First published in Traverse City Record Eagle on March 17, 2010
By BRIAN McGILLIVARY
bmcgillivary@record-eagle.com
TRAVERSE CITY -- Garfield Township rectified a zoning snag that threatened the new Grand Traverse Bay YMCA complex on Silver Lake Road.
Recreational facilities historically were not an allowed use in agricultural zoning districts, but the township's planning staff crafted a permit by labeling the YMCA an "institution" similar to a hospital, school, prison or church. The township planning commission then granted it a special use permit in 2006 to begin work on the first phase of a $25.5 million multi-use recreational center.
"Recreational facilities were not an allowed use, but that apparently wasn't a problem for our previous zoning administration," township Supervisor Chuck Korn said. "Those employees are no longer with the township. We have qualified people now."
Township Planner Brad Kaye called the previous interpretation "a little bit of a stretch" and shelved a request submitted last fall by the YMCA to amend its permit. The YMCA wanted to add a maintenance garage on the site and make some other minor changes.
Kaye said township zoning previously didn't address recreational facilities anywhere in its ordinance, other than athletic fields and playgrounds.
The planning commission agreed to draft an amendment to address the void. Last week the township board unanimously voted to allow recreational facilities as a use by right in agricultural and commercial districts, and some industrial zones.
"So if anybody wants to put a soccer field on their farm that's fine with us; we don't have a problem with it," Korn said.
Tom Van Deinse, YMCA executive director, said they weren't concerned when the township tabled their request because township staff always portrayed it in a positive way.
"We're patient and not in a hurry to get that done," Van Deinse said.
Once completed, the facility will host swimming pools, two gymnasiums with an elevated track, fitness centers, tennis and racquetball courts, outdoor recreational fields and other amenities.
The YMCA is about halfway to its $12 million fund-raising goal and won't begin construction of its first phase until it raises more money. Van Deinse said 2009 was a tough year for fundraising but things have started to bounce back this year.
"We're pleased that we did get all of the site construction done last year, the entrance drive, parking lot, soccer fields, and we even dug a hole where the pool is going to be," Van Deinse said.
Source:
http://www.record-eagle.com/archivesearch/local_story_077084723.html
