Township Board: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 5:30 to 7:30pm, Leelanau Township Board and Northport Village Council Special Meeting (Correspondence)

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Elizabeth (Betsy) Mallek addresses the Leelanau Township Board regarding a housing discussion, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to address housing. Key points include balancing growth with preservation, addressing target populations, and exploring zoning strategies. Mallek highlights unique challenges in Northport, stressing that natural growth and responsible zoning can enhance the community’s environmental characteristics.

ePacket (Committee Meetings)

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The Department of Public Works has been busy with snow removal and anticipates spring. They’ve completed repairs to park equipment and prepared for mowing. Additionally, Well #4 at Port Sutton is being replaced, while improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant continue. There’s ongoing discussion about parking solutions on St. Marys Street in light of upcoming projects.

Executive Board Session (Public Comment – S. Scales, 04/08/2025)

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The Schomberg Drain Project, initiated in 2005, sought to modify a creek along Schomberg Road. Led by engineer Brian Cenci, costs exceeded $1 million, primarily sourced from local governments and residents. The project benefits six high-value properties but imposes financial burdens on 120 parcels, raising concerns about equitable use of the 1956 Drain Code.

Planning Commission: Planning Commission, Thursday, March 27, 2025 (Agenda/ Packet)

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Leelanau Township’s small airports serve crucial roles in emergencies and tourism, necessitating protective measures against development. Federal and local jurisdictions govern airspace and ground safety. The Woolsey Memorial Airport is integrated into the Transportation Plan, emphasizing the township’s priority of maintaining safety and operational integrity of these facilities.

Parks & Recreation Committee: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 5:30pm (Correspondence)

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This document addresses a proposed land swap between Leelanau Township and the Village of Northport concerning Buster Dame Park and the 7th Street property. The author argues against the swap, citing its lack of practicality and negative impacts on the community, advocating for maintaining the park while developing the 7th Street property for housing.

Planning Commission: Planning Commission, Thursday, March 13, 2025 (Latest Working Copy of Consultant Master Plan Draft)

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This Executive Summary outlines the key elements of the Leelanau Township Master Plan, designed to guide the community’s future. The plan addresses demographics, housing, natural features, coastal resiliency, and more. It identifies priorities and provides recommendations for policy updates, aimed at promoting efficient resource use, environmental quality, and informed zoning decisions.

Township Board: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 5:30 pm (Correspondence)

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In February 2025, the Leelanau Township Planning Commission rejected a communications tower application after a flawed three-year process. While public support for improved communications was significant, opposition arose from vocal neighbors. Criticism of the decision highlighted an overly stringent interpretation of zoning standards, urging a need for updated ordinances and a new tower proposal at a different site.

Planning Commission: Planning Commission, Thursday, February 25, 2025 (Annual Report Draft)

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The Leelanau Township Planning Commission submitted its annual report for 2024, detailing membership changes, meeting schedules, and key projects. With one resignation and two new appointees, the Commission met 18 times, focusing on the Master Plan update, zoning amendments, and community engagement. Continuing education efforts enhanced commissioners’ skills in planning and zoning.