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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates about the winery lawsuit, an upcoming meeting about it, Bluff Road news, the zoning ordinance rewrite and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates that keep us tuned into what’s happening at the Township offices. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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July 12, 2025
Neighbors, it has been an unfortunate week for our township after the wonderful Independence Day holiday. As many of you are aware, we received the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) vs. Peninsula Township Bench Trial Opinion released July 7, 2025. Judge Paul K. Maloney awarded WOMP $49,263,007.70 in damages, but declined to issue an injunction for the Township under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65.
At the Township Board special meeting on Thursday, a statement was read on behalf of Peninsula Township. Click here to read the statement.
On Monday, July 14, at 11 a.m., the Township Board will hold a special meeting to specifically discuss Judge Maloney’s Opinion. Prior to the Board entering closed session with our legal counsel, there will be plenty of opportunity for public comment.
The Township Supervisor, [email protected], and/or Clerk, [email protected], will accept written comments until 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, for publication in a packet addition. I encourage your comments. After the meeting, the Township hopes to provide more information and answer many of the questions already received.
There was no action taken on the potential purchase of private land for the new fire station #1. The appraisal for the current station #1 can be viewed here, and the appraisal for the private property that was being sought can be viewed here.
Our County Road Commissioner, Alan Leman, attended Thursday’s Board meeting. He shared with us that the Road Commission is hiring a civil engineer as a project manager specifically for Bluff Road. No steps have been taken, and no plan is in place for the future of Bluff Road. I have been receiving regular letters from township residents regarding the future of Bluff Road, and I encourage that communication to continue. I will add it all to the August regular meeting packet.
The Planning Commission (PC) also met on Thursday with a full agenda. The PC recommended Commissioners Shipman and Shanafelt be reappointed for another term. The PC formed a subgroup to meet with Seven Hills and identify needs/options to bring Seven Hills into full and lasting compliance. The zoning ordinance rewrite project plan was reviewed and will be posted to the Planning webpage by next Thursday.
Priority topics that could receive a public hearing prior to the full rewrite include signage, noise, shoreline and short-term rentals (clarifying they are not allowed currently, nor will they be allowed via rewrite). The public is encouraged to attend PC meetings to share input on the zoning rewrite process. They can reference the project plan (forthcoming) for an understanding of what topics will be discussed and when.
Plan on this being a monthly discussion item at the PC meetings. The PC also reviewed shoreline policy update and the plan to move forward with codifying the policy so the PC can continue to evaluate.
Updates from Down the Hall:
The Assessor’s Office: It’s that time of year when we start to see land division questions and requests come in. Here is the link for the “Peninsula Township Policy Regarding Land Divisions, Process and Procedure” to help answer any questions as you get started.
The Clerk’s Office: The clerk’s office is continuing to work with engineers at Beckett & Raeder on the Kelley Park Boat Launch application. The newsletter was mailed yesterday and should be in mailboxes this weekend.
The Treasures Office: By now, everyone should have received their tax bills. If you still haven’t received yours, please give the treasurer’s office a call, (231) 223-4484, and we’d be happy to send you another copy in the mail or by email. Bills are due September 15th.
The Zoning Office has created an online Ordinance Complaint Form. The submissions go directly to our Code Enforcement Officer. This is the most efficient and effective way to manage and maintain ordinance concerns within the community.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond:
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will meet on July 15 at 7 p.m. The agenda can be found here. Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest and/or resumes for individuals to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals. One three-year position is open. This board meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month; site visits often precede the meeting. Additional meetings may be scheduled.
Applicants must be qualified electors of the township. Please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Township Clerk Becky Chown at [email protected] or mail it to her at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City MI 49686 by 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Keep an eye on all upcoming meetings via the Township website and our live streamed meetings (saved for 30 days) on our YouTube Channel.
If you are available, please tune into the YouTube Channel on Monday for the 11 a.m. Special Meeting regarding the WOMP lawsuit as it’s streamed live. The video will be available to share almost immediately after the meeting.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Maura Sanders, Supervisor
Maura Sanders, Peninsula Township Supervisor
Phone: (231) 223-7323
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mondays 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays – Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday – Sunday and Holidays. If TCAPS is closed due to weather, Peninsula Township offices are closed at least until 10 a.m. Please check the website homepage for any updates.
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