Summary
The Village of Suttons Bay Planning Commission met on November 19, 2025, to discuss multiple agenda items, notably the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) Campus Expansion Proposal and the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station zoning amendment. Key decisions included the scheduling of a public hearing for EV charging stations and a consensus to perform concurrent reviews with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) regarding the ISEA project.Public Comments
Several public comments were made with respect to the ISEA expansion project. Notable speakers included: - **Larry Mawby** (Suttons Bay): Advocated for timely consideration of the ISEA expansion project. - **John Siefeld** (Keswick Hills): Highlighted the importance of ISEA’s role in the community and requested support for a $6 million investment. - **Lauren** (Suttons Bay Schools teacher): Praised the ISEA for providing educational access to water experiences for children. - Other comments praised the project for enhancing community engagement and stewardship, indicating a strong supportive public sentiment towards the ISEA's goals.Responses from the Planning Commission included an acknowledgment of the enthusiastic support and the complexities indicated in the zoning review process.
Infrastructure Projects
The primary infrastructure project discussed was the **ISEA Campus Expansion Proposal**. Key features included: - The removal and reconstruction of the Millside building's first floor, aiming to enhance the facility for educational purposes. - Plans for improved parking, reduced asphalt footprint, and enhanced green space. - Concerns from the Village Planner regarding zoning nonconformities that may require ZBA interventions. The Commission expressed a consensus to conduct reviews of the ISEA proposal and any needed zoning variance concurrently.Next steps will include further review of the project at the upcoming December meeting and addressing any zoning issues through the ZBA.
Other Business
- **EV Charging Station Language**: The Commission unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on the EV charging station zoning amendment on December 17, 2025. - The 2026 budget and meeting schedule for the Planning Commission were both approved without opposition.Action Items
1. **Further Discussion on ISEA Expansion**: A follow-up review is scheduled for the December 17 meeting regarding the zoning compliance and concurrent review with the ZBA. 2. **Public Hearing for EV Charging Stations**: Preparation for the public hearing on December 17 regarding the new language for EV charging stations in the zoning ordinance. 3. **Recommendation for Rezoning on Peninsula Housing**: The Commission noted a request for assistance on rezoning the Peninsula Housing school property as a priority.Overall, the Commission aims for timely decisions on both the ISEA Campus Expansion and the zoning amendment for EV charging stations, aligning with community interests and planning requirements.