Mason County Gov't Sues Local Business Looking to Expand

[XLFD]

A substantial local business, Indian Summer Cooperative (formerly Mason County Fruit Packers), which hires over 200 people in the area during peak times, has been sued by the County.  The lawsuit filed in 51st Circuit Court May 28, seeks a temporary restraining order for ISC to immediately cease construction work of a warehouse addition, a preliminary injunction to cease work pending permits and an order to "abate nuisance" (remove the offending structure).  This was reported in the June 4, 2010 edition of the LDN.

 

The problem arose from a change in the county zoning ordinance about five years ago which changed procedures, just like it did for residents of some homes (as reported in The Maverick of Eastern Mason County only in the Torch).  This change made the ISC addition a non-conforming (special land) use in the agriculturally zoned area-- an "agribusiness".

 

Apparently, Roy Hackert, ISC president, spoke to someone in the County Zoning office and indicated he would like to construct a new building.  He was told what to do, but County officials noticed in April that work on the project had begun.  They then issued two stop work orders in May before filing the lawsuit.  ISC had requested via public notice, a request for a special land use on the same day the suit was filed.

 

Fred Hackert, President of Great Lakes Trucking LLC, based at ISC on Chauvez Rd., said many additions to the original building had been put on through the years with no problem until the zoning rules took effect.  "It appears they have made it very cumbersome for people to deal with building (in Mason County).  Some of the things they're asking us to do is an added expense to the project."

 

"If we can't do it, we probably will not take this business on.  Another hurdle is that building permits for non-conforming uses cost twice as much.", he added.  Fred Hackert is a member of the City of Ludington's Board of Review, so he is well versed in assessing and zoning issues. 

 

Since the lawsuit was filed, 15 employees who were working on the 100 ft. by 280 ft. expansion have been laid off.  The new building's construction will likewise create more local jobs.  In a quest for more money for the county's coffers, Mason County has decided to put the kibosh on this ambitious project, and file their lawsuit.  Is it any wonder we have unemployment rates so high in this county when our government(s) go after our established businesses on such ridiculous issues?   

 

 

 

[AQUAMAN]

The Indian Summer project of local interest won't go away yet. There may be many interesting developments left to come, if some MCBC members have a say in an Appeal to the recent favorable Court rulings for more jobs and more freedoms for local businessmen. Methinks I like the possibilities yet to come, except they are a total waste of Taxpayer monies, as has already been demonstrated to date. Perhaps this Torch forum can shine the light of Truth more now, let's hope so.