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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders updates us on the WOMP mediation, interviews for the Planning Commission vacancy, Raj and Dawn Asava retiring from cooking the Legion Dinners 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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December 5, 2025
HELLO, WINTER! We all know the drill. Stay safe, warm and take care of one another as we are one community.
The Planning Commission (PC) met this week. Follow along with their progress via YouTube. They had a full agenda. They held a public hearing and recommended that the Township Board approve Special Use Permit #144 to allow the construction of a new fire station at 13235 Center Road.
Additionally, the PC continued discussion regarding SUP #35, Amendment #4 – OMP Seven Hills Development, LLC, and recommended that the Township Board approve amending Special Use Permit #35, to authorize changes to occupancy limits, parking, noise, outdoor amplified sound, and future traffic studies. The PC did not recommend that the Special Use Permit be amended to allow self-contained mobile kitchens or mobile bars.
Updates From Down the Hall
Treasurer’s Update: Winter tax bills have been sent out. They are payable without penalty through February 17, 2026. If you haven’t received your bill by 12/11, please call the treasurer’s office (231) 223-4484.
Peninsula Township Fire Department: PFD will be hosting our first community “Stop the Bleed” classes. This class is FREE to anyone who would like to participate and learn valuable lifesaving skills. The class will be held on two different days in the Community Room at Peninsula Community Library: Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, or Jan 14th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register, email [email protected].
On the agenda for the Dec. 9 Town Board meeting is an introduction to the Fire Station No. 1 Replacement, as recommended by the Planning Commission. Details are in the meeting packet on page 154.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond:
The Town Board (TB) will meet on Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m. The agenda is packed with two public hearings: Bayshore Marathon and Seven Hills SUP Amendment #4. We will be interviewing three candidates for the vacant position on the Planning Commission (page 118 in the packet). We will also discuss the WOMP lawsuit (page 176), the insurance coverage counsel, and the new federal lawsuit filed by Bonobo, Bowers Harbor Vineyard and WOMP (page 184).
Peninsula Community Library: Scouting America Holiday Extravaganza, Dec. 6, 2025, 1 p.m. Please join us for a Scouting America Holiday Extravaganza December 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library. Come celebrate the holidays and learn about Scouting America for Boys and Girls. Storytelling, origami, crafts, cookie decorating, and a special story journey. Families of all ages welcome!
Old Mission Women’s Club: NEW LOCATION — SAME SWEET TRADITION! Their Annual Cookie Sale is moving to Peninsula Community Library this December! New place. New time. Same delicious treats you know and love! Plus, plenty of parking! Dec. 13, 10 a.m. til sold out.
**I wanted to give a special Fairwell and Following Seas to two community members that have been serving with their time and talents for years. Dawn and Raj Asava prepared and served their final meal this last week at the Garland-Tompkins Old Mission American Legion Hall Post 399. On behalf of our Legion members and the community, Thank You!
For those wondering if the twice-monthly dinners will continue – Yes! Stephanie Krupka and Brian Daley, buyers under contract with the Old Mission Tavern, have agreed to keep the Legion dinners going!! Thank you, Stephanie and Brian! (I talked with Stephanie this week, and they are still waiting on the liquor license from the state. -jb)
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 Town Board was informed this week that WOMP is not moving forward with mediation at this time. The TB agreed to move forward with mediation at the Nov. 6 Special Meeting.
On Thanksgiving Eve, the Township was informed that Oosterhouse Winery, LLC (“Bonobo Winery” or “Bonobo”), Bowers Harbor Vineyard & Winery, and WOMP had filed a new federal lawsuit pertaining to a letter of violation sent to Bonobo on 11/21/2025 regarding a recent noise violation and violations of their SUP #118 as amended. This is a local zoning issue tied to SUP #118 as amended and the Peninsula Township Zoning and Noise Ordinances.
The WOMP appeal to the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals provides more clarity on the violations. The same SUP violation process initiated with Seven Hills Development, LLC has been requested of Bonobo. Bonobo has not contacted the Township to sit down and have a conversation about the violations and initiate a sub-committee to review the SUP with members of the PC and TB.
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 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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Thanks to Raj and dawn for serving the legion with great dinners. You were much appreciated.
Raj and Dawn, You’re fantastic!