Developers of a proposed expanded campground at Selkirk Lake have withdrawn their request for rezoning.
Members of the Wayland Township Board were informed of the decision Tuesday night at their board meeting. They were scheduled to take up the issue after a packed and contentious Planning Commission meeting Feb. 8, after which the commission voted to recommend rezoning.
However, developers of the Brown Ranger Campground indicated they have withdrawn the request, citing overwhelming opposition and lack of confidence in approval of a special use permit.
Developers had asked for zoning changes to accommodate a campground at the old “Warner’s Landing” campground property, proposing 126 camp sites total, though 25 exist there already.
Opponents insisted that with the high water problems in the past and present excessive boat traffic on less than 100 acres of lake surface, this development would worsen problems on the lake. They suggested the developers instead parcel off the property and sell them as single-dwelling home sites, asserting they would be easier to get approved and they wouldn’t have to put money into developing a huge campground.
The parcel in question is currently zoned R-R, R-2 and Agricultural. Campgrounds are allowed by special use permit in the R-R and Ag.
The zoning problem was that the R-2 is sandwiched between the R-R and Ag.
Developers wanted to convert the 25 existing campsites and add 101 and include 50amp electric, water and sewer. There would have been a recreation area complete with swimming pool and seasonal, monthly, weekly daily campers.
The Township Board, because of the latest information, voted unanimously Tuesday night to deny the rezoning request.
Selkirk Lake had high water a few years ago and is on the way to the high water mark now. The Selkirk Lake Association has opposed the development because of the following:
– Doubling of boat traffic with the increased size of the campground.
– Excessive runoff into the lake from paving of the campground.
– Small public access would not handle the excessive load of boaters and trailer parking. The access is in poor shape and is in a “blind” area for ingress and egress onto the public roadway. Safety is compromised even in ideal conditions.
– The area in question is populated by wildlife and aquatic plants, which would be compromised.
Thanks to the Selkirk Lake Association and their efforts in resisting this potential development from the beginning. Thanks to the Wayland Township Board for doing the right thing. Thanks for the development folks in determining the campground was not a good idea for that location and withdrawing.
Has
This decision been over turned?