OKEMOS - Douglas J Salon has been a staple in Downtown Okemos, which is why Meridian Township and other local business have been working hard to make sure their new development project happens.

Douglas J has purchased property at the Northwest corner of Okemos and Hamilton, which was previously occupied by the Travelers Club. Douglas J has proposed a new development which would include not only the salon, but also retail and residential space.

“Really cool project, it’s very exciting, cause it’s got implications of transformation of the entire downtown is pretty significant," said Meridian Township Associate Planner Peter Menser.

For months now, the Douglas J project has remained in limbo, with the latest concerns revolving around what will be done with power lines running along Okemos Road. The proposed project by Douglas J interferes with the current set up of the power lines.

“I mean the power lines that transmit power through Okemos, so super high voltage, so what you can do with them is very limited,” Menser said.

The Township has been working closely with Douglas J, Consumers Energy, and other companies who use the power lines. After discussing the options, the most cost effective solution would be to raise the power lines.

The power lines are currently at 85 feet, with plans to move them up to 100 feet to accommodate for the new construction. Now the only remaining question is, who will fund the project?

“It’s gonna be a discussion on if the Township is involved and how they're involved," Menser said.

In the past, Meridian Township has not usually helped out financially with projects such as this, but the Township feels this specific project is very important.

“I would do almost literally anything to keep them here. Great company, very dedicated, it’s an honor to have a business like that here," said Menser.