Planning Commission 9.15.22

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs Planning Commission — September 15, 2022 ATTENDEES: All nine Planning Commission members were present. • The commission approved the previous meeting’s minutes. The meeting’s main item was a City of Harbor Springs site-plan request for playground equipment at Lower Zorn Park. The former beach-area equipment had been removed in 2020 because of high water; the city proposed relocating equipment to a grass area near the swimming area. • City Parks Director Rachel Roon said the city worked with a playground inspector and planning professionals, considered multiple locations, and paused construction after community feedback and a special City Council meeting. She said staff were exploring a more organic configuration for the equipment. • The city’s planning consultant said municipal recreation uses are permitted in the Waterfront District. The consultant found the proposal consistent with cited master-plan goals related to recreation, waterfront access, public views and coastal resiliency. The proposed surface was described as engineered wood fiber, and the project was described as improving ADA and universal access. • Public comments focused largely on the proposed location rather than opposition to playgrounds generally. Speakers said the lawn area is heavily used for shaded seating, picnics, informal games and large events. Others raised concerns about views, congestion, the Veterans Memorial setting, mulch near the beach, maintenance, and whether the design fit the park’s natural character and open-space goals. Several asked the city to consider another Lower Zorn location, a smaller footprint or a different configuration. • Commissioners expressed differing views. Some said the proposal had already been reviewed by city departments and professionals and that a playground belonged in the park. Others said the submitted plan did not sufficiently show trees, memorial elements, circulation, visual impacts, or how the equipment would fit the site. • The commission voted 6-2, with one abstention, to table the Zorn Park site-plan application. The applicant is expected to return with more information and reconsideration of the design, including equipment, configuration and location. The commission noted that tabling was not a final approval or denial. Worth watching: • Whether the revised playground proposal includes a smaller or more organic layout, alternative placement, and clearer visual/context plans. • How the revised plan addresses public concerns about shaded lawn, views, event use, memorial context, drainage and surfacing. • Whether short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units are addressed at the special meeting; neither received substantive discussion at this meeting. Upcoming: The commission approved a special meeting for September 29 at the usual time and place. Why it matters: The delayed Zorn Park decision will determine how the city balances accessible children’s recreation with public open space, waterfront views and established park uses.

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