Several citizens spoke out yesterday against a proposed Brownfield Development plan in Brown City, worried about several factors, such as the lack of space between the 70 proposed homes and the condition of the roads and sewer system in the proposed location.
Speaking before the Board of Commissioners at their July 1st meeting, concerned citizens noted that the project had already been mishandled previously, such as the original developer using the wrong sewer pipe, which has led to multiple sewer issues for residents of the 12 homes already in the development space.
In addition, roads in that area have deteriorated to the point that school buses will not travel down them, nor will snow plows service them. Citizens also noted that 70 homes on less than 13 acres would cause cramped conditions, and make the homes unappealing in the long-run.
While it was acknowledged that new homes are needed in the area, concern was also raised about the lack of jobs in the area, and thus a lack of income needed to buy or rent said homes.
Maple Valley Estates LLC is currently developing the project, which is a redevelopment of a large housing project in Brown City. However, the company says that they are working within the parameters already set up for the project, with the 70 land parcels involved having been platted out over 20 years ago by the county and original developer.
However, Maple Valley Estates LLC assured the board and residents that they are aware of the road and sewer issues, and plan to address those issues during the project. If the project’s plan is adopted, preparations can begin on the brownfield site, with construction slated to start in the summer of 2028.
