By David Fleet
Editor
Groveland Twp. — In June, Groveland Township Supervisor Bob DePalma was recognized with the inaugural Michigan Townships Association Spirit of 1953 award. The MTA, which was founded in 1953, awards an individual who defends and advances the best interests of their township community.
The Michigan Township Association Board recognized DePalma for his vision and strong determination to protect the township first from a proposed toxic waste disposal plant and later from other unattractive plans.  The MTA represents 1,240 townships statewide providing advocacy before state and federal lawmakers.
“It’s an honor to receive the recognition from the MTA,” said DePalma. “The battles over the years were hard fought by several in the township over the years”
In the late 1970s, Stablex Corporation, a United Kingdom-based group, drew the ire of township residents when they proposed a waste disposal plant in the township. The target area for the chemical plant dedicated to neutralizing toxic industrial waste into inert matter was the junction of Grange Hall Road and I-75. A court battle ensued for seven years, but in the end the township persevered.
The fight cost the township nearly $400,000 in legal fees, however, ultimately the township obtained the 200 acres after the departing company failed to pay property taxes on the property. In 2022 the same township property is now a technology and industrial park providing opportunity for economic development for the area.
Similarly, over the past three decades there were three different attempts to establish a landfill within the borders of the township. The areas targeted were the township gravel pits that leave a deep void after the product is extracted. Following several battles in 2020, the Holly Oaks ORV Park opened as Michigan’s latest state park in an operational collaboration with Oakland County Parks on the same ground once eyed for a landfill.