A Ray of Hope for the Saugatuck Dunes

It’s been a turbulent few months for dune preservationists in Saugatuck, many felt like David standing up to Goliath only to have the battle ended prematurely by a shady backroom deal.

The Saguatuck Township Board cut a deal with billionaire Aubrey McClendon to avoid more legal bullying. Fortunately, a ruling yesterday by Federal Judge Paul Maloney has given the community a small sign hope in their ongoing struggle with McClendon. Judge Maloney handed down the decision to nullify the controversial agreement between McClendon and the Saugatuck Township Board because he felt that it violated federal law by unduly restricting the power of future township boards.

The two parties may still reach an agreement on the land and zoning laws, but Judge Maloney said the current settlement gives too much power to McClendon’s Singapore Development LLC.

"By it's plain language, this provision would prevent the township from ever modifying the zoning of the (former) denison property, under any circumstances, so long as the consent decree remained in effect," Maloney wrote.

This decision certainly will not end the dunes saga, but it does put a hold on current development plans, and requires a new agreement be met and presented to the public.