PENINSULA TOWNSHIP — Peninsula Township officials said they are reviewing a new federal lawsuit filed by Bonobo Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyard & Winery and the Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Association after the township issued a zoning violation notice last week.
According to the township, the lawsuit was filed late Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan in response to a Nov. 21 letter seeking clarification and compliance with special use permit conditions and local ordinances, including noise regulations.
The township said the correspondence was intended to begin an administrative review process through the Planning Commission and Township Board.
The township said OV the Farm LLC, which operates Bonobo Winery, along with Bowers Harbor Vineyard & Winery and the association, instead chose to escalate the issue through federal litigation.
“The Township has a responsibility to all residents and businesses to fairly enforce our ordinances,” Township Supervisor Sanders said. “We had hoped to resolve these matters through direct communication and the normal administrative process that applies to Township businesses.”
Township officials said they remain committed to working with businesses while protecting the rights of neighboring property owners and maintaining compliance with zoning and permitting rules.
Peninsula Township will review the lawsuit with its legal counsel and respond through the court process. Officials said they remain committed to preserving the agricultural character of the community while balancing the interests of all stakeholders.
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