City OKs plan for structure already built

By Scott Sullivan
Editor
Better late than never may be the case with The Dunes Resort, where an accessory building’s site plan review was approved by the Douglas Planning Commission after it had been erected, with conditions.
City council Monday scheduled a special hearing April 18 about requiring the Midwest’s largest gay resort to build a sidewalk in front of its 333 Blue Star Hwy. property.
Draft planning commission minutes from Feb. 9 recount city zoning administrator Nick Wikar responding to complaints that The Dunes had demolished its former pool without permits, then visiting to find the structure, also without city permits, already built.
Wikar that night, per draft minutes, recommended all past penalties and fines be imposed for work started and/or completed without permits applied for.
A letter from Dunes neighbors Andre Nielsen and Andreas Lewald of 494 Amity Ave. complaining of noise from the business also was read that night. Owner Mike Jones responded The Dunes had always maintained its music well within the decibels allowed by the Douglas zoning ordinance.
Jones told The Commercial Record Monday the business has been in conversation with city off and on for about 15 years regarding the best way to make a sidewalk happen.
“It was brought up again,” he said, “during our approval of a building permit to reconstruct and enhance the north side of our pool space. A tree had fallen on what was the existing bar building, and we had needed to replace the 40-plus-year-old pool equipment and more space. I think the total footage is less than 1,000 square feet.
“We will continue to have conversations as to the best way to deal with a sidewalk that will potentially cover the current municipal drain that runs in front of our property. We are confident that it’s possible to create something that works for the community and is affordable to both the Dunes and the city.
“We have had positive input with the planning and zoning administer on how to make this project happen. Of course if they do schedule a public hearing we’ll be there,” Jones said.
The commission, Feb. 9 draft minutes go on, “was concerned that the applicant had not applied for permits from the city.
“Also of concern was if additional decking would be installed, where would water for the outdoor bar come from and where would drain-off go, would removed trees be replaced, would the speaker system change and about the noise level (bass especially) of the music.”
Planners will vote at their next monthly meeting April 13 on accepting draft minutes, rejecting or modifying them.
The Dunes’ site plan review was approved Feb.9 contingent on:
• Receipt of payment of any outstanding and required fees and additional penalties for work performed without required permits.
• Receipt of a performance guarantee in the form of bond to the city equal to the cost of site improvements required for approval conditions as assigned.
• Return to the Saugatuck Township Fire District for pool deck review and final construction.
• Install screening around the pool area.
• Add speaker locations, height and orientation to design plans.
Chapter 93 of the Douglas Code of Ordinances reads in part “City Council may, by resolution, require the owners of lots and premises to construct or repair sidewalks in the public streets adjacent to and abutting upon the lots and premises.”
Prior to passage, “council shall set a date for a public hearing on whether such a resolution shall be passed, and the property owner affected given not less than 10 days’ written notice of the public hearing.”
The Dunes, it goes on, “shall be advised that they may attend the public hearing in person or may submit written comments regarding the proposed sidewalk repairs.”