LAKETOWN TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 22, 2023) – “Not so fast! Not so fast!”
That classic movie line uttered by The Wizard (Frank Morgan) in the 1939 film “Wizard of Oz” could also apply to the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission. During its monthly meeting this past Wednesday, the panel paused efforts to demolish the Huyser House off of 64th Street to consider not only additional bid information on demolition, but to also consider a proposal to lease the structure.
A year ago, a special committee ruled that the structure, built in 1939 on 102 acres of land acquired by the township 22 years ago, needed to be torn down. While the township building authority proposed turning the house into a “Living Legacy Center,” with multiple uses such as a park office, history site, or gallery, the parks commission disagreed, and last month, the township board voted unanimously to tear the building down.
During Wednesday’s meeting, a resident reiterated his intention to lease the house from the township, assume responsibility for insuring, securing, maintaining and restoring the structure, and pay the township $6,000 annually, with stepped increases after five years. This resident would turn the home into a long-term rental property.
The parks commission board, who has received two demolition bids already and is waiting for a third, decided to table the matter until its January 17th meeting, set for 6 PM at the township hall (4338 Beeline Road). The panel will also go back to the bidders with more questions ahead of that session.
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