Summary
The Suttons Bay Planning Commission meeting on November 19, 2025, centered around the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) campus proposal, public comments regarding community support for ISEA, and organization of the upcoming 2026 Planning Commission budget and meeting schedule. The Commission discussed zoning concerns regarding the proposed ISEA project and approved pre-scheduled agenda items, including a public hearing for electric vehicle charging station language.Public Comments
Several public comments were made regarding the ISEA proposal: - **Larry Mawby** urged the Planning Commission to expedite permitting for the ISEA project. - **John Siefeld**, board chairman of ISEA, highlighted the project's significant investment and community benefits. - **Lauren** from Suttons Bay Schools expressed excitement over ISEA's educational opportunities for students. - Several other attendees, including volunteers and community members, voiced support for the project's expansion and its positive impact on the community.Responses included encouragement from the Commission to proceed with the ISEA project and a plea from Planner Kopriva for an application for rezoning regarding other community matters.
Infrastructure Projects
The meeting primarily focused on the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) Campus Proposal. Key discussions included: - Fred Sitkins, ISEA Executive Director, discussed the project plan, including the reduction of asphalt and improvement of the Millside area. - Concerns about zoning compliance were raised by Planner Sara Kopriva, who indicated potential need for a variance or a text amendment regarding the nonconforming buildings. - The Commission expressed a consensus to conduct concurrent reviews by both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) concerning the project.Next steps outlined include further discussions on unresolved zoning issues in the next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December.
Other Business
The Commission reviewed and approved: - The proposed 2026 Planning Commission budget. - The meeting schedule for 2026 was also approved.Additionally, it was decided to hold a public hearing on the electric vehicle charging station language at the next meeting on December 17, 2025.