CRYSTAL LAKE TOWNSHIP IN BENZIE COUNTY MICHIGAN

2024 ELECTIONS: IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION

Click here for sample ballot.
Absentee Ballots are already distributed. They were mailed out October 2 - 4. Clerk's number is 231-352-9791, ext 3.
Absentee ballots may be returned any time up until 8 p.m. November 5, 2024.
A voting machine public accuracy test will be 10 a.m. on Friday, October 11.
Electors (voters) may walk into the township hall for early in-person voting between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. - October 26 - November 3.
Election Day the polls will be open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5.
Click here for the Overview of Current Voter Intimidation and Firearm Laws.

A PROPOSED 5th YEAR OF IRONMAN: 5 p.m. Monday October 15, Frankfort City Hall, 412 Main Street, Frankfort. Frankfort City Council is slated to vote on whether to sign a contract for a 5th year hosting the Ironman event. A prior Public Hearing to discuss the City of Frankfort being the Host Venue for Iron Man 2025 was held on Oct 7 a the Garden Theater. This is posted on the CLTwp website due to the fact that Ironman events, and decisions surrounding the events, notably impacts our township.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING & SHORT TERM RENTALS: 6 p.m. October 16, 2024 at the township hall. The proposed Short Term Rental policy will be considered further under "Old Business" at this meeting. Click here for a copy of the STR dated as of September 18, 2024 (without any subsequent revisions.)

CAMP NEARBY– SPECIAL LAND USE APPLICATION: the next meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2024, at 7 PM, location to be determined. Watch this website and the Record- Patriot for more information. Click here to view the 8.14.2024 Summary of the Project REVISIONS. Subsequently, the Township received a revised application and project drawings. Click here to view the 9.10.2024 REVISED APPLICATION. Click here to view the REVISED DRAWINGS. Click here to see a study the applicants provided of the impact to the property if it was sub-divided into six (6) individual lots. The complete set of REVISED DOCUMENTS is available for public inspection at Township Hall during normal business hours.

BENZIE COUNTY MASTER PLAN FEEDBACK & PUBLIC HEARING: 9:00 a.m. November 12, 2024 at the Government Center, 448 Court Place, Beulah. The wider Benzie area community needs your feedback on its proposed amended master plan, a.s.a.p. Click here to review the proposed master plan. Click here to review the Appendix D - 2024 Master Plan Addendum. The purpose of a master plan is to provide guidelines for future development within the community over a 20 year planning horizon. Master Plans should be reviewed and updated every five years. Such a review should analyze a community's social and economic characteristics, natural resources including climate, geology, topography, soils, water resources, wetlands, woodlands, fish and wildlife, and scenic features, public utilities, transportation networks, medical facilities, recreation, schools, and existing land use patterns. It is the goal of the Benzie Board of Commissioners to prepare and adopt a plan that supports responsible growth and development and sustainability for our area. Click here to email your comments to the county. After gathering public input from community members and those outside the community, and following the pubic hearing, final action on the plan may occur.

COMMUNITY GUIDANCE NEEDED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: We are currently soliciting public feedback regarding environmental concerns/inquiries in Crystal Lake Township. If you have any input, please feel free to fill out our form so that we can capture and collate your feedback as we prioritize our 2025 agenda." Click here for form. Want to volunteer to be on the CLT Environment Committee? Email Abbie Ellsworth.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Your community needs you! There is an immediate need to fill some township "empty seats": 1) Republican Election Inspectors (we have enough Democrats) for November 5; 2) Cemetery Committee Member with family in North or East Cemeteries; and 3) a second Airport Authority appointee. However, not only would the township like to see you involved with (y)our local government, in a myriad of ways so would Benzie County and Northern Michigan appreciate your involvement. Your voice and your skills are important. In addition to feedback, consider volunteering, working in a staff position, or even running for office. Also, click here to take you to our Employment & Volunteerism webpage for volunteer opportunities. Last but not least, we recommend you check with the county website or look up some of the area's non-profits to might benefit from your assistance.

FIBER INSTALLATION IN CLT: The Cherry Capital Connections' (CCC) install of fiber optic cable down M-115 to Frankfort has commenced. CCC already placed a "hub" shed on the grounds of our township hall. Click here to view a broadband projected service map and click here to see latest installation update report.