Federal District Court Ruling In Favor of Oakland Township

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich., Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With regard to the US Federal Detroit District Court litigation between Moceri/DM Investments, Inc., Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America and Joan Buser as Plaintiffs and the Charter Township of Oakland as Defendant, the Township is pleased to announce that the parties have reached a proposed resolution of the pending litigation. The proposed settlement allows the Developer to construct two projects, Blossom Ridge and Carillon Creek that follow the standards and requirements of the Township ordinances. The Township Board has followed a due diligent path in obtaining expert opinions on all phases of the proposed development. Following lengthy negotiations and significant compromises by the Developer with respect to both the size and density of the proposed projects, the parties were able to reach an agreement which benefits the Township and the community as a whole including significant benefits to our disabled veterans. As part of the agreement the Township obtained a set of uses on the property designated as Carilion Creek that is more harmonious to the surrounding area than what was previously zoned. While the Township steadfastly maintained and maintains that its ordinances and actions were and are legal and defensible, the negotiated settlement of both developments was determined to be in the long term best interests of the Township. The Township will continue to enforce its ordinances which have resulted in a beautiful and unique community for its residents. The Developer's voluntary agreement to provide significant funding to the water storage needs of the district will not only reduce any adverse impact these developments might have but benefit all of the current users of the water system.  A further result of the agreement is that the Township obtained valuable park property which will allow for the construction of a Veteran's Memorial at no expense to the Township or its tax payers through the creation of a charitable trust.  In short, with this judgment the suit is dismissed and all parties are held harmless. For Oakland Township we admit no guilt and our ordinances remain unchanged. Additionally, the Township has strengthened its ability to enforce its Zoning Ordinances to provide for future developments which are consistent with the community's objectives. The Township believes that the proposed consent judgment supports the Township's goals and standards of development.

SOURCE Oakland Township