Green Charter Township residents, officials tell state subcommittee Goshen project advanced without consent and amid intimidation allegations

Residents and local officials from Green Charter Township told the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on Corporate Subsidies and State Investments that a proposed Goshen Inc. battery-component factory was advanced without community consent and accompanied by threats, improper coordination with local officials and misleading public statements.

The testimony on behalf of Green Charter Township centered on allegations that township leaders and Goshen coordinated in ways that intimidated opponents, that state-supported recruitment and grant activity lacked sufficient vetting, and that litigation filed by the company has imposed an injunction and litigation costs on the township.

“I oppose corporate welfare and would rather see every business in Michigan get a tax break instead of a hand-selected few,” said Lori Brock, owner of Majestic Friesians horse farm in Green Charter Township, during testimony describing rallies, a large community petition effort and what she called repeated attempts to silence opponents. Brock said her farm and family were targeted with messages and that one of her animals was poisoned; she said she has no proof tying the incidents…