Ilitch partner, Michael Malik secures additional Harsens Island properties

8117 South Channel Dr., Harsens Island MI | Slideshow

Detroit wheeler dealer Michael Malik, has secured additional Harsens Island (MI) properties.  During the summer, he obtained the three parcels noted below from the Glenn R.  Barnes Trust; deed conveyed to Malik and recorded by the St. Clair County Register of Deeds on 8.23.2011. See Property Deed. 

Mr. Barnes had passed away in September 2010 and had lived in the 6,300 square foot home at 8117 South Channel Dr.  Trulia.com estimates that home sits on 4.23 acres and reports it was listed for sale at $1,450,000.  A document filed with the County Register of Deeds suggests Malik has a $417,000 on these additional Harsens Island parcels.

At the time of the transactions, Malik was still living at 350 Aspen Road, Birmingham (MI), the home he bought and lived-in with Brooke Malik during their six-week 2010 marriage.

Parcel Number	Owner	Street
74-14-847-0201-000	MALIK MICHAEL J SR	8100 PENNINSULAR HWY
74-14-847-0202-000	MALIK MICHAEL J SR	8117 SOUTH CHANNEL DR
74-14-847-0205-000	MALIK MICHAEL J SR	SOUTH CHANNEL DR

For more than two decades, Malik has attempted to get approvals for various failed Harsens Island development schemes -- most involving development of a marina.  His most recent plans were advanced by affiliates known as Lucky 7 Development and Grande Pointe Development and included  a 450-acre housing development centered around a large man-made island and lagoon with access to the north channel of the St. Clair River.  In 2008, the Clay Township Planning Commission failed to approve permits Malik needed to move his plans forward.  The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) also failed to grant Malik the needed permits.  Malik appealed in Court but the decision of the Planning Commission was upheld.

In 2009, Lucky 7 Development was rather delinquent on property taxes for nine Harsens Island parcels it controls owing almost $10,000.

Malik, often caught up in controversies and wrong-doing, is principally known as the casino development partner of Detroit’s Ilitch Family. Mike and Marian Ilitch co-founded Little Caesars pizza chain and own the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit’s MotorCity Casino among other affiliates.  During the same time they’ve pursued failed marina development schemes for Harsens Island, Malik and the Ilitches have unsuccessfully pursued casino development schemes with Native American partners in/on Port Huron (MI), Barstow (CA) and Long Island (NY).  

Ilitch Partner Delinquent on 2008 Property Taxes

According to the St. Clair County Department of Equalization the 2008 property taxes on all eight parcels on Harsens Island, MI, owned by Lucky 7 Development, LLC, and referenced below, remain delinquent. These parcels collectively are commonly referred to as the former Harsens Island Boys Club property (Camp Drusilla Farwell).

Parcel History
Documents dated February 12, 1997 and filed in St. Clair County, Michigan record that seven parcels of land situated in Clay Township, St. Clair County, were transfered from D. Fred Smith and Stephanie Smith to Lucky 7 Development LLC. These seven parcels are identified as follows:

74-14-649-0007-000
74-14-649-0011-000
74-14-618-0004-000
74-14-618-0007-000
74-14-618-0031-000
74-14-514-0033-000
74-14-514-0034-000

Lucky 7 Development LLC manager Michael J. Malik entered into a $2 million mortgage agreement with Comerica Bank covering these seven parcels on December 26, 2003.

Documents dated December 9, 2005 and filed in St. Clair County, Michigan record that one parcel of land situated in the Township of Clay, St. Clair County, and commonly referred to as 805 North Channel, was transfered from Thomas M. Wiethorn to Lucky 7 Developoment LLC. That parcel is identified as follows:

74-14-618-0008-000

Lucky 7 Development LLC manager Michael J. Malik entered into a $480,000 mortgage agreement with Comerica Bank covering this parcel on June 2, 2006.

