A township of 3,000 people is waging war on a proposal from a billionaire energy magnate that would turn a beloved stretch of Lake Michigan coastline into condos, a hotel, and a golf course.The battle persists, even as town funding has become scarce.
Residents of Saugatuck Township saw a beloved stretch of open space - Aubrey McClendon saw a beautiful setting for a new resort community. And so now, what is playing out on a "majestic" stretch of sand dunes on the Lake Michigan coastline in southwest Michigan, is a conflict for the ages between regulatory land use and private property rights.
Local politics in the small community have been upended as property-tax disputes and spirited debate over whether McClendon's proposed development will be positive or negative for the area continue to play out in courts and community meetings. Funding the expensive lawsuits has not been kind to the township's budget, which officials say has forced them to consider selling the township hall and forgoing holiday decorations this year.
A showdown that had taken place at the local government level was elevated last March when McClendon filed a federal lawsuit claiming that he had been illegally singled out by the township in their zoning decision.
According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal:
"These opponents fear the project would mar the dunes' aesthetics and delicate ecology. Some also worry development could attract retail chains and siphon business from Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas."
"Mr. McClendon said his project would be 'environmentally sensitive' while bringing jobs and tax dollars. 'The last time I looked, Michigan wasn't exactly an economic miracle.' "
FULL STORY: A Billionaire's Dune Deal
Creating Ocean-Safe Plastic from Seashells
USC researchers have created a biodegradable, marine-safe plastic alternative using calcium carbonate from seashells, offering a promising solution to ocean pollution.
Scientists Studying Artificial Reefs as Flood Mitigation in Great Lakes
Artificial reefs could offer a ‘softer’ flood management and erosion solution that doesn’t disrupt the flow of sediment.
Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work
While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie