Commission approves hiring of consultant for McNew/Mills Road right-of-way outreach

The commission approved a services agreement with Anthem Consulting to assist with landowner outreach and potential right-of-way acquisitions needed to widen and improve McNew and Mills Road in support of a nearby industrial development and an associated 'effigy plant' project.

Staff explained the project is in the design stage and that township roads will need to be expanded, requiring some right-of-way from private landowners. Public Works recommended a third-party land negotiator to present the concept to landowners and discuss compensation options; Don Britton, Public Works director, said the consultant would handle outreach and negotiations while Public Works would oversee technical work and remain involved in approvals.

A commissioner moved and seconded to approve the proposed services agreement and authorize the consultant to sign the agreement; the motion passed by roll call. Staff said the selected approach was intended to free in-house public-works staff to focus on engineering and construction oversight.

Next steps: Anthem Consulting will begin outreach to landowners; Public Works will coordinate the technical engineering and any necessary right-of-way acquisitions and return recommended agreements to the commission for authorizing acquisitions or payments.