Island Construction Projects Move Through Planning Board

Mackinac Island planning commissioners spent two hours rendering determinations on a number of construction projects around the Island during their Tuesday, May 15, meeting.

In February, a request by Mar Pulte, who sought approval to add two sliding doors to her Lesley Court condominium, was tabled when commissioners questioned the appearance of the doors. The doors must be hinged or have the appearance of being hinged, like French doors.

At Tuesday's meeting, commissioners approved her request for the hinged doors. Ms. Pulte, who attended the meeting, argued that with limited space in the condominium, French doors could not be opened. She told the board the doors also were only visible from the water and said the difference in appearance between sliding doors and French doors could not be seen from five feet away.

"In the building where I live, 50% [of owners] have sliding and the other 50% don't have anything, French or sliding," she said.

In March, Dr. Michael Bacon had asked to increase the size of an existing second floor deck at Breakwater Point Condominiums. The project was tabled pending the architectural review and proof that the condominium association agreed with his plans.

Commissioners approved the deck addition May 15 and a plan to use tempered glass panels as a railing was to match other units based on a recommendation from city architect Rick Neumann.

In another matter, a new bicycle kiosk for Ira Green's Iroquois Bicycle Shop on Main Street was approved by commissioners. The kiosk will be inside, but the item came before commissioners because the structure is visible from the street.

A wooden fence was approved to run behind May's Candy Shop and Starbucks in an easement area. Victor Callewaert sought commission approval for the fence, which will run perpendicular to Astor Street.

An 8-foot by 10-foot wood storage shed to store tables and chairs at Stonecliffe was approved. The district is zoned hotel-boarding house. Dr. Bacon made the request.

Hubbard's Annex cottage owners Lorna and Francis Straus received approval for a 400-square-foot addition to the kitchen in the former Bodak house, pending architectural review. The decision was based on the overall size of the house, which is more than 3,500 square feet. Commissioners did allow digging a foundation because of the city's looming deadline for temporary motor vehicle permits needed for excavating equipment.

Plans for a wrap-around deck on a house owned by Ben Mosley in Harrisonville was sent to the Zoning Board of Appeals, because the request exceeds variance requirements. The request for the deck was made by Lorma Kolatski, who lives in the house.

The deck would only allow a 3 foot, 8 inch clearance to the lot line. A 5-foot setback is required to provide room for the fire department to move around a structure.

"I think it's important we preserve the integrity of setbacks," said Commissioner Mary Dufina.

The planning commission will meet Tuesday, June 12, at 3 p.m. on the second floor of Community Hall on Market Street.