Salha

DETROIT—Nayef Salha, a Dearborn resident was denied a permit to establish a campground in northern Michigan after neighbors accused him of trying to use it to train terrorists.

 

Salha, a father of seven said all he wanted to do was build a secular peaceful summer youth camp in Michigan. Salha was shocked by the accusations. He had plans to build the camp on the 150-acre vacation property he owns in Lupton, Michigan. The area is located 200 miles north of Detroit in Rose Township where Salha owns a business. 

 

Rose Township is part of Ogemaw Township. In order to construct the camp Salha needed the Ogemaw County Planning Commission to approve his request for a special use permit. However, complaints from neighbors about terrorism, environmental impact, noise and infrastructure pushed the

Ogemaw County Planning Commission to not grant Salha the permit. The commission voted 4-3 earlier this month against the plans. 

Salha speaking at a planning commission meeting with supporters by his side

 

Carol Sappington, one of the residents who voiced concern said, “I have heard on the news that in every state in the United States we have an (Islamic State) group. I think the citizens ought to keep an eye on what is developing.” 

 

Another resident, Bob Clark also voiced concerns at a planning commission meeting. “Is there anything written on paper that says this isn’t going to be turned into a terrorist training facility of some kind.”  

 

Salha was born in Lebanon and is an American citizen. He previously stated that he has several Christian family members including his wife.