MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township has received a $2.3 million Brownfield Grant and loan from the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy for the redevelopment of Okemos village area.

Over time, environmental contamination has left eleven empty buildings on the west side of Okemos Road north and south of Hamilton Roads.

Meridian Township Economic Development Director Chris Buck said that the Township has been working on redeveloping this area for about five years.

“It's actually finally gonna come to light,” he said. “I think once it's done, everyone's gonna applaud.”

Meridian Township will use the funds to address areas of contamination such as removing petroleum pollution caused by gasoline stations.

The goal is to safely transform the Village of Okemos area into a thriving business and residential center.

True North Development Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer WillIam C. Randle said that he is most excited about the center of activity that this project is going to create.

“We've got as our primary anchor the relocation of Douglas J into a new 12 thousand square foot new salon,” he said. “To see that come together at the corner of Okemos and Hamilton where the old Bottom's Up is located will be spectacular.”

The next step for the project is a public hearing in front of the Meridian Township Board on Tuesday, June 18th.

“The public hearing is an opportunity for the community to come out and really hear the plans and then voice their enthusiasm for it or their opposition to it,” said Buck.