Northville Township Trustee Testifies in State House About Annexation Legislation

Northville Township Trustee Marjorie Banner spoke last week before the State House Local, Governmental and Regional Affairs Committee in support of House Bill 4007, which proponents say would prevent the type of annexation attempt that occurred in Northville Township in 2008. It would amend the existing Charter Township Act.

In 2008, the city of Livonia attempted to annex a portion of the township on which a developer sought to build homes and a shopping area.

"It was divisive to the city of Livonia and the township," Banner said in an interview. "It was something we should never have had to go through."

At the Lansing hearing, she was joined by State Rep. Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth), who introduced the bill, and Canton Township Supervisor Phil LaJoy.

"I'm honored to have the support of our local officials on this important piece of legislation," Heise said in a press release. "The bill is essential in order to encourage economic development in large-scale townships throughout Michigan. The bill allows townships such as Canton, Northville and Plymouth to move forward with potential economic development efforts without having to worry about a hostile takeover by a neighboring city."

Currently, a township is exempt if it meets these criteria:

• Has a state equalized valuation of at least $25 million.

• Has a population density of at least 150 people per square mile.

• Provides fire protection service by contract or otherwise.

• Is governed by a comprehensive zoning ordinance or master plan.

• Provides solid waste disposal services to township residents.

• Provides water and/or sewer services by contract or otherwise.

• Provides police protection through contract with the sheriff in addition to normal sheriff patrol, through an intergovernmental contract, or through its own police department.

The bill would amend the state's Charter Township Act to say that "those exceptions would not apply to a charter township with a population of more than 20,000 that meets all of the criteria listed above. Instead the bill would say that such a township would be exempt from annexation and also would not be permitted to detach territory under any circumstance."

Northville Township's population, , is 28,497.