Northville Township Prepares for Crucial Town Hall Meeting on Landfill Expansion
Residents of Northville Township are gearing up for what promises to be a significant community event as they prepare for a town hall meeting addressing the proposed expansion of the Arbor Hills Landfill. Scheduled for 7 p.m. December 9 at the Northville Township office, this meeting aims to inform the public and rally community support against the project.
What’s at Stake?
Located on the south-west corner of Six Mile and Napier roads, right by the Northville Township border, the Arbor Hills Landfill is nearing its capacity. However, there’s a twist— the landfill owns additional property directly across Six Mile Road, which they may be eyeing for a potential expansion. As Dave Drinan, vice president of The Conservancy Initiative, aptly put it, “They might say they want to expand the current landfill, but they’re building a new landfill across the street.” This means that if the expansion goes ahead, Northville Township could face a situation where existing waste dumps are joined by a “sister mountain” of trash.
Community Concerns Rise
For years, concerned residents and environmental advocates have raised their voices against the landfill. The Conservancy Initiative, which is hosting the upcoming town hall, stands firmly against any increase in the landfill’s footprint. Drinan highlighted the visible impacts of the landfill, stating that driving down Six Mile Road reveals “a mountain of trash” that many residents would rather not see grow.
When contacted for comment, the landfill’s general manager, David Seegert, requested inquiries about the expansion be sent via email, indicating he was unable to provide an immediate response. The landfill’s history of complaints, violations, and even lawsuits over the past decade adds another layer of complexity to this situation. According to Leslie Evans, a facilitator for the Northville Township Landfill Working Group, the community has seen numerous odor complaints and violations confirmed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
A Really Stinky Situation
Community members are not just voicing their concerns casually; many feel a sense of urgency. “The Conservancy has been fighting this since the early 2000s when everybody kind of woke up and realized that this landfill was a mess,” shared Evans. She went on to note that while a significant percentage of waste comes from Oakland County, a considerable portion also originates from as far away as Canada and Ohio. disturbingly, only a small fraction of the waste comes from the immediate surrounding areas like Wayne County, Salem Township, and Washtenaw County.
Alternatives for a Cleaner Future
Highlighting the importance of sustainable practices, both Drinan and Evans discussed the need for alternative solutions, including increasing recycling and composting efforts in line with state goals. Residents are hopeful that the upcoming town hall meeting will unite the community in expressing opposition to the landfill’s expansion, and they believe speakers at the event will clarify the approval process for a new landfill while presenting strategies to combat the proposal.
Calling for Community Engagement
With state and local elected officials also invited, the meeting serves as an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard. Drinan expressed optimism about community involvement: “If the voice of the people is loud enough—maybe it’ll get heard.”
This town hall meeting is more than just an information session; it’s a chance for residents of Northville Township to come together and take a stand on environmental issues that directly impact their community. As December 9 approaches, the spotlight remains on Arbor Hills Landfill and whether the community can sway the future of this contentious facility.
