A group of residents living along 12th Street west of the City of Wayland across the U.S.-131 expressway this week filed petitions in Lansing seeking to be annexed.
Grand Rapids area Realtor Brian Silvernail last Monday filed the petition on behalf of the residents, who local officials say have indicated interest in being annexed into the city. Such a move would involve extension of sewer and water.
The petition was filed with the Michigan Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation. The next step in the process is a meeting of the State Boundary Commission April 29, when the petition will be reviewed for legal sufficiency.
Clerks for Allegan County, the City of Wayland and townships of Wayland and Hopkins are being asked to respond to questionnaires.
Wayland City Manager Joshua Eggleston said, “The city was approached some time ago regarding the possibility of annexation. They (the residents) were told that they needed to file the petitions and that the city would remain neutral.
“Now that the petitions have been filed, the city will do its due diligence and determine the feasibility of providing all city services to this potential new area of the community.
“Obviously the city is excited about the potential economic development opportunities; however, it must proceed with caution as to not overextend itself and unduly burden the current taxpayers of the city by paying excessively for future growth.”
Another city officials said, “… the annexation request was not initiated by City of Wayland. Now that the petition has been filed, the city will begin looking at the cost effectiveness of running water and sewer across the highway to serve those properties. If this is determined to not be feasible, there is still a possibility for the city/property owners to suspend the annexation process.”