Peninsula Township
    Planning Commission Sub-Committee
    2nd   Community Meeting
    Old Mission
    March 12, 2008

    
    Forty-four people met at the Old Mission American Legion Hall to discuss the Old Mission Sub Area.  Penny Rosi read the comments from the previous meeting and provided extra copies.  Several new residents were in attendance and asked to be informed about the Master Plan process.  Chairman Lanny Leak explained that a Master Plan can be changed as needed and that nothing was “set in stone”.  However, a Master Plan provides direction for the future of the township and serves as the basis for future action.  He continued the discussion to determine what the community wants in the Master Plan for the Old Mission area.  After more discussion we decided to focus on the four areas of concern.    

    The following is a synopsis of the four identified areas:     

    RESIDENTIAL

        * There was a lot of comment regarding affordable housing, particularly in the platted area of Old Mission.  Many of the alleys in the original plat have been vacated.  A question was posed: if the township does not provide affordable housing for families, what will happen to the OMP School?
        * Sue Bouchey requested that her property designation become “Agriculture” thereby considerably reducing the current allowable density.
        * Residents do not want high rise buildings.
        * There was an interest in providing some type of housing for extended family (allow two houses on the same lot, auxiliary housing, garage apartments.)  While this seems to increase density there may be a way to achieve multi-generational housing and still keep the existing density.
        * There was a strong desire for more of a community setting.  The area is too linear.  We need a central pedestrian area.
        * The sidewalks were discussed:  Some questions were posed: who would put in sidewalks and maintain them and would landowners be responsible if someone fell on a sidewalk?  Some questioned the value of the sidewalks because we drive to all of our destinations.
        * Sewer/septic tanks/holding tanks and water wells could be a problem for future development of the area due to the high water table and soils.  Many lots may be unusable in the platted area and throughout the general area.
        * We should consider the situation in Northport and determine why that community is losing its vitality.  A question was posed: what tools for sustainable growth should we identify as we address our area?     

    COMMERCIAL

    ·        Light commercial use should provide buffering from residential uses.

    ·        Mixed-use commercial is appealing to most participants, if it can be viable.

    ·        Encourage year-round commercial use.  The question was posed: do we have enough local population to sustain commercial business year around?

    ·        Some commercial will be tourist/non-resident driven.

    ·        Tourists will come from Traverse City to Old Mission and we should capitalize on them.

    ·        Commercial on both sides of a street as in Sutton’s Bay is pedestrian unfriendly.

    ·        Parking for commercial will need to be identified to avoid congestion.

    ·        There is strong support for a Farmer’s Market in a commons area.

    ·        A Chamber of Commerce is essential to encourage commercial activity.     

    HISTORICAL

    ·        Most, but not all, favor building guidelines which reflect the architectural character of Old Mission.

    ·        Historical character must not be forced, only encouraged.

    ·        Save as many historical buildings and sites as possible.  They are our unique legacy. The Dougherty House is a focal point for educational and cultural activities.

    ·        Organize a group to consider defining a historic district.  This group could study guidelines used to maintain character in other communities like Old Mission.

        * Identify tax benefits associated with historic preservation.     

    RECREATION

    ·        Expand Haserot Beach to the south, including the old campground.  There was concern that the cost would be prohibitive.  The beach area is a great place for community gathering.

    ·        The owners of the campground property have invested in a community sewer and water system.  One lot has been sold.

    ·        Improve parking associated with the beach.  One suggestion was to charge ($25) for parking at Haserot but give residents a parking pass similar to a State Park sticker for a cheaper rate ($5).  This money could be used for beach improvements and future expansion and would make the beach available for local residents.

    ·        Hiking trails connecting Old Mission to the state park land could be achieved with signage along Eastern and Ridgewood Roads.     

    OTHER COMMENTS:

    ·        BATA will need to improve its system to serve our community.

    ·        The ferry would create transportation connections with Elk Rapids, Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City, Omena and Northport.  This would reduce traffic on township roads and benefit each of the ports.     

    Sue Bouchey has set up an on-line community bulletin board.  This will give you an opportunity to share thoughts about the Old Mission sub-area.  When you sign in, Sue will provide you with the connection to the board.  Contact Sue at oldmission.proboards56.com.  This will work like a blog.  Thanks Sue