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State Representative Greg Alexander's Meeting Notes From November's Office Hours Meeting
Russ Survance
Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:11:13 EST
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State Rep. Greg Alexander used his November 28th office hours at the Bad Axe Airport to highlight new protections for private property, ongoing concerns with state farm preservation payments, local Amish roadway safety efforts, and a dispute between Driftwood Farms and Lake Township, while also announcing his final 2025 Huron County office hours for December 26th.
Event details
The meeting took place Friday, November 28th, at the Huron County Memorial Airport/Bad Axe Airport as part of Alexander's regularly scheduled monthly office hours in Huron County.
He indicated he plans to return on Friday, December 26th, for his final Huron County office hours of the year.
EGLE/DNR warrant requirement
Alexander reported that legislation has advanced to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to obtain a warrant or landowner permission before entering most private property, closing the so called "open fields" loophole.
The measures, contained in House Bills 4073 and 4421, are framed by sponsors as restoring standard Fourth Amendment protections so conservation and environmental officers operate under rules similar to other law enforcement agencies.
PA 116 farm preservation concerns
During the discussion of Michigan's PA 116 farmland preservation program, Alexander noted that some participating landowners have complained about delays or failures in receiving their expected tax credit payments, prompting a closer review of administration of the program.
PA 116 generally allows farmers who enter long term development restriction agreements to qualify for an income tax credit, and administrative or funding problems can result in missed or reduced payments for enrolled landowners.
Amish lane on M-53
Alexander said work is moving forward on a dedicated Amish lane along M-53 to allow Amish travelers to use a separate service lane rather than the main highway, aimed at improving safety for buggies and slow?moving traffic.
Such side lanes or shoulders are typically coordinated with the Michigan Department of Transportation and local road agencies and are often justified on crash prevention and traffic?flow grounds in rural corridors with significant buggy traffic.
Driftwood Farms and Lake Township
Representatives from Driftwood Farms attended the meeting and described running into what they say are unique and more stringent local regulations imposed by Lake Township that they believe do not apply to other businesses, leaving them feeling singled out as they try to build a positive, profitable agribusiness.
Zoning and land use controls, such as special conditions or new ordinance language directed at specific uses, are generally adopted at the township level, and businesses that feel unfairly targeted often pursue relief through negotiation, public meetings, or formal appeals within the zoning process.
