COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners approved amendments to the Branch County Memorial Airport Zoning ordinance on Friday after disagreements over the last couple of years between Airport Manager Joe Best and nearby property owner Robert Worley were expressed during a public hearing.
The ordinance was first adopted in 1972 and amended in 2002. A public hearing and action on the amended ordinance has been held up due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ordinance establishes airport zoning regulations restricting the height of structures and objects of natural growth. Within three miles of the airport no structure can be more than 25 feet high.
Best told Commissioners during a work session last month that the updating of the ordinance started over the height of trees near the airport.
Worley said the ordinance was retaliation by Best as the two men have had a running dispute for almost two years. Worley added the removal of trees would devalue his property and crush his septic system.
Best responded by saying Worley’s fears can be allayed and they would bring everything into compliance without any damage to his home or septic system.
Best said the airport has a provisional license instead of a general utility license until hazards are taken care of.
He stated in March of 2020 the amendments clear up ordinance language and had nothing to do with the wind turbine controversy in northwest Branch County.
25′ for 3 miles? A few hundred trees will need trimming. Looks like Oak Grove will need some work this summer. Why wasn’t every property owner within 3 miles notified? Major over reach here.