Shelby Approves Tree, Brush Clearing on 40 Acres of Land Along 23 Mile

The Shelby Township Board of Trustees has approved tree clearing on two large parcels of land along 23 Mile Road.

The first parcel of land is 30 acres on 23 Mile Road between Mound and Van Dyke roads. The Board approved property owner, Frank Gianetti’s request, on the grounds that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approve clearing of trees and brush on the portion of the land that is considered regulated wetlands.

Overgrown trees and brush will also be cleared from 10 acres of land on 23 Mile Road, just west of Mound Road.  Walter Cueter is the owner of the property.

Brush clearing is limited to trees three inches in diameter and smaller.

Planning and Zoning Director Glen Wynn told the Board that nobody in his department will inspect daily that the developers have not cleared trees any larger than three diameters.

“There has never been anybody who has gone by and inspected the sites unless they get a complaint or see something,” he said.

Trustee Lisa Manzella added that if a complaint were made, it would already be too late because fresh and good trees would already be cut down.

Over the summer, to showcase the land for potential developers, stirred mixed emotions among residents.

Some residents said that they were upset that the land now looks bare.

“Agree with above comment. Isn't Shelby Twp. logo a tree & we are known for all the trees in our area?!?!? Leave the trees to improve the look of the ugly industrial park!,” posted commenter Karen R on an

Others felt the developers should be able to showcase their land in order to sell it.

“It is private property and the right of the Developer to do what he feels is appropriate,” wrote commenter Sarah Franklin.  “How would you like it if your neighbor came over and told you that you should/can't cut something down in your own yard. People that complain about this should have bought the land... paid taxes on it... and left it to look like the wilderness if that was their perogative.”