Nearly six years after it was filed, the trial of a lawsuit against Hartland Consolidated Schools by a former administrator again has a court date.
Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it removed her as principal from Creekside Elementary School. After years of appeals and delays, the case was set to go to trial last October, but was adjourned for discussions over a possible settlement in the case. Those discussions apparently failed as court records now show a new trial date of August 28th has been scheduled in Genesee County Circuit Court.
Sahouri claims her removal as principal and re-assignment to a teaching position was in retaliation for reporting âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered state-mandated student achievement tests. The district had sought to dismiss the lawsuit, taking the case to the Michigan Supreme Court, which declined to hear the appeal, allowing the lawsuit to go forward. The district contends Sahouriâs re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at Creekside improperly gained access to material from the tests.
Sahouriâs attorney alleges Hartland administration led a âout-of-control lynch mobâ that âtrashedâ her career in part due to a ticket she received in the summer of 2011 for allowing a minor to consume alcohol at her Argentine Township home during a graduation party.
The ticket was later dismissed and Sahouri settled a lawsuit over the matter with Argentine Township for $150,000. The district has contended that incident had nothing to do with its decision regarding Sahouri. (JK)
New Trial Date Set For Lawsuit By Former Hartland Schools AdministratorNew Trial Date Set For Lawsuit By Former Hartland Schools Administrator
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Barricaded Woman With Gun In Fowlerville, Police On SceneBarricaded Woman With Gun In Fowlerville, Police On Scene
A number of police and emergency responders are on scene at a mobile home community in Fowlerville for a barricaded situation involving a woman.
A Fowlerville police officer and a Livingston County Sheriffâs deputy initially responded to a 911 call of a 65-year-old female with a handgun. Three gunshots were heard that came from inside of the residence, in the area of Chestnut and Grandshire in the Grandshire Estates manufactured housing community.
Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler tells WHMI they made contact with the woman through the door and she refused help while threatening to kill police and anybody else who tries to enter the home. He says family members noted the woman has mental health issues and they expressed concerns about her possibly abusing prescription drugs. Tyler says the woman is in possession of a handgun and they are treating this as a barricaded gunwoman situation.
The Livingston County Tactical Team is on scene, along with the Southeast Livingston Special Response Team, which includes officers from Green Oak and Hamburg Townships, as well as the City of Brighton. Tyler says they are taking precautions for her safety and others. He says the scene has been secured and surrounding homes have been evacuated and they are trying to establish communication but so far have had no luck. Tyler says updates will be provided as the situation progresses. (JM)
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BAS Director Of Special Education Wins AwardBAS Director Of Special Education Wins Award
A local administrator was recently recognized with an award for her work in special education.
Marci Moloney won the Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award for her professional work at the Livingston Educational Service Agency serving Brighton Area Schools this past year. Moloney serves as director of special education for Brighton Area Schools. The prestigious award is presented annually at the June meeting of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. The mission of MAASE is to provide leadership for the development and implementation of quality programs and services for students with disabilities within the total education community. The award presented to Moloney recognizes the outstanding service and leadership in the role of a local district public school special education director.
Nominations of deserving candidates are solicited and received by the local district Board of Directors representative. The candidate of the award must demonstrate qualities of service, leadership, vision and collaboration but it also a leader who has implemented innovative programming which contributes to the field of special education. Photos: MAASE. (JM)
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Country Dance Hall-Lounge-Restaurant Approved for Former Border CantinaCountry Dance Hall-Lounge-Restaurant Approved for Former Border Cantina
The owners of Single Barrel Social â the dance hall, restaurant and lounge proposed for the former Border Cantina in Brighton â have the green light to go ahead with the project.
The Brighton Planning Commission Monday night unanimously approved the site plan for the project. Since it does not involve a zoning change, it is not required to go before the City Council for final approval. Planning Commission Chairman Matt Smith tells WHMI The building is located between the Mill Pond Walkway and Belle Tire on West Grand River in Brighton. After a number of years in Brighton, the Border Cantina closed in January, leaving about 25 employees out of work.
Christopher Klebba, who purchased the establishment, plans to include a high-end restaurant along with a raised dance floor with live music and a lounge that will serve what he calls âeliteâ drinks. It will also have an outdoor patio.
The site plan approved by the Planning Commission Monday night includes a 1,000-square-foot addition and major renovations to both the interior and exterior of the building that will cost Klebba and Northern Diamond Management LLC of Brighton, his investment and equity management company, about $3 million.
