Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District.pdf
Lauren Willey Petitioner V Township Of Chesterfield Respondent · 26-002573-TT
Text extracted from the reviewed PDF, organized by page. OCR and reading order may contain errors; confirm details in the PDF below.
Page 1
Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District 1 message Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> Mon, Jun 1, 2026 at 12:48 PM To: Bryan Santo <BSanto@rcmcweb.org>, Phil Kraft <Phil.Kraft@macombgov.org>, "bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org" <bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org>, "moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org" <moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org>, "kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org" <kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org>, Jen Kelly <jen@obrienassociationmgt.com>, "cberry@chesterfieldtwp.org" <cberry@chesterfieldtwp.org> To: Cindy Berry, Clerk, Chesterfield Township Commissioner Phil Kraft CC: Bradley Kersten, Chesterfield Township Supervisor Mitch O’Connor, Public Services Director Kerry Beauvais, Chesterfield Township Assessor Bryan Santo, Director of the Department of Roads, Macomb County O’Brien Property Management, Riverpointe Condominium Association RE: Objection to NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District I am writing to formally object to the establishment of a new Special Assessment District for the repaving of Meldrum Road in Chesterfield Township. The Notice of Hearing for the Establishment of a Special Assessment District for Paving Improvements to Chesterfield Township, scheduled for June 9, 2026, is attached. I am in full support of the paving improvements as Meldrum is in grave disrepair, but I object to the formation of a Special Assessment District for this purpose. This would be a NEW tax for residents who would not be enjoying any special benefit. I will be submitting a FOIA request to the Township regarding the handling of maintenance and improvements to Meldrum since it was paved in the late 1980s/early 1990s through 2024, when the first special assessment district application was submitted. It appears that when the Riverpointe Condominiums were built in the late 1980s, the condominium builder covered the cost of pavement improvements for Meldrum Street, and it is noted on the site plans that Meldrum road would "remain private at this time" (site plan attached). It is my understanding the south side of Meldrum was dedicated to the public and is utilized by the public (See attached photos from 5.12.2026 when Meldrum was used to park heavy equipment for public improvements to the entrance on Meldrum). My neighbors tell me this was a common practice during the Salt River Bridge project. I will venture to say it is not a coincidence that the most deteriorated portions of Meldrum Street line up with where the equipment is parked, and I welcome anyone interested to visit Meldrum to see if it lines up. Per Email from Eric Dimoff/ County (4/17/2026) The right of way for Meldrum Street on the north side of the road was never dedicated to the public (Macomb County). The language in the Munson Subdivision plat does not include language regarding dedication of the road for the use of the public. It feels like there was a plan to have the north side of Meldrum dedicated to the public at some point, but the ball was dropped some 30 plus years ago? 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 1/9
Page 2
MCDR does not certify roads that do not meet specifications. Meldrum Street right of way is 30 feet wide (60 feet is the minimum for subdivision right of way). Is this a matter of measurement for subdivision openings? If the North side of Meldrum was dedicated to the public, would the right of way be broad enough? (SEMCOG aerial shot attached). There is an argument to be made that the Township and/or County has some responsibility in restoring the road based on precedence, or at a minimum from damage caused by intensive use. I am hopeful the FOIA request will provide some clarity here. Respectfully, Lauren Willey 586.879.7470 willeylm@gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Scott Wanagat <SWanagat@rcmcweb.org> Date: Tue, May 12, 2026 at 8:20 AM Subject: RE: NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District To: Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com>, Eric Dimoff <EDimoff@rcmcweb.org> Cc: Bryan Santo <BSanto@rcmcweb.org>, DR General Info <GenInfo@rcmcweb.org>, Phil Kraft <Phil.Kraft@macombgov.org>, bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org <bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org>, moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org <moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org>, kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org <kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org>, jen@obrienassociationmgt.com <jen@obrienassociationmgt.com> Good morning, I have just contacted out inspection staff overseeing the contractor and instructed them that none of their equipment is to be parked on Meldrum. Thank you. Scott C. Wanagat, P.E. County Highway Engineer Macomb County Department of Roads Office: 586-463-8671 117 South Groesbeck Highway, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Web: macombgov.org/roads 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 2/9
