[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6182313,"mediaKeyId","5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885","parentId",5107034,"title","Battle Creek adopts ordinance allowing seizure and forfeiture of vehicles used in reckless driving","audioSeconds",104,"startMs",3609000,"endMs",3713000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885&start=3609&end=3713","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885/thumbnail_3609000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6182313/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-adopts-ordinance-allowing-seizure-and-forfeiture-of-vehicles-used-in-reckless-driving","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182313-bd9711c48de5dd056eea8387ecb35ec8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207564&Signature=NT1t6boQ1VtxaPypthvhStS9JfLoZkxlJr8rKfo9maaSbDK0ywsnGNvbSgAvlSxYwn3xg3xuE-SHngXS5tM66nDgUdmj~EAw7Z0M2pFRlqHxZZrXS39WRR4re5BRSkhKdt3BRtiOmEPRFaUKkNIF3jrxegkGWJXWwrxeEc4S5mT-BWlf7ap40EOEYp6lAWJikjR9-q2755~U0vNpETMWqEOg1y~1DRzgi6FoPEQwJu8~cBu2aVnWXyTKUQ9WuizS8TYYI9QMtp3Mxr8Rd~zrjBp3gcHkqyN19Y1jv3xMQwH6e-bFwviP8RmSoGmSNsgjUo54CnVHETTK1knQhPMmfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Battle Creek, MI","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Battle Creek City Commission on June 17 adopted an ordinance making vehicles used in reckless driving or racing a public nuisance, authorizing seizure of such vehicles and allowing forfeiture through a nuisance abatement action in Calhoun County Circuit Court.

Staff described the ordinance as similar to measures in other Michigan municipalities and said it is intended to help the city address reckless driving incidents, including motorcycle and drag‑racing behavior. \"This will allow us to better attack the problem of nuisance vehicles in the city,\" a staff presenter said. Commissioners praised the chief and the city attorney for advancing the measure; several commissioners said they had received numerous complaints about reckless driving.

Why it matters: The ordinance gives police an additional enforcement tool to address reckless driving, drag racing and related public‑safety risks by allowing vehicles and equipment used in those incidents to be treated as nuisances and subject to seizure and court‑ordered forfeiture.

What the commission did: The commission voted to adopt the ordinance (O3 2025). The ordinance authorizes seizure and forfeiture procedures and identifies vehicles, equipment and proceeds associated with reckless driving as nuisances subject to abatement.

Discussion vs. decision: Commissioners discussed the prevalence of complaints about reckless driving in the city and expressed support for using legal tools to protect public safety. The formal action was adoption of the ordinance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Battle Creek City Commission regular meeting - 6/17/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission adopted an ordinance declaring vehicles used in reckless driving or racing to be public nuisances and authorizing seizure and forfeiture through Calhoun County Circuit Court, aimed at addressing drag‑racing and dangerous driving in the city.","taxTitle","Battle Creek City, Calhoun County, Michigan","taxId",3332,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6182318,"Battle Creek approves industrial tax exemption for aircraft manufacturer planning 40+ jobs",1658,2707000,4365000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885&start=2707&end=4365","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885/thumbnail_2707000.jpg","/articles/6182318/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-approves-industrial-tax-exemption-for-aircraft-manufacturer-planning-40-jobs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182318-25e639424b352f277661ec2d3a28d12a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207564&Signature=MXudpcqB5y3nMmNNWsg87vuv4V~Lv9A~JiTiIqcYNkaqg0wEhA0fEPgsCgAr5o0Q1hVluVeSy-ufM53PUtn-dL83K3BM3PH-AX4iTHPmPLq~bPhJM0CYFkGeMOmrXqdhLOz~cwI4kg0rclpCo77-LiuU5tX0rGK5-Ae0USjie5uhHz5UP42tdhdJ72LAjl13U-T8Guqn8PcXFnDSU3~tPiHWk5icpx0YinUwSuddtDWlqp5UtCYR0L9pb16PuG03rPTJXt7lZ263ZwO4jUlmWvmpTdiUMOpZq~m6Y1VTdRMHkRmeXCcslXey8ZqoOssSMZdwBn1PmgwQtLZ3tsG1Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on June 17 approved an industrial facilities tax exemption certificate for Yonkers Aircraft Corporation for property in Industrial Development District Number 36 at 15955 South Airport Road.

Joe Clement, director of operations for Waco and Junkers (Yonkers) Aircraft, told the commission the company is constructing a new 45,000‑square‑foot facility and expects to open an approximately $9 million factory in August 2025 to support a new aircraft line. \"We're building a 45,000 square foot facility to house our new aircraft line,\" Clement said, and said the project would add more than 40 jobs. He described prior expansion in 2021 that increased jobs from about 22 to over 70 and an earlier $25 million investment by the company.

Why it matters: The exemption is intended to support local manufacturing investment and job creation; the staff report estimated an investment of approximately $8.9 million for the current expansion. The commission approved Resolution 170 authorizing the industrial facilities tax exemption certificate.

What the commission did: Resolution 170 authorizing the IFT exemption was approved. Commissioners expressed support for the investment and praised the company’s presence at the airport.

