Author: woodlandlake

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

Brighton Township Board of Trustees to Consider First Reading Vote on The Cove of Woodland Lake PUD Request on Monday, January 26

BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — January 23, 2026 — The Organization of Woodland Lake (OWL) welcomes the Livingston County Planning Commission’s 5–1 vote to deny the requested zoning change associated with the proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD).

The County Planning Commission’s decision reflects significant concerns regarding the proposal’s consistency with adopted planning standards, environmental protection, infrastructure capacity, and public safety. During deliberations, commissioners raised specific issues related to emergency access and the ability of fire and emergency vehicles to safely serve the proposed development.

During the principal planner’s data-driven presentation, the planner recommended denial of the request and specifically called for the Brighton Township Planning Commission to reverse its prior approval of the PUD.

“The County Planning Commission clearly identified serious planning, safety, and environmental concerns,” said Anita Grapentien, President of the Organization of Woodland Lake. “We strongly encourage Brighton Township officials to respect this recommendation and uphold responsible land-use decisions that protect public safety, natural resources, and the long-term interests of the community.”

Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, zoning and rezoning decisions must be made in accordance with an adopted master plan and with consideration for public health, safety, welfare, and the protection of natural resources. Planned Unit Developments are discretionary zoning tools — not entitlements — and municipalities are expressly authorized to deny proposals that introduce unreasonable long-term impacts or costs.

OWL also emphasized that the long-term costs associated with increased nutrient loading in inland lakes do not fall on developers, but on lake residents. These costs include ongoing water testing, algae treatment, lake management programs, and other remediation efforts that riparian property owners are required to fund when preventable impacts occur.

The Livingston County Planning Commission serves in an advisory role, evaluating proposals for alignment with master plans, zoning ordinances, and public welfare. Its recommendation provides critical guidance to local officials and strengthens the planning record supporting responsible decision-making.

The Brighton Township Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider the proposal for a first reading vote Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

OWL urges the Brighton Township Board of Trustees to carefully consider the full planning record — including the County’s recommendation, environmental impacts, and long-term cost responsibility — as they fulfill their obligation to act in the public interest and protect shared natural resources.

About The Organization of Woodland Lake

The Organization of Woodland Lake (OWL) is an all-volunteer organization that looks out for the best interest of the residents of Woodland Lake. The organization oversees the management of the Dam, weed control, water quality, and other essentials of the lake. Funding for these projects is through Woodland Lake Riparian’s Special Assessment District (SAD), which is administered by Brighton Township and collected through local taxes.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Organization of Woodland Lake
Cheryl Wasilewski
810-772-8191

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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.
  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

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Local Lake Residents Unite to Oppose The Cove at Woodland Lake PUD Proposal by Developer Mitch Harris Building Company

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


Download PDF

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General Meeting 2025 – Water Quality Tips

Work To Be Done

What we can do with other organizations

  • Work with Drain Commission to improve the flow capacity/Box size for Grand River Filter
  • Grand River Drain Filter Maintenance frequency increase
  • All Drain Commission drains reviewed for maintenance
  • Work With EGLE to reduce the size of the public boat launch from 28 to 15 boat capacity
  • EGLE is working to eliminate wake boats in small inland lakes, support
  • Work with EGLE to ensure visiting boats have been drained and cleaned prior to launching
  • Continue with Limnologist on timing for weed kills, to minimize algae and ammonia levels
  • Track Timber Char effectiveness and any future remediation with data
  • Investigate/Benchmark remediation attempts at similar inland lakes
  • Work with the Sheriff department => a method to eliminate keyholing of boats on WL
  • Any new Housing/Commercial Development to ensure no contaminants into Woodland Lake
  • Any new Housing/Commercial Development to ensure no contaminants enter Woodland Lake
  • Limit number of new homes on the lake or with drainage needs near lake
  • Lock in the current number of docks.  No new docks on the lake unless grandfathered in
  • Do not allow any wetland to be destroyed or reduced around our lake in future developments

What can we do as Woodland Lake Riparians

  • Timber Char “wall” at outlet of GR and Hacker Drains into Woodland Lake and Ore Creek
  • Fertilizer reduction/elimination near lake or roads with drains near lake
  • Fertilizer reduction/elimination on downward slopes near lake or roads with drains near lake
  • Voice your objections to Twp planners when proposals attempt to increase number of homes
  • Voice your objections to Twp for any attempt to increase number of boat docks
  • Voice your objections to Twp when new developers attempt to modify wetlands
  • Install wetland plants at our shorelines to aid in Nitrogen and Phosphorous uptake
  • If you own a high-power boat, stay as far from shore as possible.  Reduce wake size
  • Plant shoreline vegetation along your shore as feasible
  • Maintain your current shoreline vegetation/plants
  • Ensure Timber Char is installed at your dock.  If help is needed, please advise OWL member
  • Do not burn leaves anywhere near the lake
  • Do not mow grass into the lake

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Water Treatment

May 28, 2025 (weather permitting) – Treatment of non native aquatic nuisance vegetation is scheduled.  Posting “Treatment Notice” on the lakefront side of the yard on Tuesday, May 27. Water restrictions associated with each chemical to be used are listed on the Treatment Notice.

