Saugatuck Township ZBA Hearing Monday 9/11
Monday’s Saugatuck Township ZBA Hearing: What to Expect
The Coastal Alliance submitted materials to the Saugatuck Township Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on last Saturday to help them prepare for the hearing they’ll hold beginning at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, at the Township Hall and via Zoom. At the meeting, the ZBA will consider new evidence that can be introduced as we present our case for standing. When the Allegan Circuit Court remanded determination of standing back to the ZBA, it stipulated that the ZBA can accept new evidence that for good reason was not submitted when the Township voted on the Coastal Alliance’s standing in 2017 and 2018. NorthShore of Saugatuck also has the opportunity to submit new evidence for consideration by the ZBA.
We believe our legal team at Olson, Bzdok & Howard (OBH) did an outstanding job of providing the Alliance’s perspective clearly, succinctly, and persuasively. We look forward to attending the hearing next week where OBH will make our case in person.
As we noted in recent communications, based on discussions between the parties’ lawyers, the Coastal Alliance expects there will be multiple ZBA hearings. The Sept. 11 hearing will focus on what new evidence the ZBA will consider as it makes its determination. The dates and details of future hearings have not yet been set – stay tuned.
Consideration for the ZBA
While we’re encouraging Coastal Alliance members and supporters to attend either via Zoom or in person, we aren’t encouraging public comment given the very narrow focus of this meeting. We have asked one member to speak on behalf of all of us in support of the Alliance. That speaker will ask our supporters attending in person at the Township Hall to either raise their hand or stand and ask Zoom attendees to raise the hand icon so the ZBA can see our numbers. Of course, those who feel strongly about speaking may do so. Please remember, though, that the only topic the ZBA will be considering on Monday is evidence – not whether we meet the criteria for standing or the merits of our case.
Township Hall Address and Zoom Details
Saugatuck Township Hall is located at 3461 Blue Star Highway. Seating is limited.
(From the Notice of Public Hearing)
This is an in-person meeting and it will also be livestreamed via Zoom; virtual attendance is encouraged for members of the public.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5285764397...
Meeting ID: 528 576 4397 Passcode: 2021
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