In summer 2017, Team Elmer Crane and Dozer filed a special use permit to mine gravel near Pickerel Lake Road. This archive preserves the meetings, documents, and citizen response that followed.
Property value reductions from the Upjohn Institute study on Richland Township, MI (2006)
Subject parcel
Reference pit
Left: the wooded parcel at 4281 Pickerel Lake Road as of August 2017. Right: the Manthei pit nearby, included for comparison of what the subject parcel was proposed to become.
Bear Creek Township Planning Commission voted 6-0 to deny the special use permit for extracting sand and gravel.
Emmet County Planning Commission meeting drew significant public opposition. Vote postponed pending legal counsel.
The Petoskey News-Review reports on the planning commission's request for additional information from the applicant.
Emmet County Road Commission discusses driveway requirements, recommended routes, and wetland mitigation.
Draft minutes released. Road Commission clarifies it does not officially endorse the proposal.
Audio recordings from over 2,000 feet at a comparable operating pit test Elmer's stated noise levels.
The 9/7/2017 packet released to the planning commission for review.
Eric Ritchie and Steve Crane rescind the special use permit request for 4281 Pickerel Lake Road.
4281 Pickerel Lake Road, Bear Creek Township.
Range relevant to property-value impact studies.
All routes considered for the proposed truck traffic.
Emmet County is a place where natural beauty and prosperity flourishes in a desirable and sustainable community. The County appeals to both year round and seasonal visitors, maintaining its reputation as a hospitable, safe and welcoming haven and tourist destination. Emmet County land development is planned to be complemented and enhance the natural beauty and landscape for which it is famous.
Parks and open spaces abound, and wildlife populations are stable and healthy. Emmet County offers outstanding educational opportunities to all its citizens. Industries are sustainable and innovative. Citizens are actively engaged in supporting agriculture, forestry, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. The abundance of clean air and clean water adds to the beautiful scenery, presenting a sense of pride and well being.