BACKGROUND:
Washtenaw Heights was developed around the 1950's, when the Township did not have a requirement to install street lights, as compared to the overwhelming number of residential neighborhoods in Pittsfield (if not all) that have had street light installations at the cost of the developer. Absent the option of a private investment, we felt it incumbent upon us to support the residents of Washtenaw Heights that have petitioned for installation of lighting in their neighborhood by making an investment, similar to others we have over the past decade, for the public good.
Pittsfield Township requested DTE Energy to provide a proposal and cost estimate to furnish and install street lighting equipment in the Washtenaw Heights residential neighborhood area, located between Washtenaw/Packard (north and south) and between Carpenter/Golfside (west and east). DTE Energy proposed thirty-two 136W LED fixtures on 28’ steel posts, at a cost of $105,597. On March 10, 2021 the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorized the purchase and installation of street lights, per DTE's recommendations, in the Washtenaw Heights neighborhood area. Individual letters were mailed to all property owners in Washtenaw Heights to inform them of the project and at the August 11, 2021 the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution declaring the township's intent to establish a street lighting Special Assessment District in Washtenaw Heights neighborhood area, setting the first public hearing date, Resolution #21-37.
As such, the Township will proceed with establishing a Special Assessment District (SAD) for the streetlights' operating cost, estimated at $10,575 annually, which will be distributed evenly amongst the residents of said neighborhood area.
Resolution #21-41 establishes the need to move forward, as well as sets the second Public Hearing
date before establishing the district. These meetings allow the Board to hear any questions or concerns from record owners or parties in interest.