Dear Governor Whitmer:

​Dear Governor Whitmer,
Congratulations on your reelection.  I was happy to be one of the voters who made this happen.  Now I ask you to help me protect my hometown, Marshall, Michigan and one of the largest landmark historic districts in the country (small urban category) by halting the Michigan Megasite - 1,600 acres of prime farmland and wildlife habitat located on the outskirts of Marshall and along the Kalamazoo River.   Putting a megasite in this location will be disastrous for our community and the quality of life for the area.   1.  The 2 miles of Kalamazoo Riverfront (currently wildlife area) will be in danger.  This area would better serve the local community by keeping it in its natural state.   It could also be used as recreational land for the people of Marshall.   2.  Farmland WILL continue to be Michigan's greatest resource as we see fires ravage California, flooding along the Mississippi, and drought across the plains.  We need to protect THIS resource.   3.  Industrial activity in this area will burden are already burdened 94 highway.  A dangerous stretch between Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. Industrial expansion in this area will lead to a greater tax burden for local residents as schools and other infrastructure will have to be built to accommodate new workers.

This property is better served as a combination of farmland and recreational area for the people of Marshall and protected as a conservational easement along the Kalamazoo River.   The proposed Marshall MegaSite will RUIN the historic and rural area of Marshall and its surroundings.   The proposed Marshall Megasite has been promoted WITHOUT the knowledge of local residents.  The MEDC and MAEDA have kept local residents in the dark and pressured local residents into signing lease agreements.  One of those people is my 89 year old mother who owns our 300 acre farm within the Megasite. When she asked what would happen if she didn't sign, she was told that the state would just probably come in and purchase the land anyway.  This intimidation is not acceptable.   Do the right thing Governor Whitmer, preserve Michigan's agricultural lands, protect Marshall, and provide Marshall area citizens with more recreational/outdoor activities by turning this Megasite into a Mega Recreational area!