Who's Going to Pay for This?

I have a question for all the taxpaying citizens of Hayes Township.  Who's going to pay for all the extra stuff that Michigan Moto Mania is going to bring to Hayes Township along with the supposed jobs and trickle down business?  Anyone who thinks that a Michigan Moto Mania Campground and Resort will give more than it takes is fooling himself.

Michigan Moto Mania will bring an increase of police activity on Mostetler Road.  When asked who will police this business, the response was the local police.  So, who will pay for this increased need for police coverage? 
The Hayes Township taxpayers will.

Michigan Moto Mania will increase the need for ambulances because people will inevitably get hurt riding dirt bikes and ORVs out there.  Who will pay for the extra ambulance service that will be required?
The Hayes Township taxpayers will.

Michigan Moto Mania will increase the need for road maintenance on Mostetler Road.  There will be more traffic bringing horse trailers and ORV and dirt bike trailers up and down the dirt road that is Mostetler Road.  These heavy vehicles take their toll on a dirt road.  Who will pay for the increased maintenance and upkeep of Mostetler Road?
The Hayes Township taxpayers will.

Michigan Moto Mania will increase traffic over Mostetler Road Bridge.  At the last Hayes Township Board of Trustees meeting, on 15 Feb, 2011, Ron Bushong, the County Road Commissioner said that there is no grant at this time to upgrade the bridge, and even if we get a grant, the bridge will not be replaced before 2014, and that is a big IF.  IF we even get a grant.  Who will pay to repair or replace the bridge if the increased traffic causes any further damage to the bridge?
The Hayes Township taxpayers will.

Michigan Moto Mania already has increased and will continue to increase the legal fees for Hayes Township.  Mr. Longenecker is already suing Hayes Township for 1.2 million dollars.  His persistence in pursuing what is still contrary to the intent and spirit of the Hayes Township Zoning Ordinance will cost Hayes Township still more.  Who will ultimately pay for that?
The Hayes Township taxpayers will.

I would also like to point out that although the neighbors have their own lawsuit against Hayes Township, it was the Hayes Township's attorney David Dreyer who sent us to the courtroom in the first place by stating at the end of the ten page letter he wrote dated 12 Mar 2010, "Except for passing the resolution I have recommended, the Hayes Township Board has no independent authority concerning this matter.  The Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals must each perform their duties according to the ordinance.  During all of these proceedings, Hayes Township does not have the legal authority to 'red tag' or otherwise stop the activities on the property.  Only the Clare County Circuit Court has the power to issue injunctions or other court orders pertaining to this matter.  It is within the rights of the property owner making the application or for any other interested party to file for relief with the Clare County Circuit."  The neighbors resorted to their only recourse, and that was a lawsuit.  We are not asking for 1.2 million dollars.  We are only asking for what it is costing us to get the redress that Hayes Township would not afford to us as taxpaying property owners with legitimate concerns.  All we ever wanted from Mr. Longenecker was for him to cease and desist until this issue is completely hashed out.  Who will pay for this?
The Hayes Township taxpayers will.

There are many local supporters clamoring for this business to be built who have no real skin in this.  They are not the tax base who will foot all of these bills when they come due.  They are not the neighbors in whose back yard this Moto Mania will be.  They are form other townships and they want to play in our back yard.  Some of the businesses are from the City of Harrison and they are not contributing to Hayes Township's tax base.

Mr. Longenecker's claim and efforts to be everything to everyone and to have everything available on site will compete with local business owners.  While it may provide some one time business to a few businesses in town (and that's if Mr. Longenecker chooses to use their services), Moto Mania will compete with many other local businesses for smaller pieces of the economic pie.

Cabin rentals and camping - will this not compete with the dozen or more campgrounds and motels that are trying to survive?  Are these already established businesses so filled up that there is a need for another new campground?  This market is saturated.  At least one campground is in foreclosure for lack of business.  I didn't see a "full camp" sign at Wilson State Park this year either.
  
Storage facilities - There are three in Harrison.  Are they all full?  Will a Moto Mania really bring long term business to them when Mr. Longenecker's storage facility is built and competing with them for ORV and gear storage?

A general store - will this not take business from local markets?  If people can buy what they need at a camp store or general store at Moto Mania, why do they need to go to town for what they want?

Concessions - Will this not take business from our local restaurants?  If people are eating at Moto Mania, they won't be eating at the restaurants in town, with the possible exception of the Burger King on the way out of town.

ORV riding - Are there not enough state trails accessible from Clare County?  What about the Leota Trail system?

Swap Meets - Does the centrally located flea market north of town within walking of Wilson State Park have so much overflow business that another open air market is needed?  The in town flea market is accessible to people on foot by the sidewalks in town.  Swap Meets a mile and a half down a dirt road, accessible only by car is really the way to go?  Can the flea Market not also hold swap meets?    

Horseback riding - How many local residents are aware that there is a local horseback riding facility on Coolidge Road in Harrison?  Harmony Youth Ranch is a not-for-profit Christian riding stable that rescues horses.  They only take donations to help support their rescue efforts.  Youths get riding lessons for free.  Mr. Longenecker's latest addition will cut into that already struggling non-profit's bottom line.

Maybe the Hayes Township Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees should contact all of these businesses and talk to them one-on one and get their input.  See who else besides the Mostetler Road and Deer Lake neighbors will be adversely affected by Mr. Longenecker's business.

I know of at least one motel owner, a couple of campground owners and others who are not thrilled about another business taking a bite out of their shrinking piece of the economic pie.

In the end, I believe that the economic benefit will be canceled out by the economic loss due to furthering this business enterprise in this location.  But the folks footing the bill are the ones who need to call their elected officials in Hayes Township and let them know what they think.