The HHHA has acted as a portal to communicate the ongoing Road Improvement Project in our subdivision. Please join us in the gratitude we extend to our neighbor, Greg Nicozisis, who has worked tirelessly to gather, analyze, and provide this information to all of us through countless documenting, researching and meetings.
At this time the project has come to a halt, with a majority of “no” votes. If we wish to persevere, the process must start over at square one with Oakland County. Although Greg is stepping away, he is willing to share his research with anyone who wishes to volunteer to run with it from here.
Below is a summary of the process that has taken place over the past four years:
The process began in 2018
• The neighborhood was canvassed for initial interest, with positive results.
• Several public neighborhood meetings were held to communicate the process.
• The steps of the Oakland County Road Commission legal process were completed.
• The HHHA sent postcards to garner interest in moving forward.
• The ‘No’ votes prevailed with a 60-40 split, with cost.as the main objection
Original cost from RCOC was $3.8 Million solely for our subdivision
• Alternatives to funding without Oakland County Road Commission were investigated
• Met with Highland Township six times to discuss funding and a special assessment
• Highland Township’s Legal Counsel determined that they cannot “own” the debt
• Worked with road consultants to seek private financing
• Worked with road consultants to obtain bids from contractors
Average private contractor bid was $2.8 Million, which included homes/roads outside our sub.
• Met with the State of Michigan in Lansing to inquire about ways to assist in financing
• Two meetings in Lansing concluded in the State also unable to hold the debt
• It is still possible the State could award a grant valued at $325,000 toward the overall project, following final approval
With the lengthy schedule of meeting with Residents, Consultants, the Township, the County and the
State, the timing for the County’s application process had run out. Ultimately, if we want to “fix the
damn roads”, we will need to re-start the process, beginning with the Road Commission application.
If no further action is taken to start the process over to repave our roads, sections will quickly turn to
gravel as they become unrepairable by patching. To clarify, a small portion of your property taxes go
to Oakland County for plowing and patching our roads ONLY. Because we are a private subdivision,
our roads are private too. Therefore, Oakland County is NOT responsible for repaving.
The Highland Hills Homeowners’ Association will continue to communicate any new developments.
