Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission's September 17, 2025 agenda packet centers on continued work reviewing Master Plan priorities and a new zoning text amendment request tied to affordable housing. At the July 16, 2025 meeting, the agenda and June 18 minutes were approved unanimously (Ayes: 5, No: 0), and commission members reported on assigned sections of the zoning ordinance related to the Master Plan. No new business items were before the Commission in July. For September, the packet includes a Master Plan Action Items memo from Sara Kopriva (Beckett & Raeder), a zoning report, and letters requesting an ADU ordinance text amendment from Suttons Bay Congregational Church.
Public Comments
At the July 16 meeting, Fred Sitkins spoke about Inland Seas' plan to convert a blighted building into its future home, including learning spaces, solar power, vessel maintenance areas, and wetland preservation; staff had reviewed the plan and offered suggestions. Larry Mawby spoke regarding 9.5 acres purchased from the school and later thanked commission members for their work on Master Plan review. No formal responses or votes were recorded on these comments.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Suttons Bay Congregational Church submitted a letter (September 2, 2025) requesting a text amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 9-2, Item C (Owner Occupancy), to allow a nonprofit-owned parcel to add an ADU without the owner residing on-site. The church has provided subsidized housing since 2006 in its parsonage at 214 W. Madison to Maiah Ku Vang and her five children, and seeks to add an ADU to continue housing another family. Letters of support were submitted by Leelanau Christian Neighbors (Charlies J. Bumb), LIFT Teen Center & Friendship Community Center (Rebekah TenBrink), and Inland Seas Education Association (Fred Sitkins), all citing the community's need for affordable housing. Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore noted the PC could either study the request as part of ongoing Master Plan housing work or require a formal application; no decision is recorded.
Other Business
Commission members reported on assigned Master Plan/zoning reviews: Hetler reviewed waterfront view protections (Article 2, Sections 11 & 14; Article 8) and signage (Article 12); Feringa reviewed stormwater/environmental standards, noting outdated DEQ references needing updates to EGLE and FEMA floodplain language needing review; F. Smith reviewed buffering (Article 5, Section 11-4); D. Smith reviewed ADU provisions and suggested incentives for workforce housing; Hylwa reviewed the Gateway District, later sending a detailed follow-up email (August 26) recommending clarifications on permitted uses, duplicative listings, and "form requirements" language. Sara Kopriva's memo confirmed the PUD amendment is being held pending further discussion with the Village Manager.
Action Items
- Sara Kopriva to present PUD language report and updated Master Plan action items.
- Hylwa to finalize Gateway District natural resources review.
- Commission to discuss Suttons Bay Congregational Church's ADU text amendment request at the September 17 meeting.
- Feringa to obtain Acme Township stormwater language for comparison.