MONTROSE – State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) will hold a town hall meeting on Oct. 2 to help local officials and residents better understand Michigan's Right to Farm Act and make sure it is being interpreted correctly in our communities.
"The Right to Farm Act affects everyone, so it's important that residents and officials have a good understanding of it," Hammel said. "There are a lot of misconceptions about what the law protects and what it doesn't. I hope that clearing up those misconceptions will prevent disputes between neighbors and help communities strike the right balance between agricultural and residential needs."
The town hall meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, in the auditorium of Hill-McCloyHigh School in Montrose. The address is 301 Nanita Drive.
Speakers from the Department of Labor and Economic Growth's Bureau of Construction Codes, the Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Townships Association will talk about the Right to Farm Act and the issues involved. Staff from Genesee County's MSU Extension will moderate the event.
To help ensure that fair and accurate decisions about essential matters such as tax assessments and building permits are made, Hammel is also working with local and state officials to establish a guide to the Right to Farm Act for local governments to use.