Planning Commission: Planning Commission Thursday, June 13th 2024 @ 7:00 pm (Public Comment from 6/10 to 6/12)

Leelanau Planning Commission

Event Date: 2024-06-13

Summarized with ai model: gpt-4o-mini

Disclaimer: AI-generated summaries may contain errors. Please review the source document for accuracy.


### Executive Summary

#### Overview
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission is set to review and discuss a special use permit application for a new communications tower located on Kitchen Road during a public hearing scheduled for June 13, 2024. This summary compiles public comments received between June 10 and June 12, 2024, reflecting varied community opinions regarding the necessity and implications of the proposed tower.

#### Support for the Tower
Numerous residents have expressed strong support for the construction of the communications tower, emphasizing the dire need for improved cell service in the Northport area. Heather McPhail, a local resident, stated that current connectivity issues negatively impact daily life and safety, demonstrating a collective concern for reliable communication, especially for emergency services. Other residents, like Allison McPhail and Kevin Hart, echoed similar sentiments, noting that poor cell reception poses risks at popular recreational sites and complicates essential communications during emergencies or daily activities.

#### Questioning the Proposal
Conversely, some residents have raised questions about the planning process, including the criteria for the tower’s proposed location and whether alternatives were sufficiently explored, such as utilizing existing infrastructure. Philip Loud highlighted the need for transparency about the decision-making process, seeking details on how the site was chosen and whether there was pressure on Verizon to utilize existing towers. Nonetheless, the prevailing feedback indicates a significant community demand for enhanced communication infrastructure, particularly considering the increasing reliance on cellular technology for both personal and emergency use.

#### Conclusion
In preparation for the upcoming public hearing, the Planning Commission must consider the diverse perspectives presented by community members. The expressed need for improved connectivity aligns with safety concerns and ongoing efforts to upgrade local infrastructure. As the Commission deliberates, balancing community support with procedural transparency and thorough evaluation of alternatives will be crucial in making an informed decision about the tower’s approval.

https://www.leelanau.gov/leelanautwpplan.asp
https://uso2web.zoom.us/j/8819825018?pwd=RU1LCZkRSOGJHSkRMODILbTUyYUZVdz09

Internal document reference #:1990

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