Planning Commission: Planning Commission, Thursday, January 9, 2025 (Public Comments)

The provided document comprises public comments submitted to the Leelanau Township Planning Commission regarding a special use permit for a telecommunications tower.

**Need and History:** The document begins by addressing the acknowledged lack of cellular coverage in Leelanau Township, highlighting the necessity for improved service, especially for emergency services. It traces the history of the issue, emphasizing how the COVID-19 pandemic and a county-sponsored survey in September 2021 further revealed the importance of reliable telecommunications in the township. The document highlights a resolution passed in January 2022, and the Township’s commitment of funds to the project.

**The County Response, Authorizations, and Planning:** The document then outlines the County’s involvement, including the collaboration between the County, Township, and Cherryland Electric Cooperative in funding the tower project. Details of authorizations, expert involvement, and site selection based on propagation studies are also included. The advantages of the proposed Kitchen/Garthe Road site are emphasized for its superior coverage.

**Reliance on Private Sector, Public Response, and Opposition:** The document examines the role of the County’s towers in leasing space to private sector wireless providers, encouraging co-location and incentivizing telecom companies to provide service. It addresses the public response, highlighting support for the tower application and presenting the opposition, emphasizing aesthetic concerns and the impact on neighboring properties.

**Landowner Rights, Worst-Case Scenario, and Conclusion:** The document addresses landowner rights and argues that the tower will add value to the existing farming operation with a low impact. The document also outlines the potential consequences of rejecting the application. It concludes by reiterating the need for reliable wireless connectivity in Leelanau Township and the benefits that the tower would bring to the community. Supporting documents from community members have also been included.