Project Elephant: Unveiling the Shadows of a Controversial Deal

Project Elephant, initially a codename shrouded in corporate secrecy, has now become a symbol of contention and mistrust within the Big Rapids community. As the details of Gotion’s proposed battery plant unravel, a narrative of questionable dealings and inadequate transparency emerges, challenging the very foundations of community trust and environmental stewardship.

In early 2023, the Big Rapids Township board, demonstrating due diligence, sought comprehensive information from Gotion – details that any responsible development project should readily provide. Their requests included complete CFIUS reviews and specifics on infrastructure usage like wastewater management and well water intake. Yet, in an unexpected turn, Gotion redirected its attention and seemingly more favorable terms to the Green Charter Township Board. This included a notable $20 million purchase agreement for a property owned by Trustee Dale Jernstadt, located within the project site.

Alarmingly, the Green Board, without conducting a public poll or referendum, swiftly passed a resolution supporting Gotion. This decision, made with minimal public notice and engagement, left a majority of residents from both townships in the dark about the developments unfolding in their backyard.

Adding to the concerns, The Right Place, an economic development corporation spearheading the project, openly admitted to the absence of an essential environmental impact study. The lack of a definitive timeline for such a critical document only amplifies the community’s apprehensions.

Further complicating matters, Green Charter Township Chairman Jim Chapman testified before Michigan’s legislative bodies, claiming over 90% support for Gotion among residents – a statement starkly contradicted by recent polls showing over 85% opposition in the same township.

In a bipartisan appeal, retired Congressman and Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, along with Ambassador Joseph Cella, called for a Department of Justice investigation into Gotion and Michigan officials under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). This move underscores the depth of concern regarding the project’s legal and ethical standing.

Project Elephant, in essence, represents more than just a development plan. It symbolizes a complex web of corporate maneuvering, political assertions, and community resistance. As the layers peel back, the residents of Mecosta County find themselves grappling with a deal marked by bad faith negotiations and a glaring disregard for the environmental and social fabric of their community. This story is not just about a battery plant; it’s about the very principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the will and welfare of a community.