Page 3
From: Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8:14 AM To: Eric Dimoff <EDimoff@RCMCWeb.org> Cc: Bryan Santo <BSanto@RCMCWeb.org>; Scott Wanagat <SWanagat@RCMCWeb.org>; DR General Info <GenInfo@RCMCWeb.org>; Phil Kraft <Phil.Kraft@macombgov.org>; bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org; moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org; kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org; jen@obrienassociationmgt.com Subject: Re: NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District Good morning, It appears work on St. Clair and the "public" entrance to Meldrum has commenced. Large tractor trailers are parked on "private" property on Meldrum, directly in front of recent landscape/ curb repair at the condominiums. Pictures attached. Please advise. Lauren Willey 586.879.7470 willeylm@gmail.com On Wed, Apr 22, 2026 at 2:13 PM Eric Dimoff <EDimoff@rcmcweb.org> wrote: Good afternoon Lauren, As stated in previous correspondence, Meldrum Street is a private road. As a public agency that receives our funding from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) through Public Act 51, the Macomb County Department of Roads does not have jurisdiction over the road and is not legally allowed to spend public taxpayer dollars on private infrastructure. This has been clearly communicated via multiple emails. Here is a link to a road map from SEMCOG, which outlines road jurisdictions, including private roads: https://maps.semcog.org/roadjurisdiction/#/ While work may have been performed within the subdivision in the past, it was not done by the Department of Roads. The Department of Roads does not levy taxes and is not involved in the special assessment district (SAD) process. Please contact the Township for questions related to SADs. The Department of Roads is not an enforcement agency and cannot restrict the use of roads that are not under our jurisdiction. For private roads, we recommend HOA’s follow Michigan’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which can be found here: https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/ TSSD/getSubCategoryDocuments.htm?prjNumber=2682785&category=MMUTCD&subCategory= 2025%20MMUTCD&subCategoryIndex=subcat2MMUTCD&categoryPrjNumbers=3013114, 1403854,2682785,1403855,3013113 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 3/9
Page 4
As a public road agency, we are not allowed to spend public dollars on privately owned infrastructure, including private subdivision roads such as Meldrum Street. Please contact the Township for questions related to property taxes or SADs. As noted previously, the entrance way off Jefferson Avenue up to Meldrum Street and Salt River Drive are public roads under Department of Roads jurisdiction. We have pavement preservation work planned this year for the entrance way off Jefferson Avenue (not including Meldrum Street) and Salt River Drive. If you have any questions related to this work, please let us know. For updates and information regarding Department of Roads projects, please visit macombgov.org/macombworkzone. If you have further questions regarding Meldrum Street, please contact the Township. Thank you for your understanding and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Eric Dimoff Public Information Officer Macomb County Department of Roads Office: 586-463-8671 117 South Groesbeck Highway, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Web: macombgov.org/roads Click here to sign up for Macomb Work Zone lane closure and construction updates. From: Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 9:29 AM To: DR General Info <GenInfo@RCMCWeb.org> Cc: Bryan Santo <BSanto@RCMCWeb.org>; Scott Wanagat <SWanagat@RCMCWeb.org>; Phil Kraft <Phil.Kraft@macombgov.org>; bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org; moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org; kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org; jen@obrienassociationmgt.com Subject: Re: NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District Good morning, Given this is a $363,000 project affecting myself and dozens of neighbors, a *true* Information Session with the County and Township seems more appropriate than a phone call. There is great interest from my neighbors, who are also stakeholders in this. When was the last repave job and how long did it last? Is it likely residents will need another SAD for the road before the initial SAD is paid off/ expired in 10 years? What rights do private roads have for signage and weight/ use restriction? Meldrum leads to lakefront properties and seawall repair and excavation equipment can be extensive. Roselawn says "No Outlet", leading Bayshore traffic down Meldrum. Since this is essentially a NEW tax for Meldrum residents, what creative consideration might be given to soften the financial impact? 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 4/9
Page 5
