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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates on Swaney Road work, public hearings on Seven Hills and a Bluff Road wetlands variance, a scam alert, 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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October 3, 2025
SCAM ALERT: There has been a recent email sent to a resident and their contractor that quite closely mimics our township email address(es), utilizing our physical township address, and signing it as a township trustee — by name. The content of the email appears rather legitimate and convincing.
If you receive a suspicious email, CALL our office directly, (231) 223-7322. Further, identify our correct email format: township.com NOT [email protected].
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.
Updates From Down the Hall
2025 Peninsula Township Survey: The postcards with online directions are in the mail. 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. If you prefer to take the survey on paper, please bring your postcard to the township offices and we will print a copy to fill out for you. We will send it back to EPIC-MRA when it’s returned. The survey will close October 10th. If you have a question or concern or have lost your postcard, please contact Mr. Kelly Sullivan at Epic-MRA, (517) 886-0860, [email protected].
Peninsula Township Fire Department: The fire department is hosting their annual Open House this weekend — Saturday, October 4th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Main Station, 14247 Center Road in Mapleton. The event will include a tour of the station and equipment, car seat safety inspections, on-site “Stop the Bleed” training, free food and drinks, fire safety activities and merch, a bounce house and more. You’ll also be able to check out the new Fire Safety House, which recently made an appearance at Old Mission Peninsula School.
Roadwork. The Grand Traverse County Road Commission has been busy in the township. They completed their joint project with MDOT at Blue Water Road and Center Road. They were notified of the severely deteriorating conditions on Swaney Road and Neahtawanta Road. This week, the tree cut back started on Swaney Road, and the drainage and repair work will keep progressing. I will keep everyone updated with info on both roads as it becomes available.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The Planning Commission meets on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. View the agenda here and the packet here. On the agenda:
- Seven Hills Special Use Permit 35, Amendment 4 Public Hearing
- Short-Term Rental Definition Discussion
- Zoning Ordinance Section 8.10 Building Height Discussion
The Zoning Board of Appeals meets on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. as a Special Meeting. View the agenda here and the packet here. There are two public hearings on the agenda:
- Continuation – Public Hearing for Request 923 to demo and rebuild a single family dwelling in the R1-C zoning district
- Public Hearing for Request 927 to construct a driveway in a wetland and wetland setback
The Peninsula Community Library has a packed schedule over the next several days. Please check out all of their events here. Note that the Oktoberfest scheduled for Sunday has been canceled. (Read more in this week’s news roundup here -jb)
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 early October 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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