Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met on July 22, 2026, with Chairperson Hetler presiding. All seven members (F. Smith, D. Smith, Pontius, Campbell, Hylwa, Feringa, Hetler) were present. The agenda and June 17, 2026 minutes were both approved unanimously (7-0). The meeting focused on discussion of driveway standards and review of Master Plan priorities for 2026, along with staff and Village Council updates. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Public Comments
No public comments were made under the general Public Comment/Written Communications item, and no public comment was offered following the New Business discussions.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Under Master Plan Priorities, Commissioner Debbie stated she would like dormitory housing considered as part of the Village's housing strategy. There was brief discussion of PILOTs (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) and TIFs (Tax Increment Financing) as potential tools. Sara, the Village Planner, will work on a housing map identifying vacant lots and current development to help inform future decisions. The Commission reviewed the full updated Master Plan Action Items list (attached to the minutes) and set its 2026 priority focus, though no specific final priority selections were detailed in the narrative minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Village Council updates noted that the Farmers Market will relocate to Ice Rink Park.
Infrastructure Projects
Village Council updates reported a few changes to the Marina Ordinance. The section of Front Street from Dame to Madison is to be reviewed. Separately, the Zoning Administrator Report noted that Inland Seas had submitted a site plan on July 3, 2026 that was incomplete; a revised drawing has since been submitted and is being reviewed jointly with the Fire Department and the Department of Public Works (DPW).
Other Business
Driveway Standards: Steve and Dave are conducting a comprehensive study to determine which driveway matters (setbacks, widths, location) should fall under the Zoning Ordinance versus DPW review (construction, safety, drainage). Discussion covered alley access, with Sara noting that alley driveways support traffic flow, neighborhood feel, and traffic calming. Existing corner-lot driveways would likely be grandfathered absent major changes. Section 2-4(A)3 and removal of specific districts was also discussed. Steve will report back further findings.
Good of the Order: Speed concerns on South Shore and St. Marys were discussed, with no formal action recorded.
ZBA Report: None submitted.
Next Regular Meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026, with planned agenda items including an update on Driveway Standards and Master Plan Priorities.
Action Items
- Steve (with DPW/Dave) to return with further information on dividing driveway oversight between Zoning Ordinance and DPW responsibilities.
- Sara to develop a housing map identifying vacant lots and current development.
- Inland Seas to continue coordinating revised site plan with the Fire Department and DPW.
- Commission to provide an update on Driveway Standards and Master Plan Priorities at the August 19, 2026 meeting.