Dear Editor:

I write not as a “character assassin,” a term carelessly thrown around by a Planning Commission Member, but rather as a concerned citizen intent on holding elected and appointed city leaders accountable for their words and actions.

This letter serves the dual purpose of shedding light on contradictions and the growing disconnection between city leaders and property owners, while also aiming to educate citizens on decisions and comments made by city officials. The information presented herein is drawn from publicly recorded meetings and accessible public records, readily available to all interested residents.

In early February, as the details of the zoning proposal emerged, Bill Mulder, chairman of the Planning Commission, presented a narrative suggesting that these zoning changes were imperative to address shifting demographics and promote affordable housing – commendable goals indeed.

However, by the March 7 Planning meeting, Mr. Mulder’s stance had shifted dramatically when he stated, “This isn’t about affordable housing; that train has left the station. There is nothing affordable anymore.”

What prompted this abrupt change? It is undeniable that individuals such as nurses, teachers, and waiters deserve the opportunity to reside in Harbor Springs, and the city ought to leverage zoning changes to facilitate this. One potential avenue could involve utilizing several city-owned properties, such as those on 4th Street, to foster development at reasonable prices, harmonious with the neighborhood’s character.

Regrettably, the current zoning plan seems to incentivize developments that will only further inflate real estate prices, placing homeownership further out of reach for many.

City Manager Victor Sinadowski contends that the zoning process, along with the Rezoning Review Committee (RRC), has been transparent and open to the public for the past three years. However, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to substantiate this claim yielded an exorbitant response, demanding over $9,000 (or $20/page). The charge included 5 hours of attorney fees.

Furthermore, when public agendas and city minutes were requested, Mr. Sinadowski advised another FOIA request for this information. Such practices are in direct contradiction with the transparent governance purportedly championed by the City Manager.

Councilwoman Rondel’s remarks at the March 18 City Council meeting raise grave concerns. She stated, “We have received hundreds of emails from people who don’t live here … but we are all sitting at this table because of the voters of Harbor Springs. They’re the people who put us here.”

This assertion not only flouts the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, which stipulates that zoning changes concern property owners (not just voters), but also exhibits a disregard for taxpayers and property owners residing outside city limits, part-time residents, or second homeowners. These individuals also enjoy the city, support downtown businesses and restaurants, and contribute to philanthropic endeavors such as the Boardwalk and Lyric theater. Every individual should be afforded the opportunity to voice their concerns and have those concerns be taken seriously.

As a resident deeply invested in the future of Harbor Springs, it is imperative that we demand leadership committed to listening to all taxpayers’ voices and making decisions reflective of our community’s best interests. Specific objections to the proposed rezoning and RRC are being voiced and documented, yet they are being summarily dismissed. What needs to happen for this to change?

Thank you, Maureen Kenney

Harbor Springs