Thetford Corp. Donates Land for Dexter Bus Depot Expansion

Dexter Community Schools’ $1.5 million bus depot expansion project recently got a big boost from the Thetford Corp.

The Board of Education recognized representatives from Thetford on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for a 1.2-acre donation the company made to the school district in August.

The land donation will be part of a 6.88-acre depot on Marshall Lakes Drive, which will include a bus-washing facility, employee parking and lounge, new restrooms and bus storage.

Sean Burton, transportation director for Dexter schools, said the land donation will allow the district to build a larger storm water retention pond, which is required in order to receive a building permit from Washtenaw County, without sacrificing garage space.

“We were haggling over having to lose eight bus spots, and it seemed logical to approach Thetford since their property is adjacent to the depot,” Burton said.

Wayne Lorek, a representative of Thetford, said after hearing the district’s presentation, Thetford decided to donate the land rather than sell it.

“We talked it over and thought, ‘Why not?’” he said. “We want to be good corporate citizens. We were glad to help out.”

The donation will allow the district to decrease its expansion impact on the residents in Marshall Lakes, which consists of 10 homes and several vacant lots, Burton said.

According to Ann Arbor.com, the residents are concerned the reconfigured bus depot will have a negative impact on real estate values. The plan includes taking down some trees, which residents say have provided a buffer from noise. One of the trees on the property, an oak, is the biggest in the neighborhood.

“With the land donation from Thetford, we will be able to work with Marshall Lakes residents and save more of the trees,” Burton said. “It will also help us make the bus depot a much more safer and more efficient facility for our drivers.”

Superintendent Mary Marshall said the district is one step away from a full transfer of the property, and site work on the facility is scheduled for completion on Nov. 15. Funding for the project is coming from a bond that was designated for upgrading the bus facility.