Timber Shores Suit Seeks Moratorium End, Officials’ Recusal

For Immediate Release
June 18, 2021

Contact:
Walter Johnson
Timber Shores Project Manager
248-310-9507

Timber Shores Suit Seeks Moratorium End, Officials’ Recusal

A Leelanau Township moratorium is invalid and two township officials have a conflict of interest that prevents them from acting on the proposed Timber Shores RV park and campground project, according to a complaint filed by attorneys for the development.  The lawsuit was filed in Leelanau County Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 16.

The suit asks the court to remove the moratorium and order the township to move ahead with the Timber Shores application for a special land use permit for the campground.  The suit also seeks an injunction against Leelanau Township Supervisor John Sanders and trustee Georgina Murray, his spouse.  Their conflict of interest involves their home which borders the Timber Shores property.  The complaint says Sanders and Murray should not be allowed to participate in any township activities regarding Timber Shores, including discussions, deliberations, hearings and votes on the project. 

The project team was 35 days into a 90-day process for adding information to several sections of the application when the township board declared a six-month moratorium on all applications for RV parks and campgrounds.  Despite its active status the Timber Shores application was included in the moratorium.  The suit says the township action violated the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.  It says the township also violated the project’s due process rights under the US and Michigan Constitutions.

Click here for a copy of the complaint.

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