A Brighter, Drier Future for Residents and Businesses on East Read Street
MARCELLUS, MI – July 8, 2025 – The Village of Marcellus is proud to announce the progress and positive outcomes of its High-Water Infrastructure Grant Project, a project that has dramatically improved stormwater management and enhanced the aesthetic appeal of a section of East Read Street and its vicinity within the Village, funded in part by the State’s High-Water Infrastructure Grant Program with a grant of $427,952.00.
This project has successfully tackled long-standing flooding issues and revitalized East Read Street, demonstrating our commitment to improving Marcellus “one street at a time,” say Village President Dennis Irwin and Village Manager/Clerk Jacqueline A. Terrill.
A major achievement of the project is the effective elimination of “Lake Marcellus North”, the nicknamed designation for recurrent flooding that plagued garages and the street in front of the Marcellus Township Wood Memorial Library and Marcellus Metalcasters.
Read Street thanks to the Village’s successful
High Water Grant Project
Through comprehensive storm sewer replacement and strategic road narrowing, the area, once prone to significant water accumulation, now boasts vastly improved drainage and resilience against high water events.
The work also included the installation of rain gardens, which are now complete. Additionally, the repaved section of East Read Street, and the new sidewalk have significantly enhanced the area’s aesthetic appeal.
In a separate but equally impactful effort to enhance the area’s appearance and care for the Village-owned Marcellus Metalcasters and Faith Plastics buildings, the buildings have received a fresh coat of paint. This project significantly improves the view for homes situated on the north side of East Read Street, contributing to a more pleasant and attractive neighborhood environment.
Irwin and Terrill emphasize, “This project represents a step forward for our community. We are thrilled to see the tangible benefits of this grant in action, from eliminating the persistent flooding that impacted our residents and businesses to beautifying a vital corridor. It is a testament to effective planning, collaboration and a commitment to improving the quality of life in Marcellus.”
The High-Water Grant Project is now substantially complete with the top course paving on East Read Street and all plantings have been successfully finished, with only punch list items remaining to finalize this project. Tasks, including roadway and site designs, permitting, contractor selection, storm sewer replacement, road narrowing, and curb and gutter installation, were completed during the project’s various phases. The Village continues its collaborative efforts to ensure the successful resolution of all remaining details.
The direct impact on residents and businesses underscores the urgency and necessity of these improvements, echoing sentiments shared within the community. Former resident Carol Borders, who penned the “Water, Water, Where It Shouldn’t Be” poem/letter of support, long endured the hardships caused by the flooding, and aptly expressed her point:
“WATER, WATER, WHERE IT SHOULDN’T BE FLOODS MY GARAGE TO MAKE A SEA. MY BOAT COULD FLOAT DOWN THE ROAD WHERE ALL THAT MISPLACED WATER FLOWED. WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RUNOFF IN MY YARD A SMALL CHILD WOULD NEED A LIFEGUARD. ALL THAT WATER IS DIRTY AND MUDDY MAKING IT A MATTER OF HEALTH AND SAFETY. THE VALUE OF MY PROPERTY IS LESS BECAUSE THAT WATER MAKES A MESS. A NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEM NEEDS A PLAN SO, TO THE LEADERS, PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN.”
This vivid first-hand account is amplified by the concerns of vital community organizations. The Marcellus Fire Department highlighted the “large public safety concern” due to flooding and its damaging effect on their rear apron, posing a “terrible possibility of a fire apparatus getting damaged by falling into a ‘sink hole’ while responding.”
Faith Plastics noted how “inadequate drainage” hampered their operations, making it difficult to “effectively support increased automotive volume opportunities.”
Marcellus Community Schools, the Marcellus Township Library, and the Cass County Drain Commissioner all expressed support for the grant, recognizing the “long-standing” nature of the problem and the project’s critical role in ensuring the Village’s “support and potential growth.”
The commitment to “green infrastructure” and “attention to sustainability and the environment” were particularly lauded by the school district and the Village of Marcellus Downtown Development Authority.
The Village of Marcellus extends its gratitude to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for the High-Water Infrastructure Grant, and to all community members, businesses and partnering agencies whose patience and support have made this transformation possible. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to address critical infrastructure needs, creating a safer, more beautiful and more prosperous Marcellus.
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