While the political campaign and the effects of the coronavirus continue to affect all local communities, Sumpter Township Trustee Don LaPorte wants to get back to community improvements.
During a meeting of the members of the township board of trustees earlier this month, LaPorte noted that the township administration and the trustees have been embroiled in political rhetoric and unfounded allegations, taking time and funding from community projects.
“We need to start doing more for the community,” LaPorte said, following his report regarding a conversation with Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous regarding progress at the Huron River Drive bridge. Haidous made inquiries with the county departments involved, LaPorte said, and Haidous said that the bridge project was on schedule and is expected to be complete Nov. 15. While that was the purpose of the conversation, LaPorte said, the two ventured into a conversation about other amenities for the township, including the possibility of adding bike trails in the community.
LaPorte said that he and Haidous discussed the viability of linking Belleville and Van Buren Township to Sumpter by bike trails. LaPorte said he suggested the possibility of linking the communities with a trail from Willis to Hull Road but Haidous explained that the entire state was currently being connected by trails. LaPorte said there could be a possibility of using utility easements or link to the Huron Clinton Metroparks bike trail.
LaPorte was quick to explain that the project, if pursued, would not take any private property.
LaPorte said that residents with whom he had discussed the project were in favor of the amenity but that there was some concern that the trails would attract motorized vehicles and bikes.
LaPorte said he would gather more information and bring it to the board members for consideration.
He reminded the trustees of the time the administration has spent in dealing with the political accusations of candidates for election and the delays caused by the pandemic.n
“It would have to be a community project and it probably would increase property values around it,” he said.
He said he felt the board had been diverted by both the necessary response and safety measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unfounded claims being made by some candidates for local township offices.
