A water capacity report shows one local township is in good shape for years to come. The Hartland Township Board of Trustees spent time going over a pilot study for their water system during the informational portion of their regular meeting Tuesday night. Supervisor Bill Fountain said they are working towards being prepared for future developments years down the road. Fountain said that the Department of Environmental Quality wants to make sure that water systems are redundant with enough pumps and capacity so they can sustain themselves in the occurrence of an anomaly. They are satisfied with Hartland Townshipâs system. The supervisor also said they are working with engineers on a new program that will allow them to double the capacity of their existing 2 filters in a timeline to be determined. The results of this new program Fountain spoke of will be less expensive for the township than adding a new vessel.
Director of Public Works Bob West said there is no immediate hurry to take action as the current system can still support up to 3 or 400 new connections. Current projections are predicting around 25 new REU hookups each year for the next few years. Once they reach the threshold a 4th pump and filter enhancements will be needed. West predicted the filter costs at $650,000, but said that would all be recouped through the sale of the REUs. The Board discussed the possibility of the Mayberry development hooking up, but they are currently expected to go onto their own system to be built to township code. Township Manager James Wickman said that while it would be possible to hook them up to the township system, the cost of that project would probably be too prohibitive for the developer. (MK)
Hartland Township Completes Pilot Water StudyHartland Township Completes Pilot Water Study
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Candidates For Governor & Attorney General To Speak At EventCandidates For Governor & Attorney General To Speak At Event
A pair of candidates for top statewide office will speak to Livingston County Democrats later this month.
Ann Arbor businessman Shri Thanedar, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, and Dana Nessel, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, will both speak at the partyâs Nov. 30 meeting. Thanedar is a political newcomer and business entrepreneur who emigrated from India in 1979, gaining citizenship in 1988. He also is a best-selling author, having written his memoirs, The Blue Suitcase.
Nessel is an attorney who spearheaded the precedent-setting case, DeBoer v. Snyder, which challenged the bans on adoption and marriage for same-sex couples in Michigan. The DeBoer case later resulted in a landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. A former assistant prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutorâs Office, Nessel has received numerous awards for her civil rights initiatives, including the âChampion of Justiceâ award from the Michigan State Bar Association, âWoman of the Yearâ from Michigan Lawyers Weekly and the âTreasure of Detroitâ award from Wayne State University Law School.
The Nov. 30 meeting will be at 7 p.m. at RE/Max Platinum Auditorium on Grand River in Genoa Township. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 810-229-4212 or email livcodems@gmail.com. (JK)
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Weekend Survival Kit Program Coming To HPSWeekend Survival Kit Program Coming To HPS
A new program will help students in Howell who may not have enough to eat through the weekends.
Weekend Survival Kit is a non-profit organization that provides meals and snacks to students in-need in a dozen communities across Michigan. Beginning December 1st they are bringing their program to Howell Public Schools. Coordinator Kristie Guadiano said there are a quite a few students in the district whose main source of food during the week is from school lunch and breakfast programs. She said on weekends they may not have the capacity to get enough to eat and that that is where Weekend Survival Kit comes in to help. Guadiano said the Williamston-based charity gets money through fundraising and different grants. The food for Howell students will then be bought at the Howell Gleanerâs and sent to a nearby church. Twice a month on Thursdays volunteers will pack the meals, and then they will be delivered on Fridays.
Guadiano said there are several ways to get involved if people wish to. They can volunteer their time twice a month packing, or twice a month delivering, or both. Financial donations are also welcome. $66 will buy a school yearâs-worth of weekend meals and snacks for one student. For more information on the Weekend Survival Kit program or how to help locally, visit www.manyhandsmi.org. (photo- manyhandsmi.org)(MK)
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Local Residents Encouraged To Opt Outside On Black Friday Local Residents Encouraged To Opt Outside On Black Friday
Livingston County residents are being encouraged to take a break from the crowds and spend the day after Thanksgiving at Michigan state parks.
All Recreation Passport fees are waived on Black Friday so that individuals and families can #OptOutside at their favorite state park. Locally at the Island Lake Recreation Area, there will be a group hike on the Hickory Ridge Hiking Trail. The hike starts at the Kent Lake parking lot at 1pm with the Friends of Island Lake State Recreation Area, REI, and Crossroads Group Sierra Club.
Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and a hunting season hike. The hike will be five miles or 2.5 miles, and organizers say there are plenty of points for people to drop off if they prefer a shorter distance. Details are available in the provided link. (JM)
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Brighton District Library Holiday Open House Coming December 9thBrighton District Library Holiday Open House Coming December 9th
The Brighton District Library is helping families get in the holiday spirit with their upcoming open house.
Santa and his reindeer will be making an early Christmas stop at the library on Saturday, December 9th, from 11am til 2pm. This family friendly event promises something for everyone, including music, treats, stories, and more. Kids can participate in making crafts based on holiday themes from around the world, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, Latvia, Israel, and America. Vintage Strings of Michigan will begin playing Celtic and bluegrass music at 12:30. Officials say it's a great chance to hear holiday songs played with banjos, guitars, mandolins, fiddles, hammer dulcimers, harmonicas, and keyboards.
All ages are welcome and admission is free. The event is made possible by the Friends of the Brighton District Library. (MK)
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Thompson Road Project Wraps Up In Fenton Township Thompson Road Project Wraps Up In Fenton Township
A road project in Fenton Township is complete.
Thompson Road between Torrey Road and the northbound US-23 ramps was reconstructed. The Genesee County Road Commission widened the road to three lanes and added a turn lane. The project got underway in July and opened to both directions of traffic on Monday. The total cost of the project is $1.4 (m) million dollars including $896,000 in grant funds, $284,000 from the Road Commission, and $240,000 from Fenton Township.
The Michigan Department of Transportation awarded a state transportation economic grant that leveraged over $9.1 (m) million dollars in private investment from Performance Fabricating for a new 100,000-square-foot production facility and headquarters on Thompson Road. The Transportation Economic Development Fund helps finance highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products.
The company specializes in steel fabrication and robotic welding. The road reconstruction is expected to increase safety, improve the road surface and enable full truck loads for vehicles accessing Performance Fabricating. (JM)
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Livingston County Residents Encouraged To Shop Local Livingston County Residents Encouraged To Shop Local
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, community members are being reminded to keep it local.
While Black Friday marks the start of deals at big box stores, Small Business Saturday is dedicated to local communities and encourages shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local â a concept both the Howell and Brighton Chambers of Commerce support.
Thereâs lots of activity in downtown Howell and a busy weekend is expected. Howell Main Street Chief Operating Officer Cathleen Edgerly says the Fantasy of Lights parade is a beloved event in the Howell community that really kicks off the festive holiday season. She says a lot of people come home and itâs a great opportunity to visit downtown and view all the beautiful storefronts. Edgerly says businesses really went all out this year to decorate their storefronts as part of a contest with the theme of winter fun, so thereâs lots of lights and creative décor.
As for Small Business Saturday, Edgerly says itâs a national movement to support small, local businesses and Howell is fortunate to have so many unique shopping and dining opportunities with freebies and special discounts. Edgerly tells WHMI many people will kick off their holiday shopping this weekend to check things off their Christmas list. She says downtown businesses offer something different, unique and special that stand out from what you typically find in big box stores. Edgerly says storefronts are decorated, making it a wonderful experience with warm treat and drinks â adding itâs a big shopping day for businesses it helps sustain them through the long winter months as well. Edgerly says Uptown Coffeehouse will serve as Howellâs Small Business Saturday headquarters. Starting at 9am, the first 200 people will get âShop Smallâ tote bags full of participating merchant coupons, giveaways and a list of businesses offering specials.
The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to shop locally not just during the holiday season but year round. President and CEO Pam McConeghy says as a Chamber of Commerce, they support small business and stand behind Giving Tuesday but noted they really support local retailers and non-profits year round in all their endeavors. She asks that people remember to shop local, even if it isnât the downtown stores but places like Green Oak Village Place mall because theyâre still supporting the local economy and thatâs whatâs most important.
