Green Oak Makes Room For New Movie Studios To OpenGreen Oak Makes Room For New Movie Studios To Open

2/21/14 - With Hollywood increasing its production in Michigan, Green Oak Township has taken steps to make sure it is ready for any film studios that want to locate there. It recently became clear to township officials that if a new studio wanted to locate within the municipality, it would not be covered under existing zoning laws. Township Board liaison to the planning commission Rollin Green says they decided to address that issue, and final approval was given to language amending the zoning ordinance this week. It categorizes film studios as light industrial, which the planning commission felt was the best fit for the use. The limited industrial zoning includes uses like warehouses, light manufacturing, printing, publishing, and experimental labs. The planning commission felt that an industrial zoning without too much noise or heavy machinery would best serve any potential movie studios. Areas with LI zoning can be found around the township, most notably along US-23 north of M-36 or south of Maltby Road. Tax credits have helped the recent increase in movie-making in Michigan. The largest film production in the state's history, the $131 million-dollar “Man of Steel 2,” is currently underway in Lapeer and Detroit. (TD)