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May 9, 2001Judge: Nudist camp to proceed- Court says Wexford development is within township's zoning rulesBy TOM CARRRecord-Eagle staff writer CADILLAC - A Mesick-area couple can proceed with their plans to open a nudist camp on their property, a judge has ruled. Judge Charles Corwin has denied a lawsuit hoping to overturn Wexford County's approval of Patrick and Janis Bell's proposed campground. A motion was entered Tuesday to finalize the ruling, giving opponents 21 days to file an appeal. "This has been three tries to overturn the Bells from realizing their dream," the Bells' lawyer Chris Bzdok said Tuesday, referring to opposition before the county planning commission and zoning board of appeals. "I'm hopeful we can put it to rest now," he added. Wexford Township and some of its residents who had filed the suit have not decided whether to appeal, according to their lawyer, Brian Valice. But Don Winchell, one of the neighbors who has opposed the camp, said he hopes they do. "We don't need it here," he said. "When people know we have a nudist camp in Wexford Township, that isn't going to help sell property here." Corwin's ruling, which was sent to the attorneys last week, upheld the county zoning board of appeals decision in November to allow the camp. According to Valice, the ruling stated that the county does not have the responsibility to enforce the township's anti-nudity ordinance; that the camp is permitted under the property's forest-recreational zoning; and that it will not disrupt the character of the area that now consists mostly of farms, forests and homes. Corwin also ruled that it will be a private campground. While the Bells have said they will only open it to members of national nudist organizations, opponents have said it will still be public because it will be a business and will be advertised nationwide. "I thought we put forth good arguments," Valice said. "I thought they would have at least warranted sending it back to the zoning board on the issue of whether it is a public or a private campground." The Bells propose a rustic, 18-site campground on their 20 acres of wooded property between Buckley and Mesick. They say it will be suitable for tents but not for campers. They have emphasized that nobody will be able to see into the grounds without trespassing. But neighbors said they fear people will come by to gawk and some said they fear that could pose a threat to the safety of their children. Efforts to reach the Bells or Wexford Township Supervisor David Williams for comment were unsuccessful. Tom Carr is the reporter for Wexford, Missaukee and Kalkaska counties. He can be reached at (231) 269-4500 or tomcarr@coslink.net |