McConeghy tells WHMI to keep downtowns vibrant, people need to not just shop for sales on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday but look at the value downtowns in various communities offer to the area. She says people might move out to Brighton Township because they like living on acreage perhaps but also having a downtown they can be proud of to visit, shop and dine. In order for downtowns to be economically vital, she says people need to shop in local stores and while sometime things might be a few extra bucks, business owners have to pay for not only taxes but general upkeep of their store and other expenses.
Small Business Saturday was formed as a way to get people into local stores but as that trend grows, so is Cyber Monday - which McConeghy says really seems to work against SBS. She says itâs so easy to shop online but in order to keep a city vibrant, people must frequent local stores and main streets, as well as local malls. McConeghy added everything changed with electronic shopping and from roughly 1992 to 2017 billions of dollars have been spent online, which could have been spent in local stores. McConeghy says retailers are not complaining but itâs obvious to her that shopping online with Amazon or others does hurt the bottom line of retailers downtown and elsewhere, like local malls. What she does hear from retailers is that when people are shopping for Christmas or birthdays, theyâre going online to save money on shipping etc, and that does affect downtowns. Furthermore and unfortunately, McConehgy says people will come in to a store, act like theyâre shopping but then take down different numbers and codes on items and instead make the purchase online. She says itâs very obvious to the store owner and something that happens regularly. (JM)
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Bob Press Appointed To Putnam Township BoardBob Press Appointed To Putnam Township Board
Putnam Township has a new board member.
Bob Press was appointed by unanimous vote of the Putnam Township board to replace Dick McCloskey until the next election cycle, when a special election will be held to fill the remaining 2-years of the term. Supervisor Dennis Brennan tells WHMI Dick McCloskey served Putnam Township for 25 years as treasurer and then as a Trustee. Brennan says McCloskey was re-elected in 2016 but failing health and his wife's desire to spend their remaining years in their retirement home resulted in his resignation at the boardâs September meeting, as they were selling their home in Pinckney.
Brennan says Bob Press, another dedicated public servant who served as a trustee for roughly five or six years prior to 2016 was a runner-up in the 2016, primaries but continued to serve as the liaison between the township and the Senior Center after leaving office. Prior to serving as trustee, Brennan says Press served on other boards and committees as well, including the planning commission. (JM)
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Former Law School Dean Seeks Second Run At Sec. Of StateFormer Law School Dean Seeks Second Run At Sec. Of State
A candidate for Michigan Secretary of State hopes that the second time will be the charm.
Jocelyn Benson was the Democratic candidate for the office in 2010 but lost to Republican Ruth Johnson. Johnson is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2018. Benson is seeking the Democratic nomination again, believing she is even more prepared and qualified for the role this time around. In Howell on Monday, Benson told WHMI that she has experience in positions that are similar to the Secretary of State. She said she sees the office of Secretary of State as a tremendous opportunity for a person to have a great impact at improving the lives of citizens in the state.
A Detroit resident, Benson, a Harvard Law graduate, served as dean of the Wayne State University Law School from 2012 through 2016. She currently serves as CEO and executive director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality. She has authored a book on the role of the Secretary of State, is a board member of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and founded Military Spouses of Michigan while her husband was serving in Afghanistan.
Benson believes election security is the number one concern and if elected, would create a task force to ensure that Michigan elections are honest and tamper-proof. She also would implement a â30 minute guaranteeâ that will benefit citizens by getting them into and out of polling locations and local Secretary of State branches in a half-hour or less. Benson, while running as a Democrat, believes the office should be non-partisan as the ideas of providing better service and safe elections are something everyone should have a stake in. (MK)
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Charges Authorized Against Fleeing Driver Who Caused Fatal Crash In ChelseaCharges Authorized Against Fleeing Driver Who Caused Fatal Crash In Chelsea
A man who fled from police and caused a fatal car crash in Chelsea is facing felony charges.
