Coastal Alliance Urges Planning Commission to Delay Approval of Pine Trails Condominium Conversion
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Saugatuck Township Planning Commission will consider approval of NorthShore of Saugatuck’s proposed condominium conversion for a portion of the former Pine Trails Camp property. The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance has submitted a formal letter to the Planning Commission urging that final approval not be granted at this time, as several important aspects of the application remain incomplete. Most notably, the current application does not address NorthShore’s plans for dockage, which were previously part of the project proposal presented in August 2025.
The Township Planner has acknowledged that any proposed docks will still require separate approval. The Township Planner also references the Township’s Low Impact Development standards, but the application does not address tree removal and construction activity that has already taken place prior to the approval of the necessary permits. In addition, several items associated with the project still require review and approval by Allegan County, concerns that have also been raised by members of the Planning Commission during prior discussions.
Because these outstanding issues remain unresolved, the Coastal Alliance believes that final approval should be delayed until the full scope of the project — including dockage and environmental impacts — is properly reviewed.
The full letter submitted to the Saugatuck Township Planning Commission can be read here.
If you have concerns about this proposal, we encourage you to attend the Planning Commission meeting on the 17th and lend your voice to the conversation. Community participation matters.
