Truth or Fiction?

In a recent ad that purports to tell “the truth” about the Leelanau Township Commercial Resort Zoning Ordinance the author uses a laughable comparison for his first assertion about Timber Shores.

He compares the number of Timber Shores camping sites to camping sites at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  He neglects to mention that while there are only four campgrounds within the park (two of which are on the Manitou Islands) there are several small and large campgrounds nearby.  What else did he forget?  That over 32,000 acres of the National Lakeshore are designated wilderness area.

He alleges that Timber Shores will have an enormous impact on our community that will profoundly affect traffic, emergency services and the infrastructure of Leelanau Township. He neglects to mention the economic benefit that comes with a $15 million build out of the park, annual operating expenses of $1.5 million, an annual payroll estimated at half a million plus all the business campers bring to local businesses. And there’s more…

Traffic – State of Michigan studies show that there are an annual daily average of over 2,700 vehicles a day traveling between Omena and Northport.  Will the arrival of 355 campers even be noticeable?

Emergency Services – We’ve talked to local emergency services providers in the townships where Leelanau RV Park, Wild Cherry RV Park, Indigo Bluffs and Leelanau Pines are located.  The consensus among these knowledgeable and experienced emergency services leaders is that no local RV park in their service area puts more demand on their operations than the typical subdivision.

Infrastructure – the owner of the Timber Shores property has paid over $2 million dollars in the past 20+ years – all while receiving no services. The estimated annual property taxes for the park, when complete, will be $168,000 – a big increase in revenue for the township.

Wastewater and Sewage – The ad sponsor claims Timber Shores is estimated to produce approximately 43,000 gallons of raw sewage and wastewater per day and speculates on where the sewage and wastewater will end up. We have the answer.  It will go to the onsite treatment facility and, when discharged, will produce just 1% of the concentration of the discharge of a typical septic system. Most neighboring homes have septic systems that are leaching far more concentrated discharge right on the shoreline.

The Real Truth – The signer of the ad bills himself as a 50-year resident of Leelanau, but we have yet to find a local who has even heard of him.  And according to leelanau.gov/property search he’s owned property on Cathead Bay only since 2013. Oh, and his mailing address is Scottsdale, Arizona.

What do you think about his claims? Truth or Fiction?

Unfortunately many of the opponents make preposterous representations without regard to the truth in their efforts to stop Timber Shores.

To support Timber Shores vote NO on the Leelanau Township commercial resort zoning amendment on Nov. 8.