2 new plans for dunes await approval

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) - Singapore Dunes submitted a new plan on Friday regarding the section of dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. A second plan is expected to be submitted to the Saugatuck Township Planning Commission in the next couple of weeks.

The first plan that was officially submitted Friday to the Township Zoning Board of Appeals would require some variances from the township. The plan would use less of the land, but would include 32 single family homes, 12 duplex units, three private marina condominiums, a 25-suite hotel and a walking golf course.

The Saugatuck Township Board would have to approve some variances in order to allow the hotel, golf course, parts of the marina and to allow buildings in certain locations all proposed in the second plan.

The second proposal is completely allowed under the current zoning. It would include 129 homes, including 89 single family homes and 40 duplexes, along with a small, private docking area along the Kalamazoo River.  This plan will be submitted in the next couple of weeks.

Saugatuck Dunes and Saugatuck Township have been fighting over the land along the Kalamazoo River for years and its zoning for years.

It wasn't until June 2012 that a federal judge approved the settlement between Saugatuck Township and Singapore Dunes , the company owned by Aubrey McClendon, putting the way the land was zoned back into its original form.

The two proposals will now go to the township zoning board for review and approval.

If you would like to read more on the developer's two plans, click here .