By Erin McClary
C & G Staff Writer

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Residents and representatives from nearby businesses showed up to the June 3 Macomb Township Planning Commission meeting to hear about proposed revisions to the 80-year-old family-owned Olejnik Farms at 23 Mile and Card roads.

Commissioners approved the revisions, which include removal of existing pavilions, removal of an extended roof on the front of the property’s pole barn, an addition of a new produce display with roll-up doors and improved parking.

Macomb Township Clerk Michael Koehs assured the curious residents that the updates will be for the better, making the property improved in appearance and better for the family that farms it.

Planning consultant Jack Dailey explained the revisions in detail to commissioners, stating that they are ready for approval.

“The plans that have been submitted meet township requirements,” he said.

The plans detail a 60-foot-by-24-foot addition to the Olejnik’s existing pole barn. Rich Olejnik said this will be a place where the family can sell their produce and keep it on display. Roll-up doors will allow them to easily put things away at night or when weather doesn’t permit outdoor sales.

“(The roll-up doors) will keep stuff better out of the elements,” he said. “It will be quite a bit more pleasing to the eye, just a whole lot nicer.”

Construction on the project won’t begin until fall, probably November, Olejnik said, because right now the farm is on the brink of produce season, its busiest season of the year. And that’s not to mention the flock of residents currently keeping them busy with flower sales.

“We have a lot of flower action going on right now,” Olejnik said. “At the same time … we have one crew out there planting watermelons, another getting the ground ready for cabbage and broccoli. This is really our busiest time.”

The Olejniks have been in Macomb Township since 1926, when Mike Olejnik and his brother Rich said their grandfather bought the land to farm. Their property now holds a large greenhouse, pole barn and farm that’s known for exceptional produce. Rich Olejnik said residents really go nuts for the farm’s green beans and sweet corn, which he plans to put on display next month.

“We’ve grown up here,” said Mike Olejnik. “We are longtime Macomb Township residents.”

This season the family is trying out a couple different varieties of the sweet corn, as well as new varieties of watermelon and tomato.

Planning commissioners’ only concern with the revisions had to do with parking safety, but the Olejniks’ builder, Steve Nichol, reassured them the updates would make parking on the property better than it is now.

“We’re going to move the parking lot in existence … for the safety and welfare of the community,” he said. “We’ll make sure everything complies with the Building Department.”

Rich Olejnik said the entire project will be completed and ready for produce season next year. Business won’t be affected, and Olejnik Farms will maintain regular hours during the construction.

You can reach Staff Writer Erin McClary at emcclary@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1118.