It feels like my questions are being written off and I am disappointed by the lack of coordination, support and transparency in responding to my inquiry. I am hopeful a new information session will be hosted to address the situation with Meldrum. Sincerely, Lauren Willey 586.879.7470 On Wed, Apr 22, 2026 at 9:08 AM DR General Info <GenInfo@rcmcweb.org> wrote: Good morning Lauren, Eric Dimoff from our office will give you a call this morning to answer any further questions you may have regarding road funding and the law as it relates to public dollars being spent on private roadways. Department of Roads Office: 586-463-8671 117 South Groesbeck Highway, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Web: macombgov.org/roads Click here to sign up for Macomb Work Zone lane closure and construction updates. From: Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 8:14 AM To: DR General Info <GenInfo@RCMCWeb.org> Cc: Bryan Santo <BSanto@RCMCWeb.org>; Scott Wanagat <SWanagat@RCMCWeb.org>; Phil Kraft <Phil.Kraft@macombgov.org>; bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org; moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org; kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org; jen@obrienassociationmgt.com Subject: Re: NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District Good morning, I was pleased to see the following headline in the Macomb Daily today- "Road Fund Boost Coming Later this Year" (article attached). "State officials last October reached a massive road funding deal to infuse $1.1 billion to $1.8 billion in road funding each year in addition to the money allocated by the long-standing road-funding formula under PublicAct 51." With all this press and additional road funding, I am struggling to understand why there is a reduction in service for Macomb County residents on Meldrum, which had long been maintained by the county. I look forward to 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 5/9
Page 6
learning more. Lauren Willey 586.879.7470 On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 3:16 PM Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> wrote: Good afternoon and thank you for the response. Commissioner Kraft has been in contact with me as well. I am not questioning the law or Public Act 51. I am questioning a change in service. I do not know where the funds the County used to maintain and improve Meldrum since at least 1971 came from, but it is my understanding the County, Township, or some combination of (and not residents) was shouldering that burden. The signage at Meldrum is also suspect as there is a green Meldrum sign at the corner on Jefferson, and a blue Meldrum sign was added to the post at Salt River Drive sometime in the last couple years. This suggests the County intended to effectuate a change of service, but did not adequately communicate the change to residents and now Meldrum is an absolute disaster. My research questions on the timeline and costs for maintaining the road remain. If this road had been privately maintained through special assessments per Public Act 51, I imagine I would have access to this information through the Township. When was the last repave job and how long did it last? Is it likely residents will need another SAD for the road before the initial SAD is paid off/ expired in 10 years? What rights do private roads have for signage and weight/ use restriction? Meldrum leads to lakefront properties and seawall repair and excavation equipment can be extensive. Roselawn says "No Outlet", leading Bayshore traffic down Meldrum. Since this is essentially a NEW tax for Meldrum residents, what creative consideration might be given to soften the financial impact? There is no question the road needs to be redone. As a new resident who knowingly purchased a property on a private road, I was not in opposition. However, the handling of this seems a bit underhanded and I feel my neighbors and I deserve a more comprehensive explanation as to how we arrived here. I believe the correct people are included on this email to provide that explanation. Thank you. Sincerely, Lauren Willey 586.879.7470 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 6/9
Page 7
On Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 1:35 PM DR General Info <GenInfo@rcmcweb.org> wrote: Good afternoon Lauren, Thank you for contacting Macomb County regarding Meldrum Street and sharing your concerns. We appreciate your feedback and value your input. Your email to Commissioner Kraft was forwarded to the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR). As you know, Meldrum Street is a private road. Based on state law (Public Act 51), MCDR receives its funding from gas and weight taxes and registration fees collected by the State of Michigan (no portion of property taxes goes to MCDR). As a public road agency, we are not allowed to spend public dollars on privately owned infrastructure. The right of way for Meldrum Street on the north side of the road was never dedicated to the public (Macomb County). The language in the Munson Subdivision plat does not include language regarding dedication of the road for the use of the public. MCDR does not certify roads that do not meet specifications. Meldrum Street right of way is 30 feet wide (60 feet is the minimum for subdivision right of way). Historically, when these plats were approved and developed by townships, they focused on high density and narrow streets to maximize the land area that a home could be built on. Based on the existing conditions of Meldrum Street prior to the Jefferson Avenue bridge project, pavement deterioration is visible on Google Earth dating back to 2012. While MCDR understands