Editorial: Motomania deserves serious consideration

Michigan Motomania, the new ORV (off-road vehicle) park that is being developed on 200 acres off of Mostetler Road in Harrison is the typical struggle between a developer and neighbors who don’t want their peace and tranquility disturbed.

These disputes have played out in practically every township hall that was ever built. In Harrison personable, Freeland businessman Doug Longenecker is pitted against neighbors- many who have gravitated to Harrison from down state because of its rural, undisturbed landscape.

Hayes Township, which is the local municipality, that has jurisdiction over the dispute, held a meeting Wednesday night to attempt to resolve this issue. There was no resolution. Instead, officials decided to slap a restraining order on Longenecker, prohibiting any activity other than personal use on the property.

However, I sincerely hope, that township officials and others realize that this development is worthy of serious consideration. I’m not suggesting it will be a financial boon to Harrison, but let’s face it, any major business undertaking, will bring much needed cash into Clare County, and in this case, Motomania is expected to bring hundreds of people into the community monthly.

Those people in turn will eat at area restaurants, stay at area motels, shop at area stores and hopefully return to their down state home with nothing but good things to say about Harrison and Clare County.

Let’s face it. Harrison is essentially a tourist town. People come here to hunt, fish and enjoy the twenty lakes that surround the community.  That’s what makes us unique from scores of other small towns that dominate the Michigan landscape. That’s why we have thousands of cottages and hunting cabins that dot our lakes and woods.

Motomania is essentially another offering for the tourists. They can bring their ORV’s and travel the courses when they are not enjoying the other activities this area has to offer. Another activity, by the way, that no other community has available. That alone will draw many new people to the area.

Enough said, however, about the plusses. Neighbors need to be assured that the noise, soil erosion, pollution and dust will be kept to a minimum. They have a right to peacefully co-exist, and if activities at the park get out of hand, there ought to be mechanisms in place to punish Motomania.

Hopefully our leaders will give guarded approval to this development. Let Longenecker develop his park, but establish penalties, as well, if things get out of hand.

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Source: http://www.clarecountyreview.com/?p=4542

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