Concerns raised about Commerce development
By KANIQUA S. DANIEL
Of The Daily Oakland Press
Some residents are concerned the proposed development for the former El Dorado and Links at Pinewood golf courses could cause more harm than good. The Commerce Township DDA made a purchase agreement for the Links at Pinewood Golf Course west of Martin Road to coincide with the development,according to to township Supervisor Tom Zoner.In June 2003, the DDA also purchased the El Dorado Golf Course, located on the north side of Pontiac Trail, for a possible new shopping center.
With the areas combined, residents may soon see the Commerce Town Center. Included in the development are residential, commercial, and retail developments surrounding a Lifestyle Center; an area dedicated to open space; and — the most controversial issue — a road link between Martin Road and Pontiac Trail.
Susan Averbuch, president of Campbell Creek Home Owners Association, expressed concern that the road link could be an extension of the controversial M-5. But Trustee Dan Munro defended the proposed road. "In order to get into that area, a road is needed," Munro said. "The DDA intends on extending Martin Road with roundabouts, which is nothing like M-5 because (drivers) will have to continuously yield to calm the traffic flow "Averbuch said her organization, Concerned Citizens of Commerce Township, doesn't oppose a road going through this property, but feels M-5 should go no further. "They say they're doing . the road to alleviate traffic, but what do you think a Lifestyle Center and 1,000 new homes is going to bring?" she said. Dan Chad, an independent candidate for township supervisor, claimed the township has violated several laws and will continue to do so if M-5 is extended. "They think there's a law that says the road can't be expanded, but what's really going on is the federal government won't provide funding for it," Munro said. "They don't want to see the area developed, but we can't prevent buyers from developing. "When you purchase privately owned property, you can pretty much do what you want". All we can do is work with them so it has the least impact on existing residents. "Both Chad and Averbuch said they are not opposed to the entire development. "What about funding and putting stacked condos infront of half-million dollar houses?" Chad questioned. "Think of the people living a quarter of a mile away. "We're not opposed to a road that services the development. We're opposed to 30,000 cars that are sure to come with the continuation of M-5 to M-59."
While the DDA has only presented a conceptual plan, another change that may come with the development is the widening of Haggerty, Williams Lake and Union Lake roads.
We find it interesting that our township leadership continues to try to paint the local area citizens as anti development. We still wonder what our leadership's view would be if this was in their backyard. Do you think Mr. Zoner, Munro or Berry would have 30,000 cars going through their backyards? Munro can can take the simplistic stance of confusing 4/5 lane road off a major highway as an access road, but the residents who live only 1200 feet off it in established homes see it for what it is, a highway with round-abouts. Mr. Munro should get educated as to what an access road is else where. It is two to three lanes. Sooner or later the township government will wake up and realize that their constituents have changed. The township residents also have to make a choice between becoming another Southfield or fight to retain the bedroom atmosphere that has made Commerce so unique. We also encourage the residents to take a road trip along Southfield Road and experience the future today.
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