If the old saying that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” is true, a proposal for a new air strip in Leighton Township is in trouble.
Nearly 20 township residents crowded the Leighton Township Hall Thursday evening and between 70 and 80 had expressed their opposition the night before at a public hearing of the Planning Commission.
Developer Clark Galloway is proposing to install a new air strip on the old Brian Martin property near 144th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue. Making things even more interesting is that he is financial partners with Leighton Township Supervisor Steve Deer.
Though Kate Sheltema, co-owner of neighboring Green Gables horse farm, questioned Deer closely about a conflict of interest potential, he replied that he will abstain in the eventual vote and he will take great pains to avoid lobbying fellow township officials on the project.
But Sheltema’s objections were about more than conflicts of interest. She maintained that approving the strip would adversely impact its many neighbors.
“Have you walked the property to see how close it is to homes (nearby)?” she asked. “There are many among us who have concerns about property values, about the ability to sell and about our ability to continue our businesses.”
She noted that the many horses on the farm she and husband Tom operate would not take kindly to the noise of planes taking off and landing.
Some suggested that more people should have been apprised of the public hearing, not just those within 300 feet, because something like an air strip also would affect many others further away.
One man asserted, “You’re planning in flying right over where I’m going to build a house, and I didn’t even get a notice (of the hearing Jan. 13).”
Township Clerk Mary Lou Nieuwenhuis acknowledged, “The timing was not good,” but insisted all proper procedures as prescribed by law have been followed.
Another man maintained that members of the Planning Commission were not helpful to residents the night before in outlining whatever benefits an air strip would bring to the larger community.
Galloway and Deer are planning to include 15 residents buying lots along the strip to use planes. Galloway estimated that during the five warmest months of the year there could be as many as 25 take-offs and landings on the strip.
But Luanne Newhof claimed, “That’s 15 lots for people who don’t even live here yet” and their dreams would trump those of people who have lived in Leighton for a long time.
Steve Shoemaker, a frequent guest at Leighton Township Board meetings, said, “If they follow the procedures and laws properly, but are denied, they could sue the township.”
Nelson Capestant insisted, “This is a special use that just doesn’t fit,” saying Leighton Township is supposed to be a place for rural residential, farms and water sports.
One man asked the board the philosophical question, “What do you want Leighton Township to become? I see two guys here who are happy about this, but others are not happy.”
Capestant asked, “How can you justify taking away other peoples’ dreams (to live in quiet, rural neighborhoods)?
Sheltema read a portion of the local ordinance that forbids fumes, dust, noise and vibration, all of which are associated with airplanes.
Dianna Moore pointed out that the Sheltemas might have to give up their horse farm business if the air strip is approved.
“She has very expensive horses, and she was here first,” Moore said.
“When we moved here, we never imagined there would be planes flying in and out… This is not something I am prepared to fight against. But if we have to walk away, who’s going to buy a horse farm at the end of an air strip?”
The Planning Commission will continue to work on this issue and Trustee John Hooker, who is the board’s representative on the commission, expects more public hearings before that body makes any recommendations to the board.
PHOTO: The crowd was larger than usual at the Leighton Township Board meeting Thursday night. At left are Kate and Tom Sheltema and at right is Steve Shoemaker.
20 Comments