The roads in our subdivision were built in 1993 and are currently 31 years old. The road surface has lasted as long as it was designed for and is now showing signs of rapid deterioration. Currently, our roads are rated on average as 4/10. 10 being a brand-new road and 1 being a totally broken and unusable surface requiring total replacement. The good news is that the road structure currently supports milling and resurfacing.

Most of the concrete curbs in the subdivision are holding up well. The areas of concern are where the concrete has broken up into multiple pieces or potholed. These will need to be replaced before the asphalt roads are milled and resurfaced.

Milling is the process of removing 4 inches of asphalt and resurfacing with new asphalt on top of the existing base layer.

We could. However, the cost of completely replacing the road infrastructure would be 3-4 times more than milling and resurfacing.

The expectation is that we should expect this repair to last 15-20 years. This is backed up by research provided by MDOT, Michigan Technological University, Michigan Transport Asset Management Council, G2 Engineering, and various contractors. We are expecting that it will be closer to 20 years as we continue to seal and treat any problem areas during that time. The road base is also in a favorable condition to support a longer time frame. Since this is a repair and not a full replacement, we expect to see minor cracking in the surface after the first year. Continued seal treatments will address this.

Our roads are classified as public roads and are owned by the Road Commission for Oakland County. However, there has been no funding set aside at the Federal, State, and County level to provide money for this project. This is true of most subdivisions within the State of Michigan.

Fortunately, Independence Township has decided to partner with us and provide a cost-effective solution. They are willing to provide the financing and additional grant money towards the project. Ultimately, it is the homeowners in our subdivision who will pay for the majority of this repair.

Independence Township will set up a Special Assessment District (SAD) for our subdivision. Once approved by the homeowners, Independence Township will finance the cost of the project. After additional hearings at the township, funds will be released so construction can commence.

The total estimated cost for this project is $879,758.38 which equates to $8,459.22 per parcel. Keep in mind that there are allowances built into this project as well as grant funding. It is everyone's goal on this project to come in under budget.

Independence Township has set aside funding to contribute as a grant to this project. This is provided through the Neighborhood Road Improvement Program (NRIP). Currently we are approved for $100,000 of grant funding.

Independence Township is willing to finance the cost of the project through a 10-year assessment at roughly six percent interest. A homeowner can decide to pay the entire assessment upfront with no interest. Alternatively, a homeowner could choose to pay over 10 years. This makes the cost of the project much more affordable. There is no prepayment penalty.

While the assessment will come with the winter taxes, it is not a tax bill. The assessment will not cause your taxes to be readjusted to reflect a higher tax burden. Assessments are in addition to taxes and do not reset the taxable value of your parcel.

Yes! As a homeowner you get a vote. Each homeowner will have to decide whether this project is the best course of action for our subdivision. A Formal Petition has been circulated after an initial Preliminary Petition was approved. Both petitions have been approved and validated by Independence Township. You can also voice your question or concerns directly to the Road Project Team by calling Ben Hastings at 517-425-0542. Formal hearings about the project have already taken place at the township. Additional information and updates can be found on our website and through additional mailings to homeowners.

No. Every lot will share equally in the cost of this project. There are 104 homeowner parcels in our subdivision.

Early to mid May, 2025. This is weather and contractor schedule dependent.

Yes, both the Preliminary Petition and Formal Petition were circulated, approved, and validated by Independence Township.

The payments for Special Assessments are due with Winter Taxes. The first payment will be due in February 2026. Payments will be made to Independence Township.