FeedsProperty claim may slow project
The latest wrench in the Sheldon Road underpass project has nothing to do with zoning boards or utility companies, but with a property owner.
Elected officials in both the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township were told during the holidays by Wayne County that a person has alleged ownership of property along M-14 and the railroad tracks, west of Sheldon Road.
“A person has stepped forward to make a claim of ownership,” said Alan Helmkamp, assistant executive of Wayne County. Helmkamp, who wouldn’t name the property owner, said Wayne County lawyers are working to resolve the issue.
Romel Casab of Commerce Township, may be the individual in question and may own the property.
Casab of Michigan Financial Investments has purchased tax-reverted properties throughout Michigan in the past, notably a downtown Detroit parking garage in 2003. He has refused comment on the matter through his lawyer Barry Steinway.
“The public records speak for themselves,” said Steinway who declined further comment.
The discovery of a potential owner is another setback for the road project that goes back to the late 1990s. The closure of Sheldon Road and construction of the underpass was set to begin in late 2006. Unforeseen issues with water and power lines pushed the project back past the New Year.
Preliminary work on removing utility polls and rerouting water connections is continuing as attorneys for the county and the property owner negotiate. Helmkamp said he is unsure when the closure will take place and construction begin.
