Michigan man sues city of Alma over land dispute

ALMA, Mich. (AP) - A central Michigan man is suing the city of Alma after he was told it annexed his property nearly 20 years ago without his knowledge. Kevin Mann paid taxes to and believed he lived in Arcada Township during that time, the Morning Sun of Mount Pleasant reported. The mix-up was discovered earlier this year, and Mann has been negotiating with the city to designate his 40 acres as Arcada Township land. He filed his lawsuit in Gratiot County court last week. The property once included 60 acres, according to Mann's attorney, William Fahey of Okemos. The city used 20 of those acres for a settlement pond and sold the remaining 40 acres to a private party, who then sold it to Mann. Mann's 40 acres were never transferred to the city "and the facts support that," Fahey said. Every map shows that the property is in Arcada Township and not Alma, he said. Taxes are higher in the city than in the township, but Mann has "never received any city services," Fahey said. Mann thinks he might have trouble selling the property if it is part of the city. Mann is negotiating with the city to keep his property to stay - or move back - into Arcada Township. After a certain number of years the property would revert back to the city, city assessor Kathy Roslund said. Fahey said he and Mann will resume negotiations with local officials after Dec. 1. "If they make the change, fine," Fahey said. "If not, we'll have a hearing." Published: Fri, Nov 28, 2014