:: Running from the Thought Police ::

:: Thursday, February 24, 2005 ::

More Reporting

The Muskegon Chronicle has its own article posted about the sale of Owasippe. It makes the first "official" mention of a possible challenge of the vote due to irregularities in the sale vote. It also confirms Blue Lake township's vested intrest not to see the property developed. The story leans on the press release from the Chicago Area Council, but also includes local reporting on the attitudes of the township board.

The sale of the 4,700-acre property for a reported $19.4 million to Benjamin A. Smith III, founder of Macatawa Bank, is contingent upon the township's rezoning of the camp to allow for houses and condominiums.

Township officials, now in the epicenter of this massive land deal, are being cautious. They have been studying the zoning issue for nearly a year but have not scheduled a vote on the matter.

But they know that an investment this size is likely to mean a development boom in their community. "How do you recoup $19 million? You build and build and build around lakes," said township Supervisor Don Studevan "Do they think we are dumb out here?"

...Blue Lake Township Supervisor Don Studevan said he is trying to stay out of the controversy over the sale of the land until decisions are made.

Studevan is largely staying mum on the subject because he has strong ties to Owasippe. It was his job as an executive with the Chicago council that brought him to Blue Lake Township where he fell in love with the land and settled into retirement.

He said any development could cause major problems for the township, which has no water and sewer service and limited fire and police resources, equipment, or the money to serve a development.

Fred Arbogast Sr., a Blue Lake Township board member, said the township really has no control over ownership of the property. The Chicago council owns it, and "they can sell it," he said.

As for public opinion: "By and large, the people don't want development," Arbogast said.

According to the article, the buyer has "no immediate plans" for the property, meaning that camp may continue for another few years while things get sorted out. The buyer also has no problems with CAC's current rezoning proposal, which would keep most of the area around Lake Wolverine intact but would mean kissing Camp Blackhawk goodbye.

Interestingly, the article mentions the back bills the council owes the township but doesn't say anything about the council paid them. Perhaps it hasn't been resolved yet.

Also, if anyone knows anybody with a few million dollars laying around in their pockets, now would be a good time to donate to the Owasippe Outdoor Education Center. If the sale falls through, they'll need to be able to swoop in with their own proposal rather quickly.

:: The Squire 2:26 PM :: email this post :: ::
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