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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates on the 33-home development known as Walnut Grove, the upcoming township survey 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 6, 2025
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Labor Day holiday. Did you know that the first Labor Day celebration in the U.S. was a parade on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor? Now we all know!
This was a short week, but still a very busy one at the township offices, especially in the Treasurer’s office.
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.
The Planning Commission (PC) met on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Discussion took place regarding the Walnut Grove Special Use Permit Introduction and the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Ad-Hoc Committee (shoreline, short-term rental, and signage draft ordinance language discussion).
(The PC is requesting more info from the Walnut Grove applicant regarding trees, slopes and open space. This proposed 33-home planned unit development is located on Center Road across the road from Port of Old Mission. For more info on this project, click here. -jb)
The PC’s Zoning Rewrite Ad Hoc Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. in the Township Hall. This is an Open Meeting and all that are interested are encouraged to attend. The business topics are Special Use Permit Amendments and Land Uses.
Updates From Down the Hall
The Assessor’s Office. Sally and David are continuing their annual 20 percent field assessing. (From the State of Michigan document regarding the assessing and notifications: “As a guideline, the State Tax Commission recommends that assessors inspect 20% of properties in their local unit annually. Of primary importance is that assessors have a documented inspection plan that provides for consistent review of all properties within the local unit over a specified period of time.” More info here. -jb)
The Treasurer’s Office. Taxes are due by Sept. 15. Pay in person during office hours, drop your payment into our secure drop box outside the front door of the Township office, or pay online anytime at peninsulatownship.com. Starting Sept. 16, 1 percent interest will be added to all unpaid tax bills, no exceptions.
The Planning Office. The draft Township Survey has been delivered to EPIC-MRA. They will be reviewing and formatting the survey over the next two weeks. The goal is to have the survey ready for the public by the end of September.
The Zoning Office. SepticSmart Week is Sept. 15-19 and aims to raise awareness of effective septic management among the 1.3 million Michigan residents whose wastewater is treated by a septic system. This includes a free webinar on Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. offering education on proper use and routine care of septic systems to help homeowners avoid costly repairs and protect the health of groundwater, lakes and streams. Find more resources for local governments on septic education on the SepticSmart web page.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The Peninsula Community Library (PCL) Annual Art Sale is Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome to browse and shop from local artisans showcasing their work at PCL’s Art Sale. Textiles, block printing, lithographs, jewelry, woodworking, photography, shadow boxes, quilting, fiber arts, watercolors, pottery and much more!
Old Mission Peninsula School is off to a great 2025/2026 school year! We are a very lucky community to have this opportunity for our youngest residents to thrive.
The Peninsula Township Fire Department will be hosting an open house on Oct. 4. Watch for more details to come.
Grand Traverse County Household Hazardous Waste. Sign up is available for the next Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticide Collection event on Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Go to the Grand Traverse County Recycle Smart website for details on how to make an appointment.
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 great September weekend and a great week ahead!
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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