the developers would keep 68 acres for commercial development along the Haggerty-Seven Mile corner, as well as an additional 14 acres for set backs and rights of way.
The township will preserve its portion of the land, developing only trails throughout its hilly terrain.
“The Board supports the Township’s desire to secure this unique and beautiful property for the Township’s intended use as a park and nature area for the Township’s residents for generations to come,” wrote Eric Lark, president of the Cascades subdivision board of directors.
He said, however, that the decision reflected the board’s opinion, not all of the residents in the 60 homes in the subdivision. He said he would email those residents a copy of the resolution, though, as well as a copy of the frequently asked questions about the land and urge they vote for it on Aug. 4.
Carol Poenisch, one of the organizers of POF, said a fundraiser organized by the group last week was well-attended.
The next events for the group are another fundraiser that takes place from 5-7 p.m. on July 13 at the Northville Spots Den, which is on the lower level of the Northville Square Mall on W. Cady Street.
Township resident Laurie Marrs will moderate an informational town hall meeting on the property and upcoming vote from 7-9 p.m. on July 14 at Northville Township Hall.
Abbo said he appreciated the support, but does not know how the vote will turn out.
“I really don’t have a sense of it, yet,” he said of the Aug. 4 vote.
