FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brighton Township, MI —December 16, 2025 —The Organization of Woodland Lake (OWL) representing the owners of 331 parcels and other local Brighton Township residents have joined together to oppose the proposed 40-unit PUD known as The Cove at Woodland Lake (RZ #25/01), submitted by developer Mitch Harris Building Company.
Like many inland lakes across Michigan and the Midwest, Woodland Lake is experiencing increased pressure from runoff, nutrient loading, recreational use, and regional growth. These trends are not unique, but residents believe that placing a high-density PUD on a steep, environmentally sensitive 43-acre parcel would intensify those pressures and undermine years of restoration efforts.
“Like many lakes across Michigan, Woodland Lake faces modern environmental pressures,” said John Boland, Chair of the Woodland Lake Water Quality Committee. “Every decision should strengthen the lake’s resilience. This proposal would increase runoff and stress at a time when we should be improving conditions.”
Residents also emphasize that they are not anti-development. They believe it is about doing the right thing by protecting long-term natural features rather than allowing short-term individual profit to guide decisions. The proposal conflicts with the Brighton Township Master Plan, the PUD ordinance, and the Natural Features Overlay District, all of which were created to guide responsible land use.
The plan includes 41 to 46% impervious surfaces, which is significantly higher than the recommended 10 to 15% for sensitive lake systems. In addition, when the sewer system was installed in the early 2000s, approximately 16 units were considered a reasonable expectation for this parcel, far fewer than what is proposed today.
“We are not opposed to development. We are opposed to irresponsible development,” continued Boland. “The density and environmental impacts of this proposal do not match the community’s character or the lake’s sensitive condition.”
This topic will be discussed during the next Livingston County Planning Commission meeting on December 17 at 6:30 pm. Many OWL and other local residents are likely to attend and strongly encourage the Livingston County Planning Commission to vote down the current PUD proposal and request that the Township follow the Master Plan, the PUD ordinance, and the Natural Features Overlay District when evaluating any future development on this parcel. A revised and environmentally responsible plan that meets Township planning standards is entirely achievable.
Media Contact:
Cheryl Wasilewski
Communications Chair/O.W.L.
810-772-8191
cheryl.wasilewski@gmail.com
Excellent letter with reasonable points. Hope reason weighs out over tax greed from the county
I like that the letter has substance, and not one of those common “we are against everything” that are filling up social media; even bringing up specific POINTS that need to be addressed. That is a USEFUL approach to deal with a subject.
I agree too! Protect Woodland Lake and the wildlife.
At all township meetings I attended on this issue not 1 person was for this.NOT 1.Funny how this property was land locked for years but it took a friend of Boss eng. to lie to a church to acquire the property next to it thus leading to gain access to this property.The township has been licking their chops forever to get this land developed.For years I seen develpers run from this property.So many times I’ve seen the township vote against the will of the residents.Our tax base is stable and does not need over development.Example… the Mullins property.squeezing 46 condos on 7 acres then putting 10 cookie cutter massive condos lakefront on a lake were not 1 house looks like the other.The people that represent US need to represent US NOT developers.Comes down to big $$$$ vs the resident tax payers.Please vote this project down and come back with a conservative reasonable plan. thanks.