CASCADE, Mich. — Cascade Township leaders are concerned about the health and safety of the people in their community following a judge's ruling on development at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The ruling gives the Airport Authority the power to make decisions about the land without getting input or approval from Cascade Township.
"Really, all we want is the same authority that other communities have around airports throughout Michigan," said Grace Lesperance, Cascade Charter Township Supervisor.
On Friday, Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Trusock, ruled in favor of the Airport Authority at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The judge granted the Airport Authority land development and exemption from any local zoning and land use restrictions around the airport.
"We don't know exactly what development they have in mind, but we know from past conversations, what they want to do is be able to have a supplemental income of by long-term leases to outside companies for different types of industrial use," said Lesperance.
Lesperance said the court's ruling gives the Airport Authority land development rights that pose health, safety and environmental risks to Cascade Township residents and water resources.
"The potential impact would be huge, which is why it's so important that we advocate for the Cascade community. We've already been dealing with over 400 homes in Cascade Township that have contaminated drinking water because of overflow PFAS contamination from the airport. This is the kind of stuff that's related to that" said Lesperance.
Lesperance said the Airport Authority also partnered with the local regional transportation authority to advocate for four new expressway on and off ramps as part of their industrial development. She said the township board is planning to formalize an appeal at the next board meeting. She hopes a higher independent court can look deeper into the dispute.
"We want to find a balance where we work with the airport that supports their ability, you know, to operate an airport, but doesn't just, you know, allow them to unilaterally do whatever they want, airport or non-airport related on property that they own," said Lesperance.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to the airport about the decision but did not get a response.