Hartland trustees say they'll consider contributing to M‑59/Old US‑23 intersection improvements, ask for developer cost details

Township Manager Mike Luce told the Hartland Township Board on May 5 that he met with MDOT, Sheetz and representatives of Square One to discuss improvements at the M‑59/Old US‑23 intersection. Luce said MDOT plans to repave M‑59 from Charyl Stockwell to Lakena next spring and that the Livingston County Road Commission plans to pave north Old US‑23 when school lets out.

Luce described potential design elements under consideration: alignment of a Square One driveway with the Target entrance, the addition of a traffic signal, acceleration and deceleration lanes, and double turn lanes at the Old US‑23/M‑59 intersection. He said the township discussed the scope and cost responsibilities with developers and MDOT and that staff outlined possible township contributions toward intersection work.

Board members expressed support in principle for contributing to the improvements but asked staff to obtain detailed cost information and to clarify how proposed contributions would affect the township operating budget and other projects funded by the road millage. The discussion also touched on Pleasant Valley easement issues and the Bergin Road paving plan.

Supervisor Fountain said the township needs coordinated construction timing among MDOT, the county road commission and private developers before committing funds. The board did not vote or set a contribution amount; members asked staff to return with cost estimates and a recommended funding approach.