A barrier prevents vehicles from using an access road on Alpine Street to reach Mackinac Straits Health System's emergency room entrance Friday, June 25. This photograph shows the emergency entrance designed for ambulance use. Last week, ambulance found the entrance blocked. The barrier was erected as part of a land dispute by Maverick Construction, which claims the portion of the road leading to the access is on his property and an easement extension would be necessary to avoid any liability issues. Ambulances have since used the hospital's main entrance and the company, city, and hospital are meeting to resolve the issue. Ambulance service is now using the main entrance of the Mackinac Straits Health System on North State Street, rather than a separate, designated emergency route along Alpine Street and an access street directly to the hospital's emergency room, Mark Wilk of Allied EMS told The St. Ignace News Friday, June 25. The change stems from a property dispute in which Robert Fraser, owner of Maverick Construction, argues part of the road leading to the hospital access is on his property. Mr. Fraser said he erected a concrete blockade of the drive Thursday, June 24, at 6 p.m., he said, and had called the Mackinac County 911 service Wednesday to announce his plan to erect the barrier the following day.

The hospital must now petition the city to extend the right of way on Alpine Street so ambulances can reach the access, Mr. Fraser said. He is concerned that if his property is regularly used by emergency services, he could be held liable for any injuries or damages incurred in the process. He told The St. Ignace News he has tried contacting the city about the issue, but has not received a response.

Unaware the road had been blocked, an ambulance was forced to turn around and take another route when it discovered the blockade during a run Thursday, June 24, Mr. Wilk said. He anticipates the move will have the most impact on the ambulances on weekdays, when they will have to share the road with other drivers using the hospital's main entrance.

“It's only a few seconds, but a few seconds here and a few seconds there could make a difference,” he said.

Hospital CEO Rod Nelson said Monday, June 28, that the issue is between the city and Maverick Construction. He thought the matter had been resolved once Alpine Street had been paved during the hospital's construction. The hospital opened in April.

The dispute may come down to two differing survey maps in use at the site. City Manager Eric Dodson said the city already has given the necessary access, and according to county survey information, the city's easement along Alpine Street extends to the access road leading to the hospital. Mr. Fraser points to a separate survey conducted by Neil Hill of Mackinac County Land Surveys, which shows the city easement should be set back further than what the county information shows. The setback would pull the city easement away from the access road, creating the need for an extension.

The matter has been referred to the city attorney, Mr. Dodson said Monday, June 28.