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Grand Beachers,
In January 2023, the Village of Grand Beach began the process of creating a new Master Plan. The State of Michigan requires master planning as a community’s guiding framework for growth and investment. As the Master Planning Task Force began its work, the Planning Commission and the Grand Beach Council agreed that once the draft of the Master Plan was completed, it would be reviewed by a master planning consultant to ensure legal compliance with State regulations.
On February 12, the Planning Commission approved the draft of the Grand Beach Master Plan and it was then sent to the Village Council for approval. On February 21, the Council approved the draft of the Master Plan. The draft plan was sent to Sara Kopriva, a professional planner based out of the Beckett & Raeder Traverse City office. Beckett & Raeder provides design, planning, and engineering expertise to communities in Michigan. Sara evaluated the plan and provided the attached letter dated March 28, 2024.
The three recommendations identified at the end of their review letter are now being addressed so the plan will be in full compliance with State expectations.
Please join us for the Planning Commission Hearing on April 26 at 5:00 Eastern/4:00 Central and the Council meeting on May 15 at 5:00 Eastern/4:00 Central for the approval of the Master Plan.
Harry Walder
Village President
The Village of Grand Beach has developed and approved a Master Plan for public review, pursuant to Michigan Planning Enabling Act 33 of 2008.
We would kindly request that you review the proposed master plan between now and Thursday April 25th, in compliance with the 63-day review period notice. Visit the review and feedback page by clicking HERE.
We appreciate your thoughts and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Ross J Kerr
Chair – Grand Beach Planning Commission
Bike Path/MDOT Survey
The Michigan Department of Transportation is seeking input on the survey linked below. This is our opportunity to express directly to MDOT our concerns about their plans to mix bicycle traffic, pedestrian traffic and automobile traffic at the RR crossing at Grand Beach Road. Survey item #12 is a space to share general comments.
Specifically,
1) The existing roadway at the RR crossing is too narrow to add two bike/pedestrian lanes yet that is what MDOT proposes to do
2) There should be a traffic signal at Route 12 and Grand Beach Road
3) The addition of numerous marijuana dispensaries along Route 12 is going to have a significant impact on traffic volumes making the intersection at Route 12 and Grand Beach Road even more dangerous
4) There should be new and separate crossings for bikes and pedestrians at the RR Crossing
5) Construction of the Marquette Greenway is going to greatly increase bike traffic and make the RR Crossing and intersection of Route 12 and Grand Beach Road a serious hazard to all traffic.
Click here for the results from survey two as ranked from highest to lowest.
On April 10, 2023, the Village Council approved a "Non-Motorized Trail Easement and Agreement" which granted an easement to New Buffalo Township for the Marquette Greenway.
The Grand Beach portion of the Marquette Greenway will be a 10' wide paved area on the property along Grand Beach Road which is located between the road and the railroad tracks. There will also be a 2' buffer on each side of the path.
The easement will provide a pathway for bicyclists and walkers to travel safely in a dedicated area.
View the documents by clicking on them below:
The Village Council adopted ordinance no. 2022-104 regarding short-term rentals on May 18, 2022.
The ordinance addresses registration, inspections, regulations and revocation of registration for short-term rental properties located in the Village of Grand Beach.
The new ordinance goes into effect on January 1, 2023.
A copy of the full ordinance can be viewed here.