Raisin Township Board votes to keep Wade Highway open

In a 5-1 vote, the Raisin Township Board of Trustees voted to keep Wade Hwy. open at the double railroad crossing and reject a $182,500 offer from Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) to do close it.Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh was the dissenting vote, with trustee Dale Mitchell absent. Six residents from the Wade Hwy. area spoke during public comment, none of which were in support of such a closure. “It’s my understanding that there’s never been an accident at that crossing,” said Chad Burtless-Creps, a township resident. “I view this as the state inappropriately sticking their nose in what should be a local decision.” Many residents said Academy Road can be impassable in the winter. Wade Hwy. connects Academy to Oakwood and is the only available exit for many residents.Trustee Debra Brousseau made a motion to keep Wade Hwy. open, which was seconded by trustee Tom Hawkins.Cavanaugh felt the board should call a public hearing, inviting MDOT and the Lenawee County Road Commission to provide more information about the proposition. “We haven’t even looked at this,” said Cavanaugh, “I understand the board gets intimidated when people come here when they’re angry. But we haven’t even looked at this. We should have a public hearing. There’s a process. I think we need to dive into this. Whether the board decides to close it or keep it open, there’s been nothing really brought in front of you to make a decision.” Hawkins countered saying plenty of information had already been provided. At an October 27 special meeting, board members were made aware of the state’s offer. Documentation then said they had 90 days to make a decision on what to do about Wade Hwy. “To me, it seems to be a no- brainer,” Hawkins added. “There is nothing that benefits the township residents on Wade Highway. There is no reason whatsoever based on all the information that I’ve looked at to support putting cul-de-sacs on Wade Highway. “I am not intimidated by anybody coming here negative. I can’t imagine why anybody would be positive for this move unless you worked for the railroad or Lenawee County Road Commission.” Hawkins then asked the board to show him where in the proposition there is a benefit to the township. Brousseau asked why Cavanaugh wanted to delay the decision. “I think it’s a precedent,” said trustee Larry Crittenden. “They’ll try to close every road we have.” “I just don’t see why anybody would close a road where no accidents have happened and people do use it,” said Township Clerk and trustee Betty Holdridge. “I think it’s a good idea to leave it open in that area. “Nobody wants their road closed near them. I understand that,” Cavanaugh said. “I haven’t gotten there yet. But I haven’t heard from all the parties yet.” With the boards decision, Raisin Township Supt. Jim Palmer said flashing lights and gates will be installed. In other business, the board:• Approved of trustee Debra Brousseau working with Grayer to implement sexual harassment training. • Approved the purchase of a refurbished computer for $1,195 with a three-year warranty for the fire department. The money will come from the equipment fund. • Appointed Erva Manley and Valerie Koebel to the Raisin Township Parks Committee. • Approved hiring OHM as a consultant to work with the road committee to come up with a plan to fix and improves road in the township. The cost to hire OHM is up to $5,200.

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