Congratulations on another successful Fourth of July and county fair! The events were well attended and, thankfully, went off without any major issues. A big thank you to all the volunteers and staff who made them possible.
The Township Board has decided to move forward with relocating the library, historical museum, and township offices. Planning is currently underway, beginning with updates to the meeting room. The carpeting, which has been fraying for some time, will be replaced with a commercial-grade material. We will also repaint the walls and soffit to better suit the needs of the updated space.
We’ve been working closely with the IADL director and Cheryl to develop a layout that best meets their requirements. Once the move is complete, we expect to have some surplus furniture, bookcases, and other equipment available for sale at Eagle Point Plaza. We’ll announce the sale on Facebook—likely in early October—so please stay tuned.
We are also in the process of installing automatic door openers on most exterior doors across township buildings. During this installation, you may notice temporary obstructions. Please be cautious and give workers the space they need to complete the upgrades safely.
I met with representatives from Consumers Energy recently to discuss updates, including the future of the AuSable River hydro facilities.
At this point, Consumers is still evaluating potential buyers for these assets and has not reached any final decisions. If a sale moves forward, it must first be approved by the hydro commission, which includes representatives from FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) as well as agencies like the USFS, EGLE, MDNR, and USFW. Whether the facilities are sold or decommissioned, no action is expected until later this fall at the earliest.
The township will also be purchasing more green-and-white house number signs for distribution through the building department. If you don’t currently have one posted in your yard or at the end of your driveway, please stop in and see Pat to request one. These signs are critical for emergency services and help ensure your property is clearly identified.
As we move into our second summer with a sheriff’s deputy stationed in the community during the week, we will also be involving them in our blight enforcement efforts. If your property is in violation of our blight ordinances, you may receive a notice of violation. We encourage all residents to take care of their yards to avoid enforcement actions.
Many of the current violators are repeat offenders and may be nearing the end of their grace period. As I’ve said before, blight is a community issue that requires a community-wide solution. We want to avoid using tax dollars to take these issues to court when a little effort from residents can solve the problem.
I want to extend special thanks to the Hale Garden Club for maintaining the beautiful planters downtown. They’re always looking for volunteers—whether or not you have a green thumb. Every bit of time or financial support helps. If you’re interested in helping, contact the Hale Garden Club at P.O. Box 174, Hale, MI 48739, or call Bev Mason at 989-305-8823.
If you’re looking for ways to stay active, consider a membership at the Community Center in Eagle Point Plaza. Programs include pickleball, yoga, cardio drumming, fitness training, walking sessions, and even “TOWANDA,” a more intense workout option. Stop in and speak to Roma about memberships—we offer individual, family, and business/group rates. We’d love to see you there!
While you’re in the plaza, make time to visit the Plainfield Township Historical Museum, open Tuesdays. They also host genealogical workshops—just ask about the next one. Don’t forget the library offers youth programming throughout the summer, and the Lumbermen’s Monument hosts weekly events every Tuesday during July and August.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about our community, feel free to reach out. I’m in the office Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and can be reached at 989-728-2811, on my cell at 989-984-7073, or by email at [email protected].
— Fred Lewis, Supervisor
Plainfield Township
