Capac approves annexation of 28 acres

Streetscape project moves to design phase

 

CAPAC — There was some good news at the Village of Capac meeting on Sept. 15 when Village Manager Travis Youatt gave an update to council members and a handful of guests in the audience.

“As a way of an update, I can tell you our streetscape project on Main Street has now moved to the design phase. That’s exciting news. We’ve been working on this project for a long time and it’s encouraging to see it take a step forward.”

Youatt said the design phase of the multi-million dollar project will take several weeks to complete. He is hoping the project goes out to bid by the first of the year (2026).

“The design phase has started,” he said. “We will be getting input from business owners and residents along the way. We want their feedback and ideas as we figure out how we would like to see this project go.”

After reviewing bids, Youatt said he expects work could begin in early spring, depending on bid results and weather conditions.

“We’ve had a lot of delays,” he told the Tri-City Times following the meeting. “When you are dealing with the federal government, you go at their pace and there is a lot to go through. A lot.”

The village manager said he has spoken with business owners and they would like to keep the angle parking downtown.

“They like it for traffic flow and felt it worked, so that is something that we will certainly try to incorporate into the project,” Youatt explained. “We are also looking at some other things in design phase, infrastructure things like sewer and water lines, to see where they might be placed.”

The village will be receiving financial support for the project, thanks in part to Congresswoman Lisa McLain’s office. The politician was able to secure a major grant for the Capac project.

In other council news, an annexation request was approved by the council. The board voted unanimously to move forward with a 28-acre annexation into the city.

The annexed property is located in the area of the new Taco Bell, south of town. Youatt said the request had been made by a developer.

In a previous conversation with the Tri-City Times, Youatt said, “There has been a lot of interest in that area by developers,” Youatt said. “The city has the infrastructure in place for potential commercial expansion. Taco Bell and Love’s has tapped in to it and we think it is a great spot for further development. Especially with the proximity to I-69 and the amount of traffic on Capac Rd.

Resident Carol Roberts spoke to council concerning what she felt was the lack of respect by the village when flying the American flag.

“Both the President and Governor made proclamations to fly our flags at half-mast following recent tragedies,” Roberts said. “I noticed the Village did not lower their flag. Why not? Everyone else in the village did. I drove around and looked. Is there a reason? This really seems disrespectful and is concerning to a lot of residents, me included.”

Roberts pointed out to council the flag was not lowered on 9-1-1.

“We can’t just forget about that horrible day, 24 years ago” she said. “If we don’t remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives, shame on us. I am upset the village did not show respect and remember that day, plus ignored the proclamations by our President and Governor. It’s a sad day for Capac, for sure. It’s embarrassing.”

She was told it was an oversight by village employees and it wouldn’t be happening again.