7/15/2026 - Leelanau Township Board | Meeting Agenda Packet

Summary

The meeting conducted by the Leelanau Township Board on June 9, 2026, made significant decisions regarding affordable housing, township projects, and municipal policies. The board approved multiple motions regarding past meeting minutes and departmental reports. They also discussed proposals for the development of attainable housing and addressed concerns raised by the community throughout the process.

Public Comments

Several speakers contributed to the public comment section: - Gerald Schatz expressed concerns regarding housing needs. - Dan Toole, Sawyer Scott, and Allen Danzell also voiced opinions on the matter, although detailed specifics of their comments were not included in the report.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

The board evaluated proposals for developing affordable housing at 824 N. Warren Street: - Two finalists were considered: Homestretch and LC Consultants. - Homestretch's proposal was recommended for selection due to its focus on affordability (targeting 40-60% AMI) and community integration. - They emphasized execution without requiring height variances, aiming for a design compatible with the village's character. - Concerns with LC Consultants' reliance on competitive tax credits and funding timelines led to a preference for Homestretch's flexible plan.

Parks and Recreation Matters

The Parks and Recreation Committee's report highlighted the need for additional amenities, including: - A detailed review of the parks capital improvement plan, with fiscal allocations discussed for tree removal and trail enhancements. - Assistance in surveying residents and visitors for future planning, requesting $297 from the township to fund this initiative.

Infrastructure Projects

Discussion included: - Review of drainage and repairs in various township facilities including the airport and parks. - Plans for infrastructure projects like the marina and hiking trails were mentioned without specific details or votes.

Other Business

The board addressed various agenda items, including: - Approval of past meeting minutes and income reports. - A request to allocate funding for the upcoming AgriTourism Summit. - Acknowledgment of department reports from the Assessor’s office and Facilities Management.

Financial Summary

Key financial points included: - The overall budget and expenditures were discussed, with total revenues reported at approximately $3,962,281 and expenditures at $4,309,109, leading to a deficit of $346,828. - Specific figures outlined included: - A total capital investment of $8,813,683 for the Homestretch proposal. - Identification of funding gaps for various projects and proposed timelines for completion were shared.

Action Items

- The township awaits confirmation on grants and funding requests from Homestretch to proceed with attainable housing development. - Homestretch must finalize project details including zoning adjustments, with a focus on flexibility in unit designs to adapt to needs. - Continued assessments will ensure alignment with community housing priorities and required adjustments for approvals. - The Parks and Recreation Committee is tasked to develop a survey for further community engagement concerning park development needs.