Planning Commission Regular Meeting

Detailed briefing

PLANNING COMMISSION — OCTOBER 17, 2024 ATTENDEES: Seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum; city staff and members of the public also participated. • The commission approved the September 19 meeting minutes without opposition after making one wording correction. No public comment was offered at the initial general-comment period. • The principal agenda item was a review of the draft economic development strategy prepared through the Redevelopment Ready Communities process. Staff said the Planning Commission’s primary role is to determine whether the strategy aligns with the city master plan. The draft remains open for public comment and is available through the city website, in person or by email. • Commissioners broadly supported the goal of maintaining and increasing Harbor Springs’ year-round population. They connected that goal to a sustainable workforce, schools, city boards, public services and year-round businesses. Housing affordability and the limited supply of apartments, duplexes and other housing types were repeatedly identified as barriers. Staff said only one of approximately 30 full-time city employees currently lives within the city limits. • Commissioners requested clearer wording for Bay Street. The discussion focused on revitalizing existing downtown commercial buildings and improving the pedestrian experience, rather than encouraging businesses to replace homes along the broader Bay Street corridor. Third Street, Spring Street, public art, Ottawa Stadium and offseason events were also discussed as economic-development opportunities. • Internet and cellular reliability drew repeated concern. A resident who works remotely reported being unable to conduct video conferences during the summer because of slow internet and weak cellular service. The commission discussed exploring citywide wireless internet and marketing Harbor Springs as a welcoming location for remote workers, while recognizing that adequate housing remains essential. • Proposed draft revisions included recognizing the city’s long-term care facility, changing “Homestead” to “principal residence exemption,” adding a housing goal, considering sewer expansion and additional sidewalks, mentioning chamber-sponsored events and clarifying potentially confusing housing occupancy statistics. Commissioner Bill Moulder agreed to develop suggested language addressing remote workers. Worth watching: 1. Whether the revised strategy establishes clear priorities or a timetable for its numerous projects and tactics. 2. How the city will translate support for more year-round residents into housing and infrastructure actions. 3. Whether internet reliability and disputed online school-rating information receive follow-up from the appropriate organizations. Upcoming: The next Planning Commission meeting was announced for Thursday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. Why it matters: The strategy could shape how Harbor Springs supports year-round residents, workers, businesses and public services while retaining its resort and recreation economy.

Agenda items

• 2 · Approval of Minutesdiscussed
• 5A · Discussion — Economic Development Strategy Draftdiscussed

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.

Related issues

• Electric Infrastructurediscussed