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Saugatuck council approves conservation easement on eastern portion of old airport property amid public access concerns
Summary
The Saugatuck City Council unanimously approved a conservation easement with ODC Network for the eastern portion of the old airport property while several residents said the easement raises questions about trailheads, parking and public access.
The Saugatuck City Council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to approve a conservation easement between the city and ODC Network covering the eastern portion of the old airport property.
Mayor Pro-Tem Baldwin moved to approve the easement and Councilmember Muncey seconded; the roll-call vote was unanimous. The easement was presented as part of a multi-step plan for conserving open space while advancing recreational improvements on the parcel.
During public comment, Chris Peterson of Pleasant Street said changes to the Outdoor Discovery Center proposal prompted concerns about whether the easement would limit broader project goals such as public trails, trailhead locations and parking. Mark Klungle of Water Street specifically raised questions about the conservation-easement language and the selection process for a council vacancy, and Sherry Tedaldi of North Street said she was concerned the city was moving too quickly on the property. Jon Vanderbeek of the township told the council he was optimistic about the property's future.
Councilmembers emphasized different priorities. Councilmember Anderson thanked local advocates and staff for the process and stressed the need for factual discussion on social media. Councilmember Gardner said he supported trails but remained worried about the property being tied up in perpetuity and the long-term financial obligations that could follow. Mayor Pro-Tem Baldwin thanked donors and volunteers who supported the project and described the vote as the result of broad collaboration.
The easement vote followed council action approving a separate due-diligence agreement with Saugatuck Township for an adjacent old landfill property. Council approved that agreement in the same meeting.
Next steps discussed by staff include drafting the updated master plan for the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area to satisfy endowment requirements and presenting further project details on trailhead placement, parking and public access as planning proceeds. No formal changes to trail or parking plans were adopted at the Oct. 28 meeting.