34-year-old Jason Baase of Bryon Center is charged with one count each of second degree murder, first-degree fleeing and eluding police, and driving while license suspended causing death. The charges stem from the crash that occurred Monday afternoon on northbound M-52 near Old Manchester Road in Chelsea. Killed in the crash was 52-year-old Dawn Anderson of Grass Lake. Baase was arraigned today at the University of Michigan Hospital where he is receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
Initial investigation shows a Michigan State Police motor carrier officer was investigating a stolen vehicle, a Chrysler 300, traveling eastbound I-94 at the Jackson / Washtenaw County line. The Chrysler 300 then exited from I-94 to northbound M-52. The motor carrier officer activated his emergency lights for the traffic stop, at which time the driver began to pull over to the shoulder of the road, but then suddenly sped off. The motor carrier officer pursued the stolen vehicle for a short distance before the driver of the stolen vehicle struck a Chevy Traverse, driven by Anderson, who was exiting a parking lot. Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Baase is being held without bond and future court dates have not been scheduled at this time. (JM/DK)
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Howell Twp. Fills Empty Trustee & Planning Commission SeatsHowell Twp. Fills Empty Trustee & Planning Commission Seats
New members have joined Howell Township's Board of Trustees and Planning Commission.
At a regular meeting earlier this month, the townshipâs Board of Trustees reviewed applications from four individuals looking to fill an empty trustee seat and three citizens for an opening on the Planning Commission. Each candidate was given the opportunity to share a little about themselves and answer questions from the Board.
The Board then voted 6 to 1 to appoint Sally Newstead to the trustee seat, which was left vacant following the resignation of Carolyn Eaton. Eaton is moving to Hartland Township and therefore can no longer serve in Howell Township. Newstead will serve a partial term ending in November of 2018.
The Board also voted 6 to 1 to appoint Martha Haglund to the Planning Commission. Haglund interned with the Livingston County Planning Department and hopes to utilize skills she acquired there in her role as a planning commissioner. During her interview, Haglund told the board if chosen, she is interested in pursuing a community park or trail for the municipality. A spot on the townshipâs Planning Commission opened up after Adam Dale resigned. His resignation came due to his recent appointment as a federal judge. (DK)
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LESA Snack Pack Food Drive Begins MondayLESA Snack Pack Food Drive Begins Monday
Snacks are being sought for a yearly food drive that provides for students in need during the holiday break.
The Livingston Educational Service Agency, or LESA, developed The Education Project a number of years ago after realizing just how many students are considered homeless in the area. The program collects non-perishable food items, which are then put together in snack packs and sent home with students in need during their winter break from school. Coordinator Candice Olrich says during break, those students arenât able to receive the free breakfast and lunch from school that they normally do. The snack packs are used to supplement those missing meals.
Olrich says the projectâs goal is to fill a need so students can focus on their education, instead of worrying about going hungry. She says the need is definitely there, as there approximately 450-500 students in Livingston County who are considered homeless.
Olrich adds the program could not succeed without the communityâs generous support, and that it is greatly appreciated. Last year, nearly 250 students received snack packs and 10 emergency food kits were given to families in need of food.
Donations can be dropped off at LESA, which is located off of Grand River in Howell, Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. The drive will begin November 27th and go through December 8th. The snack packs will then be distributed the week of December 11th.
Some suggested snacks include but are limited to pudding cups, Ramen noodles, oatmeal, fruit snacks, popcorn, juice boxes, granola bars, mini cereal boxes, snack-size chips or pretzels, and fruit cups. (DK)
LESA Facebook Photo.
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Black Friday Vs. Buy Nothing Day Black Friday Vs. Buy Nothing Day
If you missed the big Black Friday sales and deals, an emerging point of view says you may actually have dodged a financial bullet.
Millions flocked to their favorite stores on Black Friday and economists expect that consumers will have spent more than $3 (B) billion dollars to kick off the holiday shopping season this year. But some financial experts say you should have a plan before you grab your checkbook or credits cards. And others want you to consider not shopping at all. Bruce McClary with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling says consumers shouldnât necessarily plan to do all of their holiday bargain hunting on Black Friday. "You can find bargains throughout the year and Black Friday is not the only day of the year where sale prices are available. So I think it's helpful for people to look for opportunities throughout the year to save on things they know they'll need for the holiday season."
