Portage Township representatives voted Thursday night to back away from an agreement that would allow Meijer to build within the township.

Meijer signed a real estate option contract with the City of Houghton earlier this year. They wish to develop along M-26 past Festival Foods. The part of that land which would be used for parking space belongs to Portage Township. The proposed agreement would have transferred the township property to the city conditionally for 40 years. Houghton City could then provide utilities to the business.

Comments from the public were predominately against the proposal. Local residents and trustees brought up concerns such as traffic safety, impact on local businesses and best use of the property.

"Us taking that site, which is unique in the township and deciding the highest value we can do with it is a parking lot and convenience store is a consequence we should think seriously about," said trustee John Ollila.

Township trustees voted 4-2 in favor of backing out of the proposed agreement.