Township approves 2025 road work plan

The Laketown Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved road work plans for 2025 with a total cost of $850,000.

The board on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, approved the following road work:

• Resurface 138^th Avenue from 60^th Street to the cul-de-sac for a cost of $275,000;
• Resurface 146^th Avenue west of 66^th Street and the Castle Park public roads for $245,000;
• Resurface Arlene Lane for $75,000;
• Resurface and repair the shared-use path on 147^th Avenue from Wolters Woods Park to the west and on 64^th Street for $250,000;
• Four roadside mowings for $4,000 with two paid for by Allegan County;
• Dust control for gravel roads for $1,000.

The decision on which roads to resurface reflects Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (Paser) Ratings throughout the township that show the quality of roads in the township.

“Our roads are in excellent condition because we’ve been aggressive on roads for the last 5-7 years,” said township Manager Al Meshkin.

Township Treasurer Jim Johnson asked if any of the work on the shared-use paths could be delayed.

Meshkin said delay is not a good idea.

“Deferred maintenance is not a good thing. It will cost you more later,” Meshkin said.

Trustee Jim Delaney was absent from the meeting.

The 2025 work follows a 30-year plan approved in 2023.

In other business, the board:

• Unanimously approved new Electrical and Mechanical and Plumbing agreements that increase inspection fees from $55 to $75 with the fee charged by the township increasing from $65 to $85.
• Unanimously approved changes to the bylaws of the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.