Klebba hopes to open Single Barrel Social later this year, kicking it off with a major country music singer for the grand opening. (TT)
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County Board Won't Take Up Resolution Opposing Marijuana LegalizationCounty Board Won't Take Up Resolution Opposing Marijuana Legalization
A resolution opposing the personal use of marijuana did not make it on to Monday nightâs agenda of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, in part due to legal concerns.
Commissioner Dave Domas has been working to get the resolution on both committee and board agendas, but efforts have failed. Last night, a 2/3 vote in support was needed. He says there is strong opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana, noting students previously attended a meeting to share personal experiences about how their lives have been negatively affected, asking the board to support the resolution. He called it a public safety nightmare as hospital entries and domestic violence increase while learning ability decreases. Domas says there isnât a good thing about "recreational" marijuana, except that it feels good and because we are sometimes in a feel good culture, people think itâs the right thing to do but he has opposed this from the very start.
Commissioners Domas, Bob Bezotte, Doug Helzerman and William Green all supported the resolution and spoke about the dangers of legalizing marijuana for personal use and what they perceive to be huge problems in Colorado. However, the countyâs legal counsel offered an initial opinion expressing concerns that approving such a resolution and taking an official stance on the issue might open up the door to legal problems and could put the county in jeopardy under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. One county has approved a similar resolution in opposition, but it was approved in 2017 before the initiative was on the ballot.
Commissioner Dennis Dolan commented everyone will have the opportunity to vote on the issue in November and he did not want to jeopardize the county. Commissioners Carol Griffith, Kate Lawrence and Gary Childs echoed legal concerns and agreed voters will be able to decide the issue. Board Chair Don Parker Chairman commented the legalization of marijuana for personal use has dramatically affected Colorado in a fundamental way and legality does not negate the black market, stressing it is still illegal federally raising a host of other issues. Parker clarified he is against legalizing marijuana for personal use and will be opposing the measure in November. He opened up the floor and made sure every commissioner had as much time as they wanted to clarify their stance on the issue but stressed the board should not go into areas of legality. Parker said he canât bring forth a resolution that runs afoul of the law and then vote on it in the affirmative. He stated the board canât run afoul to the law no matter what anyoneâs principles or how deeply felt, adding he doesnât doubt the sincerity of anyone on the board.
During the call to the public portion of the meeting, Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt commented that they were not there to advise the board on way or the other but are opposed to legalizing the personal use of marijuana.
The ballot proposal, which limits open usage to residents ages 21 and over, would legalize the possession and sale of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use, while taxing its sale at 10% in addition to the state's 6% sales tax. The resolution presented by Domas is attached. (JM)
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Fowlerville Woman Hospitalized After Police Stand-Off In Grandshire EstatesFowlerville Woman Hospitalized After Police Stand-Off In Grandshire Estates
A suicidal woman was hospitalized following a standoff with police at her mobile home community in Fowlerville.
A Fowlerville police officer and a Livingston County Sheriffâs deputy initially responded Monday afternoon to a 911 call of a possibly suicidal 65-year-old female with a handgun. Three gunshots were heard that came from inside of the residence, in the area of Chestnut and Grandshire in the Grandshire Estates manufactured housing community. Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler tells WHMI they made contact with the woman through the door and she refused help while threatening to kill police and anybody else who tries to enter the home. He says family members noted the woman has mental health issues and they expressed concerns about her possibly abusing prescription drugs. The woman was in possession of a handgun and police treated it as a barricaded person with a gun situation.
The Livingston County Tactical Team was called out, along with the Southeast Livingston Special Response Team, which includes officers from Green Oak and Hamburg Townships, as well as the City of Brighton. Surrounding homes were evacuated as a safety precaution as there was limited success in trying to communicate with the woman. Tyler says the tactical teams were able to breach a window and observed the female unresponsive in her bedroom. He says the gun was observed to be in her hand and the tactical teams were able to secure the gun and render aide to the female until EMS arrived on location. Tyler says preliminary investigation indicates the female tried overdosing on her prescription medication. He says she was transported to the Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell. Her condition is unknown.
Tyler thanked all of the agencies that assisted in the incident, as well as the citizens that were evacuated for their patience and support. Also assisting on scene were the Fowlerville Fire Department, Livingston County EMS and the Livingston County DART team. (JM)
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Headlee Override Request Expected On November Ballot For City Of HowellHeadlee Override Request Expected On November Ballot For City Of Howell
The City of Howell will likely pursue a Headlee Override request for the ballot in the November election, as the stateâs fiscal model and local revenue challenges have put the municipality in a tight spot financially.
