BY JENNY MATTESON &
CHRISTINA ULAJ
Clarkston News Writers
The Charter Township of Independence and Clarkston Community Schools are closer than ever to shaking hands over a four-acre parcel located on Clarkston Road.
The land, which is adjacent to the Clarkston Community Schools Administration Building and Independence Township Library, would be used to construct a new Independence Township Senior Center.
Dave Wagner, Independence Township Supervisor, discussed the land trade with township trustees at a closed session on June 7. After the meeting, the board unanimously approved a motion allowing Wagner to negotiate the final details with school officials.
‘Now we really have to get to work on this,? said Wagner. ‘We need to come together and get everyone behind this.?
Wagner said the township will form a committee in the upcoming weeks to look at ways of gathering money for the new senior center, which he envisions having a gymnasium. He expects the committee to consider a one-mill parks and recreation millage for the spring of 2006.
‘We need the relief from parks and recreation at the moment,? he stated. ‘This is a possibility for that.?
As part of the negotiations, Independence Township has agreed to do the following, at no cost to the Clarkston school district.
? Pay for the road improvements in front of the Clarkston Schools Administration buildings on Clarkston Road as required by the Oakland County Road Commission.
? Extend the entrance to the Independence Township Library across the approximately four acre parcel to the administrative complex.
? Allow the Clarkston Community School Board to have architectural input into the design of the new senior center complex.
? Independence Township will pay all of the closing costs associated with the acquisition of the property.
‘We have been working to create a partnership that would be good for the community, while also creating the kind of relationship between the schools and the township that our citizens deserve,? said Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts.
The next step now rests on the Clarkston Schools Board of Education.
According to Roberts, board members will consider the agreement at the June 13 meeting. At this time, the board can either vote against entering into the land trade or authorize Roberts to continue developing an agreement.
‘If everyone on the board agrees, the next step will be to draft a formal written agreement,? said Clarkston Community Schools Director of Marketing and Communications Anita Banach. ‘This is the closest we have come.?
Assuming the board will authorize this merger, Banach expects one more meeting after June 13 where the Board of Education will probably support the written agreement.
‘I believe the tentative agreement will lead to the construction of a senior center that is needed here in Clarkston,? said Roberts. ‘But as important, the joint effort will be an example that both boards can use to springboard other potential partnerships.?
‘We’re very, very happy,? said Senior Center Coordinator Margaret Bartos, ‘and very pleased at this kind of cooperation. It was very admirable.?
For updates, check out future issues of The Clarkston News.