Malik and his Lucky 7 Development LLC / Grand Pointe Development LLC have previously proposed several failed development projects for these parcels including a marina and a large-scale clustered housing project that was anticipated to re-route North Channel Road.

Malik partners with members of Detroit's Ilitch family on various casino development projects in Michigan and throughout the U.S. His business numerous affiliates are registered at the same address as Ilitch Holdings, Inc. in Detroit and his personal office is among the suite of executive offices at Ilitch Holdings headquarters.

In April, Fifth Third Bank filed notice with the Oakland County Circuit Court noting Malik was in default on a $1 million line of credit. Property owned by Lucky 7 Development has been transferred to the Michigan Department of Treasury by Fifth Thirds Bank.

Treasury Department holding would-be Harsens Island Developer's property

Discovered among the Michigan Department of Treasury's "unclaimed property" inventory:

LUCKY 7 DEVELOPMENT LLC
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MI
Property Number: 10367064
Transferred from: FIFTH THIRD BANK

Lucky 7 Development L.L.C. was formed in 1996 by Denise Ilitch and other members of her family. In 1999, attorney William Serwer filed papers signed by Denise Ilitch transfering control of Lucky 7 Development to his client Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Malik is the longtime casino and real estate development partner of Denise Ilitch's mother Marian Ilitch. Nearly all fo their affiliates are registered at the same Foxtown address in Detroit that is the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

Lucky 7 Develoment/Grande Pointe Development LLC appears to have title to nine parcels on Harsens Island (former Boys Club property) that have a total 2009 equalized value of $1,224,500. Lucky 7 Development failed to pay its 2008 taxes on those parcels and appears to have delinquent tax bills totalling $9,417.57.

For two decades, Malik and various affiliates have attempted, without luck, to develop a marina and other commercial and residential properties on that Harsens Island property.

See detailed 15-page DEQ application for permits.

Malik loses Circuit Court appeal; local decision blocking his plans to develop Harsens Island Marina upheld

On 6.02.09, St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Daniel J. Kelly, denied a Harsens Island land use appeal filed by Michael J. Malik, Sr.'s affiliates Lucky 7 Development LLC and Grand Pointe Development LLC, stating “…the decision of the Planning Commission was lawful and a proper exercise of discretion based on competent material and substantial evidence.” (See Court's Decision)

Lucky 7 Development had petitioned Clay Township for a Special Land Use variance for the Boys’ Club property where Malik wants to build a cluster housing development consisting of 348 units around a 60 acre lagoon/marina, and to cut and re-route a major roadway, North Channel Drive around his development. (See Site Map)

The Clay Township Planning Commission denied that request in February 2008 deciding that “… the proposed development was not in harmony with the existing and intended character of the general vicinity and that such a use would change the essential character of the area...”

In May 2008, Malik filed a lawsuit appealing the Planning Commission's decision.

In May 2008, Malik had petitioned the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for a Marina Permit over the Harsens Island Boys Club property (File 07-74-0161-P). DEQ denied Malik's affiliates the permit on 8.19.08.

See detailed 15 page DEQ Application for Permits.

On 11.08.04, DEQ issued a Wetlands Assessment Report on the Harsens Island Boys Club property in response to a Wetlands Assessment Application made at the time by Malik and another of his affiliates MJM Enterprises & Development. (Federal lobbying disclosures reveal Malik's MJM Enterprises & Development has spent nearly $750,000 lobbying Capitol Hill on casino/gambling matters since 2003).

Malik first proposed developing a large-scale resort centered around a marina on Harsens Island property nearly two decades. A Detroit News headline dated 5.31.89 read: "RESORT PLAN DRAWS ISLANDERS' IRE HARSENS ISLANDERS VOW TO BLOCK PROPOSAL." (See other Detroit News Headlines related to Malik).

Lucky 7 Development LLC was originally established by members of Detroit's Ilitch family.

Malik and Mrs. Marian Ilitch are partners in various gambling and real estate affiliates with plans to build casino resorts in Michigan, New York and California. She owns Detroit's MotorCity Casino and along with her husband Mike Ilitch, they own the Detroit Red Wings and co-founded Little Caesars pizza stores. Mike Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers.

