By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — It may be a few more months before a sale can be finalized on the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority incinerator site in Clinton Township.

Despite hope by residents living near the property that the GPCRDA Board might be voting on a proposal at the next board meeting July 8 in Grosse Pointe City, GPCRDA attorney John Gillooly said at press time that such a decision was unlikely this month. Since the board’s last meeting in May, Gillooly said there have been no developments on the property, and he didn’t believe any purchase offers would be ready for a board vote by July 8.

With eight member communities — and their respective municipal attorneys — needing to evaluate any prospective sale, it’s an issue that has met with considerable debate and discussion.

“It’s a very complicated deal,” Gillooly said.

Last year, members of the community formed the nonprofit Quinn Road Community Housing Development Corporation. The QRCHDC has proposed paying $1 for the long-vacant 64-acre site — located at 14 Mile and Quinn Road in Clinton Township — and building new homes there. In keeping with a number of other new housing developments in that area, the homes would likely be in the $145,000-$210,000 price range, according to Greg Murray of Mount Clemens, the project manager.

“We think things are moving along,” Murray told board members this spring. “We’re still here. We’re very anxious (to finalize a deal).”

The incinerator ceased burning member trash in 1999, and it was demolished in 2001.

QRCHDC Vice President Michael McIntyre called the empty parcel “an eyesore.” Despite Michigan’s slumping housing market and economy, McIntyre — who’s also a real estate salesperson — feels the proposed new housing development would attract buyers because of the amenities in the area, such as proximity to public transportation and a close-knit neighborhood. In conjunction with the housing project, he said, residents want to start an after-school tutoring program for local students — one of several ways he said the development is aimed at improving the community as a whole.

“It’s a great, great project,” said McIntyre, adding that they already have a retired local certified teacher in the wings to lend a hand. “I think it would be the jewel of South Clinton Township, as opposed to what it is now.”

Cleaning up and creating new housing on the site would redress “wrongs perpetrated in the past” on the community, McIntyre said. Like many of his neighbors, he sees hope on the horizon with this project. McIntyre said his son attended Robbie Parker Elementary and his mother lives two blocks from the former incinerator parcel.

“I’m personally invested in it, and I would like to see the community flourish and grow,” McIntyre said.

At press time, the next GPCRDA Board meeting was slated to take place at 6 p.m. July 8 at Grosse Pointe City offices, 17147 Maumee Ave. For directions, call (313) 885-5800. For more information about the meeting, call John Gillooly at (313) 446-5501.

You can reach Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1047.