Groveland Twp.- With no new township housing developments on the horizon for the new year and a 30 percent drop in building permits over the past few years’Township Supervisor Bob DePalma anticipates community growth will come from business sources in 2007.
‘For starters we’ll focus on development of about 147 acres of township property near Grange Hall Road and I-75,? said DePalma. ‘We’ll work on selling, leasing or promoting that property to attract industry or businesses there’it’s prime location.?
In 2006, the township added a new Rite Aid building at the corner of M-15 and Grange Hall Road. In 2007, a new Pet Supplies ‘Plus? is scheduled to open near the corner of Mill Street and M-15.
The future for commercial developments in the township may be just a few of the bright spots in the community after a meager 16 building permits in 2006 and 14 permits were issued in 2005, said DePalma.
‘It’s slow. I don’t see a big upswing in home starts, but we want controlled growth here in the township. We just don’t have the infrastructure for a mass increase in population.?
According to a report issued by Real Estate One, nine homes were sold in the township between January and September of 2006. A total of 63 township homes were on the market.
‘We’re at the bottom right now,? said Sharon Williams, Real Estate One, 2245 S. Ortonville Road, Ortonville, broker/manager. ‘There’s a lot of foreclosures on the market. About four-out-of-10 homes are of a distressed sale which includes foreclosures. It’s a buyer’s market right now, so if homes are priced right, they will sell.?
Williams anticipates the area economy should start improving by midsummer, when the glut of newer homes in the area are sold.
Williams? optimism for an improved township economy in 2007 is mirrored by The Greater Ortonville Area Chamber of Commerce President Susan Reddy.
‘We anticipate 2007 to be a very prosperous year for our membership, which includes about 120 members,? said Reddy, starting her second term as president.
‘The chamber offers monthly business meetings but also some evening mixers which allow more networking between businesses.?
In 2007, like other years, the chamber will host several events to spark local businesses.
‘Our Business Expo in April has drawn 300-500 residents to the Brandon High School to visit and network with our chamber members. This event is free to the community and many businesses enjoy the ‘new? personal contact that this night brings to their business.?
Editor’s note: For the next four weeks The Citizen will examine the state of our local communities and the forecast for 2007.