Summary
This document is a letter of correspondence submitted to the Leelanau Township Board and Parks and Recreation Committee by resident Elizabeth (Betsy) Mallek, dated for the March 19, 2025 meeting. The letter addresses a proposed land swap between the Township and the Village of Northport involving Buster Dame Park and a Village-owned parcel on 7th Street. No board votes or decisions are recorded in this correspondence; it represents resident input for the committee's consideration.
Public Comments
Betsy Mallek, a Township resident, submitted a written letter opposing the potential swap of Buster Dame Park for a portion of the 7th Street parcel. She argued that Buster Dame Park is a valuable, walkable, flat, fenced, tree-free space with the area's only full-sized ball diamond, and noted the 2022-2026 Parks and Rec Plan had budgeted $10,000 for improvements such as parking, sidewalks, picnic facilities, shade cover, water for the dog area, a playground, and ball field restriping. She stated the committee had reportedly been advised not to focus on this park due to swap discussions. Regarding 7th Street, she opposed Township acquisition of the "blighted" 6.9-acre parcel, citing seven years of Village disputes, environmental and wetland concerns, and traffic/parking issues from nearby public Bay access. She noted the Village could instead sell subdivided parcels for an estimated $400,000+ in revenue. Mallek also raised concerns about removal of park-use restrictions without a formal swap process, and asked the Parks and Rec Committee to review Village documents on the matter. No response from the Board or Committee is recorded in this correspondence.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Mallek argued that Buster Dame Park is being considered for "affordable housing" but contended this framing misleads, preferring the term "sustainable housing" (attributed to a former Planning Commission member) meaning residents can afford both purchase and ongoing costs. She stated sustainable housing should be achieved through zoning, not land swaps, referencing the draft Master Plan's proposed density change from 10-acre to 5-acre lots outside the Village and SAD, and a pending Michigan legislative bill possibly allowing 1-acre divisions. She quoted Yarrow Brown, Executive Director of Housing North, on becoming "housing ready" through zoning. She noted SAD hookup costs near $20,000 per REU and annual fees approaching $2,000, arguing these make Buster Dame Park and 7th Street unrealistic sites for affordable/sustainable housing.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Mallek requested the Township explore enhancements to Buster Dame Park rather than eliminate it, citing the previously budgeted $10,000 improvement plan.
Infrastructure Projects
The letter references the Special Assessment District (SAD) covering both parcels, with sewer hookup costs near $20,000 per REU and annual user fees nearing $2,000, which Mallek says have caused resident hardship.
Financial Summary
- $10,000 budgeted (2022) for Buster Dame Park improvements.
- Estimated $400,000+ potential Village revenue from selling subdivided 7th Street parcels.
- SAD hookup cost: nearly $20,000 per REU.
- SAD annual user fee: nearing $2,000 per year, described as rising.
Action Items
Mallek asked the Parks and Rec Committee to review Village of Northport online documents (2018-2024) regarding the 7th Street parcel before any further swap discussion. She urged exploration of Buster Dame Park enhancements prior to considering elimination of the park, and encouraged the Planning Commission, not the Township, to lead zoning changes for housing density.