The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) presented a settlement proposal to Peninsula Township Thursday that seeks "practical clarity on basic business operations" in exchange for potentially accepting a reduced amount of damages from the nearly $50 million awarded in a recent federal court decision.

WOMP said in a press release the settlement offer is "intended to end years of litigation and provide a clear, fair path forward for both sides." While the full terms are confidential, WOMP described them as "measured, reasonable, and fully consistent with what the federal court has already ruled the township cannot prohibit as well as being consistent with the Michigan Liquor Control Code and Michigan’s Right to Farm Act." The proposal seeks to "allow family-owned wineries to remain viable while maintaining Old Mission’s rural character," the release states.

The following conditions are being sought by WOMP from Peninsula Township, as described in language from the wineries:

> Adoption of a noise standards limiting outdoor sound after 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 11pm Friday-Saturday
> Capacity limits based on Michigan building and fire codes, not arbitrary caps
> Permission for normal agricultural business activities, including food service and merchandise sales
> Clear standards for events, tents, and outdoor amenities that balance community enjoyment with neighborhood peace

The proposal "does not address the damages awarded by the court at this stage," the release states. "Instead, the wineries are focused on first reaching a mutual agreement with the township on how their businesses will operate moving forward. Once those operational terms are finalized, the wineries are willing to consider accepting a reduced amount from the approximately $50 million awarded by the court. The wineries also anticipate that the township’s insurance providers will be part of these discussions." Township trustees voted in July to appeal the damages verdict.

According to the release, Chris Baldyga - vineyard owner and WOMP spokesperson - contacted Township Supervisor Maura Sanders and requested an in-person meeting between three members of the township board and three members of WOMP, along with attorneys, to discuss the settlement. A response from township legal counsel obtained by the Old Mission Gazette and posted online said the township is willing to convene a committee and participate in settlement discussions. However, the letter noted Protect the Peninsula is still a party in the case and should be involved in all settlement discussions. The township also promised no confidentiality.

"While the township remains willing to discuss and negotiate all terms of a proposed settlement, all terms and discussion must be transparent and public," the letter states. "The Peninsula Township residents obviously have a significant interest in the outcome of this litigation. They have the right, therefore, to be aware of what is being negotiated with respect to their dollars, their rights, and their property. Demanding that we keep any settlement terms or discussion confidential is a non-starter."

WOMP's release states that the wineries maintain more than 1,800 acres of vineyards and open space that "help preserve the Peninsula’s scenic beauty and rural character." Baldyga said the settlement proposal is "about doing what’s right for our community."

“We live here. We farm here. We raise our families here. We want to find common ground that protects the land and the people who make Old Mission special," he said. "We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for fair, clear, and consistent rules so we can continue farming responsibly. We’re ready to sit down with the township anytime and work out an agreement that keeps our community whole."

Peninsula Township trustees are expected to call a special meeting for Thursday, November 6 at 3pm to discuss the settlement offer, Sanders confirmed to The Ticker.