by Austin Marsman

Gun Lake marina owner Lucas Spoor submitted an application to the Michigan DEQ in Cadillac requesting approval for 30 docks and the installation of a boat launch at his property on 11925 Marsh Road.

This comes just after Lucas Spoor’s proposed amendment to Barry County zoning laws, to allow his marina on Gun Lake’s south shore, was denied by the County Planning Commission.

Dubbed the “Spoor Amendment,” the proposal faced strong opposition from the Gun Lake neighbors, prompting resolutions by Yankee Springs and Orangeville townships opposing it and a recommendation by Zoning Administrator Jim McManus. 

Denial of this proposed amendment, most would assume, means that Spoor cannot proceed with the project under current zoning laws. And, according to Article 15 of the zoning ordinance, a marina is not listed as acceptable use.

The permit application states that Spoor is planning to continue his permitted construction, as approved by the DEQ in August 2017. At that time, the Department of Environmental Quality green lighted a reconfiguration plan for Spoor’s Landing Marina. Seventeen boat slips were approved for installation, but it appears that number could increase with this new permit. If approved, the number of boat slips at the Landing Marina will be 47.

It is still unclear what Spoor plans to do for his business model, after introducing a three-story development and then quickly taking those plans off the table in January. The property now houses a single-story strip mall, single-story building, and pole building and is across the road from the proposed marina expansion.

Details for public hearings are yet to be announced by the DEQ. However, members of the public can now submit comments to the DEQ.