Leighton Twp. to seek 1 more mill for roads Nov. 3

The Leighton Township Board has agreed to ask local voters to approve a one-mill tax increase for roads in the Nov. 3 general election.

Leighton already has a one-mill levy rolled back to 0.9616 mill because of the Headlee Amendment, but local officials and a special Road Committee agree it just isn’t enough to take of the needs a fast-growing township. The one mill would generate about $269,500 in road revenue in the first year.

Supervisor Steve Deer said the citizens’ Roads Committee lately has struggled in its efforts to identify specific needs because of the Coronivirus and health issues for Chairman Steve Shoemaker. However, it has been recommended to ask for one mill Nov. 3.

One specific need already has been identified by Lleu Doc Tilma, who lives on 146^th Avenue at Eastern Avenue. He told board members Thursday evening there is an overabundance of truck traffic near his house because of its connection to Division Street and recent construction projects.

Tilma suggested the board pave eight-tenths of a mile on Eastern Avenue, which has plenty of residences and lots of that traffic.

Supervisor Steve Deer said it’s likely the traffic will decrease after completion of the latest infrastructure project, but agreed there has been a need for at least five years.

Tilma said the late Robert Engel years ago presented the board with petition signatures but nothing was done.

Clerk Mary Lou Nieuwenhuis seized the moment to suggest he gather support from his neighbors to help pass the millage request in November.

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the board:

• Agreed to add $32,000 to this year’s budget to help pay for lighting in the township.
• Was told it’s likely there will be a public hearing in October for an update to the master plan.
• Learned that the Township Planning Commission approved a special use permit request for an addition at G & L Auto Sales just north of 146^th Avenue. The firm repairs and sells camper vans.
• Was told by Allegan County Sheriff’s deputy Bernard Austoff there has been a slight uptick lately in larcenies from storage units and he encouraged residents to make sure they are locked.
• Noted there were 16 building permits issued between March and July in the township, at a value of $4.59 million.