Stanley Park
This page contains updates for Stanley Park events that may affect Lakewood Village. The most recent reports are first.
Brendel Lake Development September 2022
Please note the following updates:
Of particular interest is River Cadis presenting a conceptual layout of the apartment complex development for near the library, which is near Brendel Lake.
The link below has the agenda packet with the conceptual drawings and locations of the buildings.
https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/whitelakmi-pubu/MEET-Packet-20ccb2a8aabc4cf995bc2218b6221dac.pdf (Agenda Packet)
and
Please take the survey below
Subject: White Lake Township- Parks and Recreation Committee Master Plan
The White Lake Township Parks and Recreation Committee is in the process of updating a guiding document to shape goals, objectives and priorities for the next five years. The results of this survey will be shared with the Committee to assist in understanding current opinions and priorities for the future. This survey is intended for White Lake Township residents and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Please only complete one survey for your entire household. The survey will be open until September 15th!
You can take the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z8XZXY2
Hannah Micallef
Executive Secretary
Community Development Department
White Lake Charter Township
Stanley Park Update December 2021
Hot off the press. Governor Whitmer’s office announced this morning that The Stanly Park $500,000 development grant was approved among a group of 22 projects totaling over $7M. The White Lake project was ranked 14th out of 34 applications.
More information to come on next steps. The December WLT Parks and Rec meeting (which had been scheduled for tonight) was canceled. The next meeting will be 7:pm, January 11th, 2022, at the White Lake Township Annex.
Merry Christmas!
Steve Woodard
Notes from January 6 2022 Planning Commision Meeting
Here is Steve Woodard's synopsis from the Planning Commission meeting on 1/6/22 regarding the rezoning of the property west of Stanley Park and east of Brendel Heights that fronts Brendel Lake. The agenda and the meeting packet with the detail about the properties is on the Township website. Here is a link to the packet:
Thanks
Steve Woodard, LVIA
The meeting was about rezoning NOT a plan for development. The Planning Commission was only deciding whether to recommend the requested zoning or not, based on what is appropriate for the properties in question: changing the parcels from Agriculture (AG) to Multi-Family (RM-2)
The Multi-Family RM-2 classification was proposed by the developer for the two parcels in question because
a) it is what they want for the property closer to the library, and
b) because the parcel by the water is land locked and must be changed to not create a “spot zone” which is illegal.
Planning Director Sean O’Neil went on record to say there will be no construction in the wetlands, nor will the wetlands or the waterfront be damaged. The Township will not allow it, nor would the State Department of Environmental Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE).
John Jackson from McKenna (consultants to the Township) went over their report which tested whether the parcels were appropriate for the RM-2 zoning. Their recommendation was that RM-2 is appropriate and consistent with the Township Master Plan.
The developer’s representative, Matt Schwanitz from Giffels Webster, echoed the statements that Sean O’Neil made and emphasized that the developer does not want to harm the eco system, they will work very hard to protect it in collaboration with the Township and the residents. The State has passed new laws over the last several years concerning drainage and run off and it is for the protection of the eco-system. EGLE would never allow any “vertical development” in the wetlands. Mr. Schwanitz recommended looking at the River Cadis website to get a feel for the kinds of developments they are involved in. http://www.rivercaddis.com
Approximately 20 residents from Lakewood Village and Brendel Heights provided comment, opinions, and asked numerous questions. The Planning Commission, Sean O’Neil, John Jackson, and Matt Schwanitz addressed every issue brought forth before closing the Public Hearing. Key issues were as follows:
Protecting the wetlands, Brendel Lake, and the Huron River Watershed from the higher density development being proposed as part of the Civic Center
The proximity of any future development to the single-family residences to the west (Brendel Heights)
What would the barrier be between them and any future development?
Concerns about key holing and added traffic on the lake
Impact on wells, lake level, and septic systems
Disruption / displacement of wildlife, and the existence of Eagles and Ospreys in the wetlands along Brendel Lake.
Noise pollution
Light pollution
Since there is no development plan yet, many of the questions could not be answered definitively.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the RM-2 zoning be approved by the Township Board.
The Township Board will hear the first reading of the recommendation at their meeting on 1/18/22, and then will decide on it on 2/15/22. The public will be able to provide comment and be heard by the Board at both of those meetings.
