Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on March 12, 2026, and found it consistent with the master plan. Commissioners raised several cost and planning concerns to be forwarded to the Township Board, including questions about pickleball court reconstruction, Buster Dame park improvements, Christmas Cove restrooms, Woolsey Airport terminology, township hall replacement costs, and road maintenance policy.
Public Comments
Commissioners Hugh Scott, Brian Mitchell, and Meg Jean questioned the need to fully rebuild the pickleball courts, noting they were recently built and would likely only need resurfacing at a cost of $10,000 to $20,000, rather than the $350,000 listed in the Facilities 5-year plan. Meg Jean proposed redirecting that funding toward spaces for teens in the community.
On Buster Dame park requests, several commissioners questioned the need for a trail and additional parking, and were unsure how $30,000 would be used. Some commissioners felt a playground was unnecessary there, but Meg Jean supported adding one to give younger children a place to play while older siblings participate in sports.
For Christmas Cove, a commissioner proposed converting the existing bathroom structures into changing rooms and renting two Porta Pottys with regular cleanout service, instead of spending $85,000 on new bathrooms with changing areas. It was noted the current bathrooms are poorly maintained and have an odor problem.
Hugh Scott requested that the word "terminal" not be used to describe the Woolsey Airport building, stating it is not and has never been a terminal.
Brian Mitchell noted that past CIPs identified which roads the Road Commission would address annually; it was explained that the Road Commission will only maintain roads with a PASER score of 5 or higher. Commissioners unanimously opposed a policy requiring a Special Assessment District (SAD) for all local road improvements, arguing residents would effectively be taxed three times — by the county, township millage, and SAD.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Concerns were raised over the $350,000 budgeted for pickleball court reconstruction versus a cheaper resurfacing option, the $30,000 Buster Dame trail and parking allocation, and whether a playground is warranted there. No final decisions were recorded; these are recommendations to the Township Board.
Infrastructure Projects
The township hall plan carries an $850,000 price tag, which commissioners questioned. Commissioners support obtaining an assessment of the building's value and potentially selling it, applying proceeds toward a new hall. Road maintenance policy was also discussed, with commissioners opposing an SAD requirement for local road improvements due to concerns about triple taxation.
Financial Summary
- Pickleball court rebuild: $350,000 budgeted; resurfacing estimated at $10,000–$20,000
- Buster Dame trail/parking/playground: $30,000
- Christmas Cove bathrooms: $85,000 proposed for new construction
- Township hall: $850,000 estimated cost
Action Items
- Obtain an assessment of the township hall's value; consider selling it and using proceeds toward a new hall
- Reconsider pickleball court budget in favor of resurfacing option
- Clarify Buster Dame trail, parking, and playground needs and costs
- Revisit Christmas Cove bathroom plan, considering Porta Potty rental alternative
- Update terminology for Woolsey Airport building to remove "terminal"
- Address disagreement over requiring SADs for local road improvements