By Mardi Link
mlink@record-eagle.com May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
LANSING, Michigan â An attorney for Long Lake Township, Michigan has asked the state s Supreme Court to review a recent appeals court ruling that effectively stops municipalities from flying drones over private property without a warrant.
In March a state Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that township officials could not fly a drone over someoneâs backyard, take photos and use them to ticket the homeowner for zoning violations, without first obtaining a warrant.
The action, the two judges said, violated the Fourth Amendment â the right to be protected against unreasonable searches.
Attorney Asks Michigan Supreme Court to Review Drone Case
In March an appeals panel ruled that township officials could not fly a drone over someone s backyard, take photos and use them to cite the homeowner for zoning violations, without first obtaining a warrant.
May 13, 2021 • (TNS) An attorney for Long Lake Township has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to review a case regarding the use of drones by municipalities to document code violations.
In March a state Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that township officials could not fly a drone over someone s backyard, take photos and use them to cite the homeowner for zoning violations, without first obtaining a warrant.
A judge ruled Thursday that the $19.3 million project, which would allow scientists to test technology that allows some fish to pass through a dam on the Boardman River while others are kept out, can’t proceed without voters’ consent.
9 & 10 News
Judge Rules TC FishPass Must Go to a Vote; Project Stopped
“I’m so happy we saved a city park, which is what this was all about. “ - Rick Buckhalter
April 29, 2021
The fate of the FishPass project is decided – and now the city of Traverse City has a decision to make.
Thursday a judge took up the issue of whether the issue must go to voters, or whether the city can move forward with plans at Union Street Dam Park. Construction was stopped just days before it was due to start in January with city resident Rick Buckhalter’s move to sue the city.
9 & 10 News
April 7, 2021
The Fish Pass project in Traverse City is back before a judge – with a new defendant asking to join in the lawsuit. And the latest update includes a change in strategy from the city: whether the site is even on city parkland after all.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission wants to join in on the suit, brought forward by a Traverse City resident who is suing the city. Construction on the 20 million dollar project was put on hold as the court hears the arguments about whether FishPass should require approval of city voters.
Attorney Scott Howard represents the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. He says, “We aren’t asking for any new claims or extension of timelines… we would agree the case should move forward as it is scheduled and wouldn’t ask for any delay or changes to the court’s scheduling order.”