Howell City Council gathered Monday for a work session regarding the cityâs 2018-2019 budget with a focus on revenue. The lack thereof is said to be the biggest budget challenge and generating more revenue is something the municipality âcanât grow its way out ofâ by way of development, according to Mayor Nick Proctor.
City Manager Shea Charles says theyâve already made significant cuts in the past, now running with a staff thatâs âstretched very thinâ despite their sacrifices during the recession, like a seven-year wage freeze and lowered benefits. Charles says the city is not unique in its financial troubles, citing the state's "broken fiscal model" as a major player in almost all Michigan communities facing hardships. Charles says that combined with millage rollbacks, legacy costs and continued under-funding of statutory revenue sharing. Placing a positive lens on their situation, Councilman Andrew Yost says, "The fact that we're up against this wall right now is really a testament to how fiscally responsible we have been."
At the budget workshop, council members discussed bringing a Headlee Override request before voters in November of 2018 or May of 2019 to boost revenue. If approved, the Override would return the City to a higher, previous level of taxation. Council ultimately decided to move forward with placing the request to levy 20 mills for five years on the November ballot. The generated funds would be used for infrastructure improvements and maintaining existing city services.
City Councilâs next meeting is Monday, June 25th, at which time Charles says theyâll recap the budget discussion and layout a schedule, which may include public forums to educate voters on the basis of the cityâs request. City leaders are hoping for significant attendance, as Proctor says, âWe need to convey the seriousness of our revenue problem.â (DK)
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Fundraising Bike Event To Again Hold Kickoff Event At BalloonfestFundraising Bike Event To Again Hold Kickoff Event At Balloonfest
The Howell Rotary Club will be looking to take advantage of the crowds expected during this weekendâs Michigan Challenge Balloonfest for its annual Tour de Livingston kick-off event.
Cyclists will meet in downtown Howell on Sunday, June 24th. The ride starts in front of the Livingston County Historic Courthouse at 6:45am with 5, 10 & 25 mile loops available. All riders will make their first stop to watch the balloons fly in to the site of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest and will also receive a commemorative water bottle. The Tour de Livingston, set this year for October 7th, benefits local basic need programs addressing hunger, homelessness, children, and unemployment issues through the Livingston County United Way. Since its start in 2008, the event has raised over $250,000 to address the communityâs most critical needs. Youâll find details about this weekendâs kickoff ride through the link below. (JK)
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Brighton Planning Commission OKs Plans to Convert Historic Home for Commercial UseBrighton Planning Commission OKs Plans to Convert Historic Home for Commercial Use
The Brighton City Planning Commission has approved a site plan to make commercial use of the home of former City Council Member Ricci Bandkau, who passed away on Christmas Eve of 2015. However, the developer promises he will respect the historic character of the 1860âs-era home at 142 Brighton Lake Road.
The red brick Victorian home was purchased in 2016 by Dan and Anna Oginsky from Don Bandkau, Ricci Bandkauâs surviving spouse. Dan Oginsky tells WHMI he and his wife have three main goals for the project: because of their passion for the history of the area, to do a historical renovation, and to make a space for her yoga and physical therapy business.
The historic house will be called âWarm Hearted Homeâ and if given final approval by the City Council Thursday will be renovated and expanded to have space for several mixed-use offices.
The general contractor on the project is Tom Jaworski of Forest Ridge Construction and the architect is Tim McCotter of McCotter Architect & Design. Oginsky received a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals to reduce the number required parking spaces from 24 to 20. Oginsky plans on constructing a carriage house on the property and an addition to the home.
Plans call for completion of the project sometime in 2019. Planning Commission and City Council Member Jim Bohn said he knew Ricci Bandkau well, and feels that were she alive, she would be pleased with the Oginskysâ plans for the historic home. Oginsky says he will be investing about $1 million in the project. (TT)
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Teen Sentenced To Probation For School ThreatTeen Sentenced To Probation For School Threat
A sentence has been handed down to one of two suspects charged with threatening to shoot up a Whitmore Lake school building.
18-year-old Eric Gordon Deaton, who along with 17-year-old Michael Gage Perks, was charged in Washtenaw County Trial Court on charges of false report or threat of terrorism, a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Deaton pleaded guilty in April and on Monday was ordered to serve two years of probation. He was sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will give him a clean record if he successfully completes probation.
