According to several articles in the Lansing State Journal (LSJ) in October and December 2022, Clinton County and Eagle Township, along with other higher entities are proposing to rezone nearly 1,400 acres in Eagle Township for a multi-billion dollar industry, or “megasite”.  This land is located near M-100 and Grand River, formerly owned by farmers David and Betty Morris.  The land is currently zoned “A2 agricultural preservation”, which means the land is “designed to conserve and protect farm operations” (Clinton County Comprehensive Plan 2022). A majority of the land is currently owned by Michigan State University.  According to an LSJ article, “the site is being marketed to a small number of companies that would meet MSU’s standards, like chip or battery plants” (Ellis, 2022). 

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Bob Trezise, President and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, told 6 News in a phone interview (on 1/19/23) that 1,400 acres of land in the township is controlled by the group.  He said LEAP and county leaders are in the early stages of prep work that would be needed if any high-tech manufacturer were to propose a new plant. He called the site owned by Michigan State University an “oasis” for research and logistics. Eagle Township supervisor Patti Schafer confirmed the push. She hopes any plans become a long-term investment in the community (WLNS News report, Josh Sanchez report 1/19/23).

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This site could be similar to the current General Motors Automotive plant AND the GM battery plant currently being developed in Delta Township at 8001 Davis Highway, which is only about 300 acres. (Eaton County GIS)

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While it’s easy to look at the positive economic impacts a large industry would have on both the local and state economies, it would be negligent to turn a blind eye to the negative impacts a megasite would have on the local community.  The Eagle Township’s mission statement is “to look forward toward the next decade to develop the community at a reasonable growth rate and yet protect the varied natural resources of the Township’s land and its people” (About). Changing 1,400 acres of farmland to industrial use is not “reasonable growth” and most certainly would not “protect the varied natural resources of the Township’s land and its people”.

 

Widening the scope of this proposal, we should look at Clinton County as a whole.

According to the 2022 Clinton County Comprehensive Plan, Clinton County holds many goals and objectives, but “perhaps the most critical is the protection of agricultural land and the rural quality of the County while allowing for growth and development” (Clinton County Comprehensive Plan, 2022).

 

The rezoning of 1,400 acres in Eagle Township would go against their “most critical” goal and objective, as they would be taking away agricultural land and changing the rural quality of not only Eagle Township, but the surrounding communities.  And while growth and development can be good for a community, to do a complete 180 and change a large area from farmland to a megasite industrial facility would be detrimental.

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According to the 2022 Clinton County Comprehensive Plan, “Economic development is a constant goal of the County to support a viable and sustained community...The Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners should encourage, support, and assist efforts of appropriate economic development organizations while maintaining a balance of the other goals and objectives set forth in the Plan” (Clinton County Comprehensive Plan, 2022).  It is fair to say that a megasite is not “appropriate economic development” for the area, and would not help maintain “a balance of the other goals and objectives” of the County, including the goals of promoting a high quality of life for residents of the County, preserving agricultural land use and open space, and protecting and maintaining the present rural, residential, agricultural atmosphere (Clinton County Comprehensive Plan, 2022). The Rural Character surrounding the proposed Mega Site is not a metropolis, and many homes don't even have adequate high speed internet!

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Along with the loss of agricultural land, we worry about the environmental impact an industrial facility would have on the community.  The supporters of a large industry coming to Eagle Township cite the proximity of this land to I-96, the state capitol, and the Capital Region International Airport, but what about the proximity to several homes and neighborhoods?  Is the township saying that economic development is more important than the residents who make the township what it is?  There would be an increase in light pollution and traffic, among other concerns.  In addition, an industrial facility would be highly taxing on the area’s natural resources.  Eagle Township residents deserve a voice in this matter and deserve a seat at the table when such a large change is being proposed.  To make these decisions behind closed doors is irresponsible and unfair to the loyal residents of this community.  

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In totality, if you were to ask residents of Eagle Township and surrounding areas why they live where they do, we are certain a majority would say they like how Eagle elicits a feeling of peace, with our homes being surrounded by farmland and natural beauty.  Rezoning the 1,400 acres would not only take away 1,400 acres of farmland, but would likely lead to a chain reaction of changes to the township and surrounding areas, completely changing the complexion of this beautiful community.  Keep the country, country, and say no to rezoning this land!

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Show up to Eagle Township and Clinton County meetings, reach out to Eagle Township and Clinton County board members, MSU Board of Trustees, your local legislators and the governor, and let your voice be heard! 

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Citations

About. EAGLE TOWNSHIP. (n.d.). https://www.eagletownship.org/about/ 

Clinton County Comprehensive Plan. (n.d.). https://clinton-county.org/DocumentCenter/View/7888/2022-Comp-Plan-Update_FINAL 

Ellis, M. (2022, December 15). Zoning for 1,400-acre mega site in Clinton County Must Change. Lansing State Journal. https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/12/15/mega-site-in-clinton-county-could-remake-michigan-but-not-as-farmland/69725274007/ 

https://www.wlns.com/news/clinton-county-community-reacts-to-potential-industrial-site/