Dear WLHS, Can you post this for others to read? Thank you. RH
We are at a critical moment in the history — and future — of our town.
Over the last five years, dedicated Planning Commission committees made up of community volunteers have worked hard to make decisions about the nature, appearance, and lifestyle of Harbor Springs. Some of those decisions were straightforward and practical. Others were more controversial.
One of the most polarizing moments came with the adoption of Ordinance #439. Many in the community saw it as a dramatic push to urbanize our small town, a sharp contrast to what Harbor Springs has always been. That perception led to a strong response from voters and ultimately to the rejection of years of committee work.
It’s been said that if more citizens had participated earlier in the process, we might have avoided such a divisive outcome. That may be true — but tonight, that is no longer the case.
In recent months, many individuals and groups across our community have come together to help shape more balanced, broadly supported recommendations for our future. If the Planning Commission listens to the input of the majority this time, we believe we can avoid another referendum this fall — or ever again.
Now, on to our thank yous:
To the City Council:
Thank you for removing the MEDC and RRC from playing a role in our local planning decisions. The RRC posed a serious risk to local control and home rule.
The RRC was connected to several problematic proposals:
- Combining Residential Districts:
Each district exists for a reason. Our family — and many others — support keeping the 2005 zoning districts, with only small, property-owner-driven adjustments. - By-Right Development of Duplexes and ADUs:
Harbor Springs is unique. Allowing by-right construction of duplexes and triplexes in single-family neighborhoods was one of the most troubling ideas, and a key reason voters pushed back during the last referendum. - Setbacks and Parcel Sizes:
Our town is compact by nature. Reducing setbacks and increasing density would disrupt the balance of our neighborhoods. Instead, we support maintaining existing parcel sizes and even increasing setbacks in areas where older rules allowed for excessive congestion. - Agricultural District West of Bluff Gardens:
Please keep the Ag District intact. And for the area between Ottawa and Arbor, allow those property owners to decide their own zoning preferences.
In closing:
Thank you again for listening and responding to these community concerns. We hope to continue working collaboratively with the Planning Commission to preserve the character and future of Harbor Springs.