MESA STATEMENT ON GOTION LAWSUIT AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT LEGITIMACY

Big Rapids, MI – The Mecosta Environmental and Security Alliance (MESA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environmental and security interests of the Mecosta County community. MESA has reviewed the federal lawsuit filed on March 15, 2024 by Gotion, Inc. against Green Charter Township. It appears much of the lawsuit is centered on an alleged Development Agreement, dated August 22, 2023. In a previous letter to the Green Charter Township Board, MESA expressed their belief that this Development Agreement was improperly executed due to Open Meetings Act violations and is void.

According to the letter, Green Charter Township held a public meeting on August 1, 2023, discussing a “first draft” of the Development Agreement with Gotion, Inc. The expectation was a “final” version of the agreement would be presented at a subsequent public meeting, allowing for board discussion, public comment, and a decision. However, this process was not followed. The “final” Development Agreement was signed without being discussed or decided upon in a public meeting, and the public was denied the opportunity to comment.

MESA asserts that these actions of the previous board constitute a violation of the Open Meetings Act, infringe upon individual rights, and represent improper execution of a Development Agreement.

It should be noted that the former Supervisor and former Clerk of Green Charter Township signed the Development Agreement on August 22, 2023 just prior to their removal through a recall election.

This situation highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed Gotion battery plant project and casts doubt on the merits of Gotion’s lawsuit. MESA remains committed to safeguarding the community’s environmental and security interests.

For additional information contact press@protectmecosta.org or visit www.protectmecosta.org