For more than a decade, Malik (MJM Enterprises & Development/Blue Water Resorts) has bankrolled and spearheaded failed plans by the Bay Mills Indian Community (with a reservation on Michigan's Upper Peninsula) to build a casino resort near Harsens Island in Port Huron, MI.

Although a spokesman for the Ilitch family claims they have no financial interest in the Port Huron schemes, the Ilitch family supports Malik's plans and have contributed thousands of dollars to key Members of Congress who support Malik's plans. They have helped him lobby lawmakers in Lansing and Washington D.C.

Ilitch partner delinquent on Harsens Island property taxes

A search of records available at the St. Clair County Equalization Department indicates casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr. is delinquent on 2008 property taxes due and payable for nine parcels of land on Harsens Island owned by his affiliate Lucky 7 Development LLC.

The nine parcels have a 2009 equalized value of $1,224,500. Malik's delinquent 2008 tax bills total $9,417.57.

Malik had attempted to win approval to develop a marina on the Harsens Island property in the 1990s. More recently he has resurrected those plans and expanded them to include clustered residential units and estate lots. His latest plans however, have also failed to win approvals from local and state agencies.

Malik is partners with the Detroit's Ilitch family on various casino and real estate ventures. For more than a decade, he has pushed plans to develop a Bay Mills Indian casino in Port Huron, MI. Those plans are also supported by members of the Ilitch family. Mrs. Marian Ilitch owns Detroit's MotorCity Casino.

Lucky 7 Development LLC was originally formed by Denise Ilitch and her former husband Jim Lites.

Mike Malik denied permit to develop Harsens Island Marina

8.31.08

Island permit denied

By BOB GROSS

The state Department of Environmental Quality has denied a marina permit for a 348-unit clustered housing development on the former Boys Club property on Harsens Island.

According to a letter from David Dortman, environmental quality analyst for the DEQ’s Land and Water Management Division, the proposed project “will have significant adverse impacts on the natural resources associated with the St. Clair River.

The developers, Grande Pointe Development and Lucky 7 Development LLC, had applied for the permit on May 1.

The proposed planned unit development has met with opposition from island residents. On Feb. 27, the Clay Township Planning Commission rejected a special land use request that would have allowed construction of the project.Grande Pointe and Lucky 7, which are owned and managed by former Clay Township resident Michael Malik, filed an appeal of the planning commission’s decision in St. Clair County Circuit Court. That appeal is still moving through the legal process. (Complete Story)

Malik's legal appeal for right to develop houses and a marina on Harsens Island moves forward

7.30.08

Harsens Island development appeal heading for final pretrial

By Nicole Tuttle
Voice Reporter

The appeals process for two development companies looking to build a housing project on Harsens Island will take another step forward.

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Daniel J. Kelley ruled last week that the final pretrial hearing for Grand Pointe Development LLC and Lucky 7 Development LLC will be Aug. 25.

The date was set after Kelly heard the pretrial for the case July 21 in chambers. The case originally had been scheduled for Circuit Judge Peter Deegan's courtroom, but was moved after a conflict of interest surfaced when attorneys involved learned that Deegan's court reporter, Kathy Schweikart, is a member of the Clay Township Planning Commission.

The case is in court because the developers are appealing the planning commission's decision to reject a request for a special land use. The developers planned to create a 348-unit cluster housing development on the former Boys' Club property on the North Channel. The developers appealed the decision to the circuit court March 19.

Clay Township John McNamee said the judge will want to review documents, such as possibly the minutes of the planning commission meeting and what the commission considered before rendering a decision.

He said that he and Gary Fletcher, attorney for Grande Pointe Development LLC and Lucky 7 Development LLC in the case, will need to determine which documents relating to the planning commission decision can be submitted to the judge for review.

"The court wants us to reach an agreement as to what is the appropriate record for review," McNamee said.

