Residents and business owners hit hard by high winds and water levels along Lake Michigan’s shoreline may see an expedited repair process if a measure by state Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Spring Lake) gets moving.
Under the legislation, residents wouldn’t need a permit to begin work on protecting their property if the governor declares a state of emergency. Additionally, the improvements wouldn’t actually be considered improvements, but maintenance, and therefore be exempted from an increase in property tax.
“Right now, things aren’t moving fast enough,” Lilly said in a press release. “An unthinkable amount of damage has already occurred on our shoreline in West Michigan.”
Lilly said he’s heard from constituents that the process is taking too long and that residents can’t get on the waiting list with contractors until a permit is granted.
“We must pick up the pace with the permitting process,” Lilly said in the release.
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