CASCADE, Mich. — Cascade Township leaders are concerned about the health and safety of the people in their community following a judge's ruling on development at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The ruling gives the Airport Authority the power to make decisions about the land without getting input or approval from Cascade Township.
"Really, all we want is the same authority that other communities have around airports throughout Michigan," said Grace Lesperance, Cascade Charter Township Supervisor.
On Friday, Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Trusock ruled in favor of the Airport Authority at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The judge granted the Airport Authority land development and exemption from any local zoning and land use restrictions around the airport.
"We don't know exactly what development they have in mind, but we know from past conversations, what they want to do is be able to have a supplemental income of by long-term leases to outside companies for different types of industrial use," said Lesperance.
Lesperance said the court's ruling gives the Airport Authority land development rights that pose health, safety and environmental risks to Cascade Township residents and water resources.
"The potential impact would be huge, which is why it's so important that we advocate for the Cascade community. We've already been dealing with over 400 homes in Cascade Township that have contaminated drinking water because of overflow PFAS contamination from the airport. This is the kind of stuff that's related to that," said Lesperance.
Lesperance said the Airport Authority also partnered with the local regional transportation authority to advocate for four new expressway on and off ramps as part of their industrial development. She said the township board is planning to formalize an appeal at the next board meeting. She hopes a higher independent court can look deeper into the dispute.
"We want to find a balance where we work with the airport that supports their ability, you know, to operate an airport, but doesn't just, you know, allow them to unilaterally do whatever they want, airport or non-airport related on property that they own," said Lesperance.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to the airport, and here is the response from Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority:
"We are gratified the court issued a ruling that affirms the law and recognizes our right to manage development of Airport property. The suggestion we have or will engage in future development without regard for our neighboring communities does not reflect who we are, our past actions or our future intentions.
In 2015, the Michigan Legislature wisely recognized the essential role of our airport and established the Regional Airport Authority Act. This act gives the Airport Authority complete and exclusive operational jurisdiction over the Airport and all of its property. Cascade Charter Township has been trying to claim this authority through amendments to its master plan and zoning ordinance, including the introduction of incompatible land uses that do a disservice to residents.
Prior to filing a lawsuit, we made multiple attempts to engage with Cascade to reach a resolution regarding its actions prior to Cascade enacting new Airport zoning in 2023 and a new master plan in 2024. It’s unfortunate we needed to take legal action to protect the public from incompatible land uses around the Airport and to ensure our ability to grow and benefit the region.
The Airport rightly belongs to our entire community. While Airport property sits in Cascade, Kentwood and Grand Rapids, we serve all of West Michigan by connecting business and leisure travelers to the world. The Airport also serves as a vital link to the worldwide airfreight system for all Northern and West Michigan communities. The Airport provides transportation – but so much more. We are an economic catalyst, supporting more than 40,000 jobs in our region and delivering an annual economic impact of $7.7 billion.
In the past, the Airport Authority has always enjoyed a cooperative working relationship with Cascade regarding many matters, including development. We have historically worked cooperatively to ensure responsible developments that meet the letter – and spirit – of all applicable laws. We hope to resume that relationship moving forward."
You can full court opinion here: