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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports on zoning amendments for chickens and signage, the Township’s water quality report, summer taxes and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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July 10, 2026
Happy Cherry Harvest! Please give our farmers a break/brake out on the roads.
The Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Working Group met this week to review and make edits to the draft plan. The intention is to have a final draft to the Planning Commission (PC) by mid-August. Our project consultant from McKenna will be at the August PC meeting to present key aspects of the plan.
The Zoning Rewrite Ad Hoc Committee met this week (view the packet here). They discussed residential districts, the Land Division Act (LDA), and the progress of the draft Zoning Ordinance. Please follow along via Peninsula Township’s YouTube Channel.
The Planning Commission (PC) met on Thursday with a packed agenda. This was also Commissioner Randy Hall’s last meeting. They held two public hearings: Signage – Zoning Amendment #208 and Chickens – Zoning Amendment #211. Both amendments were moved to recommend to the Township Board. They also discussed the Special Use Permit (SUP) Process – Zoning Amendment #210, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and adding an optional 2nd monthly meeting on the 2nd Monday of the month. Please follow along via the YouTube channel.
The Meijer Festival of Races will take place Saturday, July 11, 2026. Sections of Peninsula Drive used for the Half Marathon and 15K routes will be closed or heavily restricted while runners are on the course from 7 – 10:30 a.m. Peninsula Drive generally re-opens to drivers progressively as runners move from north to south toward downtown Traverse City. Please direct any questions to Mandy DePuy, Marketing and Communications Manager, (231) 947-4230, [email protected].
The 2025 Water Quality Water Quality Report for Peninsula Township was received this week. This report covers the drinking water quality for Peninsula Township Water System for the 2025 calendar year. This information is a snapshot of the quality of the water that we provided to you in 2025. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and state standards. There were no violations or elevated levels of concern.
Updates From Down The Hall
The Treasurer’s Office update: Summer tax bills went out on July 1st, and we are busy with payments coming in. If you still haven’t received your bill, please give our office a call and we’d be happy to send you another or email you a copy. Our office phone number is (231) 223-4484. Please note, the treasurer’s office will be closed all day Thursday, July 16. Payments will not be accepted in the office, but the drop box out front of the building is a great option if you’d like to be sure that your payment is received. If you’d like a receipt, simply indicate that on your payment stub or envelope. We know that no one enjoys paying taxes, but it’s our favorite time of the year because we get to interact with all the wonderful residents. Come and say hello!
Looking Ahead To Next Week – And Beyond
The Township Board (TB) and the Planning Commission (PC) will hold a joint special meeting with MSU Extension/Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to host an education session regarding the Right to Farm Program and Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) on July 13th from 12 – 3 p.m. This will help inform and educate the PC during the planning process for the zoning ordinance re-write in the agricultural district based on recommendations from the township’s Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC).
The TB will hold their 1st regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. We have a packed agenda (packet found here). The Shoreline Ordinance is back on the agenda with possible action to be taken by the TB. We will also discuss a continuation of services proposal from Cunningham-Limp for the potential new fire station #1. Additionally, we will hold two Public Hearings: Zoning Ordinance Amendment #207, Conditional Rezoning of Parcel #28-11-009- 029-10 from R-1A/R-1C to R-1C, and Zoning Ordinance Amendment #209, Short-Term Rentals (pg. 202 of the meeting packet).
The Old Mission Peninsula School is Now Enrolling! Come experience Old Mission Peninsula School in person! Take a tour with our Administration and let them show you everything OMPS has to offer and why our students love to learn!
Please Join Us for a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Hope for Hemlocks Sustainable Boardwalk at the John Spencer Trail at Pelizzari Natural Area on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.
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 closeout Cherry Festival weekend neighbors!! 🌻
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 Randy Hall for many years of service. He always came to the meetings fully prepared to discuss the agenda items. ….. a high bar to replicate.
Please explain the water quality you provide for us? Are you referring to West and East Bays or our individual wells?