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Harrison Township board starts special assessment process for canal dredging; hearing set for March 9
Summary
The Board adopted Resolution No. 1 confirming a petition to form a Special Assessment District for removal of 2–3 feet of organic sediment from Archer, Lakeshore and Pardee Canals (4,860 linear feet), estimated cost to residents $1,333,547.03 (about $10,179.75 per lot), and adopted Resolution No. 2 setting a March 9 public hearing.
The Harrison Township Board of Trustees on Feb. 9 adopted Resolution No. 1 confirming that property owners representing more than 51% of frontage petitioned to form a Special Assessment District to remove an average of 2 to 3 feet of organic sediment from the Archer, Lakeshore and Pardee canals, a canal system measuring about 4,860 linear feet. Clerk Adam Wit said the petition signatures were checked and verified and the board requested the township engineer prepare plans and cost estimates for the project.
The action launches a process under Michigan law (Act 188) that would assess costs to property owners in the St. Clair Haven subdivision; the board estimated total resident cost at $1,333,547.03, or roughly $10,179.75 per lot (131 lots), with final assessments to be based on actual construction and miscellaneous costs. The board also noted that lots that host dredging equipment or pipeline access to the sediment‑bag location at Aune Park, and lots that host sediment bags, will not be charged.
The board followed with Resolution No. 2 to schedule the first public hearing on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Rosso Hall, 38255 L'Anse Creuse, and ordered publication and first‑class mailing of notices to affected property owners. The notice explains that appearance and protest at the hearing is required to preserve the right to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal.
Trustee David Bratto offered Resolution No. 1, supported by Treasurer Lawrence Tomenello; the motion carried with all trustees voting aye. Trustee Dean Olgiati moved and Trustee Liza Brown supported Resolution No. 2; that motion also carried unanimously. The board directed the township engineer to prepare plans, a diagram showing the proposed district, and an estimate of costs for filing with the clerk.
Next steps: the engineer will file plans and estimates with the clerk for public examination prior to the March 9 hearing; property owners who wish to protest must appear at that hearing or file a written appearance with the clerk by the close of business on March 9 to preserve appeal rights to the State Tax Tribunal.
