Board approves paving 61st Street

The Laketown Township Board of Trustees has given the green light for a paving project that earlier stalled due to cost concerns.

The board on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, voted to ask the Allegan County Road Commission to move ahead with paving 61^st Street north of 138^th Avenue. The gravel road is a dead-end.

The township in October approved the paving, then in January voted to postpone the paving due to easement issues. A landowner did not want the road to encroach on their land. Holland Western Horse Park, 3856 61^st St., which supports having the road paved, instead gave an easement to the road commission to realign the road so it can be paved.

On March 4, the board asked the road commission to pave the 0.35-mile road this year, setting the bid process in motion.

On March 12, the board voted to pause the project because of the preliminary cost estimate of about $441,000.

A road commission estimate that came in after that meeting put the cost at about $339,634.50.

The lower estimate persuaded some board members on April 1 to support the paving. Other board members said the paving project has been listed in the township road plan for years and the plan should be followed.

Supervisor Steven Ringelberg opposed the paving, saying the money could be used on other road projects. He suggested widening the road but not paving it to help improve safety.

The vote to pave was 4-1. Ringelberg was the one vote in opposition.

The township received dozens of letters and emails opposing and supporting the paving project. Eight people addressed the board to comment on the proposed road work.

Bids for the project could be in later this month. Work is planned for this year.