By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
Orion Township may have as its community motto, ‘Where Living is a Vacation? but township Supervisor Chris Barnett’s ‘State of the Township? address profiled a community that is not taking any vacations from work and progress.
For example, there were 328 new home starts in 2014 as well as seven industrial or commercial buildings going up. There are few, if any, communities in Michigan that can match that kind of growth.
Using an automotive theme as the focus of his presentation, Barnett cited an announcement earlier this year of General Motors? plan to build its new electric powered vehicle called Bolt at the Orion Assembly Plant, which is the largest employer in the community.
Barnett also noted that developers have told him that the number one reason why new home-buyers want to come to Orion is because of Lake Orion’s schools, who are the second largest employer in the community.
‘We have an amazing school district,? he said.
Barnett profiled several of the accomplishments, community achievements, individuals and activities during his one-hour address to a packed house at the Orion Center.
His look ‘in the rear view mirror? provided a glimpse to such accomplishments as expansion of the township’s fire department with the passage of two millages to staff and purchase equipment for the firefighters.
Barnett also cited several other community accomplishments, including:
‘Construction of a playground at Friendship Park and a planned construction of a second playground for handicapped children at Friendship Park later this spring.
‘Development of the Oakland Phragmites Invasive Species task force. It is comprised of 19 area communities dedicated to fighting the invasive species that causes serious environmental damage. Orion has been at the forefront of battling the noxious weeds.
‘Development of Camp Agawam. This is the former 143-acre scout camp purchased by Orion Township for about $1 million. The camp is being developed as a family center to be used for camping and other community activities, as well as for continued use by scout groups.
‘When a storm blew through the Lake Orion community in March 2014, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, more than 300 volunteers mobilized to help with cleanup of the damage.
‘They expected nothing and worked together,? Barnett said of the volunteers.
‘The township partnered with other communities in Oakland County to form the North Oakland Water Authority to help save on water costs. Barnett said the savings to township residents will be about $350,000 per year.
‘All township buildings are undergoing budget-neutral upgrades that will make them more energy efficient. This will be done by using high-efficient lighting, heating and cooling and electrical systems that will save on energy costs. The upgrades are expected to cost about $500,000 and will pay for themselves with lower energy costs over the next 10 years.
‘Barnett noted that crime decreased in Orion Township in 2014. He said much of that decrease is due to directed patrols conducted by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in the township. The township also added one deputy to help.
‘Orion Township will have a balanced budget for the first time since 2009, Barnett said.
‘Orion Township has a program that allows local businesses to create online presences through Google by use of free website services. He said there are 606 businesses locally that have online presence and there are great opportunities for other businesses to get their company’s names in front of the public.
‘Creation of the Brown Road Innovation District, an area along Brown Road in which several commercial developments are in the works.
‘We have some interesting partners lining up,? Barnett said.
‘Barnett also noted that the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the top chambers in the state with about 320 members and that its director Alaina Campbell ‘lives and breathes Orion.?
‘Barnett said that many of the complaints he hears are from residents complaining about bad roads. He said that many don’t know that the township does not maintain any roads. It is the responsibility of the county and state governments. He said he understood the frustration of residents who deal with the bad roads daily.
‘We have roads that can’t wait any longer.?
Barnett showed the crowd a photo of his car that hit a pothole, causing $1,595 in damage. He referred to it as ‘Michigan roads tire/collision shop stimulus.?
Overall, Orion Township is one of the more vibrant and healthy communities in Michigan, Barnett noted.
‘We have experienced fantastic growth and we are doing a lot of great things together.