Summary
This document consists of six written public comments submitted to Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore ahead of the Leelanau Township Board's November 14, 2024 meeting, all opposing a proposed 200-foot cell phone tower near Northport on the Leelanau Peninsula. No board votes or decisions are recorded in this document; it reflects public input only.
Public Comments
Paris Morse wrote that the tower application violates the Leelanau Township Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances, citing the Master Plan's steep slopes provisions (page 23) and scenic views/natural areas inventory (page 25). Morse alleged the application contains false or misleading information, including unresolved utility easements (p.41), a false driveway photo (p.140), a mischaracterized excavation footprint, and an incomplete map of existing towers (p.98).
Anne Wood described her family's dairy farm in Ravenna, Michigan being destroyed by stray voltage from Consumers Energy utility work, with milk production dropping from roughly 80 gallons per cow per day to the 30s, and urged the township to deny the tower to avoid similar harm.
Emily Robbins, who grew up in Northport, said her family's approximately 40-acre property on Peterson Park Rd. near Scott Rd. would lose significant value and that the tower would harm scenic views enjoyed by residents.
Thomas Staunton questioned the tower's necessity, noting an existing tower less than a mile away not currently used by Verizon and other carriers, and suggested Starlink as an alternative to cell towers in rural areas. He asked the Township to decline the special land use permit.
Bryan Carroll voiced opposition citing disruption to the peaceful character of the Northport/Peterson Park Road area.
Katherine Gilbert raised concerns about environmental impacts on migratory birds, loss of tourism revenue, and effects on local businesses (lodging, restaurants, retail). She urged the Planning Commission to consider alternative technologies such as smaller infrastructure or use of existing structures, and to conduct a comprehensive review before proceeding.
Infrastructure Projects
The sole infrastructure item discussed is a proposed 200-foot cell phone tower and access road near Northport, put forward by Leelanau County. Commenters raised concerns about zoning ordinance compliance (specifically Ordinance 18.1B), steep slopes, scenic view impacts, environmental effects on wildlife, property values, and tourism. No board decision, vote, or next steps are documented in this material; the letters were submitted for consideration at the Planning Commission/Township Board meeting.
Action Items
- Thomas Staunton requested the Township decline to issue the special land use permit for the cell tower project.
- Katherine Gilbert requested the Planning Commission conduct a comprehensive review of environmental impact, visual aesthetics, tourism implications, and alternative site options before proceeding.
- Paris Morse requested the Planning Commission address alleged inaccuracies in the tower application (easements, driveway photo, excavation map, tower map).