In a unanimous decision Wednesday evening, the Caseville Planning Committee approved the site plan for an RV Park that was presented by Jerald Ignash, who purchased three parcels of general business property off Michigan Avenue.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, some spoke up with questions and concerns about bringing an RV Park to the area.
Michelle Hartman was in attendance on behalf of Dr. Jeff Crowley, whose chiropractic office is adjacent to the property. She asked about the fencing, timeline for an opening, ordinances and traffic control.
James Smith, a resident of Caseville also shared his concerns about traffic control.
“You have the potential for around 180 vehicles,” Smith said. “Let’s say you have that during (Cheeseburger in Caseville). That’s an awfully congested area and you have one big blind spot when you are coming out of town. That curve (on Main Street) is a big blind spot.”
Smith said he did not oppose the project but wanted to let his concerns be known about it.
Jerald said the full site will see the three parcels combined into one. Once constructed, it will have 89 lots for seasonal occupants of fully enclosed RVs with water and sewer hookup. Jerald said that tents and non-fully enclosed vehicles would not be allowed.
The property would be surrounded by fencing with 6-foot fencing against residential properties and 4-foot fencing for commercial properties. There will also be trees around the perimeter inside the fence line for a noise barrier. As for traffic control on Michigan Avenue and Main Street, the planning Committee noted that Main Street (M-25) is owned by the state and they control the traffic on that road.
The site will have two regular entrances on Michigan Avenue, with an emergency-only entrance on M-25.
Jerald said that those on the property will have to abide by all city ordinances when it comes to campfires and public safety.
There were owners and representatives from businesses in the area who spoke up in favor of the RV Park.
“We think it’s great and I think the traffic on that side of town will be perfect for Wooded Island and Lefty’s,” said Kyle Bowles who spoke on behalf of Beachy’s and Lefty’s restaurants. “We sit across from that property at Lefty’s and have seen businesses move in and out of there. To see if finally be used for something is beautiful. We are super pumped and excited for it.”
“I can’t speak on behalf of the entire board because we haven’t discussed it,” said Caseville Chamber of Commerce President Steve Louwers. “We’re just now seeing the plans, but we will be talking about it at the next meeting.
“We’re proud to say that we have over 150 members, which is phenomenal considering the size of Caseville. We get a lot of support from our businesses and it’s excellent to see something going on at that side of town.”
Jerald said he hopes to start work soon and has an estimated opening for Spring of 2026.
For transparency, the planning committee noted that Mayor Chirs Stahl, Ken Rathje and City Clerk Jamie Learman are on the planning committee and work alongside Jerald on the Caseville City Council, but are not going to financially benefit from the new business.
Jerald’s ex-wife Charlotte Ignash who is also on the planning committee does not stand to gain anything from the business either.
Jerald himself is also on the planning committee, but was only at the meeting to present the project and answer questions. He did not take part in the discussion for approval or the final vote, which was unanimous at 6-0 for approval.
Jerald said that anyone with questions on wanting to reserve spots can contact his office at 989-856-2169
