Township Board: Tuesday, February 11,2025 at 5:30 pm (Correspondence)
Event Date: 2025-02-11
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**Executive Summary**
**Introduction**
This document presents a series of communications directed to the Leelanau Township Board, expressing various community concerns regarding housing, parks and recreation, cellular service, and the management of township operations. The letters highlight the importance of engagement with community needs as the new board navigates its budgeting process.
**Community Housing Needs**
The correspondence emphasizes the community’s critical need for attainable housing, bolstered by data from a well-attended workshop and surveys conducted by the Leelanau Community Foundation (LTCF). A strong call to action is made for the board to take leadership in developing housing solutions, including the establishment of a joint housing committee with the village. Recommendations include scheduling a work session with relevant groups and expediting the completion of the Master Plan to facilitate zoning changes supportive of attainable housing.
**Parks, Recreation, and Cellular Service Improvement**
Another focal point includes the enhancement of township parks and recreation efforts, particularly through hiring a grant writer to pursue funding opportunities. The document also urges the establishment of a plan for improved cellular service, addressing gaps through collaboration with county officials. Furthermore, the community suggests retaining existing recreational spaces like the Buster Dame baseball park for housing development rather than swapping land, advocating for a thorough exploration of development options outside the Special Assessment District (SAD).
**Management and Governance Concerns**
Significant concerns regarding the governance of township operations have also been raised, particularly about the newly proposed facilities manager position. Community members express dissatisfaction with perceived shifts in responsibilities traditionally associated with the supervisor’s role, while others voice frustration over instances of agenda changes in board meetings. These concerns highlight the need for transparency and accountability as the board engages with its constituents.