KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A seriously divided Kalamazoo County Commission is reopening the bidding process, some say unfairly, for a huge piece of land in Oshtemo Township.
The county was collecting bids for those interested in purchasing nearly 58 acres of undeveloped land along KL Avenue, adjacent to the KL Landfill.
The commission received five bids and the highest bidder was a private citizen, offering to pay $370,000 cash. The names of the bidders were not disclosed so to prevent bias when choosing.
County administrator Tracie Moored recommended that they accept the highest bidder’s offer, because the county could really use the cash amid the pandemic, but the offer was turned down because Oshtemo Township also wants the land.
Oshtemo officials submitted a late bid just 15 minutes before the county commission meeting Tuesday night. The township’s original bid was $330,000, but they explained that they would match the winning bid, as long as they could get a two year option to pay for it.
Commissioner Meredith Place says they want to turn it into some type of greens pace. “We could be preserving it but also receiving cash from a township,” she explained.
Board Chair Tracy Hall added that they have received emails of residents asking for green space. “We’re suppose to be good stewards, not just to residents, but to our environment,” Haill explained.
But even Commissioner John Gisler, who represents the township, said it was bad business to turn away a winning bid. “The majority of us don’t seem to think that the integrity of the county is really on the line here,” Gisler said, “I feel pretty strongly that it is.”
After a lot of debate and a close 6 to 5 board vote, they decided to reopen the bidding until 5 p.m. Friday.
Kalamazoo County Treasurer Mary Balkema says the move was not in the best interest of the county or its citizens. She adds that they have had interest in this parcel for years. “Tonight you failed them and you failed good governance and a good process,” Balkema stated. She also explained that this could hurt her sale of tax-seized properties next week.
The commission will vote on the sale of the land at their meeting next Tuesday.
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