MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Lansing Mart Associates, LLC has made a request to the Meridian Township Planning Commission to utilize a Special Use Permit (SUP) to excavate the floodplain next to Best Buy near Meridian Mall. The Planning Commission will have until March 22 to decide whether to grant the SUP.

The plan includes the excavation of 23,813 cubic feet from the floodplain in order to construct a retention pond. The retention pond would serve several commercial properties in the surrounding area. The Township Planning Commission believes excavation will be beneficial for the floodplain:

"[We believe] excavation will improve the impoundment capacity of the [floodplain]," explained a Township Planning Commission member.

Before excavation, Lansing Mart Associates will also need an EGLE permit, along with a Wetland verification (conducted on March 9).

For more information about the floodplain excavation near Meridian Mall, visit the Township website at meridian.mi.us.