By Steve Waldron
Clark Logic will lease property at 200 Lee Street in Schoolcraft to Stryker Corporation for use as a warehouse and distribution facility, President Jamie Clark told the Village Council at an October meeting.
The site, adjacent to a Clark-owned building on East Eliza, will be leased through a partner, Kenco Logistic Services.
The announcement was made during a public hearing on Clark Logic’s request for an industrial facilities tax exemption certificate for the property. The council approved the request.
In other matters:
- Work has started toward restoration of the former Schnauzer’s building to meet code requirements, a council-appointed hearing officer told the council. Debris removal has begun, and the owner has submitted architectural plans to bring the building into compliance with village requirements. But a second building considered dangerous, a house at 203 Pine Street, should be demolished, the hearing officer told the council. Habitat for Humanity representatives visited the property and determined that they would not be able to assist the property owner with his efforts to bring the property into compliance. Due to the presence of asbestos in the house, it should be demolished by a professional licensed to deal with hazardous materials, the council was told.
- Only one bid was received by the Village from waste haulers for the annual Village Spring Clean-Up in 2024. The Council voted to approve the $2,785 bid from Best Way Disposal.
- A resident critical of the enforcement of a village prohibition of parking on residential street right of way said he felt he was being targeted by the Council. The Village Council President Keith Gunnett denied the accusation. Police Chief Scott Smith said more than 70 addresses have been contacted regarding compliance with the Village’s right-of-way requirements.
- Nancy Rafferty, president of the Schoolcraft Historical Society, thanked the Council for its recent contribution to the renovation efforts underway at the Dr. Nathan Thomas Underground Railroad House Museum.
- A citizen asked why the village isn’t planning to take advantage of the upcoming tearing up of Grand Street to install sewer pipe through the downtown business district. Council members explained that if a sewer system is ever installed, pipes would be placed behind buildings facing Grand. If placed on Grand, later repair would require closing part of the street. The citizen also asked if the village has given up on the building a sewer system. Council members said they continue to seek additional funds for sewers. At this time, the focus is on meeting a state unfunded Clean Water mandate to replace the Schoolcraft’s well head as well as the existing water lines within the Village, a $9 million expense.
- Another resident asked if the Village has any ordinances regarding non-owner-occupied homes being bought by speculators and left vacant. The resident noted the house next to his property was sold in August, is unoccupied and untended and beginning to look “derelict.” The resident was told there are no ordinances relating to this issue.