Planning Commission Meeting March 18. 2021

Detailed briefing

Planning Commission Meeting — March 18, 2021 ATTENDEES: Commission members present included Mary Katherine Hanna, Emily Dubay, Jack Deegan, Bill Mulder, Mark Boudet, Andrew Bowman, and Al Daika. George Peet and Beth Rahali were absent. • The commission approved the site plan for the restored AHA boat at Shea Park. The city is working with the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society, which is restoring the vessel with the Industrial Arts Institute. The installation is intended to add historical activity to the park and include exhibit panels about the boat and local history. • Members supported a phased approach at Shea Park. No pathway, lighting, or platform is included in the current work. Historical Society representatives said the initial arrangement is expected to be temporary for about a year while the city and project partners observe access and placement, and while wider park planning proceeds. One commissioner asked that any future lighting be directed downward rather than upward to support local dark-sky goals. • The commission approved Bowmar Properties’ site plan for a covered patio at Pearson’s and a future second-level residential unit. Andrew Bowman recused himself because of a conflict of interest. Staff said the proposal complies with Central Business District rules on permitted uses, parking, and building height. • The Pearson’s approval includes conditions: the property’s 11 existing parking credits will be reduced to nine if the second-floor residence is built, and any future signage or lighting not currently proposed will be reviewed by the zoning administrator, with possible Planning Commission review if questions arise. The applicant said spring work, if undertaken, would be limited to the patio cover and staircase; residence construction could potentially begin in the fall. • Irish Boat Shop representative Michael Esposito reported that the waterfront project is nearing completion. He said the lower floor had a temporary occupancy permit and that temporary occupancy for the remainder of the building was expected within days. Final approval will depend on landscaping and final zoning requirements, including asphalt, sod, and trees. Commissioners praised the project’s appearance, views through the building toward the water, and safety improvements. • Staff said three public hearings were scheduled for the April 15 meeting and noted that six members would be needed for a quorum for decisions. The commission agreed to skip its April 1 master plan meeting and set the next master plan meeting for May 6. Worth watching: • Whether the AHA boat’s temporary Shea Park placement leads to later pathway, lighting, accessibility, or broader park improvements. • Final Irish Boat Shop occupancy and zoning approvals after landscaping and site work. • Attendance and quorum for the April 15 public hearings. Upcoming: April 15 regular meeting with three scheduled public hearings; May 6 master plan meeting. Why it matters: The approvals advance visible downtown and waterfront projects while leaving key implementation details for future review.

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