Bingham planners recommend agritourism

In Planners back adoption of ‘agritourism’ language the Leelanau Enterprise reports that Bingham Towship’s Planning Commission has recommended an amendment to township zoning:

The proposed new zoning ordinance provisions may make it easier for the owners of farms and other agriculturally zoned properties to engage in businesses related to farming that will bring more tourists to the township. Examples already occurring in Bingham Township include special events held at local wineries, bed-and-breakfast operations at local farms, and on-site sales of locally produced food and beverages.

Planning Commission chairman Mike Park said the draft zoning ordinance amendment has been forwarded to the Leelanau County Planning Commission for review and will also be examined by township attorneys before being considered for adoption by the Bingham Township Board, tentatively next month. Park credited Don Coe, a co-owner of Black Star Farms in Bingham, for suggesting that the commission consider drafting the amendment. Black Star Farm includes a winery, a tasting room, a cheese-making and retail sales operation, horse boarding stables, a petting zoo, and a bed-and-breakfast inn.

Read the rest at the link above and check out Black Star Farms right here and also the Michigan Farm Marketing and Agritourism Association.

The photo is Shady Lane Cellars by photoshoparama. It’s one of many in his Leelanau Vintners set – check them out!