Another major stride for Buena Vista Township to “adopt” the old high school property begins with another proposal to pursue federal funds.
This step would transfer the township offices into a portion of the main building, to complement the farmer’s market that began last fall in the old ROTC annex.
On March 27, the Board of Trustees voted to seek a $1 million federal grant to pave the way for the switchover with building upgrades at the high school The financing would require a re-connect through Congressman Dan Kildee, who previously took a lead role for the market, along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Torrie Lee, township manager, says the upgrade at the school would erase the need for $500,000 to catch up with needs at the offices at 1160 South Outer Drive, built in 1965 compared to the high school in 1959.
A drawback for some residents would be a need to travel an extra mile over the I-75 bridge to personally pay bills or attend a meeting.
“Residents may have to drive farther,” Lee says, “but they may also be able to get more tasks accomplished at the new site. The goal is to partner with local organizations in order to provide healthcare services, VA services, banking options, postal services and more on-site. We would like to provide the community with a location where multiple needs can be met.”
Adoption of the former Home of the Knights began three years ago, when the township paid $35,000 to obtain and rescue the property, vacant since the state’s BV school district shutdown in 2013.
Plans call to continue marketing the high school facility, along with the Fort Saginaw Mall land, which would have two potential vacant neighbors across South Outer Drive. PNC Bank, adjacent to the township offices, has announced plans for a May 19 shutdown. Lee is contacting other financial institutions in search of a replacement bank branch.
As part of the process, the board approved $286,200 in required matching funds from ARPA, in effect using dollars from D.C. in a quest for more dollars. The federal American Rescue Plan Act is intended to assist local communities in coping with economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In other action on March 27:
- Lee reported that she continues to seek clearance to use federal funds for cleanup of the abandoned Red Roof Inn site, which burned down three months ago. The $500,000 goes through the Saginaw County Land Bank and then to Buena Vista. If the cleanup costs are lower than a demolition would have been, remaining funds could stay in BV for other cleanups.
- The board, with five members present, unanimously agreed to seek Gov. Whitmer’s removal of Trustee Eddie Billings, who has acknowledged his bipolar disorder, for issuing drunken homicidal and violent threats on social media. No residents attended to witness the vote or to speak on the matter.
- Anthony Teneyuque, a 27-year law enforcement vet with first Saginaw and then BV police, was honored for his promotion to sergeant. Chief Reggie Williams II, who also began in the city ranks, performed the tribute, witnessed by family members and fellow officers.
