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April 12, 2005Whitewater Township sues Classic Farm Equipment over outdoor storageOwner claims amount is within zoningByRecord-Eagle business editor WILLIAMSBURG - A long-running dispute between Whitewater Township and a farm equipment business over outdoor storage at its M-72 shop has landed in court. The township sued Classic Farm Equipment and property owner Shirley Denman, alleging the business is storing too much equipment outdoors in violation of its approved 1994 site plan. The business operates at 7900 E. M-72 in the township's industrial zoning district. Classic Farm owner Don Pishney says part of the dispute stems from what he termed a "miscalculation" in determining the 40-piece limit on outdoor displays the township established for his business more than a decade ago. He said the amount of outdoor storage at the business is "well within" what zoning allows on the site. The township suit also alleged that storage crates are visible on the property in violation of the site plan, and the business hasn't met landscaping requirements. The township also contends the business is operating a go-cart and ATV track on its property that's also not part of the site plan. Pishney said he's reluctant to seek a new site plan, fearing the township will further restrict how much outdoor storage is allowed. He also said other similar businesses along M-72 have far more equipment displayed outdoors. The township board authorized legal action in September but didn't file the lawsuit until this month. The township stated in court records it's been asking the owners to bring the property into compliance for the past 15 months. "We've been trying to work with them," township clerk Carol Hockin said. She referred questions to township attorney Mike Turkelson, who did not respond to a request for comment.
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