Green Charter Township faces lawsuit over invalidated development agreement with local company

A contentious corporate subsidy deal has sparked legal battles and community upheaval in Michigan, following a series of approvals for a significant real estate project. The saga began when a company secured a contract and underwent extensive due diligence, paving the way for negotiations with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on an incentive package.

In September 2022, local governing bodies—including Big Rapids Charter Township, Green Charter Township, and the Mecosta County Board of Commission—unanimously endorsed the incentives, setting the stage for further approvals from the Michigan Strategic Fund Board and state appropriations committees in the spring of 2023.

However, the political landscape shifted dramatically during a recall election in the fall of 2023, which resulted in a significant turnover of the Green Charter Township Board. In the wake of this upheaval, the new board deemed the development agreement invalid and took steps to breach it, prompting the company to file a lawsuit.

As of now, the situation remains unresolved, with the company, the community, and the courts navigating the complexities of the dispute. This case highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding corporate subsidies and state investments, raising questions about accountability and governance in local economic development initiatives.