Sean O’Neil invited everyone to contact him with any questions or concerns. Contact him at 248-698-3300
The official meeting minutes will be posted later (probably a couple weeks) on the Township website. https://www.whitelaketwp.com/meetings
Results of Stanley Park January 12, 2022 Meeting
Here is the link for the agenda and the supporting documents.
Stanley Park - The key item on the agenda was the proposal for from Beckett & Raeder for the design/engineering services for the Stanley Park development. The committee recommended that the Township Board approve the proposal for $125,000. Design and engineering will happen throughout 2022 and construction is expected to begin in 2023.
Hunting-Prohibited Areas - Another agenda item that will potentially have impact on Brendel Lake is the Hunting-Prohibited Areas by Township ordinance. The last time the Prohibited Areas map was updated was in 1988. Since then, there has been significant development in the Township. For example, areas close to Stanley Park could become Prohibited Areas. All the Township Parks would also be prohibited. This is something that is going to take some work to complete. The Township staff will make updates to the Map and then make a proposal to the appropriate Boards and Committees of the Township.
Please post on LVIA.net
Thanks
Steve Woodard, LVIA
Previous Stanley Park Updates:
Sept 20, June 9, May 12, March 16, March 10, February 10 & 3, 2021
FYI, the Township board approved a $29 million bond issue for the purpose of building the new township hall, community center and public safety buildings on the property between the library and Stanley Park.
the link for the meeting video is below. Start watching at 38 minutes and Treasurer Roman makes the compelling argument why now is a good time and why bonding is better than the other options and how the Township will pay for the bonds without raising the tax millage.
They also approved the legal firm to draft the agreement between the Township and the Private Developer (River Cadis) to begin the development.
My guess, things will accelerate from here. Time to start watching closely!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN635I14PKE
Steve
Stanley Park Planning Meeting: June 9, 2021
The next White Lake Twp. Parks & Rec meeting has “Dog Park Study” on the agenda. At the Visioning Session for Stanley Park last year, a number of residents were interested in including a dog park.
Please see the attached agenda for Wednesday’s meeting and the link for the White Lake Twp. web page. https://www.whitelaketwp.com/bc-prc/page/parks-and-recreation-meeting-2
Notes from May12 meeting:
The committee ordered 6 picnic tables. Should be delivered in late May early June.
A gravel parking area was created near Elizabeth Lake Rd.
Trash cans have been installed in the park.
The Township has been working to clean up the beach area and the lower interior area has been mowed, graded, and seeded.
Dog waste stations have been ordered and will be installed soon.
An Entrance Sign has been designed; however, it was recommended to install it temporarily until the park is further developed.
Stanley Park Clean Up Event
An impromptu Park Clean Up Event is planned for Saturday 5/15/21 from 9:a till noon.
Residents are invited to come help pick up litter and debris.
There is a dumpster provided and the Township will be there handing out garbage bags.
Bring gloves and appropriate footwear for working in the ungroomed park areas.
Other Business
A study of Dog Parks is being proposed to learn the pros and cons prior to the update of the Strategic Plan next year.
The Park & Recreation Committee By-Laws were updated.
A $50k Ralph Wilson grant to design the Triangle Trail has been submitted.
The Township applied for a $1.4M Federal Grant to rebuild Elizabeth Lake Rd from M-59 to Teggerdine, which would include a pathway.
Notes from March 10, 2021 meeting:
The grant application required that an archeology study be done; a firm was located that will do the study.
Discussed getting up to 6 picnic tables now so people can start using Stanley Park until the actual development work begins in a couple of years.
At least 2 tables need to be ADA compliant.
This will be a walk on agenda item at the WLT Board of Trustees meeting next week.
Beckett and Raeder with the WLT Planning Department are on track to submit the grant application by the April 1st deadline.
Pending approval from the WLT Board of Trustees next week at the 3/16/21 meeting
This is the link for the meeting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qejxHx6QEk
Here is the link to the next public hearing
Stanley Park Update: March 10, 2021
The notification for the Parks & Recreation Meeting on March 10th at 7:00p is below. The minutes from the January 27th meeting are in a link in the agenda.
http://www.whitelaketwp.com/Portals/1082/Meetings/Parks/2021/03.10.21.pdf
This meeting represents the next step for Stanley Park, the Grant Application. There will be a Public Hearing as part of the agenda for residents to provide input or objections to the plan and or the Grant Application.
Members of the public may access the agenda materials via the Township website – here by end of day, Friday, March 5, 2021, but possibly sooner.
Members of the public wishing to participate in the electronic meeting may do so by: Dialing the phone number below and enter the meeting ID and password when prompted.
Telephone Access: US Toll-free: 1 888 788 0099 Meeting ID: 821 9847 2488
Where to watch the meeting: The meeting will be available to view live on our YouTube Channel which can be easily reached from the live meeting link located on the White Lake Township website home page www.whitelaketwp.com or by visiting:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYPorjfGrhCNd368R_Cyg_w/featured.
Closed captioning will be available after YouTube fully renders meeting video.
Stanley Park Update: February 10, 2021
The White Lake Township (WLT) Board of Trustees and the Parks & Rec Committee met February 10, 2021 to discuss plans for the future of Stanley Park.
Here is the link for the meeting video
The key take-away from the meeting is that they approved Option A for phase 1 of the Stanley Park Master Plan, and to move forward with a grant application. (see attached for details)
They will be applying for a Federal Land & Water grant, which has a maximum of $500k and requires a 50/50 funds match. The grant application is due by April 1st and will be awarded at the end of 2021. They also agreed that the Township would supplement the funding to assure that the park road be paved in phase 1.
Attached is the Concept Review Presentation from Parks & Recreation meeting on 1/27/21. As I mentioned before, the total plan will cost approximately $3.25M, but phase 1 will be closer to $1M.
Here are my notes from the meeting.
Supervisor Rik Kowall gave an overview of the progress from the purchase of the property to present, indicating how proud he was that Stanley Park will be a jewel for White Lake and will likely be the most used park in the Township. Especially with the proposed Civic Center development along Elizabeth Lake Rd. If this all works out, White Lake Township would be the only municipality in the area with a lakefront park as part of the Civic Center.
Trustee Andrea Voorheis introduced the Parks & Recreation Committee members and shared their backgrounds and credentials. The P&R Committee are all volunteers and have extensive backgrounds and advanced degrees in planning, landscaping, waterway preservation, real estate, etc. Quite impressive in my opinion. Actually, this info should be on the WLT website.
WLT Planner Justin Quagliata gave an overview of the park master plan (attached), which was developed by Beckett & Raeder with the Stanley Park Planning Committee
Supervisor Kowall asked for comments.
There was significant discussion about some of the finer aspects of the park and that they needed to do as much as possible in phase 1. “One chance to do it right.”
Treasurer Mike Roman appreciated the fiscal responsibility of the committee, but wanted to see the entire drive, to the turnaround by the lake, paved in phase 1.
He suggested that there is money in the Township Improvement Revolving Fund that could be used for making this happen.
Supervisor Kowall added that there are some synergies that could come from the Civic Center development also.
The majority supported paving the entire road in phase 1, however, Kathleen Aseltyne was concerned of water run off and potential for pollutants making their way to Brendel Lake and the Huron River watershed . Not only do we have to protect the safety of the residents, but we also need to protect the safety of the environment and the watershed.
P&R Chair Merrie Carlock indicated that water run off can be managed with rain gardens and materials that absorb water rather than allowing runoff.
Trustee Liz Smith would like to see the drive extended past the turnaround out to the lakeshore to allow for handicap and elderly folks to get to the water. Safety is a top priority for our residents and having pavement to the lake should be a priority.
Planner Quagliata summarized what had been said.
Phase 1 - Option A ($1.2M). $500k from Grant, $500k from the Parks & Rec Fund, and the remainder from the Township (several options for the source).
Supervisor Kowall made the motion to approve Option A for the Grant Proposal and to proceed with the application. The motion carried unanimously.
The next steps are for Planner Quagliata, the Parks & Rec Committee, and Beckett & Raeder to put the grant application together for the March meeting.
Supervisor Kowall indicated there would be a Public Hearing in March prior to submitting the grant application.
Steve Woodard, LVIA