A recent judgment over rights to shared park land on Howell’s Lake Chemung may change the way of life for not only Glen Echo subdivision residents but all lake goers and property owners throughout the state.
It has been ruled that this park — deeded without differentiation to all property owners in the subdivision — will now become a land of two classes: “front lot” and “back lot” owners. Should the filed appeal from the “back lot owners” fall on deaf ears, “front lot owners” — many whose property does NOT abut the waters edge — will be granted riparian rights, and privileged ownership of the land that has been shared without distinction to proximity for over 100 years!
Aside from the obviously devastating impact this would have on the property values and way of life for Glen Echo residents, this case could set precedence for “TITLE waves” across the state. While, of course, those with deeded rights to shared land on our lake fronts would face the greatest impact, all lake goers may drown in the wake of this ruling. With docks being removed, launch lots will overflow and access to the water will dry up for visitors and those who are not ruled privileged.
Nate Pressotto of Howell is a resident of the Glen Echo subdivision.
If you’d like to reach out with questions about this issue, you can email Glenechosub@gmail.com, or you can ask to join the Glen Echo Subdivision and Lake Chemung Facebook page.
As a real estate broker who has served this community for many years and sold several homes in the Glen Echo Subdivision; I had always admired how the original owners of this property made sure that the lakefront property was able to be used and enjoyed by all the property owners of the subdivision. It was very advanced thinking at the time that this subdivision was originally developed. I am saddened by this decision and would be interested in seeing the ruling on this in writing.
This certainly could effect others who have Lake Access by way of a Lake Front Community Park.
Indeed, this Particular Ruling (making Law from the Bench) is for Glen Echo, fact is, that It can and will likely be used by others seeking special privileges over or under a community Water Front park.
On a local level it will affect many in Howell and Livingston County who enjoy using public lakes, the boat launches for public use are always jammed packed. Imagine if this current judgment stands for Glen echo and lake Chemung and residence in the sub have to pull their docks there will be very slim opportunity for visitors to lake Chemung to actually be able to get their boat in the water.
Indeed, this Particular Ruling (making Law from the Bench) is for Glen Echo, Fact is though, that It can, and likely will be used by others seeking special privileges over or under a community Water Front park.
You are clearly unaware of how case law works.
The situation for the Glen Echo subdivision is specifically for Lake Chemung and only for the Glen Echo subdivision. This has zero impact for any other lake anywhere in Michigan.