Once this process is complete, the judge will set a schedule for attorneys to submit briefs, Fletcher said.

In addition to the appeal, developers applied to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's Land and Water Management Division in 2007 for dredging and a marina operating permit. The project would impact 16.6 total acres of wetland with excavation and fill activities. Existing roadways would also be impacted. The DEQ will make a decision on the permit on Aug. 28.

Click here to return to story: http://www.voicenews.com/stories/073008/loc_20080730009.shtml

NOTE: Grande Pointe Development LLC and Lucky 7 Development LLC are entities controlled by Detroit-casino syndicator and developer Michael J. Malik, Sr. Mike Malik shares an office at the headquarters of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and has partnered with Mrs. Marian Ilitch on various casino ventures.

Great Lakes residents urged to fight plans for Harsens Island marina development

6.30.08

Letter-to-the-Editor
Great Lakes residents must fight island plan

On June 24, there was a public hearing held at Algonac High School for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on a "proposed" $170 million marina cluster housing development on Harsens Island. This development requires an "approved" marine operating permit as it involves "vast dredging" into the St. Clair River and 370 acres, along with removal of acres of protected wetlands and the removal/rerouting of a major county road, North Channel Drive.

The Clay Township Planning Commission already denied the plan, along with the community. The developers are appealing their case in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Without a doubt, this development will cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem of our Great Lakes Region. This small community has been fighting alone for nearly 20 years to save our environment. Everyone who lives in the Great Lakes Region should be concerned about it.

The public should be aware of who is financially backing and would gain the most for this proposed development. I'm sure Michael Malik, who has worked closely on casino developments with Detroit businesswoman Marian Ilitch, would encourage everyone to visit the DEQ Web site and view their proposed development permit No. 07-74-0161.

The DEQ is open to public statement and e-mails on this development until July 4. The DEQ Web site is www.deq.state.mi.us/ciwpis/. Type in the permit number to view the Grande Pointe Development LLC and Lucky 7 Development LLC plans. Send e-mails to dortmand@michigan.gov.

DONNA HALACOGLU
Harsens Island, June 27

Harsens Island Marina project has no public support

6.26.08

Harsens Island residents oppose development

By BOB GROSS

About 145 people attended a public hearing on Tuesday at Algonac High School to talk about a marina permit for a proposed 348-unit cluster housing development on the former Boys Club property on Harsens Island.

The developers, Grande Pointe Development and Lucky 7 Development LLC, applied May 1 for a marina operating permit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

About 25 people spoke at the hearing, said Alice Szulborski, who lives near the proposed development and attended the meeting. An official with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality could not be reached for comment.

"Not one person spoke up in favor of it," she said. "If there was someone in favor of it sitting there, I don't know. No one spoke up."

Many island residents concerned about the effect on the island oppose the development.

Timothy Stoepker, a lawyer with Dickinson Wright PLLC in Grand Rapids, gave a presentation for the developer during the hearing.

"Normally people who oppose are the ones who show up," he said. "People who are in support of change do not show up. Typically in land use matters, no one supports change. It's rare."

On Feb. 27, the Clay Township Planning Commission rejected a special land-use request that would have allowed construction of the project. Grande Pointe and Lucky 7, managed and owned by former Clay Township resident Michael Malik, filed an appeal of the decision March 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Gary Fletcher, a Port Huron lawyer representing the developers, did not attend Tuesday's meeting -- which did not address the planning commission decision. He said the developers and the township will submit briefs for the appeal in the next 60 days.

Developers need a permit from the DEQ to construct and operate a marina with 344 slips for the use of property owners and an additional 18 slips for day use. They propose to dredge out a marina basin on the former Boys Club property that would connect with the North Channel of the St. Clair River.

Developers also propose moving the existing riverfront road.

Szulborski, who said she has been visiting Harsens Island for about 60 years and has lived there year-round the past 15 years, said the project doesn't fit DEQ criteria for a marina operating permit.

