Sunday, July 01, 2007

Why would attorney for Tribe's Port Huron casino developer be acquiring property up north in Charlotte Beach?

The Bay Mills Indian Community attempts to exploit a land claim over 200 acres in a remote subdivision east of Barbeau on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Although not designated as such on maps today, the subdivision is known as “Charlotte Beach.” In exchange for dropping its claims on the Charlotte Beach subdivision lands, the tribe wants the right to develop an off-reservation casino in Port Huron, more than 300 miles from its reservation lands.

It has been reported that the looming land claims have negatively affected the property values and financing options of those private individuals who hold title on the property today making it a buyers market in Charlotte Beach.

Detroit casino syndicators headed up by Michael J. Malik, Sr., have been bankrolling and managing the drive for a Bay Mills off-reservation casino for a decade or more.

In 2002, an attorney who handles most of Malik’s personal business deals exclusively, William Serwer, formed CB Property Investments, LLC. Presumably “CB” is an abbreviation for “Charlotte Beach” because as it turns out CB Investment Properties, LLC, owns at least two parcels in the Charlotte Beach subdivision:

  • Parcel #0023250260000

  • Parcel #0023250730000
Both are noted at this address: 3915 S 1 Cottage Rd., Barbeau, MI 49710. It’s unclear when the group represented by Malik’s attorney acquired the properties.

In 2004 Malik’s attorney also set up MJM Charlotte Beach, LLC. Presumably “MJM” stands for Michael J. Malik. Serwer has set up numerous “MJM” entities over the years to represent Malik’s financial interests in other related ventures and real estate deals.

Why would Malik or his attorney wish to acquire property in Charlotte Beach on the eastern shores of the Upper Peninsula? The Bay Mills Tribe has said they aren’t interested in taking the land away from those who live there now.

Is it simply a case of buying depressed properties confident that their value will increase when a deal is finally struck? In which case aren’t they helping to drive prices down by perpetuating claims others contend have already been tossed out in court?

Is there some hidden natural resource? Perhaps they believe at some point the government will be forced to acquire the lands from private property owners?

These questions and more deserve answers.

At the very least such investments should be red flags for everyone involved from Charlotte Beach to Capitol Hill.

These entities are believed to be controlled or affiliated with Michael J. Malik, Sr. and related to the Bay Mills Indian Tribe, Charlotte Beach subdivision and/or proposed Port Huron Casino and Resort on the site of the current Thomas Edison Inn:

CB Property Investments, LLC
CB Property Holdings, Inc.
MJM Charlotte Beach, LLC
MJM Bay Mills, LLC
MJM Blue Water Investors, LLC
MJM Blue Water, L.L.C.
Blue Water Resorts, L.L.C.
Blue Water Resorts Manager, Inc.

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