Summary
This document consists of two pieces of correspondence submitted for the June 10, 2025 Leelanau Township Board meeting, both concerning the proposed removal of a deed restriction on the Buster Dame property and its transfer to the 7th Street property as part of an ongoing Township-Village-DNR partnership related to housing options. No board votes or decisions are recorded in this document; it reflects public input submitted for the record.
Public Comments
Two written letters were submitted to be read into the meeting minutes.
- Mike McMillan (NLTUA Board Member, Northport Village Planning Commission) wrote urging the Board to move forward with finalizing the DNR process to remove the encumbrance on the Buster Dame property. He noted the process has been underway for 18 months, including an appraisal of Buster Dame, two appraisals of the 7th Street property, and a community housing meeting. He stated he is not advocating for one property over another, but believes the Township should control the property rather than restart the DNR process later. He characterized opposition to the process as coming from "a small group in the Village."
- Ann Marie Mitchell wrote in support of local control over the Buster Dame property, arguing the existing deed restriction is outdated and that transferring the restriction to the 7th Street property would allow local elected officials, rather than the state, to decide the land's best use for Northport's future. She explicitly stated support for the restriction transfer from Buster Dame to 7th Street.
No Board response to these letters is included in the document.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Both letters reference an ongoing Township-Village-DNR process intended to relocate a deed restriction from the Buster Dame property to the 7th Street property, described as part of a community housing initiative. McMillan noted a community housing meeting has already been held as part of this process, along with appraisals of both properties. Neither letter indicates a final Board decision has been made on the transfer.
Action Items
- McMillan requests the Board take action to finalize the DNR process, adding Buster Dame to the inventory of properties for review by relevant government bodies.
- Mitchell requests the Board approve transferring the deed restriction from Buster Dame to the 7th Street property.
- The document indicates community disagreement over this process, with McMillan referencing opposition from "a small group in the Village" seeking to halt the process — a point of potential ongoing conflict for the Board to note.