She said it unreasonably affects the public trust "because they plan on taking out the road and the waterfront property on the other side of the road, which they don't own.

"The egress and ingress also is going to be on public property," she said

She said a new marina in the area also will increase boat congestion on the North Channel and the development does not fit in with surrounding residences.

"I'm not against developing the area," she said. "I'm not against homes being put there. I am against a 60-acre lagoon being dug there. I am against my road being taken out."

But Stoepker said the project should receive a permit.

"From our position this project meets all the requirements under the applicable statute for approval and under the applicable rules," he said.

Michael Malik sues over planning commission denial of Harsens Island project

5.28.08

Developers sue over Harsens Island project
Lawyers: Zoning change should be allowed

By NICOLE GERRING
Times Herald

Grande Pointe Development and Lucky 7 Development are trying to move forward with a proposal to build a 348-unit housing development on Harsens Island.

The developers have filed a lawsuit against Clay Township, stemming from the planning commission's Feb. 27 decision to reject a special land use request that would have allowed the housing development to be built on the former Boys & Girls Club property.

In the lawsuit, Grande Pointe and Lucky 7, which are managed and owned by former township resident Michael Malik, contend the planning commission's decision "was not based upon substantial, competent and material evidence on the record, was arbitrary and capricious, was contrary to law and did not advance a reasonable governmental interest related to public health, safety and welfare."

The planning commission had to base its decision on nine standards for a special land use consideration as stated in the township zoning ordinance. Members voted that the request did not meet some standards, which include a variety of factors such as whether the development would be in harmony with the existing character of the neighborhood.

Port Huron lawyer Gary Fletcher is one of the among those representing the developers.

"The developer believes they clearly complied with all the requirements of the (zoning) ordinance. Therefore, there was no basis to deny the approval the developer had requested," he said.

The court may affirm the commission's decision, turn it back to the commission for further review or affirm the developers' appeal and allow the special land use request.

In addition to the lawsuit, Grande Pointe Development filed a permit request on May 1 with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's Land and Water Management Division. The permit would allow developers to dredge and excavate at the project site and is required because the work would affect 17 acres of wetlands.

Developers also have applied to the DEQ for a permit to operate a marina, a planned part of the $170 million development.

Michael Malik plans to build a Marina on Harsens Island

A public notice filed May 1, 2008 with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reveals that Michael J. Malik, Sr. has resurrected plans for a marina on Harsens Island. For nearly 20 years Mike Malik has attempted to get approvals to build a Marina on Harsens Island. Those previous proposals were all denied.

The Port Huron Times Herald previously has referred to Malik's plan for Harsens Island simply as a "348-unit housing development." Actually Malik has planned a 36-acre open air marina with at least 362 boat slips, an island in the middle of the Marina that hosts a "Pavilion" or clubhouse, and housing.

The DEQ released documents reveal that 1,000,000 cubic yards of material must be excavated from 32 acres of uplands and 6 wetlands areas on Harsens Island for construction of the marina basin.

If you want to see the full set of documents on the scope of Mike Malik's "Grand Pointe Marina" project go to http://www.deq.state.mi.us/lwmpnh-data/07740161pn.pdf

You can get details on the hearing and permitting process by going to http://www.deq.state.mi.us/lwmpnh/default.asp?PermitNo=07740161

Malik's development entities for the Harsens Island project are Grande Pointe Development LLC (or Grand Pointe Development LLC) and Lucky 7 Development LLC.

Michael J. Malik, Sr. has partnered with Marian Ilitch and various members of the Detroit's Ilitch family on casino and development projects. Denise Ilitch, eldest daughter of Marian and Mike Ilitch was previously a member of Luck 7 Development LLC.

Harsens Island Bridge developer denies any connection to Mike Malik's Grande Pointe Development

excerpted from a post on HarsensIslandBridge.info 1.18.08:

On the evening of January 15, 2008 there was a HITA (Harsens Island Transportation Authority) meeting at the Clay Township Hall to update the public on the status of the proposed bridge. The room was filled to capacity...

