Getting questions answered. Big Rapids township officials held an informational meeting for the public to address questions that residents as well as local city, township and county officials have in regards to Gotion Inc project coming to the area.

 

Big Rapids Township officials including Supervisor Bill Stanek, Clerk Hannah Saez, Trustee Carman Bean and Treasurer Penny Currie made presentations to attendees to address concerns the public had with the information they currently have.

 

Ferris State University President Dr. Bill Pink spoke in favor of the advanced battery manufacturer coming to the area as a positive for the community and university. Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Tim Haist spoke in favor of Gotion coming to the area and the positive impact it could have on future BRPS students who are not looking to go to college but looking into a skilled trade and when they graduate could be set up with a job after graduation. Haist also spoke about the potential expansion of BRPS due to the impact of the amount of hires and families coming to the area. 

 

During the public comment portion there were residents who expressed support for Gotion coming to the area and how it would bring jobs, expand population, potential new businesses coming to the area, new construction of homes and more.

 

Other residents expressed caution, concerns of Gotion Inc. being a Chinese founded company, environmental concerns and other what if's regarding the future of lithium ion batteries.

 

Click HERE for Big Rapids Township questions and answers page

 

Click HERE for the presentation from 12/14/22