Mich. Supreme Court denies Meridian fire station appeal

MERIDIAN TWP. – The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Okemos residents seeking to stop construction of a new fire station.

A group of Autumn Park Condominium owners had appealed an Oct. 14, 2014 decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals, which declined to hear a lawsuit regarding the fire station. The suit stemmed from a March 2014 planning commission meeting, and charged the township with not doing a review of the proposed project at the proper time.

“We are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court,” a memo from the justices dated May 28 read in part.

Autumn Park residents have steadfastly opposed the new station, saying the 10,700-square-foot complex across from their homes will diminish their quality of life and affect their property values.

Lawrence Nolan, the attorney representing the condominium owners, could not be immediately reached for comment.

“We’re pleased with the decision of the Michigan Supreme Court,” township manager Frank Walsh said. “Meridian Township looks forward to doing what we do best — saving and protecting lives.”

Walsh said construction on the new station near Central Park Drive and Okemos Road is proceeding on schedule, with a planned ribbon cutting in mid-December.