Protecting Cascade Township Residents from Unilateral Airport Expansion

CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Today, Cascade Township officials pledged to take all measures necessary to prevent the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (Airport Authority) from exceeding rights granted to it for land development that would degrade the quality of life that makes Cascade Township one of West Michigan’s best and most desirable places to live and raise a family.  A ruling issued Friday (Oct. 11) by Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Trusock favored the Authority, saying the Authority is entirely exempt from any local zoning and land use restrictions, including stormwater management — meaning the Township lacks authority to regulate any development within the airport, even that which is completely unrelated to airport operations.   

“We are disappointed with the ruling and are reviewing all measures available to the Township to protect and preserve the health, safety, and quality of life that families of Cascade Township deserve,” said Grace Lesperance, Supervisor, Cascade Charter Township. “While we respect the court’s ruling, we will take actions to prevent the Airport Authority from disregarding our community’s interests and unilaterally encroaching on our beautiful, peaceful, and highly desired place to live.”

Cascade Township residents are already on guard over airport-generated contaminants, including PFAS, diminishing water quality, growing highways and traffic problems as industrial development overtakes rural and residential areas, and other nuisances threatening residents’ quality of life and property values.  

“The West Michigan way is to put families and quality of life first. We in Cascade remain eager to work with the Airport Authority to find the right approach to our future together, ensure the Cascade community is protected, and the airport’s success as a gateway to West Michigan can also succeed.”