In a recent court filing in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Janice Keel has brought a civil rights lawsuit against Monterey Township. The case revolves around allegations that the township violated her Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights by denying site plan approval for a commercial development on her property. Keel claims this denial was based on arbitrary standards and resulted in a regulatory taking, depriving her of economically viable use of her property. She is seeking compensatory damages, including $195,000 under federal law and $243,750 under Michigan inverse condemnation laws, along with declaratory and injunctive relief.
Keel’s complaint highlights issues such as alleged bad-faith actions by township officials, including misstatements regarding fire code requirements and refusal to grant necessary variances. These actions are claimed to have led to the termination of a purchase agreement for the property valued at $195,000. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the township’s decision and challenge the constitutionality of their zoning standards.
Source: 125cv1376_Janice_Keel_v_Monterey_Township_Complaint_Western_District_of_Michigan.pdf
