Correction: The next public hearing for the topic will take place when Berrien County Commissioners approve a bid. The article has been updated.

The Niles Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to establish the district for a special assessment district to fund the cost of a road improvement project for residents of Brandywine Shores. 

Prior to the vote, trustees hosted a public hearing, allowing residents to comment. While there were approximately 15 people in the audience, no one spoke about the topic.

During the trustees’ last meeting, an official plan to renovate the roads was approved. After hearing public feedback earlier this year, trustees voted to approve what was called “Plan A.” The plan will install a 2-inch layer of asphalt on the road’s surface and cost an estimated $666,413. The township will cover about 50 percent of the cost and residents will pay the rest through a special assessment district, which will be spread over 10 years. The cost will also cover the implementation of leach basins and drainage facilities.

While no residents objected in person to the SAD, Supervisor Jim Stover read aloud to trustees a letter they had received from a resident who is opposed to the project. Trustees did not name the resident, but said that they felt the project might be financially burdensome to them, as well as other neighborhood residents. They asked that the city leave their road off of the improvement plan instead. 

Stover said whether the resident’s road was paved or not, the resident would still be using the neighborhood roads that would be under the improvement project.

“They are going to get the benefit of traveling from Ferndale clear up to their property,” Stover said. “I think they should be kept into it. If there is a hardship, let us work something out.”

Trustee Chris Vella asked for Stover to break down the cost of the SAD by month for residents.

Stover answered and said that it would cost an approximate $160 per year. The interest rate has yet to be set, but would be around 3.5 percent, according to Stover.

Trustee Terry Eull said they had received notices of objection from at least two other residents.

After the meeting, Eull advised those who anticipate facing trouble paying the special assessment district to contact the township.

Next,  a second public hearing on the topic will take place when Berrien County Road Commissioners approve a bid for the project. The next regularly scheduled township meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at the Niles Township Hall, located at 320 Bell Road. To contact the township, call (269) 684-0870.

The following roads have been identified for the project:

• Ferndale Boulevard

• North Street

• Crescent Lane

• Country Club

• Tam-O-Shanter

• Boca Raton

• S. 11th St. as contained in Brandywine

• S. 13th St. as contained in Brandywine

• S. 14th St. as contained in Brandywine

• S. 15th St. as contained in Brandywine

• South Street

• Oakdale

• Balmoral

• Pinehurst

• Shoey Court

Also on Monday:

• Berrien County Commissioner Jim Curran, who serves the 11th District, visited the meeting and said that he was looking for residents’ feedback in regards to the proposal to consolidate the county’s transportation systems, through a project called Connect Berrien. Curran invited residents to share their opinions on the matter or contact the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to share feedback. Curran can be reached at (269) 684-7084 or at jcurran@berriencounty.org. The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission can be reached at (269) 925-1137.

• Trustees voted unanimously to re-appoint William Landgraf to the Niles District Library board.

• Trustees voted unanimously to recommend approval for Robson Farms to apply for Farm Land and Open Space, which allows farmers to put their land in to preservation, which qualifies the land for some tax breaks. The application is good for 10 years. 

• Approved a bid to sell a township pick-up truck to a resident for $2,255.

• Trustee Chris Vella said she was doing research to understand the needs of the homeless population in Niles Township. Vella said she hoped to present her findings at the next trustee meeting.