Summary
The Leelanau Township Board received four written public comment letters, all expressing strong support for the restoration of the historic stone Woolsey Terminal Building at Woolsey Airport, tied to the "SWAT!" preservation project and its grant application for restoration funding. No board votes or decisions are recorded in this document, which consists solely of submitted letters of support.
Public Comments
Four written letters of support were submitted regarding the Woolsey Terminal Building restoration project:
- Thor Mikesell, Treasurer of EAA Grand Traverse Region Chapter 234 (letter dated December 4, 2025), described Woolsey Airport (identifier 5D5) as vital to training new pilots on its grass runway, noted use by the Coast Guard for practice maneuvers, and highlighted the chapter's youth programs (Young Eagles, flight simulators, free rides). He urged continued Township investment in the terminal restoration.
- Nicole Arbury, Jane Gale and Phyllis Rebori of the Leelanau Dark Sky Leadership Team (letter dated August 26, 2025) noted the building's 150-year history as a stargazing and night-sky photography site, calling the terminal roof ideal for group astronomy events, and voiced support for SWAT!'s grant application.
- Tanmoy Ganguly, General Grant, and Scott Anttila, Michigan liaisons for the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) (letter dated August 2025), offered volunteer "work parties," help securing donor-funded amenities (camping areas, water, firewood, cooking utensils), and publicity support. They proposed the Township and SWAT committee consider adding amenities such as bikes, kayaks, hiking guides and stargazing equipment for visiting pilots.
- Chuck Whetsel, President of the Northport Lions Club (letter dated June 7, 2025), noted the Club's decades-long use of the airport for its annual Fly-in event, which serves over 1,000 guests and raises over $10,000 annually for charitable giving. The Lions assist with cleaning and routine maintenance of the terminal and hangars and support the SWAT! grant application.
No Township responses to these letters are recorded in the document.
Infrastructure Projects
All four letters address the proposed restoration of the historic stone Woolsey Terminal Building (originally a 19th-century creamery) at Woolsey Airport, submitted in support of the SWAT! project's grant application for preservation funding. No board decision, vote, or grant award amount is noted in the document; the letters represent community and organizational endorsements ahead of Township consideration.
Financial Summary
The Northport Lions Club noted its annual Fly-in event raises over $10,000 annually for the club's charitable giving. No specific grant amount, Township budget figures, or funding allocations for the terminal restoration are stated in the document.
Action Items
- SWAT! committee's grant application for restoration funding is referenced by multiple letter-writers as pending; no deadline or outcome is stated.
- Recreational Aviation Foundation liaisons (Tanmoy Ganguly, General Grant, Scott Anttila) offered to organize volunteer work parties and help secure donor-funded amenities, pending further discussion with the SWAT committee on which micro-projects to pursue.