However, another group feels the best way to protect both your finances and sanity is to skip Black Friday altogether. Buy Nothing Day coincides with Black Friday and serves as a way to avoid what is viewed as the heavy-handed commercialism that's overtaken the holiday season. Buy Nothing Day encourages people to cut up their credit cards and pursue alternative activities. The term Black Friday was coined in the 1960âs and adopted by corporations and merchants because many count on holiday sales to generate a large percentage of their annual revenues. (JM/JK)
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Northfield Township Accepting Applications For Various BoardsNorthfield Township Accepting Applications For Various Boards
Time is running out to apply for an open position within the Northfield Township office.
With 2107 coming to an end so are several memberâs terms on various boards. Two openings on the Planning Commission will be coming up after December 31st. The Planning Commission advises township officials in matters of planning and community development, while also developing the Master Plan and dealing with new language and amendments to zoning ordinances. One member and one alternate spot are opening up on the Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA has the ability to grant variances and exemptions to the zoning ordinance in instances where there is evidence of hardship. Finally, the Board of Review is seeking an additional alternate. The Board of Review meets in March, July, and December, and conducts public hearings on property appeals, reviews clerical errors, and more.
Complete job descriptions and applications can be found on the townshipâs website. Applications are due by Wednesday, December 6th. (MK)
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Downtown Howell Challenging Residents On Giving TuesdayDowntown Howell Challenging Residents On Giving Tuesday
Howell Main Street is challenging residents to step up and donate to receive matching funds on Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday is a celebration of the American spirit of community, entrepreneurialism, and generosity. This year, Howell Downtown is hoping to raise $20,000 on Giving Tuesday that will benefit many of their existing and upcoming projects. Their â5 for 5 challengeâ is challenging residents to get 5 of their friends or family members to donate a minimum of $5 on their downtown Facebook page. Donations made through Facebook will be matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Main Street Chief Operating Officer Cathleen Edgerly said âEvery person and every dollar equals one awesome downtown, and itâs a testament to that when Howell is named one of the top ten Great American Main Street communities two out of the past three years.â
All of the donations go directly to the projects and programs downtown. Some of those include alleyway improvement projects, public art, and opportunities to provide free music. For more information, visit downtownhowell.org, or their Facebook page. (A link is below) (MK)
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Dexter Farm Verified Under Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program Dexter Farm Verified Under Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program
A local farm has been recognized by the state for implementing appropriate pollution prevention practices.
22 farms have been recognized under the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Developmentâs Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. Of those, Shurmur Farms of Dexter was named a verified farm in cropping and farmstead systems. The program assists farmers to comply with state and federal environmental regulations and with Right to Farm practices.
Officials say Michigan is leading the national agriculture community in effective stewardship practices with the voluntary, incentive-based program. By taking the steps necessary to become an environmentally verified operation, the 22 farms contribute to the assurance of sustainable farming practices. The multi-year program encompasses four systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all four systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.
To become verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risks. The state department conducts an on farm inspection to verify program requirements and when completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a verified farm, inspections must be conducted every five years and action steps must be followed. Twitter photo. (JM)
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Plaque at Sheriff's Office Recognizes Employees Who Served in the MilitaryPlaque at Sheriff's Office Recognizes Employees Who Served in the Military
Current or past veterans who now are employed by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office are being honored for their military service.
Sheriff Mike Murphy was presented with the plaque at the Livingston County Board of Commissionersâ meeting last week. The plaque was presented by Hansel Keene, a mentor and founding member of the Livingston County Veteransâ Treatment Court, and Sgt. Kevin Mack of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office. Both men are veterans of the United States Marine Corps. Murphy says Sgt. Mack wanted to recognize veterans that have worked for the Sheriffâs Office by memorializing their names on the plaque that will hang in the lobby.
The plaque lists 35 current or former employees, with empty spaces to add names in the future. A statement engraved in the top of the plaque says the Sheriffâs Office recognizes the dedication of its veteran employees. It also says the Sheriffâs Office is proud to have men and women among their ranks who âraised their hand to defend and serve the citizens of Livingston County.â (DK)
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Probate Judge Ready For Challenge Of Chief JudgeProbate Judge Ready For Challenge Of Chief Judge
Livingston County's incoming Chief Judge says she is ready for the challenge. Effective Jan. 1st.