Northfield Township Police received information March 13th from Superintendent Tom DeKeyser regarding a threat to âshoot up a school buildingâ within the district, which was forced to close the following day as officers investigated. Deaton and Perks were identified as the main suspects. Police say they recovered a firearm at the home where Perks was living. He remains free on bond pending an October trial date. (JK)
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Bishop Opposes New Trump Administration Border PolicyBishop Opposes New Trump Administration Border Policy
As public opposition continues to grow against the Trump Administrationâs âzero tolerance" policy toward anyone caught crossing the United States border, Livingston Countyâs voice in Congress has broken ranks and come out against it.
The policy, which now prosecutes all adults, regardless of whether they cross alone or with their children, has resulted in more than 2,000 immigrant children being separated from their parents since it went into effect following an April 6th directive from Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Those children are then placed in the custody of Department of Health and Human Services. Images, recordings and accounts of those children while in custody have raised much outrage, particularly among Democrats. But even among Republicans, opposition is growing. 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop has now joined that list, as his spokeswoman Annalyse Beaver told WHMI when asked about his stance on the issue. âRep. Bishop believes families seeking asylum should be held together while their cases are being adjudicated. As a father of three, Rep. Bishop does not want to see children separated from their families. Whatâs going on right now is a symptom of a larger problem, our broken immigration system â and Rep. Bishop is committed to working with his colleagues to find a solution that will secure the border, close loopholes and protect families.â
Other Republicans in Michiganâs delegation to oppose the policy include Congressmen Justin Amash, Bill Huizenga and Fred Upton. Amash tweeted May 26th that, âSuch separations are inconsistent with our principles as Americans.â
One of Bishopâs challengers, Democrat Elissa Slotkin, has also spoken out against the policy. "The way this Administration is separating children from their families is cruel and immoral -- it's conduct our government should not be engaged in. This practice does not enhance our national security, and is not required by law. It is a policy choice that uses the act of traumatizing children and parents to try and deter others from coming to the US and force a conversation on our broken immigration system. As more faith leaders and elected officials on both sides of the aisle speak out against this policy, it is clear this is not a partisan issue. Itâs a matter of our core values as a country.â (JK)
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Parole Absconder Admits To Shoplifting and Fleeing PoliceParole Absconder Admits To Shoplifting and Fleeing Police
A plea has been entered by a Detroit woman facing local charges connected to a shoplifting incident and police chase.
23-year-old Lamika Samon James recently appeared in Livingston County Circuit Court, where she pleaded guilty as charged to one count each of 3rd degree fleeing a police officer and organized retail crime as a fourth-time habitual offender. In exchange for her plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a count of 1st degree retail fraud, driving on a suspended license and providing false identification to a police officer.
The charges stem from the March 22nd incident at the Kohlâs store off of Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton. Green Oak Township Police were called out to the store for a retail fraud in progress report in which a suspect was seen removing security devices from high end electronics and placing them in a bag. Before authorities arrived, police were advised the suspect, later identified as James, refused to stop when confronted by store employees and fled the scene.
Police located the vehicle and gave chase, which proceeded along Whitmore Lake Road, southbound US-23 and then east on M-14. James eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed just west of I-275 near Sheldon Road. She was taken to St. Maryâs Hospital in Livonia and told officers she was a 16-year-old juvenile who resides in Detroit. Jamesâ mother arrived at the hospital and stated the same.
Police say investigation soon revealed that information was false as James is not a juvenile, but rather a 23-year-old parole absconder that has been wanted since December of 2017 by the Michigan Department of Corrections. James will be sentenced July 26th. (DK)
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Brighton DDA Looks To Fill Two VacanciesBrighton DDA Looks To Fill Two Vacancies
The City of Brightonâs Downtown Development Authority is accepting applications for two vacancies and residents, business owners, and property owners are encouraged to apply.
The Downtown Development Authority is described as a vital group of stakeholders tasked with maximizing the economic potential of Downtown Brighton by initiating and facilitating development, redevelopment, and enhancements to public spaces downtown. The City is looking to fill two vacant Board of Directors seats. Residents, business owners, and property owners are encouraged to apply, with preference given to applicants located within the DDA districts. One membership position to be filled requires an individual that resides within the DDA districts.
Interested individuals should send a letter of interest and
resume by the close of business on Friday, July 20th to Assistant to the City Manager / DDA Coordinator Brandon Skopek at skopekb@brightoncity.org, subject line: DDA Application. The DDA boundary map is attached in the press release. (JM)
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Funeral Services Today For Former Pinckney Woman Found Stabbed To DeathFuneral Services Today For Former Pinckney Woman Found Stabbed To Death
Funeral services are scheduled this afternoon for a former Pinckney woman found stabbed to death last weekend.
