Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met November 19, 2025, chaired by Hetler, with Feringa, F. Smith, D. Smith, and Hylwa present (Campbell and Pontius absent). The agenda and October 15, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously (5-0). The primary focus was an introductory site plan review for the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) campus expansion, which drew 35 guests and extensive public comment. The Commission also approved the 2026 Planning Commission budget and meeting schedule, and set a public hearing for December 17, 2025 on electric vehicle charging station language.
Public Comments
Numerous residents and ISEA supporters spoke in favor of the ISEA campus expansion, including Larry Mawby (Suttons Bay), John Siefeld (ISEA board chairman, calling it a $6 million investment), Lauren (Suttons Bay Schools teacher), Fred Simpkins (Traverse City), Kathy Schaeffer (Omena), Dan Lisuk (Leland), Jack Scripps (Northport), M. Piescore (ISEA employee), Jill Egan (Bingham Township), and Kim Eike (Suttons Bay). All urged timely Commission approval, citing educational, community, and economic benefits.
In later public comment, Larry Mawby thanked the Commission and separately requested help prioritizing rezoning of the Peninsula Housing school property; Planner Kopriva responded that such rezoning is typically applicant-initiated. Fred Sitkins (ISEA) expressed disappointment in the Village's engagement/response pace. Lois Bahle supported ISEA over a hotel use for the Millside Building. Jack Dunn asked about progress on allowing two-family dwellings on the Congregational Church property; Chair Hetler said this requires Village Council involvement, D. Smith (Council member) said she would raise it at Council, and Planner Kopriva noted the Church could request a formal text amendment.
Infrastructure Projects
ISEA's proposed campus expansion at the Millside Building was introduced by Executive Director Fred Sitkins, Engineer Scott Joswiak, and Architect Ray Kendra. The $10.2 million-funded project includes removing 10,000 sq ft of asphalt (from 26,000 to 16,000 sq ft), partial demolition of the Millside Building, a new stair tower, greenspace, sidewalks, ADA access, shoreline trail, multi-purpose building, and expanded stormwater/wetlands management. Access runs through Dame Street, deeded to the Village and Act 51-certified for funding, though ISEA's engineer questioned whether it meets road standards. Planner Kopriva identified zoning gaps regarding nonconforming buildings and form-based standards, suggesting a ZBA variance/interpretation, rezoning to Public/Quasi-Public, or a text amendment (timelines: 30 days for ZBA, 3-5 months for ordinance amendment). The Commission reached consensus to pursue concurrent PC/ZBA review. Engineer Joswiak requested an interpretation of Section 19.5 (nonconformities) for the Millside Building. Further review continues at the December 17, 2025 meeting. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was cancelled pending Village attorney review of related issues.
Financial Summary
ISEA has raised $10.2 million toward the campus project, described as a $6 million investment by board chairman John Siefeld. The Commission approved the 2026 Planning Commission budget as presented (5-0, moved by Feringa, seconded by F. Smith).
Other Business
The Commission reviewed and approved the 2026 meeting schedule (5-0, D. Smith moved, F. Smith seconded). New draft EV charging station language was presented; the Commission set a public hearing for December 17, 2025. Hetler and Hylwa disclosed being donors to ISEA, with Hetler uncertain if this constitutes a conflict of interest.
Action Items
ISEA's Engineer Joswiak will submit information seeking a Section 19.5 interpretation regarding the Millside Building's nonconforming status. Further ISEA site plan discussion is scheduled for the December 17, 2025 meeting. A public hearing on EV charging station language is set for December 17, 2025. D. Smith will raise the Congregational Church two-family dwelling rezoning matter with the Village Council. The Peninsula Housing school property rezoning request remains pending applicant action, per Planner Kopriva.