A process begins. As noted earlier the Village has received a new permit application to develop The Cottages of Elk Rapids (formerly known as the Preserve).  The applicant request that the development be approved under the code section known as a Planned Unit Development (PUD).  The intent of a PUD is to; encourage innovation and variety in land use, design, layout, natural resources, energy and provision of public services and utilities; encourage useful open space, and provide better housing, employment, and shopping opportunities particularly suited to the needs of the residents of the village, county and state and not unreasonably create and adverse economic, social or environmental impact on surrounding land uses.

Upon the receipt of the PUD application the developer has the option of discussing the development with village staff members.  Should the developer select this review process, the staff will then review the application as it relates to the Zoning Code, Infrastructure Standards and any other criteria that the staff feels is in the best interest of the village. The village staff will also depend on professional consultants that have been retained by the village.  We will then make recommendations for changes and advise the developer to implement the changes before it goes the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission will review the developers plans along with staff comments and hold a public hearing on the proposed development.  Based on their review the Planning Commission will then prepare a recommendation to the Village Council.  The Village Council will then hold a public hearing and approve the plan as submitted, approve the plan with changes, deny the application or send the application back to the Planning Commission for further review.  At this point in the process the proposal has been reviewed by staff, reviewed by the Planning Commission, reviewed by the public at two public hearings and reviewed  by the Village Council.  A process ends. 

Reminder to everyone that the Village Council meets Tuesday, February 20th at 7 p.m.  Among the agenda items are; a public hearing on the 2008-2008 budget with a resolution to approve the budget, a public hearing on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and resolution to approve the Plan, approve bids for the reconstruction of the alley south of River Street between Pine and Cedar Streets, approve an engineering agreement for the same project, approve next seasons gazebo rental rates and approve the 2007 fee schedule.  For new business the council will discuss in increase in water rates, the auditors proposal for the next three years and have a first reading on an ordinance to provide for fines for the misuse of dock spaces.