PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Plainfield Charter Township has decided to demolish the former Witmark building because of its "blighted and hazardous condition."
The township made the decision during the Board of Trustees’ June 28 meeting.
“The removal of this blighted structure has been a major desire for community members,” said Plainfield Township Supervisor Tom Coleman. “This was a complex issue that required us to thoroughly examine all our options."
The property will remain with the current owner.
By state law, a blighted property is an abandoned or uninhabitable structure that meets any of the following criteria, as provided by Plainfield Charter Township:
- Is declared a public nuisance according to a local housing, building, plumbing, fire or other ordinance.
- Is unattractive because of physical condition or use.
- Is a fire hazard or danger to the community’s safety.
- Has had defective utilities for more than one year.
- Has structural insecurities or demolition debris that makes the property unfit for its intended use.
From 1969-97, Witmark was a catalog showroom, jewelry and electronics store. Most of the building has been vacant for more than 20 years.
A local attorney says she's thrilled to hear this news from the board.
"It's an absolute eyesore," Jane Dykema says. "It's been an unattractive nuisance and a blight on our community for over 20 years."
She remembers visiting the former showroom and store decades ago before it closed back in 1997.
"We used to shop there all the time," Dykema says. "One of my best friend's mothers worked there. It was a great store and a wonderful addition to the mall we had across the street. It was great."
She says she sees potential in this spot in town.
"It's a terrific location for anything," Dykema says. "We need restaurants in the area. Housing wouldn't be a bad idea either."
The Lawn Ranger Owner Brent Fields agrees with her, saying anything else in this location would benefit the community.
"There was once talk about this possibility of a community center, a park or maybe another business," he says.
Fields says the vacant building is an embarrassment for the area and he's looking forward to a change there on Jupiter Avenue.
"It's served its time. It was a great place back in the day, but it's time to go," he says.
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