The Suttons Bay Planning Commission hosted a public hearing regarding the Drake property, located off Stony Point Road.
“I think we made considerable progress considering how controversial this project is. We are working with our attorney, the developer has an attorney, and the residents have an attorney. We are making sure this is done the right way, and this is all preliminary,” Suttons Bay Township zoning administrator Steve Patmore said.
The Drake property will be back on the docket for more preliminary discussion Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Suttons Bay Township Hall, 7 p.m.
The residential development plan has been proposed by fruit farmers Karen and Mark Drake, who aim to develop over 50 acres of land outside of town, located just off Stony Point Road. There are concerns within the community about the project, including erosion, and worries that it may not maintain the community’s character.
Tuesday’s meeting was primarily for discussion, as the planning commission reviewed a range of issues, both large and small, throughout the night.
The township will be compiling a list of concerns about the project. A couple of decisions made last week pertained to lot width and house setbacks.
“We will come up with a list of conditions for preliminary approval of the project,” Patmore said. After preliminary discussions and acts, final approval will still be awaited.
Lot widths were proposed at 100 feet, but the township said they would approve 120 feet. Side setbacks were proposed at 10 feet, and the planning commission is recommending 35 feet between the house and the property line.
The planning commission shared concern for the “waterfront, key holding portion of the property,” which represents a specific section or property that provides water access to a larger group of people rather than a standard single-family home.
“It’s located near an intersection,” Patmore said.
The planners also want to see the final plans of landscaping, including green buffers, for further consideration.
At an April 3 meeting, Scott Bohen and Steve Morgan represented the Drakes to explain that the development would take place over two years, with the first phase constructing seven new home sites with waterfront access, a clubhouse, and parking spaces for residents. Phase two would cover the remaining 20 sites.
