The Leelanau Township Planning Commission is set to convene on October 24, 2024, to address several key issues, including a Master Plan update and the review of a Special Land Use Permit for a proposed communications tower. The meeting will be accessible both in-person and via Zoom, with public participation encouraged. The agenda includes a work session on the Master Plan, specifically focusing on Chapter 5, which deals with Coastal Resiliency. Public comments have been received and will be considered during the meeting, highlighting the importance of shoreline erosion management and its economic implications for the township. Additionally, the resubmitted application for the Kitchen Road Communications Tower will be discussed, with the review process expected to commence following the meeting.
The review of the Special Land Use Permit for the communications tower is a critical agenda item. The application, received on October 10, 2024, has been forwarded to the Planning Commission after initial review for completeness by Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore. The township's Professional Planning Consultant, Williams and Works, will assist in this review. The proposed tower aims to improve cell service in a currently underserved area, and public support for this initiative has been strong, with numerous residents and property owners expressing the need for reliable cell service for safety and communication purposes. The Planning Commission will receive a schedule and review criteria to guide their assessment of the application.
Public comments submitted ahead of the meeting overwhelmingly support the construction of the cell tower. Residents have highlighted the current lack of cell service as a significant issue affecting their safety, ability to conduct business, and general quality of life. The comments emphasize the urgency of addressing this longstanding problem, with many residents expressing frustration over the lack of reliable communication in the area. The Planning Commission is urged to approve the County's application for the telecommunications tower, as it is seen as essential for the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.