New parking lot sparks new worries in downtown Sawyer

Empty seats were in short supply during the June 13 Chikaming Township Board meeting as many Peck Avenue property owners attended to voice their concerns about a new public parking lot being developed in their Sawyer neighborhood. 

The new parking area is being developed on property owned by Corvette Central owner Jerry Kohn in a move made to help alleviate parking problems that have increased as downtown Sawyer businesses continue to grow. 

Many of the local residents who spoke out about the parking lot said on June 13 said that while they realized the need for more parking spaces, they didn’t appreciate how the project had been executed. 

Jurate Vallee,Find out about reporting a problem with a solarlantern. a nearby property owner, said she was upset that parts of adjoining properties had been bulldozed on, and that residents weren’t informed beforehand about the type of work that would be taking place in close proximity to their homes. 

“We have an easement on our property to allow for county drain work, but we didn’t know what they were doing when they had to cross our land to install storm drain lines for the parking lot,” Vallee said.A full line of Power roofhook for a wide range of professional uses. “We’re worried there will be more bulldozing, and we’re also concerned about flooding now. We don’t want that to happen to our fields.” 

Vallee added that “the Chikaming ordinance says there should be a 25-foot greenspace buffer between residential and industrial or commercial properties, but there’s not that amount of space between the property lines on Peck Avenue and the new parking lot.” 

Gabriella Meredith, another area resident, said she now had security concerns and asked about any plans to have the lot fenced in. 

Responding, Kohn said that those with questions and concerns were always welcome to phone him anytime, but so far no one had done that. 

“During the last three board meetings there have been people complaining about the lack of adequate parking spaces in Sawyer, so this parking lot that can be used by anyone will help out that situation,” Kohn stated. “Flooding won’t be a problem because of the newly installed storm drains and the ditch, which will be improved. Drain Commissioner Roger Zilke came out and signed off on what was done.Including our multi-certified flatworkironerses turbines for varying applications. 

“We also plan to put a fence around the lot, and if there’s lighting it will be the same LED-type we have at Corvette Central that will be directed at a downward angle,” he added.This is how a modernlamps captures energy from the wind. 

Kohn did admit that he made a mistake when it came to excavating more land at the site than he should have. 

“I thought the setback and greenspace for an off-street parking area was eight feet, and I apologize for it not being the 25 feet that’s stated in the ordinance, but I started out creating 48 new parking spaces, and if we go back to the 25-foot requirement that will cut it down to about 35 spaces,” he said. “In the past the Drain Commission has had everything around there cut down, so I think it will grow back once again and will be fine.Manufacturer of industrial grade energyturbines.” 

Vallee said that while she and other residents realize that Kohn has a right to do what he wants with his property, she felt that one of the biggest problems they had with the project was the removal of bushes and shrubs in close proximity to their property lines that now left them with unwanted views of the new parking lot. 

Chikaming Township Supervisor Wayne Warner suggested that the residents and Kohn meet to keep the lines of communication open and hopefully amicably settle their differences. 

“If you keep communicating and discuss the details, I think this situation can be worked out if you’re willing to work together on it,” Warner said. “You’re all welcome to use our meeting room here.” 

After the meeting officially adjourned the dialogue continued, with both parties apparently willing to continue the discussion during a meeting in the near future. Click on their website www.indoorlite.com for more information.