Planning Commission: Special Planning Commission Workshop -Thursday, September 5 2024 @ 1:00 pm (2nd draft Master Plan)

The Leelanau Township Master Plan 2nd Draft, dated May 2024, serves as a comprehensive guide for the community’s long-term vision and development. The plan is structured to facilitate decision-making that impacts the Township’s land, people, and structures, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community input. Key areas covered in the Master Plan include demographics, housing, natural features, coastal resiliency, community facilities and services, open space and recreation, transportation, economic development, and land use. The document reflects the community’s priorities and findings from an inventory process, aiming to guide zoning ordinance updates and other policy actions to promote efficient resource use, public health, safety, and environmental quality. A notable goal within the plan is addressing the causes and impacts of climate change, with specific recommendations and findings highlighted throughout to enhance the Township’s resilience against changing climate patterns.

The plan outlines the current demographic and economic conditions of Leelanau Township, noting a stable population with an aging demographic and a high percentage of seasonal residents. Housing affordability remains a significant challenge, with strategies proposed to increase the availability of affordable rental and ownership units. The Township’s natural features, such as its lakes, forests, wetlands, and dunes, are emphasized as critical assets requiring preservation and enhancement. The plan also addresses the need for improved coastal resiliency in response to fluctuating Lake Michigan water levels and the associated risks of shoreline erosion and flooding. Additionally, the document highlights the importance of community facilities and services, including the need for a larger community gathering space and the potential for shared services with the Village of Northport.

Economic development in Leelanau Township is largely driven by tourism, with a focus on nature-based, eco-tourism, food, and cultural tourism. The plan includes recommendations to support these sectors while balancing resident needs, such as managing short-term rentals and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Transportation infrastructure is another focus, with suggestions for enhancing non-motorized options and addressing broadband access to support remote work and digital services. The future land use map and zoning recommendations aim to maintain a balanced and cohesive land use pattern, encouraging the preservation of agricultural lands and the development of diverse housing options. The implementation section of the Master Plan provides specific actions and timelines to achieve these goals, emphasizing collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions and ongoing policy review to adapt to changing community needs and environmental conditions.

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