by Austin Marsman

At least 100 people attended a public Michigan Department of Environmental Quality hearing Wednesday on a marina expansion request for 30 slips and a boat launch on Gun Lake.

Lucas Spoor, owner of the Landing Marina, sought to expand the number of slips from 17 to 47 and needed the DEQ’s blessing.

Spoor’s Landing Marina faced opposition from neighbors because it takes away lake access from those living in the vicinity and raises concerns about safety and overcrowding. Numerous people went on the record to state their opposition to the project, but what happened later in the week was unexpected.

In a bombshell announcement, County Zoning Administrator Jim McManus ruled that the Landing Marina on Gun Lake would be limited to just six boat slips, clarifying that historical use has to be proven until more slips can be granted.

The property at 11925 Marsh Road is zoned mixed use, meaning under Barry County zoning laws, new or expanded marinas are not permitted. Spoor submitted a text amendment seeking to add marinas to acceptable use, but it was unanimously denied in February by the Barry County Board of Commissioners. 

The area remains not zoned for a marina use.

Townbroadcast reached out to Lucas Spoor, but he was not available for comment.