Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission's April 9, 2026 packet centers on the continued review of the Kilcherman Investments, LLC "N Gill's Pier Preserve" Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) application for a 5-lot project on N. Onominese Trail (Parcel 45-008-106-005-00). The public hearing, originally set for March 12, 2026, was postponed at the Applicant's request to April 9. Two unresolved legal issues—cross-district density and off-site septic easements—are being referred to the Township Attorney and will not be resolved at this hearing. The packet also includes the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report and a new rezoning application for 10050 N. Ranger Road.
Public Comments
Although the official public hearing had not yet occurred as of the March 12 meeting, the Zoning Administrator's notes indicate "considerable public comment" was already received on the Kilcherman project, "most expressing concerns about the project." Attorney Joseph Campbell submitted written correspondence dated March 3, 2026, on behalf of neighbors Bill and Sue Allen, objecting to the proposed drainfield easements and threatening legal action. Applicant's attorney Pete Miller responded in a March 9, 2026 letter, arguing the Allens' claim is a private covenant dispute between the Allens and the easement grantors (Jim Nairne and Lynn Sugarman), not a Planning Commission matter, and that the Health Department has already approved the drainfield locations. An unnamed Planning Commission member has publicly stated that placing lots/density across a zoning district boundary is not allowed by the Ordinance, a position disputed by the Applicant's attorney.
Parks and Recreation Matters
At the February 12, 2026 meeting, Trustee Silvia Gans reported the Township Board discussed a Parks & Recreation ordinance and later approved a Parks Ordinance.
Infrastructure Projects
The Kilcherman OSRD proposal includes a private gravel road (approximately 1,125 feet, 20 feet wide) and stormwater management via cascading swales, low-height berms, and stabilized overflow/slow-release structures, designed by GFA engineer Mark Maguire to meet Leelanau County SESSRC standards. Septic drainfields for the 5 lots would be located on the adjacent Green Bridge Preserve parcel via easement, approved by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (report dated August 27, 2025); GFA's Dave Lewis, Erik Arbut, and Mark Maguire confirmed the design avoids existing wetlands and septic infrastructure. Trustee Gans reported the Township Board also discussed an AT&T cell tower, the NLTUA budget, and Cherry special assessment matters. The Planning Commission's 2025 Annual Report notes completion of a Communications Tower Special Use Permit review, including adopted Findings.
Other Business
The Commission approved December 18, 2025 minutes at the February 12 meeting (motion by Mitchell, seconded by Gans, all ayes). Commissioner Hugh Scott moved to schedule the Gills Pier Preserve public hearing for March 12, 2026 (seconded by Mitchell, all ayes); it was later postponed to April 9. Trustee Gans reported the Board approved a policy manual, poverty exemption guidelines, and Jessica Alpers as Assistant Zoning Administrator, and discussed a purchasing policy and Capital Improvement Plan. A FOIA lawsuit filed by William Wizinsky was noted. A rezoning application for 10050 N. Ranger Road (North Ranger Rd LLC, agent Northview 22 LLC) requesting rezoning from Residential Conservation to R-2 was received and is under staff completeness review.
Action Items
The Township Attorney must issue an opinion on two Kilcherman OSRD issues: (1) whether septic fields may be located on an adjacent parcel's easement under a previously approved OSRD, and (2) whether OSRD lots/density may cross zoning district lines. Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore is preparing a written review of the project against multiple Zoning Ordinance articles. Meg Jean still needs to be signed up for the Citizen Planner program. Staff will review completeness of the North Ranger Road rezoning application. The next meeting is a Master Plan/Zoning Ordinance workshop on April 21, 2026.