Planning Commission: Notice of Special Planning Commission, Thursday, January 30, 2025 (Public Comment 1/29/25)

The Leelanau Township Planning Commission received a letter from Daniel B. Stowe expressing strong opposition to a proposed communication tower and driveway project at 11015 N. Kitchen Road, Parcel Number 45-008-227-005-00. Stowe, a local cattle farmer and adjoining property owner, raises concerns about the project’s potential impact on the area’s natural beauty, historical significance, and environmental integrity. He highlights the seasonal inaccessibility of Kitchen Road, the challenges of heavy equipment operation on the steep terrain, and the risk of erosion and drainage issues affecting his farm. Additionally, Stowe questions the necessity of the tower, citing his observations of other waterfront communities using alternative, less obtrusive communication solutions.

Stowe emphasizes that Kitchen Road is not accessible during winter months, raising questions regarding the feasibility of servicing the tower year-round. He expresses concerns regarding how the project will be constructed without causing environmental damage. Stowe highlights the potential for erosion from heavy equipment and potential damage to the surrounding environment from the proposed construction, particularly impacting the integrity of Kitchen Road. He questions the effectiveness of environmental remediation measures.

Furthermore, Stowe points out the lack of investigation into alternative, less visually impactful communication methods utilized by other communities with similar geographic features. He suggests that the Planning Commission consider these options to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Stowe urges the commission to prioritize environmental protection and explore alternative solutions before approving a project with potentially negative impacts.

The document also includes a response from Robyn Schmidt of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding the project’s wetland considerations. EGLE notes that the project is located at a higher elevation than the nearby wetland. EGLE also references a plan to control runoff water from the new access road, including a stormwater control basin, to prevent discharge into the wetland. EGLE offers a voluntary Pre-Application Meeting process to identify regulated resources and to determine if a state permit is required. https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/joint-permit-application/pre- application-meetings-wetlands-lakes-streams