Residents of Waterford Township voiced strong concerns during a recent government meeting regarding the Bell development project, which has raised significant health and environmental issues. Community members expressed frustration over the lack of permits from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and questioned why the planning commission had not intervened sooner.

One resident highlighted the history of the site, recalling the burning of trees and the potential hazards posed to neighboring businesses and residents. Concerns were raised about the visual inspections conducted by EGLE, particularly regarding asbestos, which is often undetectable without specialized equipment. The resident emphasized the need for more thorough monitoring, especially given the health implications for vulnerable populations, including children with asthma.

Another speaker shared a personal account of their daughter's asthma exacerbated by exposure to the area, underscoring the community's worries about air quality and potential groundwater contamination from runoff associated with the development. The resident called for transparency and accountability from local officials, questioning the prioritization of business interests over community health.

Public comments also included demands for a town hall meeting to address these issues more comprehensively. Residents expressed a desire for better communication and action from the township regarding the environmental impacts of the Bell development, emphasizing that the health and safety of the community should take precedence over commercial interests.

As the meeting concluded, the call for increased oversight and community engagement remained a central theme, reflecting the residents' commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy environment in Waterford Township.