the challenges and costs associated with maintaining a road, our agency cannot legally spend public dollars from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) on privately owned roads. While Meldrum Street is a private road, the entrance way off Jefferson Avenue up to Meldrum Street and Salt River Drive are public roads under MCDR jurisdiction. We’d be happy to look at maintenance solutions or pavement preservation work for the portions of roadways under our jurisdiction. If the work required is beyond general maintenance or road resurfacing, based on state law (Public Act 51 and Public Act 246), MCDR is required to obtain, at a minimum, matching funds from townships or other sources for paving or reconstruction of local or subdivision roads under our jurisdiction. MCDR works closely with Chesterfield Township to identify roads that may qualify for county road programs. If you have further questions related to this email or the information provided, please contact the Department of Roads at 586-463-8671 or geninfo@rcmcweb.org. Sincerely, Eric Dimoff Public Information Officer Macomb County Department of Roads Office: 586-463-8671 117 South Groesbeck Highway, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 Web: macombgov.org/roads 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 7/9
Page 8
Click here to sign up for Macomb Work Zone lane closure and construction updates. From: Lauren Willey <willeylm@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 11:00 AM To: Bryan Santo <BSanto@RCMCWeb.org>; Phil Kraft <Phil.Kraft@macombgov.org>; bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org <bkersten@chesterfieldtwp.org>; moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org <moconnor@chesterfieldtwp.org>; kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org <kbeauvais@chesterfieldtwp.org>; Jen Kelly <jen@obrienassociationmgt.com> Subject: NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District To: Bryan Santo, Director of the Department of Roads, Macomb County Commissioner Phil Kraft CC: Bradley Kersten, Chesterfield Township Supervisor Mitch O’Connor, Public Services Director Kerry Beauvais, Chesterfield Township Assessor O’Brien Property Management, Riverpointe Condominium Association RE: NEW Meldrum Street Special Assessment District I purchased a condo located at 33512 Meldrum in December 2025. When I purchased the property, I noted the roads were in need of repair, and that there was a sign posted, noting Meldrum as a private road. When I received notice of the Special Assessment District for the repaving of Meldrum, I was in support as it appeared things were being handled according to an established protocol. Upon attending the Informational Meeting at Chesterfield Township Offices on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, I came away with more questions than I have answers, as this has not been an established protocol for maintaining Meldrum in Chesterfield Township. For the existence of Meldrum, it is my understanding that there has never been a Special Assessment applied to Meldrum residents for road for repairs and improvements. Up until 2024, this work was handled by the County. I am requesting County and Township assistance researching the history of maintenance for Meldrum and the process and actions taken by the Township and County in effectuating a change in service to constituents. To be frank, the absence of the County at the Informational Meeting felt underhanded and I am requesting more information on how the County came to the decision to discontinue maintaining Meldrum. Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Beauvais were as helfpful as they could be at the meeting, and their expertise is appreciated. How was the decision made and communicated to the Township and Affected Residents? When? It appears it was not communicated and the road was simply allowed to fall in to grave disrepair. When was the last repave job? How many years did it last? What avenues are available to residents to pursue restoration for damage caused by overuse of this private road by public utilities and heavy equipment operators, most notably during the Salt River Bridge Project? 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 8/9
Page 9
What remedies does Meldrum have as a private road to restrict use and bill damages? The residents of Meldrum are heading into this blindly as we do not have records showing maintenance costs and estimated replacement timelines for this private road, as up until two years ago, that was managed by the County. The total project cost for this is projected to be nearly $363,000 to be newly shouldered by Meldum residents and I feel more information on how we arrived at this point is warranted. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. Sincerely, Lauren Willey 33512 Meldrum Chesterfield Twp., MI 4804 586.879.7470 willeylm@gmail.com 5 attachments Meldrum 5.12.26.1.jpg 436K Meldrum 5.12.26.2.jpg 4061K Meldrum Hearing 6.9.2026.pdf 1499K 07 Meldrum Rd. Topo and Pavement.pdf 487K SEMCOG.docx 1137K 9/1/26, 2:20 PM Gmail - Formal Objection to the Establishment of a Meldrum Street Special Assessment District https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9310e1afb7&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-a:r-4652149079132203086%7Cmsg-a:r-25799342105822724… 9/9