Crystal Lake Township will hold a public hearing on September 25 to review an updated proposal for a multi-use campground called Camp Nearby. The hearing will address changes to the original plan, which was submitted in March.
The hearing venue will be announced on the township’s website. The revised plan, submitted in August, proposes several modifications aimed at addressing community concerns.
The original site plan, which outlined 68 campsites across 17 acres, has been updated to reduce the number of campsites to 66. Changes include limiting RVs to Class B motorhomes between 16 and 21 feet, removing glamping sites, and reducing sewer hookups.
The new proposal also eliminates the need for a dump station. Additionally, more natural areas will be preserved, and smokeless fire pits will be installed to minimize environmental impact.
Other changes include directing visitors to nearby beaches in Beulah and Frankfort instead of the public access on Crystal Lake to reduce congestion. The proposal also indicates that further studies, such as a traffic analysis and stormwater calculations, are still pending.
According to an article published by Record Patriot on September 8, residents have voiced opposition to the project, with a petition on Change.org gathering over 2,270 signatures. The petition, created by a group called Citizens Who Care About Crystal Lake Township, argues that the project is inconsistent with the rural preservation zoning of the area. Signatories claim the density and scale of the development would disrupt the rural character of the township.
Zoning administrator Tom Kucera noted that public concerns would be considered during the hearing.
Crystal Lake Township’s approach underscores the importance of community engagement. By holding a public hearing and revising the original campground proposal, campground owners can incorporate feedback and proactively adjust their plans to align with local zoning regulations and environmental expectations.