Summary
The Leelanau Planning Commission reviewed a working draft of the Economic Development chapter for the Township Master Plan update. The document outlines tourism types, workforce and housing pressures, commercial development in the Village of Northport and Omena, and infrastructure needs including broadband, solar, and wind energy. No formal votes were recorded; the material consists of analysis, open-house survey results, and proposed action items for further Commission consideration.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The document highlights a workforce housing shortage, noting 76.2% of residents earning $3,334+/month work outside the Township and 66.0% of higher-earning workers in the Township live elsewhere. Short-term rentals (STRs) are flagged as a factor increasing housing costs by competing with traditional buyers; a possible cap on annual STR permits is suggested, pending state legislation. Agricultural worker housing rules (one unit per 40 acres, employer-owned, employees only) are described as adequate, though an added occupancy limit (one family or two unrelated adults per bedroom) is recommended to prevent overcrowding.
Infrastructure Projects
Broadband coverage is inconsistent; 35% of surveyed residents said service does not meet household needs. The Leelanau Internet Futures Team (LIFT) and Leelanau County are pursuing funding, and a federal infrastructure bill directed roughly $100 million toward Michigan broadband expansion. The Township currently has no solar zoning provisions; a preliminary solar zoning framework (roof-mounted, ground-mounted, principal-use small/large) is proposed using a Michigan State University Extension/Graham Sustainability Institute model ordinance. Existing wind energy zoning (150kW cap for agricultural, 20kW for non-agricultural systems) is deemed adequate with no changes needed. Marina facilities in Northport and Omena, along with water/sewer capacity needs to support business growth, are referenced as economic infrastructure factors.
Other Business
Commercial development is recommended to be prioritized in the Village of Northport due to existing infrastructure; joint planning between the Village and Township under the Michigan Joint Municipal Planning Act (Act 226 of 2003) is suggested for exploration. In Omena, further commercial expansion is discouraged due to space and parking constraints; proposed improvements include parking signage, sidewalk expansion along M-22 from E Tatch Rd to Omena Point Rd, and a signalized crosswalk. Agritourism uses (roadside stands, U-Pick, farm markets, corn mazes, farm stays) received majority survey support, with zoning changes proposed to add definitions and permit these uses in Agricultural, Commercial, and Residential Conservation districts.
Financial Summary
Wineries in Leelanau County were reported (2017 study) to contribute about $64 million to the local economy and support 241 direct and 459 indirect jobs. The agritourism market was projected to grow 13.4% between 2021–2023. A federal infrastructure bill allocated approximately $100 million for broadband expansion statewide, which could benefit Township coverage.
Action Items
- Add zoning definitions and permit U-Pick, farm markets, corn mazes (as special land use), and farm stays in specified districts.
- Monitor state short-term rental legislation and consider capping STR permits if allowed.
- Add occupancy provisions for year-round farm worker housing to prevent overcrowding.
- Draft and adopt a solar energy zoning ordinance amendment based on the MSU Extension/Graham Sustainability Institute model.
- Explore a Joint Planning Commission and joint master planning with the Village of Northport.
- Discourage new commercial development in Omena; add parking signage, expand sidewalks (E Tatch Rd to Omena Point Rd), and install a signalized crosswalk on M-22.
- Highlight cultural resources and winter recreation opportunities in regional marketing efforts.