Some Commissioners and our City Planner consultant have pointed to housing choice tools like ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and duplexes everywhere as ways to address these challenges. But as we saw with the repeal of Ordinance #439, many in the community are loudly resisting the rearranging of the character and culture of Harbor Springs.
This skepticism isn’t unfounded. In a small neighborhood of 15 to 20 homes, allowing duplexes “by right” or loosening SLU standards allowing duplexes could eventually turn that neighborhood into a neighborhood of 30 or 40 family homes. That kind of transformation—especially if done without careful design or community input—risks undermining the very qualities that make Harbor Springs so special.
As one neighbor put it, “I just don’t want to live next door to a duplex.” Is that unreasonable? Or is it simply a reflection of how much people value the character of their existing neighborhood under the 2005 Zoning Code?
Key Questions Residents Still Have
- Can our infrastructure handle it? Streets already feel crowded — will more units strain parking, roads, or utilities? The city does not seem interested digging into this point.
- Will new duplexes or ADUs actually be affordable? Or will they become more high-end rentals in a resort town where long-term housing is scarce?
- Are we reusing what we have first? Older homes, carriage houses, and underused buildings could provide housing before adding more density.
- Is our data even accurate?The city says there are ~100 duplexes, but only 20 could be confirmed after careful review. If the rest exist and blend in well, that shows good design — but also poor record-keeping. We need clearer definitions, better data, and more public transparency, especially for ADUs and guest quarters.
- Density can be good — if it’s thoughtful. Not all duplexes or ADUs are bad. They can help aging parents, young workers, or owners needing extra income — but only if well-regulated, carefully located, and with neighbor input.
- How often is the Special Land Uses process utilized? The Special Land Use process already lets us add housing in a careful, case-by-case way. It keeps growth gradual and community-driven — a big difference from allowing everything, everywhere, by default.
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