Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission's 2024 Annual Report, presented as a draft revised for the February 27, 2025 meeting, reviewed the Commission's activities under Chair Steve Kalchik. The Commission met 18 times in 2024, including one Special meeting on the Master Plan Update, with one regular meeting cancelled due to weather. Key personnel changes included the mid-year resignation of Commissioner Tom Weber, the departure of Trustee/Commissioner Gina Harder after she did not seek re-election, and the addition of new Commissioner Hugh Scott (August) and new Trustee/Commissioner Sylvia Gans (December). Major work included ongoing Master Plan revisions, review of a Communications Tower Special Use Permit application, and a Farm Stay Camping zoning text amendment.
Public Comments
The report notes that the Planning Commission "heard considerable public input both supporting and in opposition" to the Communications Tower Special Use Permit application submitted by Leelanau County Administration for a 200'-3" tower at 11015 N. Kitchen Rd. No individual speaker names or specific comments are detailed in the document. A Public Hearing on the tower re-application was scheduled for January 13, 2025, with a decision expected in 2025.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Commission heard a presentation from New Community Vision regarding the purchase of the former Timber Shores property, owned by RTVS, Acquisitions, LLC. No decision or vote on this matter is recorded in the report.
Infrastructure Projects
The Commission reviewed an application and re-application from Leelanau County Administration for a Special Land Use Permit to construct a 200'-3" Wireless Communications Tower at 11015 N. Kitchen Rd. Extensive public input and Commission discussion occurred on both sides of the issue. A Public Hearing on the re-application was scheduled for January 13, 2025, with a final decision to be made in 2025.
Other Business
- The Commission continued reviewing the Master Plan Update, discussing housing imbalance, housing types, agricultural profitability, land development pressure, home occupations/businesses, and commercial development; completion is prioritized for 2025.
- A formal application from Phil and Sarah Hallstedt sought a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow Farm Stay Camping in the Agricultural Zoning District. After a Public Hearing, the applicants agreed to revisions; revised language was presented in August, followed by another Public Hearing and further edits. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the revised language to the Township Board and forwarded it to the Leelanau County Planning Commission for review.
- The Commission heard results of the Leelanau Township Library Survey.
- Commissioners attended continuing education events, including a Michigan Townships Association webinar on large-scale renewable energy (Gerald Schatz and Gina Harder), a Leelanau County Planning Commission presentation on renewable energy (Schatz), the Michigan Townships Association Annual Conference (Schatz), the MSU Citizen Planner online series (multiple commissioners), and the Agritourism Summit in Traverse City (Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore and Schatz).
- Tom Weber represented the Commission at the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council annual awards banquet and helped present the 2024 John Nelson Water Stewardship Award.
- Commissioners participated in Northport/Leelanau Township Leadership Team meetings.
Action Items
- Complete the Master Plan Update, prioritized for 2025.
- Hold the Public Hearing on the Communications Tower re-application (scheduled January 13, 2025) and issue a decision in 2025.
- Finalize Township Board action on the Farm Stay Camping zoning text amendment recommended by the Planning Commission, following review by the Leelanau County Planning Commission.