Proposed location of the Topgolf entertainment complex in Canton Township.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesCanton Township faces uncertainty over a proposed Topgolf entertainment complex after the Michigan Department of Environment denied a wetlands permit. The decision raises environmental concerns about damage to local wetlands. Developers can either appeal or modify plans to alleviate issues. Local advocates welcomed the decision as a step towards environmental protection. The project’s future hinges on developers acting within 60 days.
Canton Township is currently facing some uncertainty regarding a proposed Topgolf entertainment complex that would be situated near the busy intersection of Interstate 275 and Ford Road. On February 19, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) made the decision to deny a wetlands permit for the project, which raises some serious questions about the future of this highly anticipated development.
The heart of the matter lies in significant environmental concerns. The denial of the permit indicates that the planned project would lead to permanent damage to more than seven acres of vital forested and scrub-shrub wetlands within the Rouge River Watershed. Developers had plans for not only a Topgolf facility but also parking and two popular fast-food restaurants, Chick-fil-A and Portillo’s.
EGLE’s decision was influenced by several factors, including an objection from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received back in December. These concerns initiated a response window that ended with no submissions from the developers, resulting in the permit denial. It’s crucial for the developers to take heed of the regulatory protocols put in place to safeguard our environment.
The project’s future is now hanging in the balance. According to Canton Township Planner Patrick Sloan, the developers have several options on the table, which include either appealing the permit denial or submitting a revised application to EGLE. If neither of these paths is pursued, the development could very well come to a grinding halt in its current form.
There is hope, however, as developers can still pivot by altering their plans to concentrate on areas that are not affected by wetlands. One proposed alternative could be focusing the development strictly on the Ford Road frontage, where the fast-food restaurants are intended to be built. This might alleviate some of the environmental concerns tied to the wetland areas.
In the meantime, the Canton Township Board’s review of the project remains on hold. This pause is largely due to the absence of critical updated materials required following EGLE’s denial. Such outstanding materials include revisions to the planned development agreement, easement details, and updated plan sheets to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Local ecology advocates have voiced their approval of EGLE’s decision, acknowledging the importance of protecting our remaining wetlands. These ecosystems offer essential services that contribute to the overall health of our environment.
Top Canton, LLC, the firm behind the project, is now under a deadline to act. They have 60 days from the date of the denial to either file an appeal or submit a more viable application that addresses EGLE’s concerns. If approved eventually, the development aims to unfold in two phases, with the fast-food restaurants coming first, followed by the much-discussed Topgolf facility.
Additionally, stakeholders will need to consider previous findings, including traffic studies that highlight the likelihood of increased traffic delays at local intersections due to this complex’s development. After a series of modifications—including the elimination of a planned four-story hotel—developing a sustainable project that aligns with community needs and environmental standards will be paramount.
Canton Township’s quest for a new entertainment destination will depend heavily on the decisions made in the coming days. The balance between progress and environmental stewardship must be carefully navigated as developers assess their next steps. While the proposed Topgolf complex holds the potential for economic growth and leisure opportunities, the keys to its future lie in managing the project in ways that safeguard the precious natural landscapes we cherish.
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