EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR “ALONG THE SHORE”



CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP

The Cleveland Township board at its July 10, 2012 regular meeting voted unanimously to support the “Along the Shore” proposal for routing the Heritage Trail.  As stated in a letter to the Leelanau County Road Commission:​

“The Cleveland Township board feels comfortable in supporting this proposal for … minimal environmental impact, minimal public safety issues, minimal residential property impact, lesser construction cost, existing parking and public facilities, superior user experience. The Cleveland Township board would also like to go on record, expressing their concerns about the environmental challenges in the current proposed Traverse Lake Road route i.e. wetlands, critical dunes, mature forest clearing, utility service relocation, etc.”

​

LITTLE TRAVERSE LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

During August 2012, the Board and Members (128-8 member vote) of Little Traverse Lake Property Owners Association (LTLPOA) approved the following position:​

The Little Traverse Lake Property Owners Association supports the
proposed along the shore route for the Sleeping Bear Heritage
Trail.  We studied many alternative routes and concluded that while
no route is perfect, the along the shore route provides the best
balance when evaluating multiple issues such as safety, environment,
user experience, and resident impact.  The Association supports
efforts to work with the National Park Service, Heritage Trail
Committee and all other stakeholders to plan and construct the best
possible route.

​

LIME LAKE ASSOCIATION

During their annual meeting in July 2012, the Lime Lake Association unanimously voted to support the Little Traverse Lake Property Owners Association in their efforts to move the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail from adjacent to Little Traverse Lake Road to an alternate location nearer the Lake Michigan shoreline.

 

CITIZEN PETITIONS

Over 200 written petitions, including 70% of property owners along Traverse Lake Road, were presented May 2012 to the National Park Service and the Leelanau County Road Commission stating opposition to using the county road right of way along Traverse Lake Road for the purposes of routing the Heritage Trail, citing various safety concerns, environmental challenges and residential impacts.