Discussion vs. decision: The public hearing included company remarks describing the investment and jobs; the formal decision was approval of the IFT exemption certificate.","The City Commission approved an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption certificate for Yonkers Aircraft Corporation (Junkers Aircraft line), authorizing a tax abatement tied to a roughly $8.9 million investment and a planned new 45,000‑square‑foot facility and an anticipated 40+ jobs increase.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6182323,"Battle Creek approves hiring outside counsel for PFAS settlement claims; public asks about costs",2943,2003000,4946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885&start=2003&end=4946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885/thumbnail_2003000.jpg","/articles/6182323/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-approves-hiring-outside-counsel-for-PFAS-settlement-claims-public-asks-about-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182323-59af688b23bcaa98047c2fec95c596a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207564&Signature=iuLcEjRKgRf~h4IKrQXLE8ePMfynrynKP4zoIiMaNJ08Zes7~ERQqVF2zzlLjq01oges~LPehJ2EjLpl3WAT4HlDtDg5S3xxQ8nBeF9ql8RO259Vl8w2~kMoEYx-jk9ie7Twb902W-gUn~Yi7-6WLHeDhLBSoXlH5oVx3~Zd7CVSChOzoHs0WO8~jyL-0HCu9z55~xXe2-paSvOrjLYFoftTas17b52mY4xzZxhEczc9sf6-a0c1vFpg8385u5dh1Q0dW3pA~fQr4~Y300KVttcc3QgMN68Zmew2Dxey8t44itat6vMfXF5Fg~1cqFtPBrpi2YjMjR2raJeGSnFX-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission on June 17 approved a resolution to retain outside legal counsel to pursue claims under Phase 2 of the PFAS public water system litigation settlement.

A member of the public concerned about water contamination asked about the cost of retaining outside counsel and whether the city would pay for PFAS claims while earlier or concurrent contaminants such as TTHM (trihalomethanes) remain unresolved. \"We currently already have a present water contamination issue with the TTHM,\" the speaker said, and asked whether the city would be paying for PFAS settlement claims and later for TTHM claims. The commission record shows the city attorney recommended outside counsel with environmental and PFAS expertise; the panel approved Resolution 182 to retain counsel. City staff noted Rick Berg of Butzel Long was available remotely to answer technical questions.

Why it matters: PFAS settlements can result in recoveries for public water systems but require legal and technical review; retaining specialized counsel is intended to maximize potential recovery under the settlement. Members of the public raised questions about costs and the interaction with other drinking‑water issues.

What the commission did: The commission approved Resolution 182 to retain outside counsel for PFAS settlement claims. A remote attorney from the proposed firm was made available to answer questions during the meeting.

Remaining questions: The amount of the outside counsel contract and fee structure were not specified in the public record at the meeting; a public commenter asked directly for the expected outside counsel cost but no figure was reported in the meeting minutes.","The commission approved retaining outside counsel to pursue Phase 2 PFAS public water system settlement claims. A public speaker asked how much the city will pay in outside counsel fees and whether this will affect other drinking‑water contamination claims.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6182328,"Battle Creek adopts 2025–29 consolidated plan and 2025 annual action plan for CDBG and HOME funds",1442,2334000,3776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885&start=2334&end=3776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885/thumbnail_2334000.jpg","/articles/6182328/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-adopts-202529-consolidated-plan-and-2025-annual-action-plan-for-CDBG-and-HOME-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182328-766980c707b8c0c738b59bc81d44e4fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207564&Signature=LaEH1OA1aCcZ-BoKzE1lX0WOksO~eaxRoE1AYm6tkvlAaOzkBbfNO72rOkOQJagrKMSd~ev39KI5gegaBwF-zuRDmf-8OrhW2DhAlWZ68wYCjUq~vMqenlpwSYHI0YcAJY1mhmlh7bhrTypFvUxEKpNvIhosRQyoMFV2Rlf3C2jKWOZ11sTpKitjlNFRwlW0IuXs4gCKlRx6-lpSCDT1Jl3AzOBTMmBM-ntxCpPm4YDaJ-2cEAuK0e7AxQWQPbmGCAM7-IpwVeYMU8476ceK9vPt2036kf~guNMjQf25tK7ueMxLffR97qHkj6pD094~wll-qKPu5-5sEn3bMzDujA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission on June 17 adopted the draft 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the 2025 annual action plan governing the use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership funds, and authorized the interim city manager to execute required agreements and certifications with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

During the public hearing, a community volunteer who had participated in plan sessions expressed support for the document while warning that federal funding changes threatened program continuity. \"Funding for the neighborhood planning council system... is something I'm very proud of,\" said a speaker who said she had been involved in the plan's development. She also voiced support for code compliance work and infill housing to stabilize neighborhoods. Cheryl Persaud, a Continuum of Care (CoC) representative for people experiencing homelessness, urged more resources for housing and emergency sheltering, saying the region faces reductions in housing vouchers and that the community needs better winter shelter plans.

Why it matters: The consolidated plan sets priorities and proposed uses of federal CDBG and HOME funds for housing, neighborhood revitalization and related programs. Adopting the plan allows the city to submit required certifications and proceed with program year allocations and contracts.

