Summary
This document compiles public comments submitted to the Leelanau Planning Commission ahead of its January 30, 2025 special meeting, at which the Commission is expected to deliberate and vote on Leelanau County's application for a communications tower on Kitchen Road. A three-hour public hearing was held January 23 at the Fire Hall; no Commission deliberation or decision occurred at that hearing. The submitted letters reflect strong, organized input on both sides of the tower question.
Public Comments
Doug Whitley described the January 23 hearing, noting the meeting room was full and that many attendees were new to Planning Commission meetings, expressing support for the tower, alongside a "flood" of new supportive emails to the zoning administrator. He characterized organized opposition as NIMBYism, argued the agricultural-district hilltop site is comparable to the previously approved Davis Road tower, and noted AT&T notified landline customers on January 23 that it will stop accepting new landline orders after March 17, 2025. He recommended residents read Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore's "Article 18 Review" and "Article 12 Review," and Gina Harder's written comments (pages 17–27 of the record).
David Brigham submitted a letter criticizing AT&T's rising landline costs and service discontinuation, calling the situation "monopoly like" and urging that a regulatory authority be contacted on residents' behalf.
Former Planning Commission member Gina Harder submitted a detailed, section-by-section rebuttal (dated January 27) responding to earlier public comments alleging ordinance and master-plan violations. She argued the application meets nearly all zoning standards, disputed claims about "essential character" (Section 12.6.B.1), wetland setbacks (the driveway sits over 40 feet from wetlands versus the 25-foot standard), steep-slope and scenic-view concerns, and allegations of misleading application photos/maps, concluding these were misunderstandings of the ordinance rather than violations.
Mary L. Cusick submitted a letter opposing the Kitchen Road tower, citing insufficient justification given an existing "underutilized" tower, potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems, visual/scenic impact, and possible reduction in property values. She urged the Commission to consider alternatives such as small-cell technology and different siting.
Infrastructure Projects
The central infrastructure matter is the proposed ~200-foot communications tower on Kitchen Road in an agricultural district, intended to extend cellular and 911 service to roughly 400 parcels in northern Leelanau Township currently lacking reliable coverage. The application, prepared with Machin Engineering and a Grand Rapids planning consultant, was presented at the January 23 hearing by the county's Acting Administrator, Director of Emergency Management, and the Undersheriff (911 advisory board chair). Technical points raised in public comment include stormwater management for a new driveway through an orchard, wetland setback compliance, and comparisons to existing towers (8th Street, Davis Road, Kovarik Road, Peshawbestown). No vote had occurred as of this document; the Commission was scheduled to deliberate and decide January 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire Hall, with authority to approve with conditions.
Other Business
AT&T notified customers it will cease taking new landline orders or service changes after March 17, 2025, shifting toward cellular and internet-based service — cited by commenters as increasing urgency for expanded cell coverage.
Action Items
The Planning Commission is to deliberate and vote on the Kitchen Road tower special land use permit at its January 30, 2025 meeting, with commissioners encouraged to explain their reasoning. Possible conditions discussed include requiring an official wetland delineation and modifications to the stormwater management design if deemed unsatisfactory. This tower application remains the subject of sustained public conflict between residents seeking improved cell/911 access and opponents citing environmental and scenic-character concerns.