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February 1, 2006
Narrows marina gets state permitBut foes vow to keep fighting to sink proposalLAKE LEELANAU - The state finalized a permit for a new marina along the Lake Leelanau Narrows, but opponents vow they will continue efforts to halt the project.The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in December issued a proposed permit to Wayne Tyge and the Narrows Development Co. to construct 14 boat slips along the Narrows, the area that divides north and south Lake Leelanau. The agency finalized that permit last week following a 30-day public comment period, during which the DEQ fielded numerous neighbors' arguments against the marina plans. The permit will allow construction of a dock 252 feet long by 5 feet wide, as well as installation of seven 22-foot piers on the east side of the Narrows. Provemont Village residents would use the slips. The permit also includes removal of an existing boathouse and pilings. Tyge said the DEQ's approval is evidence that the project is safely designed to minimize environmental impact. "The DEQ has essentially made this comparable to other permits issued and carried out throughout the state," he said. "They feel confident, and they've been charged with those responsibilities." However, the Lake Leelanau Lake Association continues to cite concerns about boater safety and shoreline and ecological damage. Mary Taylor, past president of the lake association, said opponents are gearing up for a contested case hearing during the first week of April before a state administrative law judge in Lansing. "We've been preparing for this for a long time," she said. Tyge said he's confident the project will proceed. "I realize not everyone is going to agree with it," he said. "We feel our position is more than defensible." The DEQ in 2004 rejected Tyge's original permit application, which he since revised. The initial application called for dredging a canal to allow residents of the proposed Provemont Village condominiums access to Lake Leelanau. Tyge said the earliest construction would begin is this spring. See related story:
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