Hayes Township residents urge commissioners to withdraw support for proposed transfer station

Residents and visitors told the Clare County Board of Commissioners during an extended public-comment period that they oppose plans to site a waste transfer facility in Hayes Township, saying the project would bring persistent odors, increased pests and runoff that would hurt tourism and neighborhoods.

Kim Davis, a Hayes Township resident, asked commissioners to withdraw support for the facility, saying, “I can't believe that a little bit of financial gain would supersede the safety, health, and welfare of the community around it.” Kimberly Shepard, who said she moved to Clare County to avoid industrial smells, described living near a transfer site elsewhere and warned, “If it goes through, I'm selling. I'll put my house up for sale because I don't want to smell it.” Other speakers, including John Parish, criticized the posted meeting video and audio quality, saying poor recordings prevent residents from following discussions and decisions.

Speakers repeatedly urged the county to share any health or environmental surveys in advance. One commenter from Paige Township asked whether a health-and-safety assessment had been completed and said many neighbors were unaware of any prior survey. Several speakers encouraged residents to complete the county’s materials-management survey posted on the county website and to use written follow-up forms to receive a formal response.

Commissioners and staff responded in procedural remarks that a letter of support discussed previously had been for investigating an indoor recycling facility and that any transfer or recycling facility would require Hayes Township agreement, state approvals and a subsequent amendment to the county materials-management plan before siting could proceed. County staff said the materials-management plan is under development and that the public survey would remain open through the end of the month.

The public-comment period included calls to move regular meetings to afternoon hours to increase attendance and access for working residents. The meeting record shows no formal vote on siting the facility; speakers were urging commissioners to withdraw support and to ensure that any future action include additional public review and required approvals.