LOWELL, Mich. — A land use agreement between Lowell and Lowell Charter Township could be the first step towards major land developments in the city.
The agreement partners both cities to "bring investment and jobs to the community," according to a press release.
The proposal covers property at Covenant Business Park, which is located in Lowell Charter Township at the interchange of I-96 and Alden Nash Avenue SE. A 237-acre parcel that has been considered for future development for decades, according to the release.
The Lowell City Council and Lowell Charter Township Board will hold a joint meeting Wednesday, Aug. 7 so leaders can discuss the agreement, before turning their attention to the public's concerns. Lowell city council and the Lowell Township Board will vote on the proposal in the fall.
If approved, the land will be considered as a part of Lowell for 50 years—with the city being in charge of police, fire and emergency services, assessing property in the business park and levying taxes.
The Township would handle code enforcement, special assessments and water, wastewater and storm transmission lines.
The cooperation agreement could potentially be renewed for another 50 years if both the city and township agree. Once the agreement ends, the property goes back to Lowell Charter Township.
Mike Burns, Lowell's city manager said this plan has been in the works for years.
"Lowell Township has been very interested working with property owners to develop the site... they're looking to develop just over 200 acres of it as part of it," Burns said.
What has held both cities back, according to Burns, is utilities. Lowell currently has agreements with the township to offer sewer and water services, but do not have any agreements for the area for planned development.
The proposal would act as the first step in breaking down that barrier, making it feasible to develop the land.
"[Lowell's] current water and wastewater plant is getting to the point where it needs to be upgraded and or expanded just to cover the current area we provide," Burns said. "We have to make sure we allocate costs appropriately to ensure that the ratepayers are really only funding that part of the cost... the cost for the future development to get the services out or to expand the site."
To pay for the land, Burns said the township would rely on Lowell's taxes.
"The city would levy our taxes, which we levy $15.7 million," Burns said. "We would transfer $6 million back to the township, so $6 million would go back to the township as part of the land."
The project also received a $17.5 million grant from the state to help get the ball rolling.
"It's a very costly endeavor. So, we're hoping there's opportunities to get additional funding, grant funding and so forth," Burns said.
A long path lies ahead before both the city and township, Burns admitted, but starting the process early and cooperating with the other party ensures there's less of a delay.
"It shows that the city and the township are very committed towards seeing this project through which is very important for the developer and prospective people that are interested in developing at the site," Burns said.
Burns says at this point, no one knows what will end up on the land, but it signifies growth in the community. Moving all eyes towards Lowell.
"This is one of the few properties in West Michigan left, really, to do any type of large, industrial, commercial type development that's really left," Burns said. "There is a lot of interest from industry as to as to this site and to what happens here. "
The City of Lowell is holding an open house on the agreement at City Hall, 301 E. Main St., on Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The City will hold a formal public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Lowell Charter Township will also be holding an open house at its Township Hall Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 6-8 p.m. The Township will hold a formal public hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16.