What the commission did: The commission approved Resolution 165 adopting the consolidated plan and the 2025 annual action plan and authorized the interim city manager to execute HUD agreements. The meeting also approved budget amendments and related resolutions later on the consent agenda.

Discussion vs. decision: Public testimony was largely supportive but raised concerns about federal funding cuts and urgent local needs such as emergency shelter and voucher shortfalls. The formal decision was adoption of the plan and execution authority for HUD documents.

Next steps: With the resolution approved, staff will proceed with certifications and funding allocations for the 2025 program year as described in the adopted action plan.","The City Commission adopted the 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the 2025 annual action plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships funds and authorized the interim city manager to sign HUD agreements, following public support for code compliance, neighborhood planning councils and infill housing.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6182333,"Battle Creek commission rejects rezoning after residents raise noise, air and water concerns",2359,1112000,3471000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885&start=1112&end=3471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107034-939487c89aaa79e390d668b8c657d885/thumbnail_1112000.jpg","/articles/6182333/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-commission-rejects-rezoning-after-residents-raise-noise-air-and-water-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182333-157a61b48c9f9027b39e1d984a44b0b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207564&Signature=X7EIE3Fg2c588vcwMnX8hRVlKPpKIA43iylGAQ0Aczm~kdbP9WL5u55iiKJiopsXXPqU~mPgU0vqmto2m6zawx3D666cSv2Un-gO8Xe5WByOw-x~Pe3Nq8jlY3ZJeme8QTyvHA6UbCbKTtBpx2Ri6Ttla2MupVK9qCE4g8VhxJlbWL8VYY-moyulbW2VUbKRRWTOBYaGVJkuB~xp1Lov5UP-Z2LpchspAD7TBUT004W9Kr1UZ-9qc~LjOCgx3giESIn1YoRJ0vDMe0Tc5UZlJZlN7Th6uKrcw~dqDQsNMP0kQlyVeltTad2vAFZCixakrzDYIBIl9KZudT3N1hqeiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission on June 17 defeated the introduction of an ordinance that would rezone a parcel along West Columbia Avenue — between Robertson Avenue and Independence Avenue — from R‑1 single‑family residential to I‑2 heavy industrial after sustained public comment and commissioner concern.

Residents who live directly behind the site told commissioners they have endured constant asphalt odors, around‑the‑clock noise and dust from an uncontained asphalt crushing/stockpiling operation that they said sits within yards of private properties. \"We get the smell of asphalt constantly. There's no sense of fresh air,\" said Jamie Stanislaw, 280 Newtown Avenue. Sheryl Doust, 251 Newtown Avenue, told the commission she was unsure whether the site had ever been permitted and asked, \"Who is responsible for cleanup if the EPA comes in and says it's unhealthy and shouldn't be in a residential area?\" Charlie Keegan, 250 Newtown Avenue, a former DOD safety specialist, raised stormwater runoff concerns and said contaminants from asphalt could reach groundwater if proper controls are not in place.

Commissioners aired similar concerns about compatibility with surrounding homes and gaps in the planning record. \"Heavy industrial use is something I don't believe is harmonious,\" said Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell during discussion. Another commissioner said residents' questions about noise and environmental impacts were not fully answered at previous Planning Commission hearings. After discussion, the commission voted that the ordinance introduction be defeated.

Why it matters: The rezoning would have allowed heavier industrial uses next to established residential areas; residents said the site already operates in a way they find incompatible with housing, and they asked the city to clarify permitting, enforcement and responsibility for any contamination or nuisance. Opponents emphasized the proximity of stockpiles to backyards — one speaker said the asphalt pile is about 40 feet from her bedroom window — and the potential effect on property values and sleep.

What happened at the meeting: Commissioners declined to move the rezoning forward at introduction, effectively halting the immediate change in zoning. No adoption vote took place; the motion to introduce the ordinance was defeated.

Discussion vs. decision: The meeting record separates public comment (residents describing ongoing impacts) from the commission action (defeat of the ordinance introduction). Residents sought enforcement and clarification about permits and stormwater controls; commissioners cited unanswered planning questions and neighborhood harmony as reasons to oppose the rezoning.

Next steps/remaining questions: Residents repeatedly asked whether the property operator had permits, whether stormwater controls or an EPA review exist, and which party would be responsible for remediation if contamination were found. Those questions were raised during public comment but were not resolved on the record at the June 17 meeting.

","The City Commission defeated the introduction of an ordinance to rezone a parcel along West Columbia Avenue from single‑family to heavy industrial after residents from Newtown Avenue and nearby blocks urged the city to address an existing asphalt/crushing operation, citing persistent odors, nighttime noise and possible groundwater contamination.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Battle Creek adopts ordinance allowing seizure and forfeiture of vehicles used in reckless driving

Battle Creek approves industrial tax exemption for aircraft manufacturer planning 40+ jobs

Battle Creek approves hiring outside counsel for PFAS settlement claims; public asks about costs

Battle Creek adopts 2025–29 consolidated plan and 2025 annual action plan for CDBG and HOME funds

Battle Creek commission rejects rezoning after residents raise noise, air and water concerns