GRAYLING -- A proposal to build an 1,800-acre theme park on state land in Crawford County defies reality, Traverse City resident Keith Charters contends.
"I call it the amusing amusement park," said Charters, chairman of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, the government body that will decide whether to sell the public land to a downstate developer for what's pitched as a $160 million theme park in Grayling Township.
Charters isn't alone in his skepticism. Environmental groups and some Grayling area residents panned the project as a threat to the Au Sable watershed, while others voiced concern about the developers' request for millions of dollars in state aid.
Others, however, see the park as a gold mine, and view a potential infusion of jobs, tourists and cash as the answer to Crawford County's economic struggles.
Charters said he has doubts about the entire concept: a huge Ferris wheel; a landlocked aircraft carrier; roller coasters; and a water park dubbed Main Street America in the woods near Grayling.
"If it really were to happen -- and I don't think it has a ghost's chance -- I would have to make sure that this would not be degrading in any way to the environment and the fantastic natural resource there known as the Au Sable River," Charters said. "I can't imagine how they could do something of that nature, of that scope, without having a detrimental affect on the environment."
The would-be developer, Axiom Entertainment of Rochester Hills, found itself on the defensive in recent weeks after Crawford County property owner John Bebow publicly questioned project manager Patrick Crosson's financial background.
Bebow informed local and state officials of Crosson's recent personal bankruptcy and of his involvement in a similar theme park concept in Indiana that failed in the 1990s.
Axiom spokeswoman Susan Haddad dismissed opponents' concerns about project finances.
"The project is viable and Main Street is a legitimate buyer. We have several commitments that we will be releasing as we finalize the contracts. We are in final negotiations for the park and we are executing agreements," she said.
Haddad said the company soon will reveal the identities of project investors, though she would not say when.
DeVere Construction of Alpena has been retained for construction management services, Haddad said, and that company will be an equity partner.
"It means we'll be putting money into the development with Mr. Crosson," said Dick Crittenden, chief executive officer of DeVere.
He declined to say how much his company was investing. He's aware residents and others are concerned about project financing, but expressed confidence in the plan.
"Frankly, everybody has their opinion and mine is this will be beneficial to the area," he said.
David Freed is land and facilities chief for the state Department of Natural Resources. He said the agency considered Axiom's financial capabilities beginning with initial discussions in 2006, though complete financial background checks are not part of state land transactions.
The state will require detailed financial information before selling the property, he said.
"Before we do anything, we want to be sure Axiom Entertainment has the financial ability to do what they say they can do. This is not just an ordinary land transaction. We are going to want it in writing from the key financial institutions," Freed said.
No DNR official informed Charters about Crosson's bankruptcy filing in 2002 or the failed Indiana plan. That may be because his critical perspective of the project is well-known among state officials, he said.
"It has to be a bona fide buyer before we'll sell the land. That's our fiduciary responsibility. It has to be with a solid, reputable financial institution and I'm not sure that exists," Charters said. "In this case, we have even more responsibility because we're talking about land that belongs to the people of Michigan."
Haddad said the park will bring 2,000 jobs to Crawford County, 700 of those as year-round positions. She also said the company is working with state agencies to address environmental concerns and meet or exceed requirements.
The planned unit development proposal currently is under review before the Grayling Township Planning Commission, which already approved a conceptual plan and rezoning request.
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