Doug R. White

This document contains an order confirmation, a public notice, and supporting memos regarding a proposed amendment to the Acme Township Zoning Ordinance. The amendment, requested by Grand Crossing (Omeena Farms LLC), seeks to increase the allowable medical marihuana grower licenses in the Agricultural (AG) District from two to three. This change is presented as crucial for business viability due to federal marijuana reclassification and challenging Michigan market conditions. The Acme Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on March 9, 2026, to consider this amendment, which aims to improve plant production efficiency without expanding the physical footprint or environmental impact.

The agenda included general township meeting policies and public comment periods. Key items involved receiving and filing reports, including the Treasurer's Report and Clerk's Revenue/Expenditure Report, and reviewing the Consent Calendar, which featured approval for Accounts Payable Prepaid of $150,261.34. New Business discussions centered on property issues such as Grand Traverse Resort Shores Condos parking repair, the adoption of Principles of Governance, discussion on data centers, approval of a Legislative Direct Spending Item (LDSI), and budget amendments. Old Business addressed the Resolution for the Hope Village Water System. Correspondence included updates regarding the Master Plan next steps, Auditor rotation, and the Taco Bell proposal.

The meeting agenda included receiving and filing draft unapproved Township Board Meeting Minutes from January 6, 2026, and approving draft Planning Commission Meeting Minutes from January 12, 2026. Old Business centered on the Master Plan, where the commission conducted a straw poll regarding rezoning two parcels (Hops farm and High Point) to resort residential on the future land use map, which passed 4 to 3, leading to a recommendation for distribution of the draft Master Plan for the 63-day review period. The commission also reviewed the 2025 Annual Report and priorities for 2026. New Business included a review of the Taco Bell restaurant site plan modification (SPR/SUP 2025-02), focusing on traffic impact assessment reviews by consultants (HRC) and agency responses (MDOT, GTCRC), and consideration of a request to establish a policy timeline for renting the Township Community Hall. Correspondence reviewed included input from The Watershed Center regarding water quality provisions in the draft Master Plan.

The Planning Commission meeting involved discussions on a Major Amendment for the Taco Bell site plan (SPR/SUP 2025-02), focusing heavily on traffic concerns, proposed circulation modifications, landscaping, stormwater management, and queuing analysis. The Commission ultimately decided to ask the applicant to return after receiving full review feedback from MDOT and the Grand Traverse County Road Commission regarding traffic impact assessments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Draft Master Plan Discussion, specifically concerning the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). Changes included reclassifying areas from mixed-use village to suburban residential and from rural residential to residential conservation based on community feedback, particularly regarding density near Deep Water Point. The Commission also elected new officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. Other business included correspondence review and a report on Township Board activities.

The meeting included limited public comment regarding the equestrian overlay district and concerns over public input on the Master Plan process, particularly concerning density and traffic. The agenda was approved with additions. Key discussions centered on the Master Plan next steps, including alignment with housing equity requirements mandated by public acts, proposed changes to the mixed-use district footprint, and a straw poll regarding the rezoning of the High Point and Hops farm parcels to resort residential on the Future Land Use Map. The Commission voted to recommend the distribution of the Acme Township Master Plan for public review. Additionally, the Commission reviewed and recommended the Year-end PC Annual Report for 2025, outlining milestones and 2026 priorities, which include adopting the Master Plan and updating zoning tests to incorporate water quality subcommittee recommendations. Reports from the Planning & Zoning Administrator noted a property turning into an urgent care facility, and the Township Board report mentioned a fire ordinance review and increased sewer rates.