Visions for Vacancies: What Do You Want on Huge Chesterfield Parcel?

The former Sebille Manor, between Sugarbush and Donner roads, in Chesterfield Township has encapsulated many imaginations.

The gated 103 acres owned by the U.S. Army Garrison Detroit Arsenal is peppered with looming trees and once sparked community dreams of a state-of-the-art library, a spacious park and more. A separate proposal for homeless shelters even stirred some protests among local residents in the past.

But, since the military has decided to keep the land and not donate acreage to the township, not much has taken place at the empty parcel. Chesterfield Township Supervisor Michael Lovelock said last he heard the U.S. Army intended to list it for sale. Attempts to reach someone on behalf of the property have been unsuccessful.

Lovelock says the site is less than desirable for builders.

"I don't know what a piece of land with no value is worth," said Lovelock, who added there's contamination in the sewers, asbestos in the underground pipes and the roads and bridge on the land cannot support traffic. "There's not a land developer who would want to come in and purchase it. You'd be better off buying farmland."

What do you think should be done with the property?

Share your ideas with us in the comments section below.