18-year-old Tywaun Sims-Scott was arraigned Monday on a single count of homicide-open murder in the stabbing death of 19-year-old Jamie Barsegian last Friday night. Ypsilanti Police found Sims-Scott in the street, armed with knives and blood on his clothes. Police were responding to reports of a man making threats in the area of Leforge Road and North Huron River Drive. Investigation led police to Barsegianâs residence on Green Road, where was found stabbed to death. Any relationship between the two is unclear. Sims-Scott is scheduled to appear in Washtenaw County's 14-A1 District Court June 28th for a probable cause conference. He remains held in the Washtenaw County Jail without bond.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe account has been set up by friends and family to assist with funeral expenses for Barsegian, whose obituary says lived many years in Pinckney. Services will take place this afternoon in Hazel Park. Details are available in the link provided. Photo: GoFundMe. (JM)
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County Democrats Unveil Plan To Fix RoadsCounty Democrats Unveil Plan To Fix Roads
Area Democrats have proposed a plan that they say would help fix many of Livingston Countyâs crumbling roads.
The Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee held a meet-and-greet fundraiser in Howell, Tuesday night for their 6 candidates for the County Board of Commissioners. During the session they unveiled a major policy announcement that said could bring repair and reconstruction to many roads in the county.
Democratic Party Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier said they have been aware of how the countyâs Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund Balance has risen since the recession. That fund is grown by interest and penalties on late property tax payments, and as of the last financial report December 31st, stood at $42.7-million. County Commission District 6 Candidate Kelsey Helton revealed the partyâs plan to the approximately 75 people in attendance. Under it, $5 million of the $10 million would go to the Livingston County Road Commission. The other half would be reserved for a matching program with township and city governments. She pointed at County Commissioners and Republicans in Lansing for failing to take action, and that they âare tired of waiting on the state to come in and fix our infrastructure.â This inactivity, she said, has caused many local governments to ask voters for road millages, or to form special assessment districts. She said that for living in a âcommuter county,â none of the Commissioners work outside of it. Helton said, as-such, theyâre less likely to see the damage the roads are causing to vehicles, which when needing to pay for repairs, is the equivalent of an extra tax.
Daubenmier called the plan an innovative solution to problem that âbedevils all of us.â She said the plan doesnât cost the people anything or raise taxes; that it uses money that is just sitting there when it could be put to work. The Chairwoman said she that the $10million investment would still leave over three-quarters of the fund available to make pension contributions and for emergencies without jeopardizing the countyâs financial position. She also pointed towards Macomb County for considering the same plan of action, while have a smaller percentage of poorly-rated roads than Livingston.
The party reports that in the past 5 years, the percentage of lane-miles in poor condition has risen 18 points to just over 50% in Livingston County. (MK)
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Property Sale Will Fund Middle School Safety UpgradesProperty Sale Will Fund Middle School Safety Upgrades
Fenton schools will use proceeds from a land sale for security upgrades.
The 3.5 acre parcel on Owen Road, next to the high schoolâs football field, will be put out to bid for the purpose of being sold. The Tri-County Times quotes Superintendent Adam Hartley as saying the school board voted to restrict the revenue from the sale of the Owen Road property for security upgrades at Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School and the Ellen Street Campus.
Safety audits were completed at each facility and found security gaps at the middle school, especially in regards to the entrance, which is located by the cafeteria and gymnasiums. A new entrance will allow for a more secure access point by moving foot traffic away from students and staff. The plan is to transform the current middle school office into three classrooms, including a science lab.
The sale bids on the property are due June 28th. They will then be reviewed by the districtâs finance committee, which will make a recommendation to the board in the early fall. Itâs anticipated that construction on the entrance relocation would take place during the summer of 2020 so as to be ready for the start of school that fall. (JK)
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Hartland Twp. Exploring Idea To Expand Water Service DistrictHartland Twp. Exploring Idea To Expand Water Service District
Early discussions are underway in Hartland Township regarding the potential expansion of the municipalityâs water service district.
Public Works Director Bob West updated the Board of Trustees on the status of the townshipâs current water system at a Tuesday meeting. He also presented the idea of expanding its service district with a second system.
The area of expansion was determined by property zoning and the landâs potential for high-density development. The discussion was in part prompted by proposed plans for a high-density development that would require water service. Developers for Mayberry Homes have suggested constructing their own system, but West feels itâd be more beneficial to the township for the municipality to construct a second one of its own that would service the aforementioned development and future ones to come.
