Don’t Drill the Hills, Inc. (DDHI), is a non-profit, grassroots group of local citizens opposed to oil and gas drilling projects in their community. The group filed legal action on May 15, 2014 against the City of Rochester Hills for signing a lease for oil and gas exploration of City-owned park and cemetery properties.
At issue is a resident-driven 2011 City Charter Amendment. The amendment states that City-owned parks cannot be sold/leased or converted to a non-recreation or non-conservation use,without approval of the City’s voters in an open election. The City Charter protects not just the surface of the park land in Rochester Hills, but the entire property, including its subsurface resources.
The lawsuit asserts that by signing a lease with Jordan, the Mayor and City Council:
- Violated the City Charter (Sec. 11.8).
- Violated Michigan law (MCL 117.5(e)) which requires voter approval for the sale of city parks and cemeteries designated as such in the City’s Master Plan.
- Acted beyond the scope of their power, and took away the citizen’s right to vote on the lease.
Lawsuit 101 – Get the details on the background and basis for this lawsuit.
Read the press release here: DON’T DRILL THE HILLS, INC. FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST CITY OF ROCHESTER HILLS FOR CHARTER VIOLATION
Download press release here: DDHI_Press_Release_5.15.14
Download amended complaint here: Processed-First_Amended_Complaint_For_Declaratory_Relief
(original complaint: Processed-Complaint_for_Declaratory_Relief.pdf)
Pleadings filed as of September 9, 2014
Clink links below to download documents:Processed-Jordan_Mtn_to_dismiss_FILED_WITH_COURT.pdf
City of RH’s Answer to Complaint
Processed-Dont_Drill_v_City_of_Rochester_Remove.pdf
08-12-14 Notice & Order to Appear for Case Management Conference
08-12-14 Scheduling Order re City & Jordan’s MSD
2014.4.7. Roch Hills Council Minutes (Bloomer easement)
Sunoco Bloomer Easement drawing
Sunoco’s Motion for Summary Disposition
City’s Amended Brief Supporting MSD
Don’t Drill The Hills briefs filed as of September 24, 2014
Clink links below to download documents:Plaintiff’s Consolidated Answer & Brief in Response to Defendants’ MSDs
