County To Ask U.S. For Funds: Will Seek Reimbursement Because Of Ford Plant

County to Ask U.S. For Funds

Will Seek Reimbursement Because of Ford Plant

Washtenaw county's board of supervisors decided at it's monthly session this morning lo petition the federal government toreimburse the county for the amount it normally would expect to collect in taxes on the new Ford bomber plant being erected near Ypsilanti. 

Under provisions of the defense program, the Ford plant is exempt from local taxation, the supervisors were informed by Fred G. Broesamle, the chairman.  Nevertheless, he said, the plant's construction and the influx of workers will mean added expense to the county, the townships and the school districts.

Estimate of $400,000

Lynn Trout, of Detroit, a consultant to the National Planning Board, told the supervisors zoning committee that Washtenaw county ought to be entitled to about $400,000 from the federal government for extra school facilities and the like, under the defense program, Mr. Broesamle said.

The question of drafting the petiton was left by the supervisors with their legislative committee.

Other problems arising from the recent adoption by the county's voters of a proposal to set up a county zoning commission occupied the board's attention during the rest of the forenoon.

Mr. Broesamle, in a report on the activities of the zoning committee, said the committee had met four times with state, county and federal representatives, discussing the rough draft of a proposed ordinance to cover building sanitary and zoning restrictions.

Will Need Maps

The committee, he said, will need detailed maps of each township in the county, showing streets, roads and subdivisions; and the board adopted a motion giving the committee authority to spend whatever amount is necessary to prepare the maps.

Pointing out that quick action on adoption of an ordinance is necessary to control the type and location of residential building expected to result from the bomber plant construction. Mr. Broesamle's report cited the need for subdivision promoters to provide for streets rather than leaving the expense up to taxpayers later.

Aiding the committee. Mr. Broesamle said, have been Walter H. Blucher, Chicago, executive secretary of the American Society of Planning Officials; Mr. Trout; Prof. Louis Wolfanger of Michigan State College, consultant to the state planning commission; Robert Cameron, county sanitary engineer; Henry Sullivan, Detroit Edison Co. engineer; Harold S. Osier, county agricultural agent; and Dr. Otto K. Engelke, director of the county health department.