When asked if there was a connection between the DIBC [Detroit International Bridge Company] and the developers of the Grande Pointe Development the DIBC representative said "I know of no connection." ...

Harsens Island should be protected from Mike Malik's development schemes

11.16.07

Harsens Island should be protected from developers

I am writing to you in regard to a recent a special land use request submitted by the Lucky 7 Development Co. on Harsens Island.

This development group has tried every angle to move forward with its plans despite past refusals from the Department of Environmental Quality. Now, it seems its next plan is to convince the planning commission to grant a special-needs request when all of the community surrounding both on and off the island is against the request's approval.

I am very familiar with Harsens Island. I have biked on the island for many years. Our bike club has used the Harsens Island tour for its various fund-raising causes. This is a most popular place to ride as a group. Many say the island has a quaint feel, like Mackinac Island, without the more-than-5-hour drive.

I was deeply disappointed when I heard there was a proposal to close a most enjoyable and scenic portion of a public road, North Channel Drive, to the public to fit the needs of a private development. After further investigating the Lucky 7 development plans, I was shocked that such an exorbitant private complex would even be considered by anyone concerned with this community and environment.

This type of invasive development with the plans to destroy wetlands and habitat by dredging a lagoon, network of canals and excavating in the North Channel River would clearly have a devastating effect on the ecological system of the Lake Saint Clair region.

The qualities that make Harsens Island unique to all its surrounding communities should not be thought lightly of. Harsens Island is a gem to all in southeast Michigan and should be treasured and protected from over-development that would change the character of the island-just like Mackinac Island.

MARILYN CHATTEN
Utica, Oct. 29

Site map for Grande Pointe Development's Harsens Island proposal

For nearly 20 years Michael J. Malik, Sr. has been hoping to develop the former Boys Club site on Harsens Island. This is the site map for his latest proposal as posted online by "Concerned Citizens of Clay Township."

Harsens Island residents not happy with Mike Malik's plans for a housing development

10.15.07

HARSENS ISLAND: Residents oppose condo development

Nearly 30 Clay Township residents spoke out at public hearing last week on a plan to build condominiums on Harsens Island.

And none of them were happy.

Their concerns about the proposed $170-million, 380-acre development proposed by Grande Pointe Development range from a possible negative impact on the island's ecosystem to traffic congestion to space on the ferry that is the island's connection to the mainland.

More than 200 people attended the hearing before the planning commission.

Norm Rhodes, a member of the advocacy group Citizens for Responsible Development of Harsens Island, said the township should not treat the developer differently than residents.

Grande Pointe Development LLC is managed by casino developer Michael Malik.

Dorothy Deboyer, chairwoman of the commission, said it would take public opinion into consideration, but that it can't be the sole factor in the township's decision to approve or reject the project.

The commission is to discuss the proposal again at its Nov. 14 meeting.

Compiled by Bill Laitner, Korie Wilkins, the Associated Press and Gannett News Service.

Residents overwhelmingly oppose Mike Malik's Harsens Island housing development proposal

10.12.07

Harsens Island residents upset about proposed condominiums

By NICOLE GERRING Times Herald

CLAY TWP. - Nearly 30 township residents spoke out at Wednesday's public hearing on a plan to build condominiums on Harsens Island.

And none of them were happy.

Their concerns about the proposed $170 million, 380-acre development range from a possible negative impact on the island's ecosystem to traffic congestion to space on the ferry that takes island residents to the mainland.

Island resident Charles Miller said he's worried about what will happen if there's no buyer interest in the 348 condos that would be on the former Boys Club property.

"Michigan is in a depression, a recession," he said during the meeting. "What about the forecasts for selling this out in 12 years?"

Other concerns include the necessary rerouting of a portion of North Channel Drive and that Grande Pointe Development LLC would have to receive special land use consideration for the proposed "cluster housing."

