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Village Council rescinds letter of support for Bloomingdale Food Project after conflict concerns
Summary
On April 2, 2026 the Village Council voted 5–1 to rescind a prior letter of support for the Bloomingdale Food Project after members raised potential conflict-of-interest concerns under MCL 15.322; project representatives agreed to provide documentation and return for further review.
The Village Council voted 5–1 on April 2, 2026 to rescind an earlier letter of support for the Bloomingdale Food Project amid council-member concerns about a possible conflict of interest. The motion to rescind was made by Council Member G. Simpson, seconded by T. Fisher, and carried with Simpson, Fisher, J. Crawford, B. Strong and R. Empson voting yes and T. Dickerson voting no.
Council members cited transparency and the need to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, and they referenced Michigan conflict-of-interest law (MCL 15.322) while questioning whether a trustee should have abstained from the original vote. Project representatives said they are willing to provide additional documentation and obtain legal review; one project representative said the group would "provide additional documentation, obtain legal review, and return with a new presentation for Council consideration." Council asked that materials referenced during the meeting be made part of the public record.
Separately, council members discussed outreach to state agencies and whether any proposed project might unfairly compete with existing local businesses. Project representatives emphasized their intent to focus on locally sourced fresh products—"produce, dairy, and locally sourced goods"—and to partner with, not compete against, convenience stores and restaurants. They confirmed that no grant applications have been submitted and agreed to remove references to the Village's prior support from their materials until the Council has had an opportunity to review additional documentation.
The rescission does not itself prohibit the project from seeking other approvals; it removes the earlier letter of support from Village record pending further review and potential legal analysis. The Council recorded Rankin as absent at roll call. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 a.m. after a motion by B. Strong supported by G. Simpson.
