Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission met May 22, 2025, with Chair Steve Kalchik presiding and Commissioner Brigid Hart absent. The Commission approved the agenda as amended, approved the April 24 and May 8 draft minutes with edits, and spent most of the meeting continuing work on the Township Master Plan, reviewing sections on the library, Northport School, township parks, the Woolsey Airport, and the Leelanau Conservancy. No public comments were received. The next regular meeting was set for June 22, 2025, and the June 8 meeting was cancelled by consensus to allow more time for Master Plan preparation.
Public Comments
Chair Kalchik opened the floor for public comment twice during the meeting; no members of the public were present in person or via Zoom, and no comments were offered at either opportunity.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Under Commissioner and Staff Comments, the Commission voiced support for continuing the Township's contract with Housing North for assistance with housing matters. No specific figures, votes, or further action were noted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
As part of the Master Plan Workshop, the section on township parks was reviewed and edited, with Commissioner Silvia Gans providing an updated chart. The Commission noted a need to add information on the North Fox Islands State of Michigan park property. The Woolsey Airport section was also discussed, including maintenance of the property and the possibility of instituting landing fees. No votes were taken; edits were incorporated into the draft Plan for further review.
Other Business
Commissioner Hugh Scott reported that the Village of Northport Planning Commission had considered compiling a list of Village-owned properties but decided against doing so. Silvia Gans agreed to ask the Leelanau Township Board for a list of Township-owned properties. The Commission confirmed the next meeting for June 22, 2025, and cancelled the June 8, 2025 meeting by consensus.
Action Items
- Silvia Gans to edit the Library, Northport School, and Parks sections of the Master Plan and bring updates back to the Commission.
- Silvia Gans to reach out to Elizabeth Schwind regarding review of a Master Plan section.
- Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore to continue editing the Master Plan draft based on Commission review.
- Silvia Gans to request from the Township Board a list of Township-owned properties.
- Commission to reconvene June 22, 2025, with the June 8 meeting cancelled.