A developer considering property on the south side of Clarkston Road could help to provide a much-needed outlet for overflow of Buckhorn Lake.
According to Matt Pilarz of Orion Township engineers Orchard, Hiltz and McCliment (OHM), working with developer Mike Church, who is considering property behind Kmart, could be the township’s best option..
Pilarz said the overflow structure for Buckhorn Lake is part of the township’s drainage plan.
“That may be the only feasible outlet route,” he said. “To allow control of Buckhorn Lake level, so Clarkston Road doesn’t continue to be flooded as it has in the past.”
Pilarz said the developer would be potentially building a storm sewer through his development, and needed to know what size piping to use to provide adequate flow for Buckhorn Lake.
The developer would grant the township an easement through his property for the construction of an outlet, and construct an outlet through his site, with the township being responsible for paying the cost difference between the oversized pipe and the pipe size for the developer’s site.
“The other option is an emergency overflow route,” Pilarz said.
Pilarz recommended the township work with the developer and obtain the easement. He said costs to obtain the easement wouldn’t be substantial. Pilarz said it would cost $12,000 to do calculations for pipe sizing.
Orion Township Building Official Tom Berger said the property was the only outlet he’d ever seen. “You might want to grant tentative approval until the developer is on board,” he added.
“We’ve spent money on drainage studies and we’re ahead of the curve on that,” said Trustee Eric Wilson. “I’m not going to let us get behind for $12,000.”
“What’s the advantage to the developer,” asked trustee Richard Tomczak.
“There’s not really any advantage to him,” said Pilarz,”Except he’s cooperating…so later on if he’s having a problem, he can say ‘Township, can you work with me?'”
“He’s going to want something else from the township,” said Wilson. “At least we’ll know the cost we want him to pick up.”
The board voted to accept the easement, and at the time engineering is required, have the issue come back to the board for consideration regarding the work proposed by OHM.