City Council Candidate Forum--this Wednesday, Oct 21, 7 p.m.- 9p.m. Washington Street Education Center, Board Room

This is an important election for City Council. Among other civic matters, citizens have been appealing to the council to work toward a positive outcome on the Longworth property that honors Chelsea's history and historical buildings. At the last council meeting (Oct 13). Joe Merkel offered a win-win proposal: "The GOAL should be to preserve the historic, small town, feel of this community while utilizing these historic structures for modern day and future purposes...consideration in granting a 1 year stay from demolition so ALL OPTIONS may be considered. Prior to next months Council Meeting, I will commit to providing City Council a proposal with timelines for each function necessary to stay within the 1-year window. As we all know, once the buildings come down, we will not be afforded the opportunity to rethink our decision in the future.  I believe, after your review of the proposal, you will be able to embrace the idea that a individual or group of people, on behalf of the city, can be appointed to work with the Livery Coalition and the Chelsea Area Historical Society to incorporate ideas in concert with planning and studies you have already completed. I do believe there is a WIN/WIN scenario that will allow the city and its’ residents a finished project that will both preserve tax revenues and enhance the historic feel of the downtown area."

Ellen Thackery, Michigan Historic Preservation Network field representative remarked: "The stock of historic buildings is one of the downtown's greatest assets. Demolishing these highly visible historic buildings flies in the face of the care that has been exercised in the past and doesn't make sense in terms of promoting the downtown’s and city’s image as a cool and historic place. Instead, I would respectfully encourage the city to market these buildings for adaptive reuse, with the requirement that the historic character be maintained." 

The council received about 700 signatures in support of saving the livery, almost 500 of which are Chelsea residents.

The Council heard the appeal, and positions of council candidates on this public appeal need to be heard before the election. Don't miss this opportunity to hear responses from the candidates. There will be a one hour period to answer questions from the audience. In addition to the four candidates standing for re-election, Ann Fenney, Cheri Albertson, Kent Martinez-Kratz,and Frank Hammer, Richard Steele is also a candidate. Three seats are open. It would also be important to know what Jason Lindauer,unopposed mayoral candidate, is thinking.

In the comment area below, please write the questions you would want to ask the candidates. Better yet, come to the forum and ask the questions in person!