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HARBOR SPRINGS

We Love Harbor Springs

12 hours ago

🚨 Harbor Springs — This Thursday Matters. May 14, 2026.

A public hearing is scheduled this Thursday, May 14, before the Michigan House Government Operations Committee on a package of bills that would strip local communities of zoning control — including ours.

Take action TODAY - State policies should uphold resident priorities, provide flexibility that considers the diversity of Michigan’s communities, and support zoning decisions consistent with infrastructure needs, robust economic growth, and public safety.

I signed my name and it took me only two minutes....

MML: Sign at www.mml.org/advocacy/support-local-decision-making

More info:
House Bills 5529–5532 and 5581–5585 would allow Lansing to override the years of Harbor Springs community planning.

They are talking about mandated lot sizes as small as 1,500 square feet, dwelling sizes as small as 500 square feet, and duplexes and ADU's allowed by right in single-family neighborhoods — regardless of what our local plans, infrastructure, or voters say.

This is not about being against housing. This is about who decides — Lansing or Harbor Springs.

Here's what you can do RIGHT NOW:

Ask them to vote NO on HB 5529–5532 and 5581–5585.

📞 A phone call carries the most weight.

Call your state rep Representative Parker Fairbairn
ParkerFairbairn@house.mi.gov
+1 (517) 373-2629
ParkerFairbairn@house.mi.gov
Mailing Address S-1486 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909. By Phone: (517) 373-2629

Senator John Damoose
By Phone: (517) 373-2413
Toll Free: (855) 347-8037
Mailing Address:
Senator John Damoose
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Email John at this address: www.senatorjohndamoose.com/contact/

Find them at legislature.mi.gov — enter your address. ( It's not so simple...)

✍️ Submit written testimony to the House Government Operations Committee — you do not have to travel to Lansing. Written testimony counts.

🏛️ Urge our City Council to pass a resolution opposing these bills and send it directly to Lansing.

Over 1,600 local leaders across Michigan have already signed joint opposition letters. Harbor Springs needs to be part of that chorus — loudly and this week.

Local decisions belong to local people. Show up. Speak up.

==========================================
Resident Letter Template to Harbor Springs City Council

Subject: Preserve Local Zoning Control in Harbor Springs

I, [ ], am writing as a resident of Harbor Springs to express my support for preserving our local zoning authority. I am asking all community members to do the same. Please write our City Council.

160 Zoll St., Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Tom Graham tom@grahamre.com
Jeannie Benjamin jeannehscc@gmail.com
Jamie Melke jamielynnmelke@gmail.com
Kathy Motshall kathy.motschall@yahoo.com
Wendy Reeve wendy@reeve4hscouncil.com

Our community has invested thousands of hours in a transparent and inclusive process to create a zoning code that reflects our shared priorities, including a public ballot vote and Planning Commission review.

Recent Michigan legislation threatens to override these local decisions, imposing requirements that do not consider our community’s unique needs. So, our residents chose its own zoning code stipulations in line with our historic and valued neighborhoods, and the down town and the waterfront.

The May 14th, next Thursday, is the deadline to reach out before the Public Hearing, and it is critical.

We urge our legislators to respect the work done by our community and preserve the authority of cities like Harbor Springs to decide what is best for their neighborhoods.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Email / Phone Number]

Here is some more information ( Some repetition) from our March 6th Post on this subject. March 6 2026 News mml.org/.../state-preemption-bills-in-the-name.../
Status: Bills are in the House Committee on Regulatory Reform. Testimony has begun — the committee chair (Rep. Aragona) moved quickly to take testimony, signaling this is being pushed fast.
Who's opposing: Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Association of Counties — all oppose. Over 1,300 local officials statewide have signed opposition letters. We hope this makes it easier for you to communicate
For your calls:
- Lead with *HB 5529–5532 and 5581–5585* (the 2026 package)
- Ask your Rep: which committee do these sit in, has your Rep taken a position, and if they will they sign the MML opposition letter
- MML opposition letter + signature page: mml.org/advocacy/support-local-decision-making/
Parker Fairbairn’s email is: ParkerFairbairn@house.mi.gov
Mailing Address S-1486 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909. By Phone: (517) 373-2629
John Damoose, Email through his website: senatorjohndamoose.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536. By Phone: (517) 373-2413

Joseph Aragona. Email: JosephAragona@house.mi.gov
Mailing Address N-994 House Office Building. P.O. Box 3001 Lansing, MI 48909. Phone: (517) 373-1785.

Write him too...Paquette, Brad (Republican) District-37
SHOB 8-886
+1 (517) 373-1793
BradPaquette@house.mi.gov ... See MoreSee Less

We Love Harbor Springs

2 days ago

A great program the US Postal Service is helping !SAVE THE DATE! Each second Saturday of May the US Postal Service puts on a food collection for local food pantries. The good people at our Harbor Springs post office always jump in to collect non perishables for us by way of picking up the donations along the routes. We are so grateful for this effort, realizing that the carriers add to their times delivering as they retrieve what people leave in bags at their houses. The second Saturday this year is MAY 9. Plenty of time to plan on what you might leave out for us for pickup by your mail carrier. ... See MoreSee Less