Bench Trial Continues for Camp Owasippe and Blue Lake Township

The Owasippe Scout Reservation trial will resume at 1:30 pm, Friday, December 7 under Judge William C. Marietti, Muskegon (Michigan) Circuit Court. Chicago Area Boy Scout Council (CAC) is suing for re-zoning of the near-5000 acre tract within Blue Lake Township.

For 95 years this land has been used as a Boy Scout Camp, but the council has been pursuing an option to sell it to a developer for several years. The township has resisted the re-zoning request on various grounds. Scouters around the country have risen up to preserve the camp. Yet the council persists in its efforts to sell. (See Oldest Operating Boy Scout Camp Still Fighting for its Life)

The trial began October 16th, and has run for a total of nine days to date. The defense case is expected to wrap up on December 7, and this could be the final day of the trial. James Nelson, attorney for the township, is expected to call as witnesses a township planning commissioner and a professional planner.

Judge Marietti has requested that closing arguments be submitted in writing rather than given orally.

The fires of controversy continue to blaze around this conflict. The township insists that it has the right to develop a master plan that meets their own goals. They also point out that they have no infrastructure at all to deal with a massive residential development.

Chicago Area Scout Council continues to insist that it has the right to do as it wishes with its own property, and that the township is merely being obstructive. After years of wrangling the court will now make the decision.