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Canton planning commission pauses Friendship Church day‑camp special‑land‑use review after neighbors flag buffer, gravel and noise issues
Summary
The commission postponed the special‑land‑use application for Camp Mirage at Friendship Church so the applicant can submit required site‑plan details, address a recent gravel placement that altered a natural buffer, and clarify outdoor play area fencing and surfacing.
Canton Township planning staff and the commission postponed review of a proposed day‑camp (Camp Mirage) at Friendship Church after neighbors raised concerns about buffer vegetation removed or covered by recently placed gravel south of the church garage and about noise and traffic impacts.
Planner Patrick Sloan said staff had classified the summer day‑camp as a childcare‑center use that requires a special‑land‑use permit in the R‑3 residential district. The planner noted the primary outstanding items: a mapped and fenced play area that meets setbacks, correction of the gravel area that now intrudes into the previously natural buffer and does not meet the township’s surfacing rules (gravel cannot be used as a permanent parking or drive surface), and documentation that amplified sound will not be used.
Camp operators described their program and said the Plymouth camp has served many Canton families; they said they averaged about 50–60 campers per week in small rotating groups last summer rather than a single large gathering and said they are state‑licensed. The operators acknowledged the complaint about bullhorn use and committed not to use amplified devices going forward. Several residents asked for clearer limits on hours, drop‑off/traffic patterns, and for assurances that gravel and screening will be remedied.
Motion and next steps The commission voted to postpone the application and directed staff and the applicant to resolve buffer and surfacing issues, submit a plan showing fenced play areas and setback compliance, and document any operational limits needed to control noise and traffic. The item will return once materials are submitted and examined by staff.
Why it matters Day‑camp operations can be compatible with adjacent homes but require clear buffering, surfacing and operational limits when they occur in residential neighborhoods. Neighbors asked the commission to ensure compliance and enforceability before granting a permanent special‑land‑use approval.
