Dear Planning Commissioners,
Housing in Harbor Springs isn’t a political problem—it’s a math problem. Just 1.3 square miles, nestled between a bay and a bluff, with demand sky-high and supply naturally limited. That’s not ideology. That’s geography.
Yes, I’ve never worn a GOP badge, but the idea that we can fix affordability with buzzwords and rezoning alone—ignoring land value, construction costs, and basic logistics—feels a little like trying to build a barn on a boat.
I didn’t stumble into Harbor Springs. I worked, saved, waited. Before this, we lived near Douglas Lake and commuted—my daughter worked a summer job in Petoskey, driving in from Pellston. We went where the housing was. Just like when I graduated college and landed in Aspen—not on Red Mountain, but in a rental near the airport business center. That’s what was available. So that’s where I lived.
So here’s the question:
Are we really lacking housing county-wide?
Or are we expecting every zip code—no matter how small, costly, or exclusive—to make room for everyone, regardless of practicality?
What’s “affordable” anyway? Are you working 60 hours, or 20? Saving or spending? Living within means—or expecting the means to change for your lifestyle?
Harbor Springs has tools now—SLU, etc.—meant to offer “choice.” But make no mistake: the price tag hasn’t changed. Land still costs what it costs. Building still costs what it costs.
Sometimes, communities aren’t unjust. They’re just full.
Thank you for helping, WLHS Team