A plan to expand a controversial landfill is on hold for now. The Riverview Land Preserve is a landfill right on the border of Riverview, Trenton, and Woodhaven. The communities are fighting over whether the landfill in Riverview should be expanded.
On the Riverview website the plan for the landfill is shared. It says the city’s goal is to raise money to renovate the Riverview Highlands Golf Course and expand the landfill. Expanding the landfill would allow the facility with a current lifespan of about 12 years to be doubled. This would mean tax revenue in the city would be preserved in the future. The landfill contributes about $3 million a year to Riverview.
“It will keep taxes low. Riverview is able to keep one of the lowest tax rates downriver because of that,” said Doug Drysdale, City Manager.
But that isn’t a good enough reason for many. Many people who live near the landfill have complaints.
“There is enough trash there. It is sky high,” said Linda LeMonde of Riverview.
“The stink does come here and it is awful,” said Mark Stachura, of Trenton.
Hundreds gathered to voice such concerns at a Wayne County Facility Inclusion Committee meeting on the plan Thursday. After hearing their complaints the committee told Riverview to submit an application - showing it addressed some concerns.
“We have heard your concerns and are working on steps to alleviate your concerns,” said Drysdale.
