Past Updates
The Granite Hills Site Condominium (GHSC) proposed for the Doolittle/Caviani property remains tabled in both Scio and Webster Townships. We are not aware of any current activity by Norfolk Development to advance their project. On a related matter, The Preserves, phase IV (Pp4), west of the GHSC, has subjected Loch Alpine to six brown water sheet flows in two months. In response to these events, the LAIA Board expanded the ad-hoc Granite Hills Committee (GHC) mandate to include Pp4. The GHC identified numerous "as built" errors and evidence of engineering design inadequacies. The Pp4 storm water management plan has failed to protect resident and association property. The documented information has been conveyed to Township, County and State officials. All agree there are problems that must be corrected. The GHC will keep the Board and community informed of any progress on these issues.
On Dec 15, 2004 the Webster Township Planning Commission (PC) realized that ordinance 9.06.c.4, amended 4/2002, required the Washtenaw County Drain Commission (DC) to review and approve all final sites plans. While reviews were common, approval was not understood to be mandatory. The GHC also submitted a letter from the LAIA detailing our concerns, observations and the deficiencies in the Pp4's dry detention basin. Final site plan approval for Pp4 was granted by the PC in October, 2004 without DC approval. The DC also was not aware of the Webster ordinance. The Chairmen of PC reported this to the Webster Board of Trustees at their meeting, Dec. 21, 2004.
At the Dec. 21 meeting the GHC again raised our concerns to the Trustees. Supervisor, Dean Fisher, instructed the township P.E. to investigate these items and report his findings back to the Trustees on January 18, 2005.
The P.E.'s report confirmed our data and more. He also wrote, "The flooding appears to constitute an legitimate trespass compliant " and recommended the final site "plans be referred to the DC for review and approval". Mr. Fisher then approved sending the plans to the DC. The GHC then raise the question of withdrawing the developers final site plan approval. Mr. Fisher referred that back to the PC, the approving body. Judge Fink (Trustee) recommended the PC contact the Townships' Attorney.
The PC meeting was the following night, Jan. 19th. The GHC made the same request to the PC primarily to bring PC members up to date and put it on the record. The chairman, Mr. John Kingsley who is also a Trustee, gave a similar response and at the end of the meeting placed this issue on their agenda for Feb.16, 2005.
The LAIA Board as expanded the scope of the GHC to include Pp4. The goal of the GHC is to achieve full retention of all storm water onsite, in both developments. Review and approval by the DC is an important step. The GHC also needs to be sure that DC's requirements for approval are implemented in their entirety. The GHC will work closely with the DC to encourage the use of best management practices, retention!
Both townships have tabled preliminary site plans for Granite Hills. The Webster Township Board of Trustees has approved a resolution requesting that Norfolk hook up to the LASA system. The Ad Hoc Committee also recommends that any development on this property be connected to the LASA system. The Committee is also recommending that water retention rather than detention be required as a means of storm water management on the Granite Hills property. Finally, the Committee recommends that the Board adopt these positions and notify the interested parties in writing of these positions. Neil reports that Norfolk and LASA have a meeting coming up on November 29th. Dan Munzel noted that the developer would pursue higher density, perhaps by seeking zoning changes. Chris moved that the Board meet with Paul Bohn to develop the Board's position on the issue of storm water retention and sanitary hookup. Sara seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Chris will contact Maria to have her set up the meeting with Paul. Richard DeBrodt suggested that a community letter be sent out regarding the status of Granite Hills after the meeting with the attorney.