It appears that GRI Moline is coming back with modified request for its proposed residential and commercial development at 5401 Division Ave. on 57 acres , with a trimmed down project.

The Leighton Township Board Thursday night was told that the Planning Commission Wednesday was visited by representatives of GRI to propose 248 units of an apartment complex, as opposed to as many as 320 apartments in eight buildings, which was rejected by the township a little more than a year ago.

The land in question is on Division Avenue not far from 12th Street, which goes into Moline.

Township Board and Planning Commission officials said the reasons for opposing the development boiled down to the belief the township is not equipped to handle such a massive influx of new residents. The reasons essentially involve infrastructure, including roads, traffic, fire services, and sewer and water.

Leighton Township in recent years has been identified as one of the fastest growing in population in Michigan, but the fire department, for example, is having difficulty keeping up with public demand for services.

The Planning Commission Wednesday night tabled GRI’s request.

In other business Thursday night, the Township Board:

• Agreed to pay $6,300 more to Pro Tech after the company removing asbestos at the site of the old Moline Elementary found an additional tunnel with the toxic substance.
  • Approved the lone bid from Ben Potts for snow removal for the coming winter season. Cost will be $230 per time with an additional $245 for salt application.
  • Agreed to pay up to $27,500 to the Allegan Coun ty Road Commission for repair of a culvert not originally identified on 137th Avenue.
  • Decided to commence cleanup of a retired lawn mower repairman at 4477 12th St. after receiving public complaints and a court order. The property owner will be assessed a LEIN on his taxes if he refuses to pay for the blight cleanup.
  • Approved payment to Schafer Tree Services for pruning and removal of vegetation at the fire station and at Hooker Cemetery. Cost will be $2,400 and $1,650.
  • Agreed to increase fees for industrial facilities tax exemption requests from $300 to $500 and to increase the escrow amount to $1,000.