Residents press Ogemaw County commissioners over persistent blight, safety concerns in Shady Shores

Dozens of residents told the Ogemaw County Board of Commissioners that long‑running blight and safety hazards at a Park Road property in Shady Shores need urgent attention, and township and county staff described steps they have taken while outlining the limits of county authority.

At the meeting, resident Doug Lang Jr. said the site has become a neighborhood nuisance and alleged nighttime activity, saying, “He’s got more junk than a junkyard,” and that people arrive in “the junkiest cars you ever seen.” Property owner Deborah Norton told the board she had been ill and delayed repairs but said her son’s work collecting scrap is legal and that they intend to fix the property.

Jason Short, a nearby resident who presented photos, asked the county to disconnect temporary power and to restrict occupancy until repairs are complete. Short cited Ogemaw County zoning provisions limiting RVs as dwellings and vehicle storage and said health inspectors found evidence of unsanitary conditions during a recent visit. He requested that the county and Hill Township coordinate clean‑up and enforcement.

County building official Brian said he inspected the site, posted a condemnation notice on a trailer and confirmed the trailer was not occupied on the most recent visits; he said the structure can be repaired but must be done with proper permits. Zoning staff member Ryan said some enforcement actions date to 2023, including citations for accessory structures and a temporary electrical permit issued April 27, 2023, after a garage fire. The health department also visited the site and reported concerns it will review with its supervisor before any further action.

County staff and commissioners repeatedly emphasized jurisdictional limits. County administration noted that the county lacks statutory authority to adopt or administer a standalone blight ordinance and that many blight remedies fall under township authority. Hill Township Supervisor Robert told the board his township had only recently received formal blight complaints and that a township blight officer will inspect the property "before the end of the weekend." Commissioner David said the influx of complaints and the public frustration made it appropriate to gather county and township staff in the same meeting to clarify next steps.

What happened: staff told the board the property fire occurred April 18, 2023; a temporary power permit was issued April 27, 2023; a demo permit for the burned garage was issued and extended; building staff later posted a condemnation on the trailer; health officials and zoning staff inspected and are coordinating follow‑up. Residents said vehicles and materials have blocked the road at times and raised concerns about emergency access.

Why it matters: Residents said the situation poses a public‑safety and quality‑of‑life concern and that repeated complaints to multiple authorities created confusion. County officials said clearer communication about who enforces what — township blight authority, county zoning/building authority, and the health department’s role — will be a priority.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinating with Hill Township and the health department; township officials said their blight officer will act quickly and staff will follow up with a clarified complaint process for residents. No formal county ordinance or new enforcement action was adopted at the meeting.

The meeting record shows multiple residents requested immediate action and township staff committed to on‑the‑ground follow up; county zoning and building staff said they have open enforcement steps and are consulting county legal counsel for clarity on RV/camper rules and other questions.