Niles Township board members passed a resolution Monday night that gives the Berrien County Road Commission permission to get an estimate on the cost of paving a half-mile of Harrah Road, from Philip Road east to Hance Street.
The resolution brings the two-year project one step closer to potential completion.
Supervisor Jim Stover said he is hoping to simplify the process for future road projects moving forward.
“It is moving too slow,” Stover said.
Harrah Road residents came to the board two years ago with a petition that showed more than half of landownership from Phillip Road east to Hance Street wanted the gravel road to be paved.
“[It shows they are] committed to making the roads better,” Stover said.
The project’s initial estimate a year ago was roughly $118,000, Stover said.
The township has agreed to cover half of the cost of the project, while residents living in the proposed construction zone will fund the remaining half of the cost, based on a per-parcel rate.
Those who oppose the project can voice their concerns during upcoming public hearings.
Meanwhile, residents of Brandywine Shores have asked the board to take action on
paving the 3 to 4 miles of roads in their subdivision. The township is expected to vote on the Brandywine Shores project at the next meeting. Stover said he hopes that the Harrah Road project could serve as a guideline for the Brandywine Shores project.
An estimate for the cost of the Harrah Road project is expected to be prepared for review in in a couple of weeks, Stover said. After that, the board members will vote on whether or not to accept the cost.
If the project passes, Stover said that they will start accepting bids.