Please Oppose the Michigan Legislature’s Efforts to Gut Local Control of Short Term Rentals

The Michigan House of Representatives passed a controversial bill that would restrict local zoning control of short term rental of residential homes. While the legislation underwent last-minute revisions to afford a few local controls, it still proposes to essentially eviscerate most local ordinances regarding what’s an increasingly contentious issue of significant impact in our community.

PTP supports local zoning of short term rentals to reflect community values, not state mandated standards heavily influenced by lobbyists [or special interest lobby groups]. Especially in communities like Peninsula Township exposed to heavy tourism, we’re more at risk of neighborhoods turning into hotel districts, driving up the housing market and worsening the region’s housing crises. State studies indicate that waterfront communities such as Traverse City and surrounding areas already have a disproportionately higher rate of short term rentals  -- with pressure for even more. Of course they do; these are areas where visitors flock. Converting long-term homes into short-term rentals undermines a sense of community  in our neighborhoods. 

This recent Record Eagle Editorial Board article reflects PTP’s position on the issue.Since the bill already passed the Michigan House, the best recourse for citizens opposed to this legislation is to contact Peninsula Township State Senator Wayne Schmidt  and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Our elected Township board has gone on record – as has the Michigan Township Association – in opposing the legislation. Residents should also contact Township officials to let them know you appreciate their efforts to support local control and oppose state efforts to loosen local control over community zoning. Email Township Clerk Rebecca Chown at clerk@peninsulatownship.com, and she will include your communication into the board packet so other Township officials can read your message. 

This bill should not be improved, it should be dropped for local control.

Purchase of Development Rights Millage Renewal and a new Parks Millage

For decades, PTP leaders have been instrumental in land preservation efforts on Old Mission Peninsula through which our community has ensured the long-term preservation of and achieved immeasurable public benefit of thousands of acres. 

The PDR millage is now expired but there are still over 4000  prime agricultural acres worth preserving to support farming, limit traffic, and manage development. A PDR millage vote is likely in 2022, and PTP endorses this effort.

Peninsula Township Parks are among our most valued community assets. It’s remarkable that we have well over 1,000 acres in parkland with 823 acres managed by the township. Various parks have different needs requiring significant capital improvements including universally accessible trails, playground equipment, sports court upgrades, vegetation restoration, restrooms, boat launch (Kelley Park), and possibly land acquisition for parks expansion. Given the surge in use of the parks, more routine maintenance is required, and it’s time for our community to support a parks operational budget. A millage request to fund these efforts is also likely in 2022, and PTP endorses these efforts.

Anyone wishing to play a role in these efforts – which will be citizen-led and citizen-funded millage campaigns – please contact PTP for more information at info@protectthepeninsula.com. We’ll know where to direct your energy!

Agricultural Advisory Committee is open to Input

On October 6, 2021, after a Township meeting with overflowing attendance regarding the lawsuit initiated by the wineries against Peninsula Township, elected officials established a citizens’ advisory committee to assist with resolution of the issues. Because farmers not involved in wine production expressed concerns about the township ordinance’s impact on them, the committee’s focus has expanded, and it’s now called the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The committee is tasked with addressing changes to agriculturally-related sections of the township zoning ordinance. 

This is a big and essential undertaking. Anyone from the community can have a voice in this work by attending the meetings in person. The next meeting is 10 AM December 16  at the Township hall, with meetings every two weeks thereafter until the work is done. Please attend and participate.

It’s important to note that our elected officials reserved three seats on the committee for winery representatives. To date, no members of the winery community have joined though PTP and the Township continue to urge their engagement in this effort to resolve their concerns in a public process.