Northville Township Allocates More Funds to Demolition of Seven Mile Property Buildings

Northville Township's board of trustees voted Thursday night to allocate more money toward the demolition of two buildings on the Seven Mile property, the former psychiatric hospital.

Almost $54,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies were approved for reallocation. The money was moved from two funds, including one that provides services to the senior living facility Allen Terrace.

"We have a $200,000 grant from the EPA which is being used to take down the powerhouse and the maintenance building," said Thelma Kubitskey, the township's Finance Director. "The money from the CBDG will help with that project. And as we go forward the CDBG money will assist any future plans of demolition."

The Environmental Protection Agency grant was awarded to the township in June 2011. The township has held public hearings and solicited resident feedback in devising , which calls for demolition of the buildings in phases. The plan in January 2012.

Tom Casari, the township's public services director, said bids are currently being sought for demolition of the building and a plan is expected to come before the board next month.

There are about 20 building on the property, most of which contain hazards such as asbestos. Still, Casari said some buildings still have salvage potential, including the powerhouse.

"It's a dangerous building," he said of the three-story structure. "It's open and people can get in high on it."

The maintenance building is composed of brick and steel but has less that can be salvaged.

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