Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission met September 11, 2025, with Chair Steve Kalchik presiding and one vacancy on the Commission. The Commission approved the agenda as amended (adding a Peninsula Township winery lawsuit report), approved June 26, 2025 minutes, and spent the bulk of the meeting reviewing and editing the Township Master Plan page by page, stopping work on page 7 to continue at the next meeting.
Public Comments
No members of the public attended in person or via Zoom, and no public comments were made during either public comment period.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Under the Township Board report given by Commissioner Silvia Gans, it was noted that Homestretch presented to the Township Board on the potential for developing land next to the Northport fire station into affordable housing. No Planning Commission decision or action was taken on this item.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Silvia Gans reported to the Commission on basketball and pickleball activities at Buster Dame Park. No further detail or action was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The Township Board report covered the Cherry Home Subdivision Road Repair, for which the Commission asked about funding; Gans said discussions involve a special assessment district with a bond. The Woolsey Airport Building Repair, stage 1, was reported to cost $250,000, with the Township Board committing $100,000 and not planning to contribute further; the Historical Society will give tours once complete. The Commission discussed whether township tax money was being used for this project. No Commission votes were taken on these items, as they fall under Township Board jurisdiction.
Other Business
ZA Patmore reported receipt of a new MSU Extension solar zoning guide and distribution of a booklet by Doug Whitley on township/village governance issues. An Open House on the Housing Zoning Atlas is scheduled for October 6, 2025, 4–6 p.m. at the Leelanau County Government Center. Patmore also reported on a State audit of the township assessing department that found shortfalls, with a corrective action plan now in place; the Commission discussed staffing hours for the position. A brief report was given on the Peninsula Township winery federal lawsuit; Patmore noted differences between the two townships' ordinances but said Leelanau's regulations may warrant review, pending any appeal by Peninsula Township. One ZBA Variance Application was submitted, with a hearing to be scheduled.
Action Items
- Steve Patmore to look into obtaining a map showing the township boundary in relation to Antrim County and Grand Traverse Bay.
- Commissioners to submit any typo corrections to Patmore directly rather than during meetings.
- Master Plan review to continue at the next meeting, picking up from page 7.
- ZBA Variance Application hearing to be scheduled.
- Continued monitoring of the Peninsula Township winery lawsuit and any appeal.