Summary
The Village of Suttons Bay Planning Commission's April 16, 2025 meeting (with an agenda for the subsequent May 21, 2025 meeting included) covered officer elections, forwarding of the 2024 Annual Report to Village Council, and scheduling of a public hearing on housekeeping zoning amendments. Vice Chairperson Pontius called the meeting to order with members Feringa, Pontius, Hylwa and Campbell present; Hetler, F. Smith and D. Smith were absent.
Public Comments
Julie Bravender, of Suttons Bay Harbor House, asked whether the commission would consider a text amendment for Bed & Breakfasts to base limits on occupancy rather than bedroom count, allowing up to 10 people. No commission decision was recorded on this request. Larry Mawby, representing Peninsula Housing, informed the commission that Peninsula Housing and the Land Bank are purchasing roughly 9 acres of the school property off Herman Road for rezoning to residential use, with closing expected end of May. He noted a community input event would be held and that athletic fields (excluding the high school baseball field) would be leased back to the school for three years.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Peninsula Housing/Land Bank purchase of school property acreage for residential rezoning, described above, represents the primary affordable/workforce housing initiative discussed. Separately, the Village's Final Master Plan Goals/Action Items list numerous high-priority housing items, including mapping priority development areas for workforce/attainable housing, updating PUD regulations to support workforce housing, incorporating density bonuses and reduced parking incentives, and considering dormitory or boarding-room housing for seasonal workforce needs.
Other Business
Officer elections: Hylwa nominated the current slate; Hylwa moved, Feringa seconded, CARRIED (Ayes: 4, No: 0) to elect Gail Hetler as Chair, Jared Pontius as Vice Chair, and Steve Feringa as Secretary. The 2024 Annual Report (VSB-2-24-56) was reviewed; Feringa moved, Hylwa seconded, CARRIED (Ayes: 4, No: 0) to forward it to Village Council. Feringa moved, Campbell seconded, CARRIED (Ayes: 4, No: 0) to schedule a public hearing for May 21, 2025 on proposed housekeeping zoning amendments covering setbacks, marihuana facility prohibitions, off-street parking requirements by district, spatial requirements, and definitions, plus a change allowing property owners to initiate text amendments. Zoning Administrator Patmore reported phone inquiries increasing; the ZBA did not meet; there was no Village Council report. Leelanau County Planning Commission separately issued a Notice of Intent (April 17, 2025) to prepare a County General Plan Amendment, inviting comment.
Action Items
Planner Kopriva to provide commission members a finalized copy of the completed Master Plan priority list. Public hearing on housekeeping zoning amendments set for May 21, 2025. Peninsula Housing's Herman Road property purchase expected to close end of May 2025, with a community event to follow for public input on future use.