Organization of Woodland Lake Urges Brighton Township to Uphold Planning Standards and Protect Public Interest

Brighton Township Board of Trustees to Consider First Reading Vote on The Cove of Woodland Lake PUD Request on Monday, January 26

BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP, MI, UNITED STATES, January 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Organization of Woodland Lake (OWL) welcomes the Livingston County Planning Commission’s 5–1 vote to DENY the requested zoning change associated with the proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD).

The County Planning Commission’s decision reflects significant concerns regarding the proposal’s consistency with adopted planning standards, environmental protection, infrastructure capacity, and public safety. During deliberations, commissioners raised specific issues related to emergency access and the ability of fire and emergency vehicles to safely serve the proposed development.

During the principal planner’s data-driven presentation, the planner recommended denial of the request and specifically called for the Brighton Township Planning Commission to reverse its prior approval of the PUD.

“The County Planning Commission clearly identified serious planning, safety, and environmental concerns,” said Anita Grapentien, President of the Organization of Woodland Lake. “We strongly encourage Brighton Township officials to respect this recommendation and uphold responsible land-use decisions that protect public safety, natural resources, and the long-term interests of the community.”

Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, zoning and rezoning decisions must be made in accordance with an adopted master plan and with consideration for public health, safety, welfare, and the protection of natural resources. Planned Unit Developments are discretionary zoning tools — not entitlements — and municipalities are expressly authorized to deny proposals that introduce unreasonable long-term impacts or costs.

OWL also emphasized that the long-term costs associated with increased nutrient loading in inland lakes do not fall on developers, but on lake residents. These costs include ongoing water testing, algae treatment, lake management programs, and other remediation efforts that riparian property owners are required to fund when preventable impacts occur.

The Livingston County Planning Commission serves in an advisory role, evaluating proposals for alignment with master plans, zoning ordinances, and public welfare. Its recommendation provides critical guidance to local officials and strengthens the planning record supporting responsible decision-making.

The Brighton Township Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider the proposal for a first reading vote Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

OWL urges the Brighton Township Board of Trustees to carefully consider the full planning record — including the County’s recommendation, environmental impacts, and long-term cost responsibility — as they fulfill their obligation to act in the public interest and protect shared natural resources.

About The Organization of Woodland Lake
The Organization of Woodland Lake (OWL) is an all-volunteer organization that looks out for the best interest of the residents of Woodland Lake. The organization oversees the management of the Dam, weed control, water quality, and other essentials of the lake. Funding for these projects is through Woodland Lake Riparian’s Special Assessment District (SAD), which is administered by Brighton Township and collected through local taxes.

Cheryl Wasilewski
Organization of Woodland Lake
+1 810-772-8191
email us here

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