A part of Novi's history likely has just 90 days

4/9/2008

It was a tough decision for Novi City Council this week. Spend $3 million to spruce up a part of Novi's history, Fuerst Farm, an old homestead that's seldom used today but is still historically valued, or spend a nearly identical amount to turn a valuable piece of land into a parcel that fits more with the neighborhood and would be used by many more of Novi's residents.

To be sure, there were many supporters of Novi's history who spoke in favor of retaining the parcel in recent weeks. But apart from a few annual events, the property is in fact rarely used and the few strong supporters really have not been able to muster enough backing or money to enhance the facility to turn it into an area that would be used.

In fact, in 2000 a task force was formed, and they created a five year plan to renovate the property. An independent consultant's report released last week indicates no appreciable progress has been made in those 8 years. Thus ends a piece of Novi's history.

Novi's new library and recently renovated high school and municipal facilities will look great as they sit proudly on the 160-acre old homestead land, but the barns and old house just don't fit in any more. It would be a welcome change to many to make the area more resident-friendly.

We the People will be sorry to see a valued part of Novi's history go. But, it's hard to comprehend doing much with the property as it stands today. Council is wisely preserving the old Township Hall, which is still functional, while upgrading the area to better serve the community. The rest will be history soon unless a miracle happens.

So in the end, we're sorry to see some of the last pieces of Novi's history go, but the proposed reuse of the property will likely please most of Novi's current residents while still preserving a little bit of history too.