Green Charter Township, Michigan

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Green Charter Township is a charter township in Mecosta County, Michigan. As of the 2020 census, about 3,219 people live there. It was organized in 1858, before Mecosta County split from Newaygo County. Paris, an unincorporated community on the Muskegon River, is the largest settlement in the township and lies about 5 miles north of Big Rapids.

Geography and roads: The township covers about 37.6 square miles, mostly land. The Muskegon River runs through the eastern part and forms the northeast border with Grant Township. U.S. Route 131 crosses the west side, linking to Big Rapids and Grand Rapids to the south and Reed City and Cadillac to the north. Green Charter lies in the northwest corner of Mecosta County, bordered by Osceola County to the north, Newaygo County to the west, and Lake County at its northwest corner.

In 2023, plans for a battery factory by the China-based company Gotion drew opposition from some residents over the company’s ties to the Chinese government. The controversy led to the recall of the township board; by November 7, 2023, after two resignations, the remaining five board members were recalled. Before the recall, the board had approved a property tax abatement to attract the Gotion plant. Construction has not begun, and Gotion has filed lawsuits against the township. In March 2024, Gotion filed a federal suit alleging breach of contract over connecting the plant to the township’s water system.