Property owners living in Foxconn "blighted" zone

Recent stories featuring two well-known Mount Pleasant family farms perfectly illustrated the consequences for property owners living in the Foxconn “blighted” zone and those living outside the designated commercial park.

One hundred acres of the Kuiper family farm was recently optioned for purchase by Aurora Healthcare for the construction of a medical complex. After farming the land for generations, the Kuipers were able to leave a legacy of their own choosing by selecting a purchaser that suited them and a price they clearly favored.

Two miles away, Creuziger Farms has been forced to fight off a hostile eminent domain seizure by filing a restraining order against Mount Pleasant to stop the demolition of their home, barn and family business for road widening taking place 100 yards away.

The Creuzigers were afforded no choice. Village officials have acted to coerce them to sell land which has been in their family for generations, they maliciously denied them road access to nearly 400 acres of land, in addition to threatening their home and family business.

Both farms have enormous value and a rich history. Both families deserve to determine when, and if, they wish to sell. Both deserve to name their price or simply walk away. Only one had that choice.
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The Creuzigers will be under threat of eminent domain as long as their property is designated as blighted. Village President Dave DeGroot and his lawless contractors must be held accountable for their cruel and unfair behavior this April.