Township Board: Township Board: Monday, May 13, 2025, at 5:30pm (Correspondence)

The residents of Northport have shown remarkable dedication to preserving Buster Dame Park, a vital green space within their community. The park holds significant historical and recreational value, serving as a testament to the community’s commitment to maintaining public parkland. The efforts to save the park have included sharing personal stories, participating in community discussions, displaying yard signs, and advocating for its preservation. These actions reflect a collective understanding of the importance of green infrastructure in today’s rapidly changing environment. The park not only offers recreational opportunities but also symbolizes a shared commitment to protecting communal spaces for future generations.

The legal status of Buster Dame Park is governed by two distinct sets of binding restrictions that prevent its conversion to non-recreational uses such as housing or land swaps. The first set of restrictions stems from a 1992 Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant, which required the park to be maintained for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity. Any deviation from this use would necessitate a stringent conversion process, involving proof of necessity, public review, and approval from both the DNR and the National Park Service. The second set of restrictions is an easement agreement from 1991 between the Village of Northport and the Township of Leelanau, stipulating that the land must be used exclusively for public recreation. This restriction is enforceable by the Village and remains in effect regardless of ownership changes or physical alterations to the park.

Given these legal constraints, any proposals for land swaps or housing developments on Buster Dame Park are not permissible under current laws. The DNR grant mandates perpetual recreational use, and any conversion would require a complex, rarely approved process. Similarly, the Village’s easement agreement does not allow for land swaps or changes in use without formal consent and renegotiation by the Village Council. Attempts to circumvent these restrictions would likely result in legal challenges, potential loss of state funding, and a breach of public trust. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and hold local officials accountable to these legal obligations, ensuring that Buster Dame Park continues to serve as a cherished public space for future generations.