Northville Downs Lawsuit Against Plymouth Township Dismissed

News Summary

A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit filed by Northville Downs against Plymouth Township, concluding a lengthy legal battle over accusations of extortion and failed relocation plans. The judge ruled in favor of Plymouth Township, supporting their zoning laws and questioning Northville Downs’ rushed land purchase without the necessary approvals. With the dismissal of federal claims, Northville Downs may still pursue state-level claims, leaving uncertainty about its future as the community watches closely.

Northville, Michigan: Legal Tug-of-War Ends as Judge Dismisses Northville Downs Lawsuit

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has officially dismissed the lawsuit filed by Northville Downs against Plymouth Township, which centered around accusations of extortion and failed relocation plans. The lawsuit has been making headlines for months, but now it seems that the legal battle has reached a conclusion with the ruling issued on April 21, 2025.

The Lawsuit’s Background

The showdown began when Northville Downs, Michigan’s only surviving horse racing venue, took aim at Plymouth Township after a rocky negotiation process fell apart. The heart of the dispute was a demand from the township for an additional $5 million from Northville Downs, which had already poured millions into acquiring land for relocation purposes before the lawsuit was even filed.

As tensions escalated, Plymouth Township’s board decided to end discussions with Northville Downs on January 24, 2024. Just weeks later, in February, Northville Downs filed their lawsuit, claiming that the township’s demands were tantamount to extortion.

The Judge’s Ruling

U.S. District Court Judge Brandy McMillion weighed in on the case, ultimately siding with Plymouth Township. She pointed out that Northville Downs might have jumped the gun by purchasing a $10 million parcel of land without final zoning approval. According to the ruling, the township had acted within its rights under zoning laws, and Northville Downs did not possess any protected property interests, as they did not have final approval for their plans.

The judge also scrutinized the proposed community benefits agreement—nicknamed CBA—that Plymouth Township had put on the table. This CBA included an annual payment of $500,000, among other provisions focused on using the track grounds for community events and other benefits. The court saw no constitutional violations in the township’s approach, thereby affirming their right to seek public benefits during negotiations.

A Glimpse into Northville Downs’ History

For the record, Northville Downs has a rich history in Michigan, having offered horse racing for decades in its original location in Northville. The plan was to relocate to a 128-acre property at the intersection of Five Mile and Ridge Roads in Plymouth Township—a dream that has now faded away with this legal setback. The last race at Northville Downs happened in February 2024, and now the existing site is being converted into a mixed-use development.

The Impact of the Ruling

In light of the judge’s decisions, Plymouth Township Supervisor Chuck Curmi expressed excitement about the outcome, viewing it as a positive resolution to what he described as a major distraction for the township. Former township supervisor Kurt Heise also felt a sense of vindication, confirming that all negotiations were conducted in good faith. He noted that the dismissal of the federal claims was both a relief and a necessary step toward moving forward.

What’s Next for Northville Downs?

With the federal claims dismissed with prejudice, meaning they can’t be refiled, Northville Downs still has a chance to pursue related state-level claims, which were dismissed without prejudice. These could be taken to state court, which leaves the door open for some further legal action, although the avenue appears narrower than before.

As the dust settles, the land Northville Downs once intended to use is now up for sale, while the community watches closely to see what unfolds next. While Northville Downs aimed to establish a new home for its beloved horse racing, the road ahead looks uncertain as the township moves on from this legal entanglement.

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Additional Resources

• Hometown Life: Judge Sides with Plymouth Township
• Crain’s Detroit: Northville Downs Loses Lawsuit
• Detroit News: Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit
• Click on Detroit: Judge Dismisses Lawsuit
• More Than The Curve: Civil Rights Lawsuit
• Wikipedia: Northville Downs
• Google Search: Northville Downs lawsuit
• Google Scholar: Northville Downs lawsuit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Northville Downs
• Google News: Northville Downs