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Government Secondary Menu
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 Corridor
Improvement Authority
In 2006, the Independence Township Board
of Trustees established a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) for
Sashabaw Road. The CIA was created in conformance with the Corridor
Improvement Authority Act (PA 280, Public Acts of 2005).
Although PA 280 authorizes a broad range
of activities in which a CIA can be engaged, the activities of the
Sashabaw Corridor Improvement Authority have been more narrowly
defined by the Township Board. The CIA is focused on providing
specific public improvements that will enhance existing business
activity and stimulate new investment that is consistent with
Township policies. As a result, the improvements contemplated
include:
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Acquisition of right-of-way and the
widening of Sashabaw Road north of the Interstate 75
interchange;
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Improvements to the Interstate 75 bridge
and interchange; and
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Completion of streetscape improvements,
such as landscaping, irrigation, signage, and coordinated lighting.
The chief means of financing for the CIA
is through the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The TIF
district generally includes properties which front on Sashabaw Road
extending from Clarkston to Maybee Roads. TIF revenues are captured
from the increases in real and personal property over the base year
of 2006. In other words, property taxes collected within the
District as of 2006 continue to be collected. Sources of tax
increment revenues include the Township, Oakland County, and Oakland
Community College. In order to lessen the impact on both the
Township and other taxing jurisdictions, the Township is capturing
only 50% of the eligible taxes.
Due to the cost of the road improvements,
the CIA is seeking both public funding and private contributions. In
the case of the road projects, CIA monies will be used to meet the
required local match for state and/or federal funds.
While the focus of the CIA is on improving
both the interchange and Sashabaw Road (primarily from Waldon Road
to Clarkston Road), a more minor but significant project is the
completion and extension of streetscape improvements that could not
be done when the boulevard was constructed due to financial reasons.
The CIA Board intends to proceed with streetscaping, probably on a
phased basis, once a final roadway design is agreed to by MDOT and
RCOC. The CIA has initiated design and irrigation plans for the
portion of Sashabaw Road south of Waldon.
Independence Township Signature
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