Good evening, I'm Ash Hazen, the creator of the petition.

 

I'm sending this update to better explain my direction and intent.

 

As I mentioned in the body of the petition, I've lived 95% of my 31 year life within the bounds of Walled Lake, Commerce Township and Wixom. Over the years, the woods, fields and natural spaces I once held in awe, and explored  have dwindled. When I was younger I never truly understood these natural spaces and didn't appreciate them as a whole. A true deep appreciation, love, and respect for something is cultivated over a length of time, and often it's value explodes exponentially when it no longer exists.

With that said, my limited research and investigation into the original property mentioned in the petition and that of the offer provided by the development company who suggested the apartment complex, it's my belief and clearly some others, we would be in the better interest of the community to use properties like this to benefit our neighbors, our friends and community.

I also would like to address the few individuals who very poorlyconfronted me with only the concern of money. To be concerned about the cost of something that, in its nature and definition, has nothing to do with a checkbook is wildly narrow-minded, and pessimistic.

Below is a list of obvious support options in regards to the development of a green space as a whole:

 

-State grants

-Individual donations, both materialistic and financial 

-Local grants

-NFP's

-Community business sponsorships

-Basic membership dues ( ideally I wouldn't pursue this, as my interests go beyond that of the financial, and if dues were incorporated they'd likely go back into the community, through food programs, community beautification programs, general local family assistance etc.)

 

I apologize for the expanse of this message but I needed to clarify some things. Over the coming days, I personally will be posting flyers that lead to the petition site anywhere that may be comfortable with me doing so, without solicitation or confrontation. While it's only my idea, it's ultimately up to the community to express interest and get involved.

 

I appreciate you reading, considering, and having conversations about my idea and would ask you to share the petition and talk about it to people if you feel so inclined.