• Future site of Pilates Silver Sensations Studio in Okemos

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Within the past year, there has been an influx of new businesses hoping to call Meridian Township home. From restaurants to an e-cigarette store, business owners have secured their storefronts and plan to be open for business in the next couple months.

“There are 12 new businesses that will be arriving in the Township soon,” said Peter Menser, Meridian Township Associate Planner. "Mainly retail stores, a couple of restaurants, a liquor store, a natural health store, and a few others.”

Many of these new businesses will be located, right around the Meridian Mall. While others will be spread out throughout the Township, some in Haslett, the Carriage Hills area, and at Jolly and Okemos Road.

“I love Okemos and I wanted to open my business here, rather than move away,” said Pilates Silver Sensations Studio owner, Rosemarie Gregg. “It’s a great area.”

Gregg is just one of the many business owners that choose the Township as the place to open up shop. After years of being an Executive Assistant for a CEO, she had to make a decision of whether she wanted to go back to the corporate world or try something new.

“I herniated disks in my back, which caused extensive nerve damage to my right side,” said Gregg. “I was in a lot of pain and all the research I did pointed to Pilates and I knew nothing about it.”

After taking classes for four months, all her pain went away. Relieved of all discomfort, Gregg pursued becoming a certified teacher.

“If that (Pilates) can do that for me, I am pretty athletic and healthy person,” said Gregg. “I want to see what that can do for other people.”

Gregg’s studio has its grand opening on Friday, September 5, celebrated with a wine and cheese party.

Silver Sensations, along with the number of other businesses coming to the area, the amount of money spent on development within the Township has increased from last year.

“We had approximately one big commercial project last year in new construction which cost $5.1 million,” said Menser. “This year, still under $1 million in new projects, but for additions and remodeling, it is double what we were at last year.”

The economic development within the Township is changing continuously, which provides more opportunities for residents.

“There are chances for employment, more people shopping, more people getting oil changes, going to restaurants,” said Menser. “As well as cultural changes, more people, more opportunities and the quality of life.”