Summary
The Leelanau Planning Commission held a regular meeting with a full quorum (Chair Steve Kalchik, Brian Mitchell, Silvia Gans, Kristi Fischer, Hugh Scott, Gerald Schatz, and Meg Jean present; none absent). The central item was a public hearing on the proposed Gills Pier Preserve Project, a five-lot Open Space Residential Development on Onominese Trail. No final vote was taken on the project; the hearing was closed after extensive applicant presentation, commissioner discussion, and public comment. The Commission approved the February 12, 2026 minutes and voted to extend the meeting until 9:00 p.m.
Public Comments
During the Gills Pier Preserve public hearing, several residents spoke. John Egert questioned where drainage water would ultimately flow and referenced his own property's agricultural classification change due to shared wetlands. Dave Wylan asked whether portions of the parcel could later be sold separately and raised concerns about future drainage or wetland issues. Tim Egert worried about adding roughly 20 more cars to Onomoniese Road. Susan Allen requested clarification on covenant terms for septic fields. Bill Allen (address 9343) questioned why the covenant review approach seemed to have changed since a prior meeting. A resident named Shields (Gills Pier) asked why a separate drainage field was required. John Gallagher expressed appreciation for the work done but raised concerns about wildlife displacement during construction and wetland flooding. A resident at 9198 N. Onomoniese Trail (Matt) noted an easement was granted as part of an HOA and felt the five new parcels would negatively impact existing properties. Mitchell Tomlinson said the presentation was hard to follow without visuals, noted EGLE had approved the road project, and raised environmental and zoning-density concerns. One written public comment was also submitted, addressing road access rights under a 1954 recorded instrument, stormwater/watershed review responsibility resting with the project engineer, and EGLE permitting status, noting a formal EGLE application had not yet been submitted pending Planning Commission direction.
Infrastructure Projects
The Gills Pier Preserve proposal included a roughly 1,200-foot private roadway designed for emergency vehicle access, built above grade in areas of high groundwater. Stormwater management included trellis swales directing runoff to holding areas before discharge into adjacent wetlands. Septic systems had received health department approval. EGLE approval remains a required condition before construction of the private drive; the application had not yet been submitted, pending Commission direction. No infrastructure decisions were finalized.
Other Business
The Commission approved the February 12, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Gans, seconded by Mitchell). A motion by Gans, seconded by Mitchell, extended the meeting to 9:00 p.m. Reports from the Township Board, Zoning Administrator, and other committees were listed on the agenda but no details were recorded. No further public comment was offered at the second public comment period. The next meeting was scheduled for April 23, 2026.
Action Items
The Zoning Administrator is seeking additional legal review and clarification regarding ordinance interpretation for the Open Space Residential Development standards. Commissioners requested further documentation on septic system compliance. The applicant's EGLE permit application remains pending submission, contingent on Planning Commission direction. Continued discussion of open space provisions was noted for a future meeting.