Commerce Township Pathway Bond & Millage
The Pathway Bond & Millage Proposal would fund walkable pathways and boardwalks that connect the residents of Commerce Township and the Village of Wolverine Lake to community spaces, businesses, nature and more.
The proposed non-motorized pathways will create enhanced access to parks, Commerce Township Community Library, the Michigan Airline Trail and will connect proposed pathways into an existing trail and pathway network.
November 3, 2026 General Election, Bond Language
For the purpose of acquiring and constructing one or more paved non-motorized pathways within the Charter Township of Commerce and the Village of Wolverine Lake as described in the Township’s and Village’s Parks and Recreation Master Plans, including their design and other related improvements, shall the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan borrow a principal amount not to exceed $18.6 Million dollars and issue Unlimited Tax General Obligation bonds for all or a portion of that amount in one or more series payable over not to exceed 10 years from the date of issue?
The estimated new millage to be levied in the first year of the levy is 0.5986 mill ($0.5986 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds over 10 years is 0.5989 mill ($0.5989 per $1,000 of taxable value).
View Press Release for Pathway Bond and Millage
For the Pathways Bond and Millage Press Release, click here.
Proposed Pathways
A.) Benstein Road from Glengary to Maple Road
B.) Bogie Lake Road from WL Northern HS to Sleeth Road
C.) W. Commerce Road from Huron Valley Sinai Hospital to S. Commerce Road
D.) E. Commerce Road from S Commerce to Union Lake Road
E.) S. Commerce Road from Helmsford to Ethel Drive
F.) Sleeth Road from Duck Lake to Huron Valley Sinai Hospital
G.) Welch Road from Oakley Park to Maple Road
Mapping Proposed and Existing Pathways
Pathway Bond and Millage FAQ
- What is the Pathway Bond & Millage?
A proposed 10-year millage to expand the non-motorized pathway network with additional miles of new paved pathways along major roads, intended to improve access to schools, parks, businesses and the Michigan Airline Trail. - If approved, how much will it cost and for how long?
0.6 mills for 10 years ($0.60 per $1,000 of taxable value). Example: A home with a $150,000 taxable value would pay an estimated $90 per year. - If approved, when would construction occur?
Projected to begin within 12 months and be completed within 36-48 months, with the goal of building as quickly as possible. - How will project construction be prioritized?
Scheduling will depend on design and permitting complexity (for example, projects involving boardwalks, easements etc. may take longer). - Who will maintain the pathways?
Commerce Township and the Village of Wolverine Lake. Maintenance includes sealing, patching, root-damage repair, vegetation pruning, and other non-weather upkeep. - Why not pave shoulders or add bike lanes instead of building pathways?
Most routes are on roads under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission for Oakland County, which does not allow non-motorized accommodations on roadways or shoulders. - Why not use the existing ‘Parks & Open Space Millage’?
That funding is legally restricted to park improvements and land acquisition for public open space.
Other tax information here. - What are the benefits of expanding pathways?
If constructed, about 75% of households would be within a 10-minute walk of the pathway network. - How would this improve safety and walkability?
By providing dedicated pathways and controlled street crossings, reducing the need to use road shoulders and improving access for walking, running, and outdoor activity. - When is the Pathway Bond & Millage on the ballot?
November 3, 2026 - Was the Union Lake corridor considered in the Pathways Bond and Millage proposal?
The primary goal of this particular proposal is to connect the north to the south and the east to the west, focusing on pathway connections to schools, parks, neighborhoods, local businesses, and the Michigan Airline Trail. Pathways along arterial corridors in proximity to the highest concentration of homes were a particular focus. The Workgroup had significant discussions about the Union Lake Road corridor and recognizes its importance, while there are significant improvements to be made particularly between Wise and Cooley Lake Road. The Union Lake Road corridor is considered a "next step," and we will continue to evaluate it in future pathways plans and when applying for grant opportunities.