Two local men who want to preserve a parcel of natural area in the rapidly-developing Independence Township are hoping to raise about $10,000 to prove others are interested in safeguarding a bit of green space, too.
Thomas Pytel and Jim Reed approached the township board recently to ask for a ballot proposal of 0.6 mills to be used for the purchase of natural area to preserve wild life, habitat, forests, and water.
‘Most people moved out here for a rural lifestyle,? said Reed. ‘If we don’t start preserving some of the rural areas, the natural habitats and the waterways, it’s going to start looking like downtown Troy around here. I don’t have anything against Troy, but I don’t want to live there.?
With $1.6 billion in taxable value in the township, 0.6 mills would generate around $1 million a year for 10 years, beginning Dec. 1, 2008. But before such a measure can be placed on the ballot for voter consideration, Pytel and Reed must hire a polling company’at a cost of about $10,000’to gauge community interest.
If residents support the idea, a proposal will be placed on the November 2008 ballot. Pytel and Reed are hoping for close to 60 percent support.
Donations can be sent to: Independence Goes Green Ballot Campaign Committee P.O. Box 1951, Clarkston, MI, 48347.