Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will not open an investigation into the redevelopment project of the old Marquette General Hospital campus. State representative Sara Cambensy asked for the investigation of possible conflicts of interest in the deal between the Northern Michigan University Foundation, UP Health System, the Marquette City Council, and the developer Veridea Group.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Christina Grossi said that there was insufficient evidence to open an investigation. The Veridea Group and the NMU Foundation both issued statements celebrating the decision. Their statements, along with a portion of the AG’s letter, are posted below.
EXCERPT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL LETTER TO SARA CAMBENSY:
“The matters in your letter strike at the very heart of those that constitute local concerns, namely economic planning and redevelopment. We take no position on the wisdom of the redevelopment project at issue here. We only note that – as counsel for the State of Michigan – the legal questions related to conflict of interest, tax consequences, property valuation, and the bidding process for a local project are Page 2 September 6, 2022 often times best left to local counsel.”
“Further, the questions presented related to the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act are not novel but rather can be evaluated under the existing body of case law, which weighs against the Attorney General issuing a formal legal opinion.”
“In conclusion, after considering the information presented in your request, we have respectfully determined that action by the Attorney General is not now warranted. In the interest of transparency, we have copied to this correspondence those who contacted this office in response to your request. If you have any additional questions or concerns, or if you have any supplemental information concerning this matter that you would like us to review, please let us know.”
NMU FOUNDATION STATEMENT ON AG DECISION
The Northern Michigan University Foundation is extremely pleased with today’s decision by the Michigan Attorney General declining to take any action regarding unfounded allegations by State Representative Sara Cambensy concerning the redevelopment of the former hospital site.
The Board of Trustees and staff leadership of the NMU Foundation appreciate the Attorney General’s diligent, expeditious and thorough review of this matter, and we remain focused on continuing the process of bringing this significant project to fruition for the benefit of the Marquette area, Northern Michigan University, and the Upper Peninsula.
Our appreciation extends to the City of Marquette staff, Mayor Jenna Smith, City Commissioners, the Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Michigan Legislature, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Veridea Group, UP Health System – Marquette, our consulting team, and members of the Marquette and NMU community who have joined this important effort over the course of the past year for the betterment of our community.
VERIDEA GROUP STATEMENT
Veridea Group also issued a statement Wednesday morning in response to the decision from the Attorney General.
We are gratified to learn of the Attorney General’s decision to fully reject Representative Sara Cambensy’s meritless request for an investigation into the redevelopment of the Marquette General Hospital campus. We now look forward to returning our focus to pursuing the successful redevelopment of this vitally important community project.
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