Bayshore docks on hold, waiting for FERC

On May 1 a barge with a crane from Diversified Docks started placing new docks in the water at Bayshore in Van Buren Township.
Before long, a VBT Ordinance Officer arrived, determined they did not have the proper permit, and shut down the work.
Van Buren Township Director of Planning and Economic Development Arthur Mullen said they will not be permitted to install any docks into the water until after May 21 when he expects the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve their request for 48 docks and 96 lifts.
The FERC public comment period continues until May 21 on line. Bayshore does have a permit for new decks and shoreline improvements, Mullen said, adding Bayshore may figure out a way to do temporary docks.
Twenty-two docks had been removed but they were not allowed to be replaced until after MDEQ and FERC reviewed the process. Those residents were without docks last summer and hoped to have them in this summer.