The proposed aerial cable ride called a zip line and rock climbing wall at the Animal Tracks miniature golf course was dropped during a special meeting of the Mackinaw City Planning Commission Thursday, December 10. Chris Brown, representative of the Lieghio family who had applied for the special use permit to construct the additions, said the family would wait for the planning commission to determine how it wants to regulate zip lines.

Mr. Brown explained the family wanted to construct a 42-foot-tall building that the zip line would launch from as quickly as possible. While the site plans have now eliminated the zip line and rock wall, the building could still be used for retail and office space. He requested the planning commission examine the site plan in that light and approve it to be sent to the village council.

In the future, Mr. Brown suggested, the planning commission could examine the "Private Open Air Business" ordinance and develop language that would address zip lines. The ordinance states open air businesses must be enclosed by a fence to prevent trash from blowing into surrounding areas, and this was an issue that stalled approval when the commission considered the request November 30.

Planning Commission member Rosada Mann said the village attorney had been consulted on the matter and reported that the ordinance requires the entire zip line operating area to be fenced. Mr. Brown reiterated

his request, saying the ordinance was developed without considering unusual cases such as a zip line.

With the zip line and rock wall out of the picture, the commissioners turned their attention to the site plan of the building, which would replace the Dippin' Dots Ice Cream building on the corner of North Huron Avenue and Crossings Drive.

The site plan will come before the next Mackinaw City Village Council meeting Thursday, December 17.

Mr. Brown said he expects the building to be constructed by Memorial Day.