Holly's Historic Dam: A Battle for Preservation

The Holly Dam and its mill pond are facing a tough situation. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has some concerns. They want the dam repaired or removed. This has not gone down well with the locals. The dam has been a part of Holly for a long time. It's more than just a structure; it's a piece of the town's history and identity. Many residents feel strongly about keeping it. They believe the dam is crucial to their way of life. They also think it adds value to the area. It's a place for fishing, boating, and wildlife. The EGLE has been inspecting the dam. They found that the embankments don't meet safety standards. This could lead to problems during heavy rainfall or flooding. The issues with the dam go back to 2002. Work was supposed to be done in 2003, but it never happened. In 2021, the Village of Holly made changes that made the situation worse. The EGLE wants the water level lowered, but the Village wants to discuss other options. Residents are not happy with the EGLE's suggestions. They see the dam and pond as an asset. It's not just for recreation; it's also a habitat for many animals. They want the dam to stay and be repaired if necessary. They hope that Oakland County can help with the repairs. The county commissioner agrees. He thinks eliminating the pond would be a mistake. He believes the historic village should fix or improve the dam, not destroy it. A meeting is scheduled to discuss the dam's future. It's set for 6 p. m. on Tuesday, May 27, in Oakland County. Residents hope this meeting will lead to a solution that keeps the dam and pond intact. They want to preserve this piece of their history and community.