LANSING – In an effort to help resolve the dispute over the site of the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital and preserve the unique character of Northville Township, State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today introduced a plan that will protect 414 acres in the township from being annexed to Livonia.
"It's important that we work together to create jobs and promote economic development for our community," Corriveau said. "My plan will help bring everyone to the table to move forward together. We have an opportunity to craft a development that will complement Northville Township and boost our local economy, and I know we can work together to find a solution that benefits all parties involved."
Corriveau's plan will protect Northville Township from losing 414 acres of land in the eastern part of the township to Livonia by exempting charter townships or cities with populations of 20,000 or more from annexation.
The land in question, the site of the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital, has been the subject of local controversy since developer REIS unveiled a plan for a large development. Northville Township leaders and residents want the land to be developed to create jobs and promote economic growth in a way that is consistent with the township's overall vision. The concern is that the plan proposed by REIS would create an area that is too dense and would contribute to traffic congestion at the intersection of 7 Mile Road and Haggerty Road.
Local groups have been vocal about the need for controlled growth. A large grassroots effort is growing to develop a plan that includes residential, commercial and mixed-use development, and fits in with the special character of Northville Township. In response to the pushback, talk of annexing the land to neighboring Livonia has been heard around town.
"Developing the former hospital site will help create jobs and boost our economy," Corriveau said. "These are my top priorities for our community, and I know others have the same goals. We can move forward to do what's best for our residents, and we can do so together."