Planning Commission Meeting 2.4.2021

Detailed briefing

Planning Commission Meeting — February 4, 2021 ATTENDEES: Beth Rahaly, Mary Katherine Hanna, Emily Dubay, Jack Deegan, Bill Mulder, Andrew Bowman, and Al Daika. • The Commission approved the January 21 regular-meeting minutes after correcting the chairperson-election record: Andrew Bowman was to be removed from the affirmative votes because he abstained. • Members conducted a broad review of survey results gathered for the master-plan update. Staff said respondents generally placed high value on Little Traverse Bay, natural features, waterfront parks, historic character, city services, neighborhood housing quality, and downtown aesthetics. The discussion was informational; the Commission did not adopt changes to the master plan. • Survey results described during the meeting showed substantial concern about short-term rentals. Staff reported that about two-thirds of respondents favored evaluating neighborhood capacity for seasonal rentals, and that respondents leaned toward limits on the number or percentage of homes used as short-term rentals. Commissioners said the issue needs closer review and better management. • Housing discussion included reported support for smaller single-family homes on smaller lots, while commissioners also noted pressure from applicants to fit larger homes on small parcels. Members discussed lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage, and the need to weigh survey responses against actual development requests. • Parks and recreation feedback was described as mixed: respondents were generally satisfied with current offerings and favored low-impact activities such as walking, hiking, biking, and water recreation, but did not strongly support additional spending, acquisition, or loss of open space. Staff said this creates a practical tension when residents request improvements but prefer grants and partnerships over additional taxpayer funding. • Members said survey results should be treated as indicators, not final instructions. They cited estimated response rates of roughly 5-10% for some surveys, ambiguous wording in some questions, and limited input from younger people. Signage and wayfinding emerged as a recurring source of negative comments. Worth watching: • Staff will prepare a crosswalk connecting master-plan goals with the related survey questions and data; Larry said he would try to provide it the following week. • Commissioners were asked to review the material and develop suggested revisions to goals and objectives before the next discussion. • Jeff plans to bring the first quarterly report on zoning-permit trends and recurring applicant issues to the March regular Planning Commission meeting. Upcoming: The Commission hopes to have the master-plan material ready for additional public input in the summer, potentially through open houses or virtual meetings; no firm schedule was adopted. Why it matters: The survey review will shape how Harbor Springs updates its master-plan priorities for housing, parks, development, communication, and neighborhood character.

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