Brandon Twp – Although not a mandated requirement, the township board held a public hearing for the proposed Seymour Lake Park.
More than 30 residents turned out on Wed. Sept. 3, to voice their concerns about developing 60 acres of township owned property into a utility type recreational park.
At issue to the residents is the cost of developing the park, increased traffic control, and most heatedly, water displacement/or run-off, with wetland management.
Lois Robbins, Public Education Coordinator for the Storm Water Management Initiative said the proposed park has the potential to be an award winning example to preserve the natural wetlands and maintain natural quality, at the same time, if developed with state of the art water management systems.
“It’s crucial to keep the water in this area,” said Robbins.
Lapp referred water resolution concerns to township engineer Tom Biehl of Hubble, Roth, and Clark.
Biehl said the acreage is at the head- waters of the Clinton River Watershed and could be protected by creating an alternative wetland detention system for water run off management.
In addition to wetland concerns, neighboring Seymour Lake residents are worried about the effects of turf management products from the park running off into area lakes.
“I don’t know if I’m against the park,” said Lakeview resident Casey Stewart, “but I want to make sure it (the project) is done right, because I love the lake I’m living on.”
While development costs were a concern, actual figures for construction costs are not available without an approved architectural plan.
Lapp did say that the township is planning to spend up to $633,000 on the project and is “fairly confident” the park can be developed within that boundary.
“I’m fairly confident it (the money) will go as far as we want it to go,” said Lapp.
Increased traffic flow and accompanying accidents rang as a grave concern to the residents. Lapp said development plans call for the addition of turning flares, only at the park entrance, but further research needs to be done to address increased congestion brought on by park activities. Increased sheriff patrols surrounding the area, as problems arise, would be considered.
A study session with the board members will be scheduled within the next few weeks, to consider all issues brought up by the residents.