Brandon Twp -Camp Nahelu was once a religious camp for children from across the United States, but will soon be the site of a cluster development for more than 31 homes on Perry Lake, in Brandon Township.
In the first of two required public hearings, on April 5, the Brandon Township Board approved rezoning more than 77 acres of Camp Nahelu, located on the north side of Perry Lake, from recreation zoning to rural estate zoning.
In March, Fred Stern who has owned the property since 1968, explained to the Brandon Planning Commission that he is selling the property because his eyesight is failing and he can no longer care for the camp.
Stern further explained that after some research, he felt developer Carl Matisse of Summit Properties was the ‘best developer he could find to do the job right.?
The conceptual layout for the proposed development, according to Tim Palulian, Director of the Planning and Building Department, is completely in-line with the township Master Plan.
The planned 31 home cluster development indicates preservation of open space and existing beach property in which 16.43 acres of the 77 are along the non-motorized Perry Lake.
While the township ordinance mandates a two-and a-half acre minimum per single home, property owners will be building on an average of slightly larger than an acre and the remainder of the acreage will become common property to allow for green-way belts and easements within the 31 home development.
According to the land use and zoning analysis the remainder of the property is wooded with rolling land that would be conducive to the creation of parks in the southeast and southwest corners.
A study done by township planners Carlisle/Wortman calls for development consideration to the placement of homes, suggesting restrictions on cutting trees on individual lots in order to preserve the natural features of the property.
Developer Matisse said he intends to keep the property looking as natural as possible, adding that he wants to preserve trees, wherever possible, including a 50 to 100 foot buffer surrounding the entire parcel.
The study also warns that soil erosion around the lake should be also be addressed. Development should not otherwise impact the lake and wetlands on the property.
A Michigan Department of Natural Resources natural feature inventory for the 77 acres, cites that more than 10 acres may be slightly impacted by lot arrangement unless close attention is given to low intensity development.
According to Palulian a few of the neighboring residents were concerned about additional traffic in the area as project plans indicate a potential for a one-way in and out. However, the Carlisle/Wortman study indicates that the rezoning does not aggravate traffic issues because the number of vehicles coming or going from the development will be only slightly higher than what would occur under a normal split of the property.
Camp owner Stern says that during peak operation the camp saw up to 300 visitors dropped off and picked up twice a week during peak season. Stern says he figures the 31 home development would produce less traffic.
While township board members were reluctant to approve further development of open land in the township, a motion was unanimously approved the first reading to rezone Camp Nahelu. The next public hearing on the rezoning will be April 19 at the township board general meeting.