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Benzie County meets Grand Traverse Band leaders to discuss housing, short-term rentals and casino project
Summary
Benzie County commissioners met Oct. 17 with leaders of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to introduce governing bodies, discuss affordable housing, short-term rental concerns and the Crystal Shores Casino project, and to pledge continued communication.
Chairman Art Jeannot and Benzie County officials met with leaders of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians on Oct. 17 in Beulah to introduce governing bodies and discuss shared concerns, including affordable housing, short-term rentals and the Crystal Shores Casino project.
The meeting opened at 2:03 p.m. in the Frank Walterhouse Board of Commissioners Room. Present were Commissioners Art Jeannot, Tim Markey, Bob Roelofs, Gary Sauer and Christina Trigg; Commissioner Rhonda Nye was excused. County Administrator Katelyn Zeits and County Clerk Tammy Bowers joined other county officials and Tribal Council members for a round of introductions and background remarks about each body's structure.
The central purpose of the special meeting, Jeannot said, was to "meet and get to know" members of the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Council and to identify areas where the county and tribe might cooperate. Chairwoman Sandra Witherspoon, Vice Chairwoman Jane Rohl and Secretary Anna Miller of the Grand Traverse Band described their council's structure and priorities.
Discussion focused on local policy questions — notably affordable housing and short-term rentals — and on the Crystal Shores Casino project. County Administrator Katelyn Zeits described Benzie County's efforts to modernize administrative practices and outlined ongoing economic development work. Participants exchanged information about how each governing body is organized and how they handle issues such as housing supply and regulation of short-term rentals.
Public comment opened near the end of the meeting. Sharon Kennedy, identified as a local resident, said she was born in Traverse City, has lived in Benzie County again for eight years and "loves Crystal Lake." Ed Hoogterp, who said he had been a newspaper reporter, said "it does his heart good to see two governments together when there is not a crisis." Public comment was closed at 3:22 p.m.
Procedural motions at the meeting were routine. Commissioner Bob Roelofs moved, and Commissioner Tim Markey seconded, approval of the agenda; the board voted unanimously in favor with Commissioner Rhonda Nye excused. At 3:22 p.m. Roelofs moved to adjourn, Gary Sauer seconded, and the board voted to adjourn the special meeting.
The meeting record notes an approval/signature line dated Oct. 28, 2025, on the minutes cover page.
