Judge rules family can get property back under agreement

HOLLY TOWNSHIP (AP) - A judge says a southeastern Michigan family that fought township blight and safety citations for living inside a travel trailer is entitled to reclaim their property.

Timm and Maria Smith had said that they believed officials in Oakland County's Holly Township were trying to take their land to build a riverside park.

After Timm Smith broke his back and suffered a stroke more than seven years ago he was unable to work and they lost the parcel in a foreclosure. The land was part of 20 acres his family owned.

The Detroit News reports a judge agreed last Wednesday that they can get it back under a consent agreement for no cost. The township had wanted the judge to strike the appraisal.

Timm Smith says the ruling is "a vindication."

Published: Mon, Nov 21, 2016