More than 200 people attended the hearing before the township planning commission. People who couldn't fit into the cramped township meeting room stood in the foyer, hallway and doorways, watching the 2½ hour hearing on a TV screen.

Norm Rhodes, a member of the advocacy group Citizens for Responsible Development of Harsens Island, said the township should not treat the developer differently than residents.

Grande Pointe Development LLC is managed by casino developer Michael Malik.

"We're not trying to keep Mr. Malik and the developer from developing that property," Rhodes said.

"There is no hardship that the developer has to request the outrageous site plan, and the clustered housing that is there. To create this dream of theirs on the backs of the citizens of Clay Township is not the way to go about it."

Dorothy Deboyer, chairwoman of the planning commission, said the commission will take into consideration public opinion, but that it can't be the sole factor in the township's decision to approve or reject the project.

"We can't make our decision based on emotions, we have to take into account the laws," she said.

The planning commission will discuss the proposal at its Nov. 14 meeting.

Curiously local newspapers did not cover hearing on Mike Malik's proposal for a Harsens Island housing development and man-made lagoon

The Clay Township Planning Commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing last night on Michael Malik's latest proposal for a 380-acre housing development to surround a man-made lagoon on Harsens Island; however, curiously we did not find a reminder of the public meeting in the Times Herald this week nor did we find a report on the meeting's proceedings in today's paper. (The TH did publish a notice on the meeting 19 days ago).

Grande Pointe Development LLC (Mike Malik's company) has paid Clay Township $10,000 in planning and consultant fees to review the development proposal according to township Clerk Michael Pellerito.

Grande Pointe Development is managed by Malik, a one-time Clay Township resident and casino syndicator. He is also a former real estate agent and Algonac City Councilman. His company applied in March for a permit to build "cluster housing" on the former Boys & Girls Club property. In cluster housing, several residential units are grouped together and large open spaces are left between the groups of units. His project is far more than "cluster housing."

While the Times Herald has reported as part of various stories that the housing development project was simply a "condo development;" in fact, 2/3rds of the property in the proposed development appears to be dedicated to a man-made lagoon surrounded by 75 single family home lots and 96 townhomes or "detached condos" built in clusters of six; the remaining units would be located in traditional multi-story buildings on the back 1/3rd of the property on the opposite side of a new bypass road Malik proposes. The lagoon feature would include a canal with unobstructed access to the North Channel of the St Clair River; and a clubhouse is positioned at the entrance to the lagoon on the point of a man-made island which is in the center of the project.

Malik's Grosse Pointe Shores neighbor Matty Moruon, owner of Detroit's Ambassador International Toll Bridge, has proposed to build a toll-bridge (Harsens Island Crossing) to connect the Island with Algonac across the St. Clair River.

Lucky 7 Development LLC and Grande Pointe Development LLC are two Malik controlled entities proposing the housing development project. Attorney Tim Stoepker is apparently involved with and representing Michael J. Malik, Sr.'s interests in the venture.

Malik's Harsens Island scheme set for public hearing Oct. 10

9.22.07

Public gets say about condos
Harsens Island project hearing set for Oct. 10

By NICOLE GERRING
Times Herald

CLAY TWP.-Area residents will have the opportunity to comment on a proposed condominium development on Harsens Island during a public hearing next month.

The Clay Township Planning Commission will have a public hearing Oct. 10 on the $170 million, 380-acre housing development. Grande Pointe Development paid the township $10,000 in planning and consultant fees to review the development proposal, said township Clerk Michael Pellerito.

Grande Pointe Development is managed by former Clay Township resident and casino investor Michael Malik. The company applied in March for a permit to build "cluster housing" on the former Boys & Girls Club property. In cluster housing, several residential units are grouped together and large open spaces are left between the groups of units.

The company presented its plans to the planning commission this summer, said Dorothy Deboyer, chairwoman of the commission. Members of the public will be able to share their views and ask the company questions during the public hearing, Deboyer said.
Deboyer said the commission will not make a decision to approve or reject the proposal on Oct. 10.

