The Lowell Township Board of Trustees had its regular meeting on October 16th. The board had three items of new business to discuss.
Before discussing those items, it heard a report about small, slight cracks in the floor of the pickleball courts. However, despite the cracks, the surface was described as “nice” and is still playable.
The board was also informed that building permits have been “ramping up.” This seems to be mainly from condos adding decks before winter sets in.
Resolution to Maintain Control over Land Usage
The first item of business is something that apparently came out of a supervisor’s meeting. In response to concerns that the state may try to limit the ability of local governments to regulate some land uses, the board was asked to pass a resolution supporting local control.
This resolution expresses “…support to maintain local control over local land uses involving, but not limited to: short-term rentals, industrial solar installations, industrial wind turbine installations and sand and gravel mining.” It stated that local townships (instead of the state) should make decisions about how land is used.
The board unanimously approved the resolution.
Discussion on Section of Timpson Ave.
Next on the agenda was a discussion about 1,330 feet of Timpson Ave. which is located just south of 36th Street.
The county wants to give the township back jurisdiction over this stretch of road. It is a “two track” stretch of road and “virtually unusable” for vehicular traffic. It has apparently been used as nature trail at times. “There are people that want to walk it,” one board member said. “And there are some that want to prevent people to walk it,” it was also noted.
Others had concerns that once the county relinquished jurisdiction, the township would have to maintain the road. “We can’t sell it because it belongs to the public,” according to one board member.
After discussion, a motion was made to decline to accept the stretch of road from the Kent County Road Commission.
Discussion of Splash Pad Project
The final piece of business for the night was continued discussion on the splash pad project.
At its last meeting, the board learned that the cost of the project was higher than initially estimated. “We are moving forward,” was the consensus of the board which is now working on raising the rest of the money needed.
There were questions about how the board will raise the funds to maintain the splash pad, and representatives of the township have met with the park committee. A need for a “clear avenue to supply water” and a clear avenue for maintenance for the splash pad was also discussed by the board.
While these issues continue to be addressed, the board voted to commit to the splash pad project by authorizing the purchase of the equipment needed to build it. It was also noted that making the purchase now will lock in the current — and cheaper — prices.
The next regular meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Board will take place on Monday, November 20, at 7pm at the township hall.
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