Council approves Phase 1/2 environmental assessment for proposed Salter Park community center

Harper Woods — The City Council approved a proposal for Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental assessment work related to the proposed community center at the Salter Park site and former Paul Pardt School property.

City staff and the economic and community development director explained that Phase 1 is a historical review that may identify the need for Phase 2 soil borings to test for contamination; Phase 2 was described as potentially more expensive. The council was asked to accept a proposal from a consulting firm (transcribed as Lord and Winter) covering both phases.

Council members asked whether earlier geotechnical borings (geothermal studies) were different from contamination testing; staff confirmed geothermal investigations are separate from historic/contamination Phase 1 and Phase 2 work. A councilmember pressed for clarity on project costs and funding; staff said pre-construction costs would be paid from a 1.5 LEO grant and that the information will be useful regardless of whether the city proceeds with full construction.

The resolution to accept the environmental assessment proposal was adopted by roll call. Council also voted to add an item ensuring the planning commission could review community center plans like other new development; staff noted school districts are typically exempt from planning commission review.

Next steps: staff will proceed with Phase 1 historic assessment; if Phase 1 identifies concerns, Phase 2 soil borings and contamination testing will follow and may require additional funding authorization.