Topgolf project in Canton denied wetlands permit, leaving future of facility uncertain

Yahoo

27-02-2025

State environmental regulators have denied a wetlands-filling permit sought by developers of a proposed Topgolf driving range and restaurant and entertainment complex in Canton Township, leaving the future of the project uncertain.
Developers Top Canton LLC, a subsidiary of Detroit-based Broder Sachse Real Estate, proposed a 68,000-square-foot, three-level golf and entertainment facility housing a Topgolf range, restaurant, bar, entertainment and event space on 55 acres just east of Interstate 275 freeway, between Warren and Ford roads. Two fast food restaurants, a Portillo's and Chick-fil-A, were also slated for inclusion on the property. The project received unanimous approval from the Canton Township Planning Commission late last month.
As part of the proposal, the developers sought state permission to fill more than 7 acres of wetlands, with proposed mitigation of adding 3 acres of forested wetlands on another portion of the property and providing money to a state bank to construct 9 acres of wetlands elsewhere in the River Raisin watershed.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy in a Feb. 19 letter to developer Steve Robinson announced its denial of the wetlands permit. The denial noted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's earlier stated objections to filling the wetlands.
"This large wetland fill would result in an unacceptable disruption to the aquatic resources currently provided by this large, intact, high functioning forested wetland system, one of the few remaining in western Wayne County and within the Rouge River basin," wrote John Jones, an environmental quality analyst in EGLE's Water Division.
The proposed stormwater system for the development, and its discharging into Willow Creek running through the parcel, and other changes to the land's floodplain and wetlands, "are likely to result in secondary impacts including diminished habitat quality, unanticipated changes in hydrology, increased pollution run-off, and the spread of invasive species," Jones stated.
EGLE staff also questioned whether developers adequately considered "feasible and prudent alternatives" that would lessen or eliminate the negative impacts of the proposed wetlands filling, as required under state environmental law — including considering other properties.
"(T)here are other locations in the area that are equally well suited based on having residents with the budget and willingness to spend on entertainment and that enjoy golf," Jones stated. "Furthermore, the application narrative describes Topgolf as a unique entertainment destination, leading one to believe that the public is willing to travel some distance for the experience."
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It's unclear whether Top Canton can overcome the state and federal concerns about wetlands and still build the Topgolf complex on the proposed parcel. The proposal had already undergone multiple site changes over more than a year in an attempt to lessen wetlands impacts. It's also unclear whether the developers would consider another location within Canton Township. Robinson, contacted by the Free Press, declined to comment.
Jack Smiley, a real estate broker who lives in neighboring Superior Township, had urged denial of the wetlands filling permit.
"I have done a quick search of a relatively small geographical area and I have identified a number of sites which are feasible and prudent alternatives — ones that would avoid any loss of wetlands," he stated. "A more thorough search of a larger geographic area would undoubtedly identify even more sites. ... The applicant does not own the property in question and should look for another property."
Township officials are generally supportive of the Topgolf proposal and looked forward to the economic impact it was expected to bring, though some have expressed concerns about traffic impacts to Ford and Warren roads.
"I'm aware of and understand EGLE's concerns over the Top Canton development," Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak said.
"I'm hoping that Top Canton works with EGLE and the EPA to preserve precious wetlands in our community while providing a successful entertainment venue in Canton. We'd also be open to them looking at other areas in Canton."
Contact Keith Matheny: [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Canton Topgolf project's wetlands permit rejected by state — now what?