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Planners report trail engineering paused; commissioners update on local housing and school funding
Summary
Charlevoix County planning staff said the Board of Commissioners declined to move forward with engineering services for six miles of the Boyne City–Charlevoix Trail over concerns about easements and acquisition costs; commissioners also reported EGLE dune reassessments, proposed townhouses and apartment conversions in the City of Charlevoix, workforce housing duplexes, lake level data and an unresolved state school budget affecting district communications to parents.
Kiersten Stark, Charlevoix County planning director, told the commission on Sept. 11 that the Board of Commissioners did not approve moving forward with engineering services for the remaining six miles of the Boyne City–Charlevoix Trail. Commissioners cited uncertainty about whether easements would be required and the potential cost to acquire easements as reasons the board opted not to proceed with engineering at this time.
Stark’s report prompted brief discussion about next steps; no formal county direction or motion was recorded at the meeting.
Commissioners also used the reports section to share local planning updates. Sherm Chamberlain said the City of Charlevoix planning commission held an informational meeting on a proposed 14‑unit townhouse development on West Hurlbut Street and that the owner of the former Northwest Academy building is pursuing conversion to apartments restricted to year‑round long‑term rental, with Michigan Economic Development Corporation involvement. Chamberlain said the proposed townhouses are unlikely to be affordable for year‑round residents but could ease pressure on single‑family housing being converted to summer homes. He also reported that the city denied a proposal to sell the Chamber of Commerce building for $1 to a group proposing workforce housing.
Pam Grassmick reported that EGLE staff will reassess the Beaver Island critical dunes designation on Sept. 15 and will visit next year to designate high‑risk erosion areas. Matt Cunningham provided lake level figures for Lakes Michigan and Superior. Mike Ritter said the Char‑Em Intermediate School District is preparing letters to parents because the state budget for 2025–26 remains unsettled.
No formal decisions were taken on the trail, housing items or school funding at this meeting; commissioners encouraged constituents to contact state legislators about the unfinished state budget.
Next steps: county staff and commissioners will monitor the trail easement question and any future Board of Commissioners actions; local projects will proceed through city planning and permitting channels.
