Courtesy Photo An aerial map of Presque Isle Township shows where the proposed condominiums could be constructed. On Tuesday, the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission voted to recommend to the board of trustees that the project move forward. The board of trustees have the final say on the issue, which has drawn the ire of some residents.

PRESQUE ISLE — After nearly a four-hour meeting on Tuesday, the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend to the Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees that an application to build condominiums be approved.

About 200 people attended the meeting to voice their support or opposition for a proposed condominium project near the intersection of County Road 638 and Grand Lake Road.

About 50 people made comments via letters, in person or virtually with support for the project and those who have concerns about it split about evenly.

There were more than 100 people at the meeting in person and more than 90 online to learn more about the project and voice their opinions.

Those who support the project say the additional 16 families living in the condominiums will help support local businesses and help add needed revenue to the township coffers.

People against the project are worried about light pollution, additional traffic, noise, and a change in the small community aesthetics.

Many of the comments came from members of the Presque Isle Harbor Association, who fear that if the condos are built, the new residents will have access to certain amenities without being association members.

The township government has no authority over the rules for the association.

Four developers, including Rick Kurkechian, who sits on the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals, intend to build condominiums. Kurkechian recused himself from discussion about the project and the vote.

Resident Brad Mathis, who has concerns about the project, said the number of people at the meeting and who made public comment was impressive. He said he fears some people didn’t express their opinions for fear of retribution or harassment, but he said it is possible they do so before the full board of trustees votes.

“I don’t think anyone is giving up because there are still a lot of questions that need to be answered,” Mathis said. “I was proud of the turnout we had from our small community and how everyone was very professional and kept their cool.”

If the project gets the green light, eight buildings will be built with two housing units in them each. Construction could begin this summer and the first units could be occupied in a year to 18 months afterward, officials say.

The total amount of property impacted is about seven acres and if things go well, work could begin on the project this year and take between a year to 18 months to complete. It is expected to cost several million dollars to build.