Township Board: Tuesday, February 11,2025 at 5:30 pm (Public Comments)

The Buster Dame ball park property in Northport Village is an ideal location for housing development due to its strategic location and accessibility. The property is easily connectable to the NLTUA system and is within walking distance to key amenities such as the Northport Village commercial district, Tom’s, the school, the Township fire hall, Mastercraft Extrusion Tool, the Township hall, the Village hall, and the Village marina. Additionally, the BATA bus route, which stops at the Village Marina, provides transportation options for residents who may not have reliable personal vehicles, facilitating access to employment opportunities in nearby areas such as Leland, Suttons Bay, and Lake Leelanau.

The need for workforce housing in Northport Village has been a recurring topic, particularly among local business operators who have emphasized the importance of affordable housing for their employees. The proposed housing development at the ball park property would address this need by offering walkable housing options, which are especially beneficial for workers who struggle with the costs associated with car ownership and maintenance. Historical examples, such as Bill Collins providing fuel stipends to employees at Tucker’s, underscore the ongoing challenge of transportation costs for local workers. The current owners of NPG have also highlighted the necessity of having housing available within the Village for their staff.

Initial discussions at the recent Board meeting indicate a positive direction towards collaborating with the Village on a plan to develop the ball park property into much-needed local housing. Steps have already been taken to explore a land swap with the State, which would facilitate the use of the property for housing. Given its location and the potential to meet the community’s housing needs, the Buster Dame ball park property is an excellent candidate for this development. The Township and Village are encouraged to continue their efforts to bring this project to fruition, thereby enhancing the quality of life for local workers and supporting the economic vitality of the area.