Opinion ID: 848631
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: the subjective motivation to use an easement is irrelevant

Text: Motive, in the strict sense, is distinct from purpose. Motive has been described as the desire that prompts a person to act, whereas purpose is the result to be obtained. Hudson v. American Oil Co., 152 F.Supp. 757, 770 (E.D.Va., 1957). Courts do not normally inquire into the motive behind the exercise of a right. Burke v. Smith, 69 Mich. 380, 388, 37 N.W. 838 (1888). The majority opinion asserts that its analysis does not consider that these improvements were initiated by a private developer. Ante at 369. But the majority's subsequent focus on the fact that the improvements in question are being proposed at the behest of a private developer belies this assertion. The opinion states, [Dexter Development's] planned use of the land covered by the easement served the exclusive purpose of furthering and enhancing [its] private complex. Ante at 371. The majority asserts that defendant Dexter Development sought to use the village's easement to accomplish something it could not accomplish otherwise. Ante at 367. These considerations are improper. The Court's examination of the terms of the conveyance and the surrounding circumstances should be an objective inquiry. The subjective motivations of the interested parties are irrelevant. The pertinent question is whether the improvements fulfill the easement's purpose to improve and open Dan Hoey Road. The village is not obligated to justify its motives, as the majority and concurrence seem to require. Also, the fact that Dexter Development rather than the village is arguing for the improvements is not remarkable. Dexter Development agreed to indemnify the village against legal action arising from the proposed improvements. Hence, it is to be expected that Dexter Development would advance the legal arguments supporting the proposed improvements in place of the village. When viewed objectively, the purpose of the improvements is to open and improve the road. The fact that a developer seeks to implement them rather than the village has no legal relevance. The improvements could be undertaken by the village directly, at its discretion. Villages may open streets. M.C.L. § 67.12. They may install sidewalks or require property owners to install them. M.C.L. § 67.8. They may also landscape. M.C.L. § 67.21. Moreover, the village was not required to have made a decision to further improve and open Dan Hoey Road before a developer requested it, as the majority implies. Ante at 368. It could decide to install landscaping and sidewalks for aesthetic reasons at any time. Also, it could decide at any time to install the improvements in question to enhance the road's safety, longevity, and utility as a transportation artery. Justice Young in his concurrence asserts without reference to authority that the village has an initial burden to show that the proposed improvements are within the scope of the easement. Such a burden contradicts standard practice that puts the onus on the party making a claim to articulate and substantiate it. See MCR 2.116(c)(8). In this case, the burden rightfully is on plaintiffs to assert and show that the proposed improvements exceed the scope of the easement. Stewart v. Hunt, 303 Mich. 161, 163, 5 N.W.2d 737 (1942). Justice Young appears to be suggesting as well that the village has the initial burden of showing that the underlying motivation for the improvements is consistent with the scope of the easement. This is inaccurate, and it belies his concurring argument that the parties' motivations are irrelevant to the disposition of the case.