Daydreamer Domes' proposed event provokes review of Noise Ordinance

Daydreamer Domes is a campground of Domes located on Blue Star Highway in Casco Township

The May 19, 2025 meeting of the Casco Township Board of Trustees included a lively debate about noise and crowds. Up for discussion were three items: Casco Township's noise ordinance, an application for an outdoor gathering permit submitted by Daydreamer Domes, and an application for a noise ordinance variance also requested by Daydreamer Domes.

Township resident Steve Earls spoke early in the meeting about past events at Daydreamer Domes, located at 397 Blue Star Hwy on the site of the former South Haven Golf Club. Earls resides overlooking the former first hole of the course in the South Haven Highlands subdivision just north of the Domes.

A 15 year resident of Casco Township, Earls said he supported Daydreamer Domes and their initial application to be a campground. That Special Use Permit request "did not mention an outdoor entertainment venue," he said. Now, he experiences "shaking windows," and "chest pounding low bass" on a regular basis, that lasts for hours. Urging the Township to enforce Section 4 of the existing noise ordinance, Earls argued that the thumping bass disrupts his peace and quiet and that of his neighbors.

His spouse Jo also spoke, saying the vibration and thumping bass disturbs her sleep with the potential of impacting her job performance. The thumping bass also disturbs her pet.

LeAnn McGrath, a resident of Sunset Shores located under a half mile from Daydreamer Domes, also spoke to the noise emanating from pool parties at the Domes. She said while other noisy events can occur in the summer, she experiences 4-5 hours of thumping bass she can hear inside her home with windows shut. McGrath played a phone recording of the bass for the Board to hear. She had also submitted written correspondence to the Board and Zoning Administrator about the inadequacy of using decibels as an accurate measurement of sound.

The current Noise Ordinance in effect in Casco Township relies on a decibel measurement at the property site. Zachary Jackson, an audio engineering student at WMU, and attending the Township Board meeting as a member of the public, urged the use of apps to measure frequencies instead of decibel readers. He suggested that noise mitigation could be achieved through a reevaluation of the sound system being used.

Dave Campbell, a former member of the Planning Commission that approved the Daydreamer Domes' Special Use Permit for camping, noted that activity as an outdoor venue is a different special use than glamping. He urged the Township to follow their ordinances.

Barb Calhoun, of Sunset Shores, urged the Board to preserve the peace and quiet of Casco Township. She said she moved from the city to a quiet neighborhood and hoped that quietude would be preserved.

In Board discussion of the Noise Ordinance, the Port Sheldon Noise Ordinance was distributed by recommendation of Township Attorney Ron Bultje as a model to follow. Overhiser stated that "summertime is noisy," saying he's had complaints about children playing, and volleyball games. In this case, he suggested, "it's all about the bass."

Treasurer Kenny Clevenger, who lives on acreage just south of Daydreamer Domes on Blue Star Highway, said that while he wants to protect freedoms, he prefers measurable and objective ways to enforce ordinances. He said that when the Domes have live music, the sound disturbance is not as bad as when they have DJs and multiple hours of music with a strong bass.

Dan Fleming noted that music gatherings have used headphones and wondered if this could be a solution to the noisy music.

Overhiser said Daydreamer Domes owner Missy Fojtik is working on noise mitigation. One idea being explored is some kind of "governor" or device to prevent the music from being turned up to an unacceptable volume. Overhiser also wanted to hear from the Casco Township Deputy and the Allegan County Sheriff about preferred ways to measure noise.

Daydreamer Domes is requesting a permit for an outdoor gathering proposed for July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shannon Williams spoke up as a member of the public present; he is the organizer of what he described as a "boutique event," a pool party for 500 people. He said he is working with SHAES on physical review of the site. Two professional parking attendants have been hired, and because Daydreamer Domes is a liquor license holder, security will be addressed.

Trustee Mary Campbell pointed out that the Daydreamer Domes application did not include required information outlined in Section 4, item 7.A through L of the Outdoor Gathering Ordinance. Because the proposed gathering could have 500 people (the maximum permitted), Campbell expressed concern that a proposal needs to include sufficient water, portapotties, parking, traffic control, security, insurance and bonding.

While members of the public criticized the inadequately completed application being reviewed 56 days prior to the event date, Overhiser said he is working with Fojtik who is working with SHAES to address the issues.

Given the need for time to review the Port Sheldon Noise Ordinance and the Daydreamer Domes Outdoor Gathering Permit request as well as the need to consult with both SHAES and the Allegan County Sheriff, the Board voted to table these items. They will be taken up at a Special meeting scheduled for Monday June 9 at 7:00 pm at the Casco Township Hall, 7104 107th Ave.