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This 24/7 facility could see arrival/departure of 200 trucks and 200 cars daily, has fuel pumps for 5 trucks, 12 cars and 2 RVs. It would allow parking for 81 trucks, 95 cars and 11 RVs. Its 10,000 sq.ft. structure would house a 145-seat restaurant, convenience store, drivers' lounge, showers and self-serve laundry.

LAND (Laketown Alliance for Neighborly Development) would like to take this opportunity to compliment both the Planning Commission and the Township Board for hearing the concerns of the residents and business owners over the past 6 months. We applaud the Planning Commission's May 2 decision to have LSL move forward on Phase 1 of their proposal to review both the Master Plan and Township Zoning Ordinances. We see this as a crucial first step in addressing issues related to Zoning Ordinances that would lead to better regulatory control over development within the Township.

Click here for LSL Proposal

While we also compliment the Township for considering a possible Downtown Development Authority (DDA), we want to caution against any quick action on DDA establishment prior to the completion of the LSL review. LAND and the Laketown residents and business owners it represents are not opposed to a DDA but simply think it prudent to follow the process set in motion by the Planning Commission. Aside from the valuable, independent direction to be gained from LSL's input, waiting for it will give our community time to examine the issues/questions surrounding the longer-term impact a DDA would have. For example, some of the questions that need to be fully addressed are:

Why the need for a DDA?

DDA's are usually created to help development for a downtown area where property values are decreasing…how does that apply to the Blue Star corridor being identified when property values continue to rise in the Township?

The proposed DDA area contains numerous properties that are not zoned as commercial…doesn't that create a problem?

Can property owners within this proposed area opt out of being part of a DDA?

Does the Township have a clear long-term plan for the corridor and if so shouldn't it be evident in its Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances?

Since a DDA would have its own Board and authority, how would the concerns of adjacent properties be represented?

How does capturing Township tax revenues for use within a DDA impact other needs within the Township?

How would a DDA prevent special interests from sidestepping the Planning Commission and/or the interests of property owners within the district?

DDA's are usually established to help accelerate growth…is that what the residents of Laketown Township are looking for and/or need?

Click here for Financial Impact of DDAs

Finally it is understood that part of the potential reasoning for the establishment DDA is to create a means to gain sewer/water for future development. With discussions currently underway involving Saugatuck, Douglas, Laketown and Mr. Darby regarding sewer access for his property, is it not pre-mature to move forward until that issue is resolved as well?

Again, we commend the Township for its proactive thinking but want to strongly recommend that it move slowly and deliberately to ensure that the results will be truly in the best interests of the Township and its immediate neighbors.

We look forward to working with the Township in a way that will produce the best environment for its constituents.

Respectfully,

Glenn Hartson
President LAND (Laketown Alliance for Neighborly Development)

Laketown Township Planning Commission Meetings
First Wednesday every month, 7pm

Laketown Township Hall
4338 Beeline Rd.
South of 144th Ave. & 62nd St.
616-335-3050
See a map here