Developers seek to donate 50-acre parkland to Pittsfield Township
The developers of Centennial Park and Centennial Farms in Pittsfield Township are seeking to donate nearly 50 acres of park land to the township.
Wexford-Centennial VI, along with another company, informed Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal that it wants to donate the land known as the Centennial Commons.
Craig Welch, a representative for Wexford, wrote that the developers have spent more than $100,000 on improvements to courts, fields, playground equipment and parking facilities, which will also be included in the transfer.
The land is located along the southern portion of Textile Road between State Road and Lohr Road.
"We have discussed this donation with the homeowner boards of both the Park and the Farms," Welch wrote. "They were both wholly supportive. In addition, they have surveyed their owners and they too responded with overwhelming support."
The original park covenants allow the developers to reserve the right to grant the parklands to the township for use as a public park for the use by all township residents.
If approved by the board of trustees, the supervisor and clerk are authorized to negotiate and approve any necessary agreements and documents at a cost not to exceed $50,000, according to the documents.
The trustees will vote on the transfer agreement at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday during their next meeting at the Pittsfield Township Administration Building located at 6201 W. Michigan Ave.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
CJ Ester
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
A donated 50 acre park is wonderful. Snuck in that park before myself. They have some nice exercise stations along the nature trail and disc golf. Can't wait to ride my bike there with the new nonmotorized trail. Mostly seemed like open fields and playground, not wetland. Soccer field and Volleyball too I think.
SMAIVE
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
How many acres are actually improved? The majority of the parcel is wetlands (swamp). This is all about shifting the upkeep and eliminating the tax expense. Just call it what it is! Although, I can't wait until the township master plan calls for a non-motorized pathway to connect the park, all hexx will break loose from the residents.
Dog Guy
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
Did Wexford-Centennial VI offer to sell the development rights of this 50 acres of park land to the Ann Arbor Greenbelt?
Napalm.Morning
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Good call Jaime. Always beware the "selfless" act by a for-profit enterprise. The developer bolsters their green-space "cred" and the HOA lowers their fees all while shifting the financial burden, albeit diluted, onto the backs of all the township residents. . . and in subtle, almost imperceptible waves--millimeter-by-millimeter--the reach of government grows.
PaulyT
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
I think this park is along the planned expansion of the Textile greenway. Looks like a nice park addition if it is open to everyone. To say we have a lack of public parks on this side of the township is an understatement. Sounds like the public park donation was part of the original development plan anyway. Back from 1998?
Basic Bob
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
Well the lack of public parks issue has been resolved in the usual way - someone donated some vacant and undevelopable land.
Jaime
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
This park is pretty much for exclusive use by the homeowners. All this seems to do is eliminate the maintenance costs for the residents and remove some tax dollars? Win for the HOA, not so good for the township.
PaulyT
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Opening up an improved park as permanent public space to all residents not so good? When there aren't any other parks in the area? Beg to differ. At least they aren't spending millions $ on it like in the past.
conundrummy
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
I wonder if this plot of land was a selling point to this higher end subdivision and the developers are transferring it over to the city so they don't have to maintain it? Or maybe Wexford is going to donate other properties that are not adjacent to properties they are developing.