The commission will discuss the project and the information presented at the hearing. At a later date, members will decide whether to recommend the proposal be approved as is by the township board; recommend it be approved with conditions; or deny the project.

It's unknown when that decision will be made.

"(The commission is) going to be listening to the public's thoughts and concerns, and they're going to be considering the information of the zoning ordinance," she said.

Deboyer said according to township ordinance, the project's cluster housing is allowed within a residential area. It wasn't clear if a zoning change would be necessary when the proposal was submitted March 30.

The company was charged $10,000 for the site plan review because of the size and scope of the project, she said. The township pays Community Planning and Management in Clinton Township to be a planning consultant.

"When you have a plan as large as this, the fees are going to be high," Deboyer said.

The proposal includes a request that the St. Clair County Road Commission abandon North Channel Drive on the island.

The company has not submitted a written request for a road abandonment, said Greg Owens, director of internal services and board secretary with the road commission.

After submitting the request, the company then would have to collect the signatures of seven township landowners, according to state law on abandonment procedures.

The county would have to determine if the loss of the road would infringe on public access to a lake or stream. There also would have to be a public hearing before making a final decision on the road.

Contact Nicole Gerring at (810) 989-6270 or ngerring@gannett.com

Harsens Island; a half-way-point in a new system of toll-bridges between Canada and the Michigan mainland?

Harsens Island News has reported that the proposed Harsens Island Crossing (a new toll-bridge that would connect Algonac, Michigan, with Harsens Island) may serve another purpose; there's an additional proposal that suggests connecting Walpole Island, Canada with Harsens Island, Michigan, over the St. Clair River.

The Harsens Island Crossing is proposed by Matty Moroun's Detroit International Bridge Co. (Ambassador Bridge). Moroun's home in Grosse Pointe Shores is next door to a home owned by Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr. Malik has proposed a large, 380-acre, residential community to be developed on Harsens Island centered around a man-made lagoon with access to the north Channel of the St. Clair River.

Yet another set of circumstances linking Ilitch / would-be Harsens Island Developer and Detroit International Bridge Builder

Not only has attorney Tim Stoepker represented the Ilitch Family's Little Caesars Enterprises and various environmentally challenged, and often controversial, corporate interests; but the real estate attorney/developer and spokesman for Michael J. Malik's latest Harsens Island development proposal is also tied to Matty Moroun's Detroit International Bridge Company. Malik is an Ilitch associate who has organzied several casino syndications reportedly bankrolled by Ilitch.

According to the Thomson Legal Record the litigation record for Timothy A. Stoepker, a partner at the Dickinson Wright PLLC law firm, includes representation in these two federal legal matters:

Detroit Intern. Bridge Co. v. Canadian Pacific Ry. Ltd. (Oct 2005)
Detroit Intern. Bridge Co. v. Canadian Pacific Ry., Ltd. (Sep 2004)

Most recently Stoepker has served as spokesman for Grande Pointe Development (Lucky 7 Development), Malik controlled affiliates with plans to develop a 450-acre housing development centered around a large man-made island and lagoon with access to the north channel of the St. Clair River. Malik first proposed development on the site 18 years ago; and he's had to abandon several subsequent proposals for the site.

Matty Moroun has proposed development of a toll-bridge across the north channel of the St. Clair River from just west of Algonac to Harsens Island. The fixed span bridge would provide two traffic lanes with a raised sidewalk and bike lanes and crosses the channel at a slight skew to allow adequate connections to the existing roadway network.


You may also want to review these additional posts:

• Grosse Pointe Neighbors have big plans for Harsens Island
• Developer's first plans for 450-acre holding on Harsens Island introduced 18 years ago
• Proposed Harsens Island development much more than 'condos'
• Harsens Island developer has a history of fighting environmental concerns
• Harsens Island developer is actually a lawyer with ties to environmentally challenged corporate interests & the Ilitch Family