Lincoln Township is moving to start work on a sidewalk project this spring, but time is running out to get a key contract in place.
The Lincoln Township Board of Trustees was told this week in order to lay the groundwork for the ten-foot-wide shared use path planned along South Roosevelt, they’ll need to approve a tree trimming and removal contract. The problem is that under state rules, the tree removals can only be done between October and March 31. That’s to protect bat populations.
Engineering consultant Nathan Breese told trustees they’ll need to seek bids soon for the work involving about 60 trees. Otherwise, the project would have to wait a year.
Trustee Dick Stauffer said the board “better get going” if it doesn’t want to lose out. So, trustees voted to seek bids for the tree removals, which are expected to cost about $65,000.
The township has received a $1.5 million federal grant for the sidewalk along South Roosevelt from Hidden Pines to Marquette Woods Road. The work will also entail building a bridge and boardwalk over Hickory Creek. The grant for the long-awaited Roosevelt path was secured for Lincoln Township by Congressman Tim Walberg.
