About Us
New Community Vision (NCV) is a non-profit 501(c)3 established to acquire the former Timber Shores property in order to preserve the majority of the 200 plus acres - including 1,800 feet of valued lakeshore - as a public nature preserve for the community while utilizing upland sections to address some of the housing issues we face as a Township.
Progress Update
We are ending the year on a positive note. Here are a few highlights:
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Due to positive community support through pledges and donations, we have been eligible to apply for a major, national grant.
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We have also been awarded a small grant from Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation as yet another metric of community engagement.
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We have been able to extend our option agreement with the property owner well into 2024, allowing additional time to fundraise.
Our ongoing efforts ahead will be focused on more grant applications and securing the necessary funding to acquire the property by the generosity and shared commitment of the broader community.
We are grateful for your support of the New Community Vision to preserve this significant Leelanau property to preserve nature and set aside a portion for attainable housing to support local residents.
The Property
The property is a unique gem of the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, and plays a key role in supporting important natural habitat, biodiversity and coastal resiliency in the beloved and renowned Leelanau peninsula.
Developed as a campground called Timber Shores in the 1960s and 1970s, the property was popular with vacationing families, many Northport business owners and local workers. Although varied development ideas have been proposed over time, the land has remained idle for decades.
The majority of the property is prime for conservation and environmental stewardship. The 1,800 feet of shoreline hosts critical native fishery habitat along with acres of important wetlands, streams, and woodlands that are home to plants, birds, and wildlife. Some upland sections hold potential for critically-needed workforce housing or other appropriately-sized uses that align with community priorities.
200+
acres
1,800+
feet of prime shoreline
10+
acres of wetlands
Hybrid Land Trust Model
Conservation First
After securing ownership of the property, our first steps will include studies and partnerships to identify features in the majority of the acerage that are of the highest conservation value and environmental impact. The 1,800 feet of shoreline hosts critical native fishery habitat along with acres of important wetlands, streams, and woodlands that are home to plants, birds, and wildlife.Further planning and community input will help determine optimal public access in the conserved areas.
Attainable Housing
Our community is facing a shortage of workforce housing. Utilizing a hybrid conservation development model, select portions of the property could be developed to increase workforce housing for the community. Conservation development means balancing the preservation of the natural resources on the site with housing that is right-sized and sustainable.
Community Input
New Community Vision is spearheading an exciting, more inclusive vision for this 200+ acre property to benefit our community. Once New Community Vision is able to raise funds to finalize the purchase of the property, a process of community and stakeholder engagement will determine the mix of uses. New Community Vision will facilitate partnerships to achieve these uses.
Support Us
Get in Touch
Drop us a line at info@newcommunityvision.org or use the form. Check out our FAQs for fast answers: