Let’s do this a NEW way. Not a Steamroller!
Harbor Springs can and should stand on its own, embrace its 2nd home persona, and define business and growth plans based on THIS uniqueness not a mediocrity of the statewide definition defined by MEDC, the RRC and Lansing. Let’s now consider saying no to becoming a Cookie Cutter Town in the NorthWest Sector. No to being “essential” or “certified”.
We can be the resort town that is unique and has authentic solutions to authentic problems. We can celebrate the amazing residents that live here full-time or part-time. We can fill our business, renovate our storefronts, rebuild our oldest buildings with historic care, and not have to jump through the hoops that MEDC may provide.
Being and staying an “engaged” RRC community is not a bad choice for now. The usefulness of the process has given the town and boards insightful “legs up” and now that the zoning can be reimagined by members of all of the community, not just a few – the authentic nature of Harbor Springs will become better than ever. That’s our bet.
The idea that Harbor Springs—a town of 1,274 with no stoplight, a town so quiet that you need to whisper when you walk down the street after midnight—is anything other than walkable or bike friendly is ….