Important Updates on EGLE Permit Review and ZBA Hearing

EGLE Extends Period to Review NorthShore of Saugatuck’s Proposed Marina Permits for 30 Days

We learned this week that Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has extended the timing to make a decision on NorthShore of Saugatuck’s proposed marina permit application for another 30 days to October 27. The extension was made at NorthShore of Saugatuck’s request.

“We are pleased EGLE is taking the time it needs to review the significant evidence submitted by the Coastal Alliance from scientists, historic preservation organizations, researchers, tribal nations, the City of Saugatuck, and local residents that attest to the significant damage the proposed marina would cause,” said David Swan, Coastal Alliance co-founder and president of the board of directors.

NorthShore’s first application to build the marina was approved by EGLE in 2018. Those permits expired in January 2023 because the developer hadn’t obtained the other permits required to begin construction.

“We believe NorthShore’s proposed marina clearly violates Michigan’s Critical Dunes Act and Inland Lakes and Streams Act,” said Bobbie Gaunt, Coastal Alliance board chair. “It is EGLE’s responsibility under Michigan law to protect and preserve the water and dunes at the Kalamazoo River Mouth. We are confident they are up to the task.”

Township ZBA to Ask Circuit Court for Clarification

Given the amount of new evidence submitted by the Coastal Alliance (~500 pages, organized and tabbed in a binder with a table of contents and review guide) and NorthShore of Saugatuck ( ~2,000 pages with no apparent order) coupled with the Township Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) members’ concerns that they didn’t fully understand the Allegan County Circuit Court’s order that ZBA members should consider new evidence, the ZBA voted to authorize their attorney to ask the Circuit Court to clarify its order. 

We’ll provide more details as we know more.