What's the deal with the marijuana facility in Pinckney? We have answers
PINCKNEY — For months, construction of the first recreational marijuana business approved to operate in Livingston County has been at a standstill.
The stalled renovation of the former Pinckney Elementary into The Means Project, a cannabis growing facility, processing center and retail store, left locals wondering if plans had fallen through.
But according to Michael Boomrod, an investor in The Means Project, construction will resume this spring.
He and his father, Ahmed Boomrod, were ordered by a judge to execute a settlement with Chris Bonk and his firm B5 Contractor Services, LLC. Bonk originally spearheaded the project but is no longer involved.
“We did buy out one of the partners and we are moving forward with the project," Boomrod said Tuesday.
“You can’t hold me down to a timeline just because of the court and moving forward, but during construction season in the springtime, there will be movement at the site."
He declined to provide details of the court proceedings or the settlement.
According to court records, the issue stemmed from subcontractors and trades services who hadn't been paid, which resulted in several liens being placed on the property at 935 M-36.
Bonk argued the Boomrods had agreed to fund construction, including paying subcontractors and tradespeople, but stopped funding property improvements in early 2023. He said the Boomrods failed to pay B5, so that B5 could pay outstanding balances to the tune of about $1.3 million.
The terms of the settlement include Bonk resigning as manager of The Means Project and from its investment partnership, as ordered by 44th Circuit Court Judge Matthew McGivney. It also required the partnership to resolve the payment disputes without B5 or Bonk having to contribute, and ordered the Boomrods to pay Bonk more than $332,000 — among other stipulations.
Other parties listed in the case are C.I. Engineering Solutions, Technical Environmental Services, Conquest Construction and K/E Electric Supply Corp.
A final settlement hearing is set for April 12.
Bonk says he's focused on Grant's Place
Bonk, a Howell-based builder, told The Daily he's shifting focus to a different Pinckney project: Grant's Place Livingston. The group home for adults with disabilities, inspired by his son, will offer therapeutic services in addition to a place to live. Bonk's original motivation was to use The Means Project as a "means" to raise a portion of the revenue needed for Grant's Place.
"I’m no longer involved in (The Means Project). I'm no longer a partner or involved in any way shape or form," he said. "I wish them the best of luck, and I hope it works out well for them and the community."
Ownership of Grant's Place, located in the former St. Mary's Church in Pinckney, was transferred to Bonk from the partnership, as ordered by the settlement.
"I'm excited about that part of it," Bonk said. "We have plans drawn and we're working on putting together a board, and there will be a large fundraising campaign to make this happen for our community."
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One other marijuana business is planned in Pinckney. Northville resident Marco Lytwyn is working to establish Essence, a marijuana "microbusiness," on a vacant plot at 1268 E. M-36 between Wendy's and Taco Bell. Essence will have a retail showroom and space for a grow room, storage and processing.
Pinckney voters ended a previous ban on recreational marijuana establishments in November 2020. Putnam Township, which handles Pinckney elections, rejected the petition, but was ordered to place it on the ballot after the case went to the state appeals court. Voters approved the measure 54.3% to 45.7%.
— Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: What's the deal with the marijuana facility in Pinckney? We have answers
