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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates on OMP roadwork, agritourism ordinance language, township lawsuits, the fire department 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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September 19, 2025
The Grand Traverse County Road Commission is currently working at the intersection of Center Road and Blue Water Road. They are removing the crumbling asphalt on Blue Water and the shoulder/drainage asphalt along Center on the east side.
Please use caution in this area as it will be busy. The goal is to have a fresh and new intersection by late Friday afternoon! This project is being funded by cooperation between MDOT and the Road Commission.
WOMP vs Peninsula Township Update:
Filings in the winery lawsuit can be found here. They are also available on Pacer (a website that keeps all public records current on all federal litigation) here. Once you register on Pacer, you can find the case by going to the Michigan Western District Court under case number 1:20-cv-01008.
Peninsula Township, WOMP and Protect The Peninsula (PTP) were served a summons notice related to the Complaint for Declaratory Judgement on Sept. 17, 2025 by U.S. Specialty Insurance Company (USSIC). This is case number 1:25-cv-913.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) met on Tuesday Sept. 16. They recommended sending their draft Agritourism Ordinance language to the Planning Commission. The AAC adopted a Farmer Bill of Rights and will be sending it to the Planning Commission via the zoning ordinance re-write subcommittee.
Updates From Down the Hall:
The Planning Office: Keep an eye and ear out for the 2025 Peninsula Township Survey. The 200 sample phone interviews have already started, and postcards with online directions are hitting the mail as soon as the phone calls are done. We look forward to the results to help shape our entire community. We encourage you to review these background materials, which offer valuable insights into the key issues facing the township.
The Zoning Office:
Employment Opportunity – Part-time Peninsula Township Code Enforcement Officer. Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest/resumes for a part-time Code Enforcement Office. Appointee must be available nights and weekends. This position is for 15 hours maximum per week. Click here to view the job description. Contact Township Supervisor Maura Sanders at [email protected] or call (231) 223-7323. Please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Township Clerk Becky Chown via email, [email protected], or by mail to 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Peninsula Township Fire Department: The Fire Department will be testing all fire hydrants in the southern part of the township over the next few weeks. This is testing that is done every five years to check each hydrant’s production. We appreciate your patience as we go through this process.
The ground boring samples were recently performed by our Township engineer, Gourdie-Fraser. This is part of the planning process for the potential new fire station #1 next door to the Township offices. The goal is to be shovel ready once the WOMP lawsuit is behind us.
It’s never too early to mark your calendar for the Annual Fire Department Open House — Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the main station in Mapleton, 14247 Center Road.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond:
The Township Board will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 23. There will be a Special Meeting at 2 p.m., where we will enter into closed session under MCL 15.268(1)(h) to consult with the Township attorneys regarding litigation strategy for USSIC v Peninsula Township, case no. 25-cv-913, and EMC v Peninsula Township, case no. 1-25-cv-01081. View the agenda here.
Following the Special Meeting, the Township Board will have our regular second monthly meeting at 3 p.m. We will be discussing the potential bid awards for the sustainable boardwalk in the Hemlock Wing at Pelizzari Natural Area. The Board will also be reviewing and discussing progress on our 2025 Strategic Goals. View the meeting agenda here, and the packet here.
The Peninsula Community Library has a packed schedule over the next several days. Please check out all of their events on their website here. Something special this weekend if you are looking for something fun to do:
- Kids’ DIY Market | Sept. 20, 2025 – 10 a.m. Kids can sell homemade goodies, crafts and collector’s items. No fee, but PARENTS MUST fill out a registration form available in the library by 9/10 and remain with their child during the event.
Peninsula Township Parking Lot Closure. The Township office/hall parking lots will be closed to vehicle and foot traffic starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 21, for parking lot repaving.
Please keep an eye on all upcoming meetings via the Township website and our live streamed meetings (saved for 30 days) on our YouTube Channel.
Have a wonderful September weekend, everyone!
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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