By By NORMA LERNER / Edwardsburg Argus
EDWARDSBURG -- The Section Street apartments across from the Edwardsburg Public Schools have become a concern with the school since a family of three were recently convicted and jailed for dealing in drugs, especially school students.
Asking if the Edwardsburg Village Council could use its resources to monitor the apartments and to work with the apartment owner about the situation were two school officials who attended the April council meeting.
School Board President Della Holdread and the school's Financial Director Pat Bellaire spoke on behalf of the school with Bellaire saying, "None of us think it's a positive thing for our community. The majority of people there are good people. I would think the property owner would work with you to try and improve the facility and its reputation."
Holdread said the school is concerned with the location of the apartments and is willing to work as a team to keep students and the residents of the village safe. She said there were three people at a school board meeting who asked what the school is going to do with "those apartments." "We are trying to protect our kids. We thought the question should come to you. What can we do with that landlord? We are trying to help keep our village drug free," she said.
A discussion was held about the possibility of getting together with Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz, school officials and the landlord. Village President James Robinson said the apartment owner has been notified in the past of problems. He said he will talk with the police department about the situation.
In another apartment matter, Trustee Scott Mackling said at a recent planning meeting, there were a lot of residents who were concerned with a proposed apartment complex being planned by contractor Troy Treat. Located to the south of Taco Bell, a driveway is proposed to exit on Elkhart Road south of Davis Street. He said the zoning needs to be changed from Residential-1 to Residential-3.
The next planning meeting is 7 p.m. on April 27. A public hearing on the rezoning request will be set at the planning meeting.
Trustee Jacque Tighe reported that a new policy on trash pick up will go into effect in June for trash removal. Every resident will be receiving a trash toter that will add $1.25 per month to their trash bills. It will be a three-year contract. Residents will be informed of what is acceptable to put out for pick up and what is not.
Other business conducted was as follows: