Embedded Files
Latest:
Latest:
PLEASE COME - NOVEMBER 21, 2025 HEARING - BENZIE COUNTY GOVT BUILDING IN BEULAH 9AM
PLEASE COME - NOVEMBER 21, 2025 HEARING - BENZIE COUNTY GOVT BUILDING IN BEULAH 9AM
Please rally your friends and neighbors – your presence matters.
This isn’t just a meeting. It’s a turning point. Whether you live nearby or simply love Crystal Lake, showing up could make the difference. T
Two CLT Zoning Board Appeals Have Filed
Two CLT Zoning Board Appeals Have Filed
3/30/2025 Update
3/30/2025 Update
URGENT: ATTEND THE PUBLIC MEETING TO REMOVE AUTHORIZATION OF THE 195-FOOT 5G CELL TOWER ON THE CRYSTAL LAKE SHORELINE 🚨
🗓 MAY 1st • 6:00 PM
📍 Crystal Lake Township Hall, 1651 Frankfort Hwy, Frankfort, MI
What Happened?
In the middle of the night on February 21th, a commercial developer erected a 195-foot 5G cell Tower on the protected ridgeline of Crystal Lake in Bellows Park with no community input or review.
Crystal Lake Township (CLT) told outraged residents that the Tower was “exempt from zoning laws,” it was “a done deal,” and there was “very little CLT could do.”
Let’s be clear: The Tower could not have been built without active CLT authorization.
· The Tower is not exempt from CLT zoning laws.
· It violates several zoning requirements, including: height and setback violations, built on Crystal Lake ridgeline without a required Special Permit or Public Hearing.
Why This Matters:
This is a slippery slope toward undermining the Crystal Lake we know and love—
with decreased property values, health risks in residential parkland, and marred lake views, just to name a few.
Our lakefront is beloved—and at a critical moment of development pressure.
If we don’t step up to protect it, we risk losing everything that makes our community and local economy so special.
This tower isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a blatant violation of our zoning laws.
Here’s What We Can Do:
On May 1st, the Crystal Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals will consider revoking the zoning permit.
SHOW UP. Bring a friend. Bring your voice. Bring your love for Crystal Lake.
Together, we can reclaim our lakefront — because once it’s gone, we don’t get it back.
2/20/2021 Zoning Appeal
2/20/2021 Zoning Appeal
We want to keep everyone informed about the latest developments regarding the 195-foot cell tower on Crystal Lake’s shoreline in Bellows Park.
Urgent Zoning Appeal Filed (2/20/25)
Urgent Zoning Appeal Filed (2/20/25)
This morning, we officially filed an appeal with the Crystal Lake Township Zoning Board challenging CLT’s issuance of Zoning Permit #2024-ZP-40 for the APC Towers project.
Additionally, an attorney has formally notified both the City of Frankfort and Crystal Lake Township attorneys that there is strong evidence of a procedural misapplication of CLT zoning regulations. This means that APC Towers, the City of Frankfort, and CLT are proceeding at their own risk.
Appeal Received by CLT Officials
Appeal Received by CLT Officials
CLT Supervisor Amy Ferris and Trustee Greg Wright have acknowledged receipt of the zoning appeal.
Tower Construction Rushed Despite Legal Challenges
Tower Construction Rushed Despite Legal Challenges
One striking moment from last night’s CLT meeting (2/19) was the unanimous agreement that APC Towers is racing to complete construction—despite knowing the site is contested. Many described the speed of work as “break-neck” in an apparent effort to push the project beyond the point of reversal.
A community member spoke directly with the construction crew, who confirmed they were under expedited work orders. Shockingly, even the crew themselves questioned the Tower’s placement, stating: "We know it shouldn’t be here."
⏰Zoning Appeal Update: Next Steps
⏰Zoning Appeal Update: Next Steps
We have officially filed a zoning appeal with Crystal Lake Township. As part of this process, a public hearing will be scheduled by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
A hearing is required and must be publicly noticed at least 5 to 15 days in advance.
The ZBA will review the appeal, hear testimony, and make a decision.
This is a critical opportunity to ensure our concerns are heard.
We will share the date and details as soon as they are confirmed. Stay engaged—this fight isn’t over!
