How about the Cancer charities that clog up the intersections two/three days in a row. I say let the man from Chesterfield sell his Christmas trees and have a meeting about something important instead of trying to tell us who to buy from.

He's been selling trees in this community for 20 years...I don't think moving locations is going to impact anyone's business in any way. Free market capitalism does not involve having township officials withhold permits from legitimate businesses in order to protect other businesses, giving those businesses an unfair advantage. I would rather spend my money on a tree that I know was grown in Michigan, with the money going to a local business, rather than Home Depot or Lowe's. Laissez Faire!

I agree with Christina. Let the man sell his trees. I have bought my tree from him every year for the last maybe 10 years. He is a township resident and businessman. Putting the location down the street isn't going to negatively impact other businesses.

This man has sold his tree's in Chesterfield for years, moving his location one mile down the road will not hurt the local business, I didn't even know that VanThommes sold tree's. I buy my garland and all my flowers from them, but maybe no more.

I agree with Christina, I would rather spend my money on a Michigan grown tree than one from Home Depot/Lowes, not knowing where it came from

That is just awful that the Board does not want to issue him a permit. We purchase from him each year. I would rather support a "local" businessman than the big chain stores. They are good for building products but trees???

I wondered where the trees would be since the credit union was going up. It's ridiculous that there is opposition to this. If Van Thommes sells trees, I didn't know it either. Instead of hassling this long time business man who could just as well take his business to a neighboring township, they should accommodate him.

Why not wrap red tape around the credit union that is putting up a new building directly in front of other small businesses reducing their visibility from the road and surely effecting their business. And that's not just a seasonal thing.

Mind you, this is the same board that is looking for substantial raises during these trying times when tax revenue is consistently falling.

Seriously do not understand why the township is giving this long standing business such a difficult time. Seriously Chesterfield Township Board - between this and your requests for wage increases - you need to rethink how things should work.

Township officials have over stepped what they were elected to do; withholding permits to protect other businesses is not what we elected them to do. What their unsound action could cause is Mangiapane Trees to move their business to community next door. Competition is good for the economy; I say officials should provide the permit.

We have purchased our trees from them for past 15 years, and sorry that they have to relocate, however most things do change in life. With proper advertisement, to the move, I hope they keep their current customers.... I know we WILL be crossing the street,,, looking forward to it this year....
Connie R.

Too much petty time and money the township is wasting on this poor small business owner! Let the man sell his trees where he wants- It is only for the season of Christmas after all- Isn't this the season of giving?

I think this business should relocate down the street to New Baltimore. It's a shame that a business albeit temporary that has done business for 20 years and has become a tradition for many families has been left out in the cold. I'm glad to be a New Baltimore resident.

New Baltimore? I'm still waiting for Biggby Coffee to open their doors.

Russ Mangiapane is who we have bought from for the last 10 years, I would be very sad to not see them. It isn't any fault of theirs that the bank took over their usual spot. Please allow them the permit. We take their dog a Christmas bone every year.