North Star Aggregates, through local agent Matt Double in Martin, has decided to file a lawsuit against Watson Township for refusing the company permission to gravel mine property on 12th Street near Big Lake.

The Watson Township Planning Commission last year turned down a request for a special use permit from North Star.

Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis told board colleagues about the development and noted township has filed an amicus brief with Allegan County Circuit Court, which will hear the case.

Travis said, “It should be noted that the proposed gravel mine is for our only R-2 (residential) zoned property in the entire township.” He added he believes it would be more beneficial to have a higher density of homes built on the property and a majority of local residents are opposed to the gravel mining project because they use 12th Street for commuting.