Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met November 19, 2025, chaired by Hetler, with Feringa, F. Smith, D. Smith, and Hylwa present (Campbell and Pontius absent). The meeting focused heavily on the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) Millside Building campus expansion, introduced as a site plan review, and on draft EV charging station zoning language, which was set for a public hearing on December 17, 2025. The Commission also approved the 2026 Planning Commission budget and the 2026 meeting schedule (both 5-0).
Public Comments
Numerous residents and ISEA supporters spoke in favor of the ISEA expansion, including Larry Mawby, John Siefeld (ISEA board chair, citing a $6 million investment), teacher Lauren, volunteers Fred Simpkins, Kathy Schaeffer, Dan Lisuk, Jack Scripps, M. Piescore, Jill Egan, and Kim Eike, all urging timely Commission approval. Fred Sitkins, ISEA Executive Director, later expressed disappointment in the Village's engagement pace. Larry Mawby separately asked the Commission to prioritize rezoning of the Peninsula Housing school property; Planner Sara Kopriva noted rezoning is typically applicant-initiated, not Village-initiated. Lois Bahle commented that ISEA is a better use of the Millside Building than a hotel. Jack Dunn asked about progress on allowing two-family dwellings at the Congregational Church property; Chair Hetler said this requires Village Council coordination, and Council member D. Smith said she would raise it at Council. Kopriva noted the Church could request a formal text amendment.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Engineer Scott Jozwiak's site plan for ISEA included a new shoreline trail, sidewalks, ADA access, and greenspace as part of the campus redesign, but no separate parks/recreation agenda item was discussed.
Infrastructure Projects
Discussion centered on Dame Street, which Planner Kopriva confirmed is a Village Street on the Act 51 certification list (Village receives Act 51 funding for it). ISEA's engineer argued surveyors dispute its road standards; the Village Council controls certification status. The ISEA plan also includes reduced asphalt (26,000 to 16,000 sq ft), new stormwater management, and expanded constructed wetlands, all subject to outside agency approval (water, sewer, stormwater, fire, EGLE). No final infrastructure decisions were made.
Other Business
The EV charging station language, drafted by Kopriva, had no changes from the prior meeting; by consensus the Commission scheduled a public hearing for December 17, 2025. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was cancelled pending Village attorney review of ISEA-related issues.
Financial Summary
ISEA has raised $10.2 million toward the estimated $6 million-plus campus project. The Commission approved the 2026 Planning Commission budget as presented (5-0, moved by Feringa, seconded by F. Smith).
Action Items
ISEA's engineer will submit information requesting interpretation of Zoning Ordinance Section 19.5 regarding the Millside Building's nonconforming status; concurrent PC and ZBA review was agreed upon. ISEA submitted a ZBA application December 9, anticipated for January hearing due to noticing requirements. Further ISEA review continues at the December meeting. Council member D. Smith will raise the Congregational Church two-family dwelling issue at Village Council.