The Cove at Woodland Lake: Information for January 26th Trustee Meeting

As mentioned previously, this issue will be up before the Trustees on January 26, 2026, at 6:30 pm at the Township Hall.

Background:

A similar plan was presented in 2014 and turned down by the Livingston County Planning Commission. The developer at the time (related to Boss Engineering) did not move forward.

Brighton Township Planning Commission 2025

New developer Mitch Harris Building Company presented plans for a 45-unit development, including additional property and an entranceway from Dann Drive. After 4 meetings, the Planning Commission (a recommending body) approved its recommendation to change R-2 to PUD with 40 units (November 10, 2025) with a 4-2 Vote.

Livingston County Planning Commission (LCPC) December 17, 2025

The LCPC (a recommending body) turned down the request for a recommendation (5-1) to move forward with PUD Zoning, with the lead project planner recommending that the Township Planning Commission reverse its decision to approve. See the report starting on Page 19.

Next Steps Trustee Meeting January 26, 2026

Mitch Harris Building Company will present on January 26, 2026, at the Trustee meeting, their plan for approval. Packet to come soon.

O.W.L Presentations, Recommendations

O.W.L. presented our extensive Water Quality findings and concerns to the Planning Commission (October 13, 2025 – Starting on Page 5)

Updated information was submitted for the November 10, 2025, meeting beginning on page 151.

January 14, 2026 – A special meeting was called with the Trustees to review the Water Quality report and inform them that the plan is irresponsible and that a responsible plan is possible. Packet

Requests to the Brighton Township Planning Commission and Brighton Township Trustees

January 12, 2026 (deadline for the February 9th Meeting) The O.W.L. Board submitted a packet to the Brighton Township Planning Commission, a request for them to reverse their November 10th decision to come up with a more responsible plan.

January 16, 2026 – Same packet was sent to the Trustees for their submission on the January 26, 2026, meeting, requesting they deny the request for both PUD and R-2 Baseline plans and request the Planning Commission reverse their decision.

Packet Included:

1. LCPC meeting packet (only pages relating to The Cove at Woodland Lake
2. A memo from Dr. David Jude (our limnologist)
3. Memo with our specific request – Please read this, as it is what is referenced in your letters below.

Your Participation is Needed

1. Please read the information and download the recommended letters to send to the planning commission. Any information you want to add is encouraged. But still effective is sending a filled-out letter.
   • Riparian Letter
   • Township Resident Letter
   • Other letters you can read and reference
     • John Boland’s email to the Township Trustees
     • Cheryl Wasilewski’s Letter to the Township Trustees
2. Send this info to people you know on the lake (Riparian Version) or those who live in Brighton Township (Township Resident Letter). The Trustees are our ELECTED officials. Their responsibility to protect our health, safety, natural resources, and property values.
3. Attend the January 26th Meeting. Don’t count on others as a lot of people are out of town for the winter. WE NEED YOU!

PRESS RELEASE
Organization of Woodland Lake Urges Brighton Township to Uphold Planning Standards and Protect Public Interest

Previous information
December 16, 2025 Press Release