Crystal Lake Township officials are awaiting the presentation of a revised site plan for a proposed 17-acre campground on Casey Road, just off M-115. The project, known as Camp Nearby, has been in the planning stages since the original site plan application was submitted in March.
The initial plan includes a total of 68 campsites, featuring a mix of full hook-up sites, tent camping spots, A-frame shelters, and glamping cabins.
In addition to the camping accommodations, the site is set to offer various amenities, including a bathhouse, dog park, gym, and saunas. Additionally, existing structures on the property, such as a barn and shed, are slated to be repurposed for the campground’s use.
However, township officials have not yet received an updated site plan that incorporates revisions based on public feedback. “It has not been presented yet, so I don’t know much more,” Zoning Administrator Tom Kucera said.
The next planning commission meeting is scheduled for August 28, and the council is expected to review a new site plan for the proposed campground.
According to an article published by Record Patriot on August 9, Mansfield Land Use Consultants submitted the proposal on behalf of Elizabeth and Michael Heintzleman from New York. However, public concerns were raised during the April planning commission meeting when the initial site plan was presented to the township board of trustees.
At the meeting, Doug Mansfield, president of Mansfield Land Use Consultants, delivered a presentation of the proposed campground and addressed questions from concerned residents.
Among the concerns raised by the public were the potential impacts on traffic, campsite density, noise levels, and campfire smoke. Additionally, residents expressed worries about how the campground’s water infrastructure might affect nearby water tables.
In response to these concerns, Mansfield assured the public that the developers were committed to working with both the township and neighboring landowners to address the issues.
He also emphasized that under state law, campgrounds are considered a permitted special use.