By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
A Kalamazoo County Road Commission representative in a monthly update told Schoolcraft Township trustees the county will build a roundabout at the intersection of 23rd Street and TU Avenue after a one-year delay.
The trustees and residents have voiced displeasure about the project.
Road commission officials have said the roundabout is part of a plan to improve a link between Sprinkle and Portage over TU Avenue, 23rd Street and U Avenue, repaving them as primary roads. The roundabout will add a safety measure. At a public meeting a year ago, the cost was estimated at $350,000, 90% of it from federal funding.
In other matters:
Barry Visel from the Schoolcraft Historical Society reported that a capital funds drive to make needed repairs and improvements to the Dr. Nathan Thomas Underground Railroad House in Schoolcraft is going ahead. Visel asked the board for $25,000 toward a goal of $95,000 for the needed work. The Board granted $10,000 from this year’s budget to help with the project. The board will also consider future contributions to the project during the 2024 budgeting process.
Board members received rumors via social media that there would be a question on the ballot about creating a charter township.
This is untrue.
Township officials reminded the public that all the information about township actions and about the ballot can be found online on the township website. To help with misinformation, the Board encourages residents to confirm information. Township Clerk Virginia Mongreig coordinated with the county clerk and posted a sample ballot on the website for residents to see. The only item on the Nov. 7 ballot for Schoolcraft Township Residents is a countywide veterans services millage proposal.
The Planning Commission in its monthly meeting shared the results of the survey about township planning that was taken this summer. Results are posted on the Township website.
In the parks program report it was announced that Vicksburg Rocket Football will be moving to Swan Park. A new field and other amenities are being set up to accommodate the program and the families and coaches are excited to have such a great facility to use.