📣What’s Next?
📣What’s Next?
Subject: Read the Appeal & Share Your Thoughts!
Check out our Zoning Board Appeal to read the full appeal we’ve filed.
UPDATE: Another Attorney also filed a zoning board appeal on 2/21/25.
If you agree with the appeal, contact CLT and let them know!
If you have a different opinion after reading it, we’d love to hear from you.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
We will continue to push for a fair and transparent zoning review and advocate for the protection of Crystal Lake’s shoreline.
Stay informed, stay engaged—this fight isn’t over!
Crystal Lake Township has the authority to issue an immediate temporary halt to construction while it reviews the Zoning Appeal. Given that clear misinterpretation of CLT Zoning laws are evident, we believe that's this COMPLETELY within CLT Board's authority todo the right thing, act swiftly, and request an Emergency Temporary Halt to Construction. Our justification is excerpted below, but read the full appeal application here.
What Happened at the City and CLT Council Meetings in February (2/18/25):
What Happened at the City and CLT Council Meetings in February (2/18/25):
Council Meetings Updates:
Both the City of Frankfort (COF) and Crystal Lake Township (CLT) had council meetings scheduled in Frankfort.the week of 2/18. A summary of each meeting is below:
🗓️COF’s meeting: Tuesday, 2/18/25, at 5 PM at City Hall in Frankfort
UPDATE on City Council Meeting: "There's a lot of people here about the tower in Bellows Park," said Mayor JoAnn Holwerda. "I want to let you know that we are aware. Attorneys have been contacted; therefore, we will not be answering any questions." (COF Mayor) But that didn't stop a frustrated community from giving their input. The City Council sat looking Read more here: UpNorth Live: Community in Benzie County voices concerns over cell tower construction
🗓️CLT’s meeting: Wednesday, 2/19/25, 6 PM in Frankfort (Public opposition to the tower is specifically on the agenda, per the CLT Website Notice.) UPDATE OF CLT MEETING COMING SOON
Affidavit of Harm or Share Expertise!
Affidavit of Harm or Share Expertise!
Affidavit of Harm – Your Voice Matters
Affidavit of Harm – Your Voice Matters
If you will be adversely affected by the 195' cell tower planned for Bellows Park, we may ask you to submit a written statement detailing how this project will impact you.
📩 How to Submit:
Email savebellowspark@gmail.com with the subject line: "Affidavit Info Request" and include your name . We'll keep you posted on updates and info. Thank you for your support in protecting Bellows Park!
News Articles and Public Updates
News Articles and Public Updates
Links coming soon.
Ongoing Actions
Ongoing Actions
City of Frankfort’s Unanswered Questions
City of Frankfort’s Unanswered Questions
At the 2/18/2025 City Council meeting, we asked critical questions about Frankfort’s lease with APC Towers/Verizon—but the city’s attorney advised council members not to respond, leaving our concerns ignored.
📌 Want to see what they wouldn’t answer?
Check the Frankfort FOIA page at the bottom of this site—we’ve listed all the unanswered questions.
🔍 Transparency matters—let’s keep pushing for answers!
📄 We are actively filing FOIA requests to uncover how and why this project was approved without public notice. So far, public records offer little clarity. (See FOIA: City of Frankfort Responses & FOIA: CLT Responses &).
🔄 This site will be updated as we learn more.
💡 Have info or expertise? We need your help in researching and analyzing what happened. Reach out to us!
Letters We've Sent to CLT and COF
Letters We've Sent to CLT and COF
These are only a few of the letters we've sent to government officials regarding the cell tower on Crystal Lake in Bellows Park:
Yard Signs
Yard Signs
"Unlike that blinking cell tower in your backyard and windows, this sign won’t keep you up at night!"
"Unlike that blinking cell tower in your backyard and windows, this sign won’t keep you up at night!"
Swap out the Pink Flamingo for a #SaveBellowsPark sign! Move over, big🦩bird —there’s a new yard game in town!
Your lawn wants a #SaveBellowsPark yard sign. (The gnome said it’s fine.)
This yard sign and flyers pairs well with coffee, concerned citizens, and a healthy dose of civic engagement.
Links to the files are here for you to use: yard signs, flyers and website QR code
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse