Protect Jean Klock Park, Federal Lawsuit, Jean Klock Park Conversion

Protect Jean Klock Park, Federal Lawsuit, Jean Klock Park Conversion

"Although the heart of Jean Klock Park has been privatized for three holes of a championship golf course, there are unresolved questions regarding federal permits which were issued in order for the golf course development to proceed. Litigation is ongoing, and the federal lawsuit filed in August, 2008, is on appeal in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jean Klock Park is located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore in Benton Harbor, a rustbelt city abandoned by manufacturing and related industries. One significant corporate headquarters persists, however. Whirlpool Corporation, located in an adjoining township, announced the closing of its last manufacturing-related facility in Michigan, which resulted in a loss of 216 jobs. The company continues to move its manufacturing operations to other states and offshore, but the state of Michigan continues to pour money into a development known as Harbor Shores, a golf course “resort” initiated by Whirlpool, whose success is key, according to former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, “to the future talent recruitment efforts of Whirlpool Corporation.”"
Protect Jean Klock Park, Federal Lawsuit, Jean Klock Park Conversion