DIQUAT DIBROMIDE: No swimming for 24 hours. Irrigation of turf, plants, and non-food crops for 3 Days. FOOD CROPS, animals, and livestock for 5 days. There is no restriction on fishing consumption.
FLUMIOXAZIN: NO swimming- 24 hours. NO Lawn and garden WATERING 1 day.
Do not water Food Crops, animals, or livestock for 5 days. No restrictions on fishing.  ** You should have received your notice via US mail last week in the mailed newsletter.  

Treatment of non-native aquatic nuisance vegetation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28. Weather permitting, the “Treatment Notice” will be posted on the lakefront side of the yard on Tuesday, May 27. Water restrictions associated with each chemical to be used are listed on the Treatment Notice.
DIQUAT DIBROMIDE: No swimming for 24 hours. Irrigation of turf, plants, and non-food crops for 3 Days. FOOD CROPS, animals, and livestock for 5 days. There is no restriction on fishing consumption.
FLUMIOXAZIN: NO swimming- 24 hours. NO Lawn and garden WATERING 1 day.
Do not water Food Crops, animals, or livestock for 5 days. No restrictions on fishing.

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Timber Char™

The OWL Board members voted unanimously to invest in this product to help mitigate the ongoing algae issues in our lake.

Each riparian will receive a kit with all the materials needed to install 3 filters on your docks or boat lifts.

A fourth filter with a different color tie strap will be provided to each riparian. Filters are good for 3 years. These filters will be available at the General Meeting.

NOTE: All filters must be removed from the water no later than October 31. https://woodlandlake.info/2024/06/timber-char/. Please do not leave them in; they cannot freeze in the water. See some information below about storage and cleaning the product. We will give you more instructions after the first of the year on how to get your new filter. Please keep these 3, you may place 4 in next year or return 1 to get a new one.

Instructions: See Below NEW INFORMATION ADDED 9/19/24

About the product:

Eden Lake’s Timberchar™, is the only EPA-approved, organic, specially modified and enhanced Biochar on the market capable of removing and storing nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. This product addresses a critical gap in nutrient management. By converting pollutants into a resource that can be used as soil amendments, Eden Lakes Timberchar™ not only cleans water but also contributes to the circular economy, reducing waste and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Why TimberChar™?

TimberChar™ emerged from the need to distinguish our high-grade product from commonly available biochars, which varied significantly in quality and effectiveness. Choosing TimberChar™ ensures you are selecting a premium, tested, and proven product. Our use of exclusively recycled timber, sourced from environmentally conscious means such as beetle-killed pine trees or reclaimed wood pellets, ensures each batch of TimberChar™ is not only sustainable but superior in quality.​

Unparalleled Certification and Assurance

TimberChar™ is proud to be the only char product in the United States that has received approvals and certifications from the EPA and USDA, along with an organic certification. This recognition is a testament to the consistent quality and safety of TimberChar™, positioning it as a leader in the environmental solutions industry.​

Cutting-Edge Technology

The breakthrough in TimberChar™ technology involves a patented production process that combines high-temperature fast pyrolysis with a prolonged exposure in a partial vacuum. This innovative method yields a product with unique properties, including a vast surface area—470 square yards per gram—and dual charge capacities (CEC and AEC), allowing it to effectively attract and bind various pollutants, including both nutrients and salts. ​

Practical Applications and Real-World Impact

The efficiency of TimberChar™ is not just theoretical but has proven practical applications. It’s capable of removing a broad spectrum of pollutants from water bodies, such as phosphates, nitrates, salts, microplastics, heavy metals, PFAS, and other commercial pollutants. This not only restores the ecological balance of lakes but also enhances their recreational and residential appeal. Residents of lakes treated with TimberChar™ have reported significant improvements in water quality and property values, affirming the effectiveness of our product.

HOW TO INSTALL NUTRIENT HARVESTING FILTERS

DO

  1. Use a pair of pliers to tighten zip ties on the ends as much as possible.

2. Place in water, ideally in a location where the water can move through it. Movement helps clear the water and stop algae blooms.

3. IF the water is LESS THAN 4 FEET deep, hang the filter horizontally on the float provided.

4. IF the water is GREATER THAN 4 FEET deep, hang the filter vertically from one end *** Sometimes it takes 24-48 hours for the filters to absorb enough water to go down, and they will go down.***

DO NOT ***THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT***DO NOT ALLOW THE FILTERS TO RUB ON ANY PART OF YOUR DOCK

  1. DO NOT place in a location where the filter may rub against or be pushed into docks, boats, the ground or other structures. Take water movement into consideration. The filters will not last if subjected to abrasion.
  2. DO NOT place near moving parts of boats or boat lifts.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRINTING

Cleaning the Filters

Riparians may wonder how to clean these TimberChar filters as they remove them from the lake. I took time today to pull one of my filters out of the water. I then put it back in the water and gently rubbed my hand over the outside of the filter. This resulted in the second picture taken of my filter on the dock with most of the growth removed from the outside of the filter. It was pretty easy to do. 

Before

After