Livingston County Probate Court Judge Miriam Cavanaugh will become chief judge of the Livingston County courts. That includes the 44th Judicial Circuit Court, the 53rd District Court and the Probate and Family Courts. Earlier this month the Michigan Supreme Court appointed Cavanaugh to the chief judgeâs position for a 2-year term. She replaces Judge David Reader, who reportedly decided not to opt for a re-appointment. However, Reader remains a Livingston County Circuit Court Judge; his current term runs through 2022.
Judge Cavanaugh tells WHMI that although the prospect of being in charge of all the countyâs courts is formidable, sheâs ready to step up. "It appears rather daunting, but I think its a challenge I'm up for and ready to take on in continuing to serve the citizens of Livingston County."
Cavanaugh was first elected Livingston County Probate Court Judge in 2012; her current, 6-year term ends next year. Prior to being elected judge, she was an assistant prosecutor in the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office. The chief judge is the presiding officer of the court and, according to the state court system guidelines, has administrative superintending power and control over judges and court personnel. The chief Judgeâs responsibilities include caseload management and disposition of judicial workloads, supervision of all court personnel, and finances and other critical functions.
The Michigan Supreme Court this month named 142 judges to serve as chief judges around the state for 2-year terms beginning the first of the year. (TT)
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Milford Man Enters Plea In Death Of Infant DaughterMilford Man Enters Plea In Death Of Infant Daughter
A plea has been entered by a Milford man charged with the accidental death of his infant daughter.
26-year-old Keith Allen Brown had been set to stand trial January 8th on charges of involuntary manslaughter and 2nd degree child abuse in the death of his 6-month-old daughter, Sophia Grace Brown. But court records show he entered a no contest plea last week to the involuntary manslaughter charge. In exchange, the child abuse count was dismissed.
Milford Police, fire and EMS responded to a 911 call from Brown around 10pm on February 2nd stating his daughter was not responsive. Rescue efforts were not successful and the baby was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police say Brown appeared highly intoxicated and initially stated he didnât know what happened, and that the baby fell asleep on a mattress on the floor. He had a preliminary blood alcohol level above .31%. Further interviews revealed Brown fell asleep on the couch with his daughter between his arm and body. There was shifting at some point, which caused the child to suffocate.
A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as one at sentencing, which will be held December 14th. Brown is expected to receive a 2-year minimum sentence for the crime, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. (JK)
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Howell Council Concerned County Reducing Economic Development ServicesHowell Council Concerned County Reducing Economic Development Services
Some members of the Howell City Council expressed concerns about recent decisions at the county level and reduced funding for economic development services.
Council met last Monday night, the same night the Livingston County Board of Commissioners met and voted to modify a contract with the Economic Development Council of Livingston County. That body then contracts with Ann Arbor SPARK for regional services. The countyâs financial contribution was reduced from $200,000 to $175,000 and the contract is now one year, instead of three. Some commissioners expressed a desire for more information about the work SPARK does and where the money goes before committing to a longer term contract. At the county meeting, SPARK Senior Vice President Phil Santer stated providing the information is not a problem said given the boardâs conversation, SPARK wants to be as transparent as possible, adding he believes Livingston County is âgetting a significant bang for its buck.â
The Howell City Council discussed concerns about the reduced funding and short term nature of the agreement, with Mayor Nick Proctor calling it very concerning the county cannot be counted on for support. Others felt the move indicates the county is backing out of a leadership role with economic development. It was noted that from a staff perspective, the City has found the partnership to be a real asset to the community. Howell City Manager Shea Charles says Council will continue to engage in conversations with the county. If commissioners do choose not to participate in the future, Charles says it would really put the county as a whole at a disadvantage in regard to economic development. He says the mayor and council want to continue with the vital program that really impacts the entire county but has also been very beneficial for the City.
Charles says since 2012, the EDC has identified about $280 (M) million worth of development in Livingston County, which is directly attributable to the work the EDC has done in partnership with SPARK. Of that $280 (m) million, Charles says they place about $160 (m) million of that investment actually in the City of Howell between the Thai Summit investment and improvements at Chem Trend. He says the EDC and staff at SPARK really played a critical role in helping the City bring those projects together and identify potential grant funding as well as helping them through the development process. (JM)
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