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Livonia council approves Green Meade roof replacement after historic-preservation debate
Summary
The council voted 6-0 to award a budgeted bid to replace the AJ Geer Store roof at Green Meade Historical Park after public comment and council debate about preserving historic cedar shakes versus using modern, lower-maintenance alternatives.
The Livonia City Council approved a budgeted contract to replace the AJ Geer Store roof at Green Meade Historical Park on a voice vote recorded 6-0, ending a discussion that split preservation goals and sustainability concerns.
Council member McCullough, who put the item back on the floor after public comment, said the Green Meade buildings are part of the city's historic fabric and need repairs "with capital planning accordingly," arguing repairs should follow preservation guidelines and appropriate materials for the historic period. "This is something that we're trying to have for historical purposes, and that's why we should do the right thing," McCullough said.
Several residents urged alternatives. Steve King and others suggested synthetic or metal shakes that mimic cedar but reduce fire and maintenance risks; Betsy Calhoun, representing historic-preservation concerns, cautioned that some alternative materials age poorly and said the Historic Preservation Commission follows Secretary of the Interior guidelines when considering alternative materials. "The Historic Preservation Commission takes its responsibility of stewardship very seriously," Calhoun said.
Other speakers, including Jim Bigot, asked the city to require a multi-year maintenance plan and budget for whichever roofing option is chosen, noting the city has a cultural/capital millage that funds preservation work. Greg Rocco and Jerry Harrison reminded council that past master-plan guidance calls for compatibility between nearby development and the Green Meade site.
Council members acknowledged both sets of concerns. The award motion included funding from budgeted cultural/capital funds and passed on a 6-0 voice vote. Council did not specify in the meeting that it was replacing cedar with a particular material; multiple speakers asked for written maintenance commitments and long-term budgeting to keep the buildings in repair. The next procedural step is to implement the contract and to provide council with documentation on long-term maintenance and funding consistent with the city's cultural millage.
