As I have already mentioned, every letter that was written to the Hayes Township Planning Commission prior to the public hearing on 12 May 2010 was read except a handful of letters that Lyle refused to read. In his refusal to read those letters, he suppressed the free speech of those who wrote the letters. They were all written by me or members of my family. They were all written on different topics related Michigan Moto Mania and the decision that was set before the Planning Commission at the time. Since they were not read at the public hearing, I have decided to reproduce them here.
If there is any information to update, I will write it after the letter.
This letter is about the poor choice of locations.
Hayes Township Planning Commission
C/O Hayes Township Clerk
PO Box 310
Harrison, MI 48625
ATTN: Mr. Lyle Crisculo, Chairman of the Planning Commission
Mr. Lee Dancer, Trustee
Mr. Tom Wachnicki, Ordinance Enforcement
Mr. John Scherrer, Hayes Township Board Supervisor
Our public discourse has become combative in a sense of black and white. ‘Either you’re for us or against us!’ How often these days have we heard that, regardless of the issue. Whenever reasonable people legitimately oppose an issue with bona fide justification, they have been summarily branded with the most hateful of names. Proponents of TEA Party Movement have often said, “We are not against Health Care Reform. We are not against Finance Reform. We are not against Immigration Reform. We are against bad legislation and unscrupulous business as usual.”
No one opposes bringing new business capital to Harrison and Hayes Township. In fact, no one is against Mr. Longenecker personally and MotoMania in concept. What is at issue is constructing and operating an ORV race course complex on these 200 acres along Mostetler Rd. This is not about Mr. Longenecker personally enjoying his land with his family and friends. This is about a commercial business venture built on a shaky foundation. There is no evidence of any market research. There is no evidence of a topographic survey to accurately determine the limits of the property he bought and has since clear cut. There is no evidence of an overture to work with the community for the ‘right’ piece of property for such a business venture to enhance his chances for success and benefit to the community. But there is evidence of a personal inability to research and adhere to township ordinances and processes. “Yes, if the Twp had not screwed up and told us we could not do this there we would have not invested”, Robin Longenecker.
This is not about class warfare between ‘the haves and have-nots’. Those in opposition were not born to privilege with silver spoons. They are, by and large, blue collar workers who scrimped, saved and sacrificed for decades and generations to afford “a little piece of Heaven”; a place to raise their kids and play with their grandkids in their sunset years. The most vocal MotoMania supporters mistakenly think the opponents not full-time residents. It is not as simple as Steve Rauch, Joanne Sherrick and others suggest, “If people that own money (sic. Land) and yes do pay taxes don’t like it, sell theirs and move.” “If you aren’t behind it, MOVE AWAY.” All of the neighbors who surround the 200 acres formerly of the Kenneth Gamble Trust have spent their lifetimes, in cases more than a lifetime, to build their dreams. We feel a connection to our land and its wildlife deep in our souls.
The lives of all who surround these two parcels of land have been severely damaged by the invasion of an ORV racetrack on Mostetler Rd. Even if construction were to stop today, the damage already done could not be repaired in the lifetime of some neighbors. Given how abrasive the Longenecker proposal has become, it is uncertain how long it may take to repair the damage between citizens of Hayes Township. Please stop or relocate MotoMania now before the circumstances worsen.
Karl E. Laskowsky
The Harold Laskowsky Trust
I think what was possible than (back in May) might not be so possible now. That being the relocation of Michigan Moto Mania to a more suitable location. If it is feasible, I think it's an avenue that should be explored.
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