Appeals Court Dismisses Don't Drill the Hills Lawsuit

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – Rochester Hills city officials didn’t violate its charter with a lease for oil and natural gas drilling and exploration, a three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Friday.

Stay Connected

• Subscribe to the free daily Rochester-Rochester Hills Patch newsletter and news alerts
• Like Rochester-Rochester Hills Patch on Facebook

The Don’t Drill the Hills grassroots citizens group, which filed the lawsuit against the city in 2014, claimed the city ignored its own charter requiring a public vote when it leased approximately 60 acres of city-owned park and cemetery land to Traverse City-based Jordan Development Co. and West Bay Exploration Co.

Bloomfield Hills attorney John Staran, who represented the city in the appeal, told The Oakland Press that officials are “pleased with the result.”

“It validates and reaffirms the city did act lawfully and in accordance with its charter and state law,” he said. “We hope this will bring an end to the litigation and foster cooperation for the betterment of the community.”

Jordan Development Co. has said it won’t drill in the area after tests in neighboring Shelby Township didn’t reveal any oil or gas deposits.

The lease the city signed expires in 2018, at which time it can be renewed for one year.