Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission's October 24, 2024 agenda centered on two items: a work session on the Master Plan update and the process for reviewing Leelanau County's resubmitted Special Land Use Permit application for a communications tower on Kitchen Road. No votes were recorded in the documents provided. The bulk of the record consists of public correspondence, overwhelmingly in support of the proposed cell tower, plus resident comments on the Master Plan's Coastal Resiliency chapter.
Public Comments
Numerous written letters were submitted supporting the County's application for a telecommunications tower, citing poor or nonexistent cell service as a safety and quality-of-life issue. Letters were received from Mary Hartig (N. Island View Dr.), Lindsey Thomas, David and Louise Lutton (9636 E. Seth Rd.), Philip Loud, Craig Tiggleman (9640 E Seth Road), J. Brett Milbourn (two letters, 12371 N. Island View Dr.), Tom Lamont (12875 N. Island View Lane), Paul Minshull (14501 N. Cathead Bay Dr.), Barbara Stark-Nemon (N. Gardner Rd.), Phil Mikesell (10929 E. Melkild Rd.), and Anne Anderson (12390 N. Shores Court). Common themes included inability to contact emergency services, business and family communication failures, and long-standing frustration with coverage in the northern and western township.
Separately, resident Mark Krueger submitted written comments (originally from August 2022, resent October 9, 2024) on Master Plan Chapter 5 – Coastal Resiliency. Krueger argued the erosion data was mischaracterized, that setback rules should reflect actual topography and erosion risk rather than blanket rules, and that existing residential structures should be grandfathered against prohibitions on shoreline armoring. Trustee Gina Harder forwarded these comments to the Commission for consideration in advance of discussion on shoreline resiliency, though it was uncertain whether the topic would be reached at this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore reported that a new Special Land Use Permit application for the Kitchen Road Communications Tower was received October 10, 2024, comprising 261 pages. The application was undergoing completeness review before forwarding to the Planning Commission, with the electronic version also sent to the Township's planning consultant, Williams and Works, for assistance. Patmore anticipated the application would be forwarded to the Commission beginning October 24, 2024, at which point the Commission would receive a review schedule and listing of review criteria. The application was also being uploaded to the township website.
Other Business
The agenda included a Master Plan Update Work Session as a discussion/action item.
Action Items
The Planning Commission was to be given a review schedule and criteria for the Kitchen Road tower application starting October 24, 2024. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024.