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Planning commission warns amended PA 58 could harm rural Kalkaska; residents raise data center and gas well concerns
Summary
Planning and Zoning Chair Stuart McKinnon and member Zachary Vaga told commissioners that the state's amended Public Act 58 could enable more property splits that would strain rural infrastructure; multiple residents urged the board to communicate with EGLE and DNR about proposed data centers and gas wells.
Stuart McKinnon, chair of the Kalkaska County Planning and Zoning Commission, told the board the commission has reviewed the state’s amended Public Act 58 and concluded increased allowable property splits could negatively affect rural counties that lack infrastructure to support rapid division of land. McKinnon said the commission will follow the public hearing process and work with the seven townships under county planning to propose local amendments for commissioner consideration.
Zachary Vaga presented a PowerPoint, arguing the state amendment would be detrimental to growth in Kalkaska County without sufficient infrastructure; the minutes state he showed data suggesting the county could experience relatively high growth. Several members of the public during Zoom and in-person comment—Heather Wysor, Veronica Smith, Amber Rowlett and others—expressed concern about potential data centers and gas wells and urged continued communication with state agencies such as EGLE and the DNR. McKinnon told commissioners the commission “will communicate with all 7 Townships under County Planning/Zoning” and pursue public hearings and board support.
