Kanes Marina asks Detroit council to direct Marion County to conditionally approve delayed shop permit

Representatives identifying themselves in the record as Larsen (Larsen/Larson) and Larry/Loveberg addressed the council during public comment on March 11, 2025 and asked the council to instruct Marion County staff to conditionally approve a shop-structure permit. The speakers said the permit has been delayed since July 2024 and that the structure is necessary for marina operations, rentals and repairs.

"We are here to ask city council to approve and to direct staff of Marion County Staff to conditionally approve our shop structure permit. It has been unnecessary delays after submission of plans. It has been held up since July 2024," one speaker said. The presenters said they proceeded in good faith, that the shop meets zoning and building codes, and that conditional approval while land-use steps are finalized would avoid operational harm to the marina and local economy.

Councilor Denny Nielsen responded that he has been involved with the application since February 2024 and acknowledged that a communication breakdown appears to have occurred between agencies. The council did not take a formal vote or issue a directive to Marion County during the meeting; the public comment record ends with the council discussing the application timeline and communication issues.

Speakers also noted a county staff member (Chris Imo) was expected but did not attend the meeting; the speakers said they were uncertain why he was a no-show. The council did not resolve the request at the March meeting and did not set a formal follow-up action on the record.