Marshall Twp. board OKs land transfers to pave way for mega site, future economic development

Potential development of a nearly 2,000-acre parcel situated near Interstates 94 and 69 in Marshall Township took a considerable step forward Thursday despite opposition from a standing-room only crowd of residents opposed to the measure.

The Marshall Township Board of Trustees voted 4-1 Thursday to approve four separate land transfers with the city of Marshall to allow for utilities at the "Marshall mega site," a property that's being marketed as a premier destination for a large scale manufacturing operation such as an electric vehicle battery or semiconductor facility.

"Site readiness is critically important in this state and it’s an important aspect of the overall ecosystem of economic opportunity that we’re looking to bring here in the state," said Josh Hundt, executive vice president and chief projects officer with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "Having this site ready, it’s an opportunity to bring jobs, investment and continue to grow the Marshall area, Southwest Michigan, and see our state overall continue to grow, see new businesses and see population growth."

The proposed mega site runs 3.3 miles west to east and 1.5 miles north to south, extending from 12 Mile Road to the east to slightly past 15 Mile Road, and from Michigan Avenue to the north down to the Kalamazoo River.

Potential development of the site is expected to bring 2,000 to 3,000 manufacturing jobs to the area and would "support the vitality of the Marshall community for decades to come," according to Hundt.

The development would also "help pump millions of dollars into the local community, supporting small businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops and others with a growing customer base," Hundt said. "Additionally, with the planned road projects and infrastructure improvements necessary at the site, the community will be even better equipped to attract new housing developments to continue growing the quality of life for all throughout the Southwest Michigan region."

Thursday's meeting included more than two hours of public comment, with the majority of the 45 speakers voicing their opposition to any future development at the site. Some expressed concerns over the possibility for pollution. Others voiced their desire for the area to remain agricultural land, natural space that offers peace and tranquility for neighboring residents.

Many expressed that township residents, not the board, should be the ones to decide the future of the mega site.

Julie Bryant said she and her husband purchased a home in Marshall Township about three years ago because "we wanted to be in the country, we wanted to see the stars."

Bryant currently works remotely and said she enjoys watching wildlife outside her window each day. She's worried development of the mega site will take that away.

"We’re going to be exactly a half mile from where this is going to be," Bryant said. "What’s going to happen to our air? What's going to happen to our land? What’s going to happen to the river? These battery factories are horrible. They’re going to pollute all of the stuff that we love and kill everything that’s there and what about us? What about our water?"

"I think it should be put to a vote," township resident Izzy Todd said. "At least then people will get their say and if people voted for the (land transfer) to go forward, then we’d work with that, (we'd) respect the wishes of our community."

Township Trustee Bob Lyng reminded those in attendance that Thursday's vote was only to approve the land transfers, not a site plan for future development. Any proposed project would have to go before the city and township's joint planning commission for review, with additional opportunities for public comment.

"What we’re looking at tonight is one item and one item only," Lyng said. "We have had four property owners in the township request us to approve a (land transfer) so the parcels that they own can be transferred into the city of Marshall under the (Public Act) 425 agreement, But that’s all we are doing tonight. There’s no site plans … None of this is out there. If it is, I haven’t heard about it."

James Durian, CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, said Marshall has lost roughly 2,000 jobs over the past two decades. The city is also losing population, he said, falling from 7,459 residents in 2000 to just 6,822 residents in 2020.

"We believe the Marshall mega site will help grow our small businesses and offer new career opportunities for Marshall youth, that’s why we support the 425 land transfers and the development of the mega site," Durian said, adding, "the mega site will help us turn this trend around."

Township Supervisor Dave Bosserd was the lone board member to vote against the land transfers Thursday.

"This is a real struggle for me, what I see happening," Bosserd said. "My brother put it to me good: We all have a compass, and we let people cloud our compass with money and their ideas but you have to focus and keep your compass where it’s supposed to be. I know what my views are and it might be different than the rest of the board. ... We might not agree and that’s all right."

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Marshall Twp. board approves land transfers for proposed mega site