Building a separate system is expected to be more cost-effective, as extending water lines to the proposed development would cost upwards of $5 million. If the township decided to move forward with the project, expanding the district would likely come in phases. West says costs for either option have not been fully laid out as the concept is so preliminary. Tuesdayâs discussion served as a way to gauge trusteesâ thoughts on the issue and how to proceed, if at all. Ultimately the board members decided to look into the feasibility of each option with developers and the estimated costs.
The current water system went into operation about 17 years ago and has been well-maintained, as a number of improvement projects have been completed from the townshipâs Capital Improvement Plan. West reiterated the discussion to expand is still in the very early stages, but wanted to avoid potential missed opportunities. (DK)
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Suspects Charged In Storage Unit Break-InSuspects Charged In Storage Unit Break-In
Felony charges have been filed after two suspects were caught breaking into a Hartland Township storage unit.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says that deputies were dispatched June 10th to an alarm at Livingston Concrete on Old US-23, south of Bergin Road. While checking the alarm, deputies heard loud noises coming from Best Self Storage, located directly to the north. They observed two male subjects breaking into storage units and stealing property from inside. Deputies requested additional units and were assisted by Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post.
The responding units converged on the suspects and took one suspect into custody after a minor physical altercation. He was identified as 22-year-old Nicholas Arther Cashero of Livonia. The second suspect fled on foot but was apprehended during a traffic stop attempting to flee the area. He was identified as 19-year-old Kenneth Ivan Helbig of River Rouge. Both were transported to the Livingston County Jail and lodged on multiple felonies including Breaking and Entering, Malicious Destruction of Property, Resisting and Obstructing an Officer.
They were arraigned in 53rd District Court in Howell. Cashero was charged with 19 felonies stemming from the incident, while Helbig was charged with 21 felonies. Both remain jailed on $400,000 cash surety bonds. (JK)
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Follow-Up Testing Clears Green Oak Homes Of Contamination ConcernsFollow-Up Testing Clears Green Oak Homes Of Contamination Concerns
Follow-up testing of homes in Green Township suspected of possibly being contaminated by a toxic chemical has produced some good news for residents.
Testing of the air inside more than a dozen homes in a neighborhood near Whitmore Lake Road, northwest of Lee Road, has not detected significant levels of trichloroethylene, or TCE. Officials were worried the toxic, cancer-causing chemical might have infiltrated their homes from the former Haigh Manufacturing property on Whitmore Lake Road. But according to Matt Bolang, director of environmental health for the Livingston County Health Department, preliminary soil gas well results, âhave shown low levels of TCE generally below the threshold to sample inside homes. He added that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is still evaluating that data and determining the next steps.
Meanwhile, the MDEQ has been monitoring a groundwater contamination plume in Brighton emanating from property located at 525 North Fifth Street where elevated levels of TCE were identified years ago. The potentially impacted properties are in a defined area on the west side of Brighton, where the city and Genoa Township meet, somewhat between the old Lindbom Elementary School and Brighton High School, which is not impacted. The testing was required after the implementation of new state screening standards for vapor intrusion, which occurs when vapors from volatile chemicals in contaminated soil or ground water migrate through subsurface soils to impact the indoor air quality of any overlying buildings or homes.
Bolang says of the 82 homes that have been tested, six had indoor air results for TCE above health limits and had mitigation systems installed, while another three had soil gas results below their foundation slab that were elevated. While they didnât have indoor air issues, he says the potential was there and thus also had systems installed. (JK)
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Public Input Sought On Hamburg Township 2020 Master Plan UpdatePublic Input Sought On Hamburg Township 2020 Master Plan Update
Hamburg Township is seeking public input on the communityâs master plan update.
Hamburg Township had a 2020 Master Plan Update booth at the Family Fun Fest last weekend. Planning and Zoning Director Scott Pacheco says the event was a great kickoff to summer but also to start the public outreach portion of the 2020 Master Plan Update. He says planning and zoning staff and master plan steering committee members had a great time meeting and talking with people about the future of Hamburg Township. For those that werenât able to stop by the booth, Pacheco says there will be other opportunities this summer to get opinions heard and theyâre excited to hear about what they want Hamburg Township to be.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to start by visiting the Hamburg Township 2020 Master Plan webpage and fill out a community survey. The link is provided. Individuals can also stop by the Hamburg Township offices for a hard copy of the community survey to fill out and submit. (JM)
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More Pages to Explore .....
