Conservancy Set to Acquire ELHC Land

Just $7.5 million and board approval to go.

Attendees of the July 3 Planning Commission meeting at which GTRLC announced its intention to purchase the ELHC land. Photo by Paula on Emily’s phone

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) has signed a purchase agreement to buy the 35 acres of land the Elberta Land Holding Company (ELHC) has accumulated over decades for $19.5 million.

The conservancy is calling on the community to help raise some $7.5 million before the closing date on December 15, GTRLC Executive Director Glen Chown said as he presented the conservancy’s plan for the land at the planning commission meeting on July 3. He said the group has secured about $12.5 million in pledges so far.

At the meeting, Chown explained GTRLC’s plans for the land: Turn 16 of the 26 acres of the land adjacent to the beach into a park, and conserve the rest. The remaining 9 acres that are located in the “Marina District” of the village will be transferred to the State Land Bank Authority, which will help the village prepare those properties for redevelopment. And the Betsie Valley Trail will finally be able to connect through to Elberta beach.

Here is GTRLC’s map of what they plan to do with the different parcels. Photo by Emily

“Done right, this will be the most consequential community conservation and placemaking project in all of the state of Michigan,” said Chown.

Mind you, this still has to be approved by the GTRLC’s board. Chown said that body will be looking for a show of broad, enthusiastic community support for the plan, as well as donations. 

Clockwise from left: Brett McGregor, Glen Chown (GTRLC Executive Director, presenting), Michael Murphy, Megan Gray, Mary Link, Stewart McFerran, Helen Taylor (State Director of the Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy) Photo by Emily

Chown said GTRLC and the Land Bank Authority would provide resources for an in-depth, community-led planning process to help the community decide how the banked 9 acres will be used. 

Chris Sullivan, the GTRLC’s director of land protection and an avid fisherman, said public fishing access will be a top priority.

Let the Alert know what you want to know about this project, process and purchase! Send us all your questions! We will do our best to answer them!

To donate to help purchase the property (it’s tax deductible!): Go to GLTRC.com.

Glen Chown’s notes for the press release, courtesy of Glen Chown.