Township Corner by Trustee Janet Jankura

Happy autumn!  After students returned to school and people enjoyed their summer holiday, it is time to get back to business. The township’s commercial businesses in our Light Industrial Office District (LI-O) are doing well. Our Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) property tax revenue is up to $30,148. This accounts for the inside millage only and is more than four times the amount we were receiving for the past several years. We share the inside millage with the Village of Richfield as part of the JEDD agreement, and in turn also receive a portion of the income tax revenue which was $53,916 for the first two quarters of the year. This amount is expected to grow with the continued success of Best Buy, Allega Companies and a prospective new company.

Recently I toured the LI-O and visited the developed properties. I observed quiet and efficient operations. I am encouraged by the new building that is the headquarters and hub of Allega Companies. It is an impressive facility with attractive office space, a clean shop and secure lots. They employ approximately 75 professionals and during construction season about 150 people work from the site. The owner/developer also offers use of his property to the Richfield police for a training site.

A commercial lot on the property is ready for development. The owner is looking for the right kind of company to develop the parcel. He is considering a business that is appropriate for the area – bringing jobs and revenue with a positive impact on the adjacent residential area and our community at large.

October begins early-voting season for the November 5 general election, a crucial one for our country and state. The deadline for voter registration is October 7. I urge everyone to exercise his or her right to vote. ∞