A dispute between Whirlpool Corporation and Benton Charter Township that could have caused delays on a major construction project has been resolved.
Township officials said after a meeting between the two parties Thursday afternoon, a mutual agreement had been reached regarding an easement near the location of the recently-started Lakeview Trail tunnel construction on M-63 near Whirlpool’s headquarters.
Benton Township had previously asked Whirlpool to guarantee the township an easement for future sewer work as part of its construction agreement for the Lakeview Trail tunnel, which would allow for increased access to the new trails on the Whirlpool campus.
Whirlpool expressed concerns this could cause a delay in the construction project, and but said at Tuesday’s township board meeting they were willing to work with the township on the easement – but said it should be a separate issue from the tunnel construction.
After Thursday’s discussion, Benton Township Supervisor Kathy Yates said she was happy to announce an agreement has been reached, and Township Attorney Dave Eberle released the following statement:
“Township representatives had a very productive conversation with the Whirlpool / Cornerstone team this afternoon. The Township remains excited about the project and is glad that the parties were able to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. A revised construction agreement will be presented to the Township Board for final approval at an upcoming meeting. Any additional details regarding the matter will be presented at that time as well.”
A Whirlpool spokesperson confirmed an agreement had been reached, but did not immediately offer additional comment.
