Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission's May 20, 2026 meeting (packet materials for the June 17, 2026 meeting) covered zoning ordinance updates, officer elections, and reports on ongoing infrastructure and housing issues. The Commission approved its agenda and minutes unanimously (Ayes: 6, No: 0), re-elected its slate of officers, and continued work on driveway standards for alleys. Council updates included progress on the marina project, fishing pier repair, and EV charging station zoning language.
Public Comments
Bill Crackel spoke, stating that driveway standards in alleys need to be strengthened and citing a specific issue at 422 St. Mary's. He also asked about the status of EV charging stations. No formal written comments were noted.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Under Good of the Order, D. Smith recommended the Village consider attainable housing, noting that Northport had adopted a PILOT ordinance and tax incentives for attainable housing. Commissioners discussed whether this falls under Planning Commission or Village Council jurisdiction, with no decision made. The Master Plan Action Items list also references numerous housing-related priorities (workforce housing incentives, ADU standards, PUD updates) for future consideration.
Parks and Recreation Matters
D. Smith reported that the Village fishing pier was destroyed by ice; EGLE granted expedited approval to rebuild, with work scheduled to begin that week at a cost of $44,000. A question was raised about replacing the pedestrian bridge; D. Smith confirmed that project is on hold due to soils issues.
Infrastructure Projects
D. Smith reported the marina project is currently out for bids. Council also discussed Elm Street issues, including culverts, walkability, safety concerns, and speed limits, though no vote was recorded. The Council previously approved zoning language for EV charging stations and discussed a potential public charging station.
Other Business
The Commission unanimously re-elected the current officer slate (Hetler as Chair, Pontius as Vice-Chair, Feringa as Secretary), motion by Hetler, seconded by F. Smith, passed 6-0. On driveway standards, ZA Patmore reported the ZBA had ruled that Section 2-4.D.4.b's 12-foot driveway width maximum does not apply to alley access and recommended Planning Commission review; the Commission reached consensus that at least setback standards should apply to alley driveways. The 2025 draft Annual Report was discussed, with the Commission requesting more detail on 2026 priorities; Sarah Kopriva will revise the draft for the next meeting. Chair Hetler also noted an EGLE permit notice for the M-22/Fourth Street property, though no zoning application has been submitted.
Financial Summary
The fishing pier rebuild is budgeted at approximately $44,000, following EGLE's expedited approval.
Action Items
- Sarah Kopriva to research driveway/alley standards, including whether such standards should exist outside the zoning ordinance, and report back to the Commission.
- Sarah Kopriva to revise the draft 2025 Annual Report with expanded 2026 priorities for the next meeting.
- ZA Patmore and Kopriva to meet with DPW regarding driveway standards and curb-cut language.
- Inland Seas expansion project must obtain fire department and DPW approval for removal of secondary site access before construction (a condition of December 2025 approval); as of this report, Inland Seas had not yet approached either department despite planning a June construction start — a recurring compliance concern.