By Lisa Carolin
Robin Hills Farm took center stage at the April 27 Sylvan Township Planning Commission meeting. Laura Thacker, food and beverage director for Robin Hills, briefed commission members on all the growth and changes the farm has experienced since its inception.
“Our mission of agricultural education and engagement hasn’t changed, but we need to incorporate a more inclusive business model to achieve that mission over the long term,” Thacker stated.
The planning commission unanimously approved a special use permit for five events at Robin Hills, four in 2017 and one in 2018. Those events include the Summer Solstice Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, a new event called Songfest in conjunction with the Chelsea District Library, and the Ice Festival in January.
“Let’s use the events you’re doing as a way to look at the future,” said David Seitz, Sylvan Township Planning Commission chair. “It’s about visitor numbers and parking.”
The planning commission requires a special land use permit granted for an agricultural commercial/tourism business that is reviewed annually.
Robin Hills Farm is developing a 3-5 year plan to submit with a revised special use permit. Among the changes being sought is an appropriate liquor license for the event facility as well as for the welcome building, greenhouse, and pasture barn.
“I think we should recommend to the township board that Robin Hills Farm apply to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for an appropriate liquor license,” said Seitz. The commission unanimously approved the motion.
Thacker said that Robin Hills is seeking to re-use the pasture barn as a venue for smaller-scale events for 50-75 people. She also asked if the planning commission would re-evaluate the guest number and event limitations.
Planning commission members are working on a date to visit Robin Hills Farm to get a first-hand look at all the proposed changes.
In other action, the commission unanimously approved a minor amendment to the St. Louis Center’s Phase I/IA and IB village project final site plan. The change comes as a result of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality determining that the water system at the St. Louis Center will be under its jurisdiction rather than under Washtenaw County’s jurisdiction since there is an existing Type I water supply system on the site.
