Zoning board upholds planning commission on West Shore Golf cart barn site plan

GROSSE ILE, Mich. — The Grosse Ile Township Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 23 denied an appeal from Dr. Margaret Lutzick challenging the Planning Commission’s site-plan approval for a golf cart barn at West Shore Golf and Country Club, upholding the planning commission’s decision.

Dr. Lutzick presented written materials to the board and argued the case raised legal and procedural concerns, including claims related to stormwater, setbacks, screening, noise and property impacts. In the hearing she emphasized standing as a prerequisite, arguing the Michigan Supreme Court’s Saugatuck Dunes guidance requires the board to permit neighbors meeting three factors — participation in the underlying proceedings, a legally protected interest, and particularized harm — to be heard on appeals.

The board considered Dr. Lutzick’s written record and oral remarks. After opening and closing public comment, the board made a motion to deny the appeal, finding the planning commission’s approval was not arbitrary or capricious, that there was no abuse of discretion or erroneous application of zoning law on the record, and that the planning commission’s decision should stand. The motion to deny carried on roll-call votes recorded in the transcript.

Dr. Lutzick told the board her concern extended beyond the single parcel to perceived uneven enforcement and that she had sought to keep the matter local rather than pursuing administrative review at the state level. The transcript shows the board discussed standing, noted the administrative record Dr. Lutzick submitted and opened the appeal for her presentation despite a motion that found she had not met the standing threshold; the board then proceeded to consider the merits of the appeal.

The transcript does not record further administrative remedies or a new Planning Commission action; by denying the appeal, the ZBA left the Planning Commission’s site-plan approval in place.