Carpenter Road, from McKinley Road to the Flint River in Flushing Township is so bad, he said, that not only is it dangerous to drivers, it’s also dangerous to people bicycling because they could hit one of the potholes and flip over.

Reel, who lives on Tahquamenon Road off Carpenter, and several residents who live on the road have been trying to convince the Genesee County Road Commission and township to pave the road. But it doesn’t look like it will be paved — at least this year, officials said.

“This is a bad situation,” Reel said. “They are all blaming each other and passing the buck. Something should be done.”

The main issue, officials from both the county and township said, is the cost.

John Daly, manager-director of the road commission, didn’t know how much it costs, but said the township would be responsible for about 75 percent of the bill because it is a local road. Terry Peck, township supervisor, said the township has already spent its budgeted amount — about $160,000 — for roads this year.

Peck said it would be a “high priority” for roads next year.

But that’s not the first time residents have heard this. Under recalled supervisor Don Schwieman, residents were told their road was the No. 1 priority for this year and would be paved. But that never came to be.

John Kreutzfeldt, 62, said residents have been told since 2006 that the road was a top priority. Kreutzfeldt, who lives on Carpenter, said it was especially frustrating when Deland and Johnson roads were paved.

“I guess people are wondering why when Carpenter Road has been a top priority for two administrations that Deland and Johnson were paved,” he said.

Daly said there was no contract between the road commission and the township.

The township could pay for the reconstruction of the road either from its general fund or take out a bond, paying for it over a few years, Daly said. The road would not be eligible for any federal or stimulus funds because it is a local road, he said.

About 30 residents came to a roadside meeting with Daly and County Commissioner Archie Bailey on June 30. Reel said it was a good meeting where many residents had their questions answered.

Daly characterized the road as “below average to poor condition.”

“Is it the worst road in the county? I don’t think so,” Daly said.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/07/residents_who_live_on_carpente.html