8/13/2026 - Leelanau Township Board | Special Meeting Focused on Braman Hill Cell Tower

Summary

The meeting centered around public comments related to the proposed cell tower at Braman Hill. Community members expressed widespread opposition, raising concerns about aesthetic impact, coverage effectiveness, and financial arrangements. Key decisions regarding the proposal were deferred for further discussion and potential re-evaluation of alternatives.

Public Comments

Several community members voiced their opposition to the proposed cell tower at Braman Hill:

• Kristi Holmstrom highlighted discrepancies in the cell tower proposal, including the size of the installation area and concerns about visual impact. She suggested opting for a 190-foot tower that doesn't require lighting to protect the viewshed. Furthermore, she argued against the proposed rental fee of $900, indicating it was too low and advocating for a fee that reflects the tower's potential revenue.

• Paris Morse emphasized that the tower violates the Leelanau Township ordinances and would compromise the integrity of Braman Hill, an important community space. Morse noted that the coverage from the proposed tower would overlap with existing service and questioned the necessity of the project.

• Phyllis Rebori raised numerous legal and logistical concerns regarding the 50-year lease agreement proposed for the tower, including issues surrounding maintenance, co-location agreements, and potential impacts on the township's future communications strategies.

• Barbara McCann expressed disagreement with the positioning of the tower, advocating for solutions further north to meet community needs without compromising scenic views.

Overall, speakers called for caution and deeper consideration of the project's implications on the community's landscape and revenue.

Infrastructure Projects

The main focus of discussion was the proposed cell tower infrastructure project at Braman Hill. Key points included: - Discrepancies in the proposed site size and maintenance visit frequency were highlighted, requiring clarification to ensure community concerns are addressed. - Several residents questioned the need for the tower given existing coverage patterns, implying that the site may not effectively serve the northern parts of the township. - Concerns were raised about the long-term commitment of a 50-year lease, suggesting a review of service needs and alternatives should be undertaken.

Other Business

No additional agenda items were noted in the provided document.

Financial Summary (if applicable)

The document did discuss the proposed rental agreement where Verizon would pay $900 a month for the tower's placement, which several residents criticized as significantly undervaluing the rental potential and community impact.

Action Items

- The township board is tasked with reviewing the public comments and concerns regarding the tower proposal. - A follow-up meeting is suggested to further evaluate the feasibility and legality of the project while considering community sentiments. - Board members should investigate alternative locations for a tower to better serve the needs without negatively impacting Braman Hill.