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.
It is ironic that the same property owned by Orrie Martin had a grass landing strip for years, long before any development. Brian may have owned the land – that’s where he and his brothers were raised.
However, it is a township and residents decision to determine it’s fate. I don’t have a horse in this race, but plenty of others do. There is a landing strip already in the township north of Wayland.
Free Market Man has his ‘facts’ incorrect. Orrie Martin did NOT own an airstrip in the township. If FMM doesn’t know that he’s simply ignorant of the facts; if he does, then it’s a lie.
The Bill Martin airstrip is still active and I will be building a new hangar on it in the near future. That airstrip existed for over 40 years, long before the horse farm and subdivisions existed. It will also continue to have aircraft operating out of it into to future, regardless of the outcome of this proposed airstrip. If people are so concerned about problems from air traffic, they should move. That airstrip was there first.
Couldn’t agree more. ‘Nuff said.
Every time I drive by this location all I see is corn field. How is it existing? I understand there is an airstrip but this is not the same location is my understanding. If that is the case I feel really bad for those people who just built to find this out!
Given the opposition if the township approves this I think those who approved it will be replaced…
Guy, unfortunately your understanding of the Bill Martin air strip not being active is wrong.
Also, the township board won’t be given a choice, legally speaking (which is what they usually prefer because it doesn’t make them look like the bad guys). Grandfather rights are in effect for the current and existing airstrip. The proposed development could be given access to the existing air strip and the township could do nothing to stop it. So…..good luck folks with whatever you think you can accomplish. Either way, air traffic will continue to exist in the area.
From my observation, the air strip has not been active for about 3 years. It was chisel plowed last fall along with the rest of the fields. It seems that the owner of the property has no more interest.
Wrong. It is being reworked. Hence the reason I will be building a hangar out there.
Nobody cares about the existing airstrip its all the additional air traffic that would be added. I don’t know why you keep bringing up grandfather rights ect. This is a brand new airstrip and is now a separate parcel from current one.
The property’s are adjoining. They could be given access to the existing airfield and not build a new one. That’s why it is relevant.
The current airstrip isn’t big enough. They need 3000 feet and the current airstrip wouldn’t bring in additional air traffic. If that’s the case, you wouldn’t have a bunch of people building and all having planes.
I can assure you as a professional aviator, the current airstrip is long enough. Wait until you see what I will be keeping there.
If that’s the case they will lose the Grandfather rights even to that strip
I would look forward to that lawsuit.
You aren’t exactly making a lot of friends with your attitude in responding to these comments. Seems that you should be attempting to be a little more professional given the push back you are getting from the near-by residents. Unless you don’t care about living in a community that despises you. Then go on your arrogant way, it will eventually wear on you though regardless of your current “I have money so I am going to do whatever the heck I want” attitude.
Why do so many people with money act like entitled jerks? I’m guessing Curt inherited his money. Anybody that’s had to work for it seems to be better equipped to deal with people.
It is true. I am proud, arrogant and offensive. I’m really not sorry. I also have enough friends, so push back from local residents means nothing to me. I actually look forward to it. Thank you for your concern and constructive posts.
Your family must be so proud! I certainly don’t feel comfortable with a hot head like you flying planes over my house!!! Doesn’t matter that you were in the military, that doesn’t give you the right to do/act however you want!
They are very proud. Thank you. Your comfort is irrelevant. As for your last statement…yes it does, and you’re welcome. The funny part of all this is I will be flying off the existing airstrip, like I’ve always done, so there is nothing that any of the residents can do to stop it. Period.
If some people would pull their head out, they would realize the proposed airstrip would actually be a better, quieter option, raise property values with the types of homes that will be built on bigger plots, and cause less road traffic (instead of putting a hundred homes on the developers land.