A Mackinac Island ferry company asked the Mackinaw City Planning Commission to set aside more ferry parking in the village, but commissioners, cautious about the proposal's impact on future development and on village commerce, tabled the matter for now. Elements of the preliminary wind turbine ordinance also continued to be explored by the Mackinaw City Planning Commission at its meeting Thursday, October 22. The ordinance details requirements for erecting smaller wind turbines residences and businesses would use.

The commission considered adding more parking to be used by boat lines in the commercially zoned area, around South Huron Avenue and Nicolet Street, and the manufacturing district off Trail's End Road near the wastewater treatment plant. One company made the request, and the commission decided to address the issue across the industry, rather than with one company in mind. Three companies operate ferry service to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City.

In the past, Village Manager Jeff Lawson said, some boat lines have used areas that were not approved for parking. During peak times like July 4, no action is normally taken against the boat lines, but other times fines are issued.

The more something is developed, the less likely it will be changed in the future, the commission members agreed. Forming

more parking lots, therefore, could inhibit development in the future.

Planning Commission Chairman Rob Most asked the commission members what they would want to see in the future concerning parking lots. Board member Florence Tracy said holding off on additional parking would be a good idea until there is a better understanding of future development.

Commissioner John Reimer questioned the usefulness of additional boat line parking. Many people using the lots ride the boats to other areas, taking potential business away from Mackinaw City.

The board decided to table the matter for further discussion.

Wind Turbine

Ordinance Revisited

Discussion about wind turbines on residential and commercial properties was spurred by several residents who wish to install smaller turbines by their homes, Mr. Lawson said. While an ordinance is in place for commercial turbines, one is needed for smaller models. It was noted most properties are unable to host wind turbines because of setbacks, or required distances from the turbine to the property line. According to the ordinance, a setback from an inhabited structure can be no less than 1.25 times the turbine's total height. It can also be no less than 1.1 times its height from a property line. Both standards would come into play under the ordinance, Mr. Lawson said.

Wind turbine concerns were examined during the discussion. In addition to having a proper setback, wind turbine effectiveness depends on the position it is installed. "Wind turbine" encompasses many different models, including roof-mounted turbines. The board noted roof models would have to be taken into consideration when crafting the ordinance.

Mr. Reimer noted he is creating a document that will contain all concerns about wind turbines.

The matter was tabled for a future meeting.

"We're not trying to put people off," Mr. Most said about the time taken with the ordinance update. "It's for the sake of quality."