We have built a strong list of about questions provided by the community that still need discussion and answers so the community will be able to understand the deeper consequences of certain zoning changes the Planning Commission’s have made.
Here are some of the highlighted comments and points of view from the Open Houses. We grouped them under themes so the Planning Commissions’ repetition (“We are not increasing density”) is clear through context. At each meeting the PC Chairman asked the audiences to please leave the Open House decidedly saying, “we are not increasing density”.
A. Density, Growth, and Development Pressure
- How big is allowed to build in HS — a “monster house”?
- Look at ADUs – What is and is there drainage or driveways requirement?
- Why expand these 3 housing choices to the entire city? In all residential districts?
- We want very reasonable regulations, not regulations that invite developers in.
- We are not in favor of opening HS up to developers.
- Stories vs. height: regulating stories is more important than height in feet. Eliminating stories creates squatty buildings, damages the historic pattern downtown. We need this 35′ choice explained in more detail.
- More people, more traffic – once the door is opened, you can’t control it.
- Will PD’s regulations enable developers to “bend the rules”?
- Love to have the argument – why are we expanding these housing choices? B. Process, Transparency, and Accountability
- How about a “notice to neighbor’s survey”?
- The City has never said “no” to a zoning request – if that is true, we better write in regulations that protect the integrity of the town, business sector, and waterfront.
- Please do not take the neighbors out of the loop.
- These choices people have agreed upon? Really? We don’t remember being asked to make all these housing choices, in all these neighborhoods.
- 34th meeting since the repeal. Not sure what that means. We began working on the zoning code on May 15th, 2025. C.Subjectivity and Unclear Standards
- Do we want Harbor Springs to be open to subjectively?
- Harbor Springs PD subjective choices – are the “toughest in the business.” Chairman Bill Mulder says. Is this true?
- Oddly, Bill Mulder said over the last 4 Open Houses we had “choices.”
- Possibilities and Probabilities. What does this mean?
- What are the consequences?
- Picture this? D.Community Values and Residents
- Do you know where Harbor Springs needs to go?
- Do you want to lose the part-time residents?
- I don’t believe the intent of your zoning code is in line with what the community wants and is asking for.
- “We are doing our best… we can’t see into the future, but what they can do is make Harbor Springs better for the residents.”
- Preserve to Protect.
- How do we make this relevant to YOUR life in Harbor Springs?
- The community values all of the changes you are discussing but it is the fact that your timing really clashes with our common sense.