6/5/14 - The Green Oak Township Board has approved a proposed settlement with the company that owns the building that previously housed Liquid Manufacturing. The beverage producer closed its doors earlier this year due to financial problems, and had been in legal battles with the township for years. Packaging and Distribution Finance Group, or PDFG, foreclosed on the property and subsequently filed the suit against every member of the Green Oak Township Board last month in U.S. District Court in Detroit. It alleged they have violated both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions in their enforcement actions against Liquid Manufacturing. In its lawsuit, PDFG is asking the court to order that all fees, fines, and charges assessed by the township be rescinded and to award the company damages and attorney fees. In a filing made last week, the township responded to the allegations, saying its actions to enforce its ordinances are protected by governmental immunity. Furthermore, the township said the federal court lacks jurisdiction to hear the claims because the company has failed to obtain a final decision from the township regarding the application of its ordinances. The township board discussed the suit in closed session last night, and after returning to open session it voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement with PDFG. The details of that agreement have not yet been made public, but will likely be released if PDFG approves the settlement as well. (TD)
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