Dear Supporters,

We wanted to provide you with an important update regarding the Interlochen Depot project.

Earlier today, Green Lake Township publicly responded to our petition on Facebook, which we’ve included below for full transparency:

"Green Lake Township has provided Mr. Dunne with the checklist below and permit applications for Land Use (covers one truck), and Site Plan Review (for multiple trucks). As of this date, we have not received either completed application from Mr. Dunne. The township cannot issue a permit without a permit application."

We have responded to the township with the following clarification:

"Dear Mrs. Barck
Thank you for your public response. I appreciate the township’s efforts to engage with us on this matter. While the township has repeatedly referred to the checklist, several key questions we have remain unanswered:

1. GTC Well and Septic Permit – We are not adding a well or septic at this time. The food truck is equipped with a self-contained fresh and gray water system. We will also comply with zoning by providing a portable restroom unit, maintained weekly per Article 4, T.5.h. Could you confirm that this satisfies the requirement?
2. Driveway and Soil Erosion Permits – The property has an existing driveway recognized by Grand Traverse County, which was also used to obtain a street address. Could you clarify why a new driveway permit would be required for a land use permit? Additionally, since no excavation or construction is currently planned, and both EGLE and Grand Traverse County have confirmed that a soil erosion permit is not required, could you confirm that a permit is not necessary at this time?
3. Permitted Use by Right – The lots adjoining J Maddy Pkwy (137) are classified under Article 4, T. of the Green Lake Township Zoning Ordinance as a “use permitted by right” for food trucks. Requiring a Land Use Permit and/or Special Use Permit (SUP) for a permitted use seems inconsistent with the zoning ordinance. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Act 110 of 2006) states that site plan procedures and requirements must be clearly specified in the zoning ordinance. Could you clarify why a Land Use Permit or SUP is being required?
4. Land Use Permit vs. Vendor’s License – I was told that the land use permit will also serve as our vendor’s license.
However, the zoning ordinance defines these as two separate documents — the land use permit is permanent once approved, while the vendor’s license is annual. Could you clarify whether I would need to reapply for a land use permit annually instead of obtaining a vendor’s license as outlined in the ordinance?
5. Food Trucks on Private Property – The language in Article 4, T. primarily addresses food truck operations on public or township-owned property. Could you clarify where private property is addressed in the zoning ordinance concerning food truck operations? If there is no clear provision for private property, how can the township regulate food trucks on private land when the zoning ordinance does not expressly cover this scenario?
The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act requires that zoning regulations be clearly specified in the ordinance to be enforceable. If food truck operations on private property are not clearly addressed in the ordinance, this raises questions about the township’s authority to impose additional requirements.
We are committed to working collaboratively with the township to create a framework that reflects the community's best interests. We hope that the township recognizes the benefit of this project and is willing to work with us to clarify these issues.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely, Toby Dunne"

We want to assure you all that we are working diligently to resolve these issues and move the project forward. While the township's statement implies that we have not submitted the necessary permits, our response outlines the outstanding questions and inconsistencies that need to be addressed before we can complete the application process.

Our goal remains to create a welcoming, inclusive space for the community — a place where people can gather, enjoy great food, and connect with nature. We are committed to working with the township to establish a clear and fair framework that supports this vision.

THANK YOU for standing with us. Your continued support and signatures have been incredibly encouraging. We will keep you updated as things progress — and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas.

With huge gratitude,
Toby Dunne