Updates on the Township ZBA and State and Federal Permits
Here’s Where Things Stand
A quick reminder that NorthShore of Saugatuck must obtain permits from Saugatuck Township, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to build its proposed marina
Saugatuck Township Zoning Board of Appeals
The Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), which was directed by the Allegan County Circuit Court to determine whether the Coastal Alliance has standing to challenge the Township permit issued in 2017, has requested a hearing in Allegan County Circuit Court. The ZBA is seeking clarification of the court’s order to review new evidence to use in making its decision. The court hearing is scheduled for Monday morning, December 11 at 10:30 AM. The ZBA has scheduled a December 14, 1 PM public hearing to consider any actions the court requires following the December 11 hearing. We see the hearing on the 14th as a placeholder should there be any decisions made by the court that require action by or provide clarification for the ZBA.
Environment, Great Lakes & Energy
EGLE has delayed their permit decision to February 11, 2024. We are pleased EGLE is taking the time needed to make a thorough review of NorthShore’s application, including the significant concerns raised by the tribal nations, hydrologists and other scientists, historians, and citizens that the applicant’s plans would result in irreparable damage to our cultural, historic, and ecological values.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Last year, USACE released their findings that the proposed marina would create seven adverse impacts to the Traditional Cultural Property of the Potawatomi and required NorthShore to suggest ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those impacts. NorthShore continues to argue against those findings. The Coastal Alliance, Potawatomi nations, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and other consulting parties, including NorthShore, meet with USACE again on December 11.
