Ottawa Lake: Changes due in Whiteford Township

2/9/2005

OTTAWA LAKE - One of the busiest corners in Whiteford Township is likely to undergo major changes soon.

Township officials are preparing to list and sell the 32-acre Whiteford Community Park located along Whiteford Center Road just north of Sterns Road.

And in an unrelated move, the long-neglected neighboring trucking terminal that has drawn complaints for being an eyesore, has been purchased by a Lambertville man who plans to open a business there.

Whiteford Township Supervisor Pam Dressel said the township has had Whiteford Community Park surveyed in anticipation of its eventual sale. However, the property won't be listed until new ball diamonds are built later this year at the township's new 90-acre park site.

The park will be built on land that has been actively farmed and is home to Stoneco's Whiteford Township quarrying operation. The two 45-acre parcels are bounded on the north, west, and south by Sterns, Whiteford, and Section roads, and on the east by properties along Whiteford Center Road.

The land was deeded to the township by Stoneco almost two years ago, and is being leased back to the quarry until the company completes its plan to move its mining operation to property it owns on the north side of Sterns Road.

This year, the softball and baseball leagues that call Whiteford Community Park home will likely play their entire season at the old site, then switch to the new park for the 2006 season, Whiteford officials said.

The park sale comes just as an old troublesome neighbor is in line for a face-lift.

Lambertville resident Mike Jurgensen closed his purchase of the long-abandoned truck terminal last month from Central Cartage for an undisclosed amount.

While he said he hasn't finalized his plans for the corner property yet, he said he believes it can be home to some type of thriving enterprise other than its last incarnation.

"I'd like to try to make something happen there. I've seen it and driven by it for a long time, and I think it has some potential," said Mr. Jurgensen, who lives less than a half-mile away.

Mrs. Dressel said the township tried to purchase the truck terminal several years ago, but was unable to do so. In the meantime, township officials continue to field complaint calls about the property, and she welcomed any news that it may soon be fixed up.

"It's been such an eyesore for all these years. We've all taken all kinds of calls on it, asking us to do something about it," Mrs. Dressel said.