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Preserve the Dunes Newsletter                                                                 October 11, 2011 
Greetings!
    There was little PTD news over the summer. But now we are back. I hope your summer was enjoyable, rewarding and fun. 

In This Issue
Design Competition
Saugatuck Update
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PTD Announces Design Competition        
Awards to encourage quality design that also preserves the dunes.

Studio/Guest House
Studio/Guest House by Kathryn Quinn Architects Ltd. Photo Karant + Associates, Inc.

 

Preserve the Dunes is holding its second design awards competition for single family residential projects constructed in a critical dune area (CDA) in the State of Michigan and has mailed a Call for Entries for the Critical Dunes Residential Design Awards.

The awards will recognize architectural design excellence in residential projects in the dunes of western Michigan - design that is responsive to the project's setting and that safeguards the dunes. A subsequent publication will present successful strategies and techniques for building in the dunes using selected submissions.

Purpose: Residential development in the critical dune areas has become the most significant threat to these fragile dune ecosystems. These design awards are intended to reduce that threat by:
  • Giving recognition to designers and builders whose projects meet the judging criteria for this competition (see the Call for Entries).
  • Demonstrating that it is possible to create functional and beautiful homes that also sustain the dune environment.
  • Highlighting the benefits of careful design and site planning.
  • Identifying and cataloging strategies and techniques that preserve the dune ecosystems, or mitigate damage to the dunes.
  • Encouraging owners to require home designs that respect their dune setting and maintain it for future use and pleasure.
Michigan BLUE will be the media sponsor of the design awards program. Michigan BLUE, a lifestyle magazine for lakeside residents with a circulation of 30,000 will announce and showcase winning entries in Summer Issue 2012 to be released May 15. See mibluemag.com. 

Further information and registration forms are available at http://ptddesignawards.sosdunes.org or visit sosdunes.org/blog

This program is funded in part by the DEQ and NOAA under a Critical Zone Management Grant. 
Saugatuck Development Agreement Updates

Singapore Dunes, LLC, billionaire Aubrey McClendon's development company, has bullied its way past Saugatuck Township Board and in July reached a settlement agreement that clears the way for development of a 320 acre parcel at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River at Lake Michigan. That agreement will allow development of a 25-unit suite hotel, a 66-slip marina, a small golf course and about 100 condominiums and single-family homes on the land. 

 

The property has a restrictive R-4 zoning that would basically limit the land to homes on at least 5 acres and no commercial development. The zoning was approved while McClendon was buying the property. McClendon sued the township in federal court in 2010, claiming his development rights were denied by the change in zoning. Continue reading for recent update...

 
"These dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona . . .
once lost, the loss would be irrevocable."
Carl Sandburg

 
Sincerely,

Preserve the Dunes