We ask the Planning Commissioners to Protect this Agricultural District, and keep the zoning of allowing the Right to Farm as is. Large lots, future forward. To better understand one area, it;’s helpful to read about the region.
emmetcountynew:Planning2021-2025_emmet-county-master-plan-adopted – Farming Section
You may or may not know that we are a proponent of protecting and preserving the Agricultural District. As you drive around our area, before the leaves are opened, it is easy to see the increase in building and development. The above LINK is to the Emmet County Master Plan, 2021-2025 with much of it written during the previous years. It’s extremely important to know what our neighbors know, and to either choose to follow in THEIR footsteps, or go on our own. Deciding what is best for Harbor Springs.
New development must occur in a fashion that protects and enhances existing land resources. Open space, in its many forms, contributes to the ambience of the area and is one of the reasons Emmet County receives so many seasonal visitors. Land use planners must consider resiliency when reviewing natural resources.
Protection Mechanisms: Protection of these areas can come through various means, such as zoning regulations that restrict non-farm development, and programs like the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (PA 116) that offer tax incentives to landowners who agree to keep their land in agricultural use.
Why Protect the Agricultural District I Harbor Springs ?
- Food Security: Agricultural districts are crucial for ensuring a local food supply and reducing reliance on out-of-state or international food sources.
- Economic Stability: The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to Michigan’s economy, providing jobs and supporting related industries.
- Environmental Benefits: Farmland can provide various environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and water filtration.
- Preservation of Rural Character: Maintaining agricultural districts helps preserve the rural character and scenic beauty of Michigan’s landscapes.
- Support for Farmers: Agricultural districts provide a stable and supportive environment for farmers to operate their businesses, helping to ensure the viability of the agricultural industry for future generations.
- Protection from Sprawl: By designating and protecting agricultural areas, these districts help to curb urban and residential sprawl, preventing the loss of valuable farmland.
Though former City Council member and careful zoning advocate Jeff James is not associated with WLHS.org in any manner, he spoke during Public Comment at the May 1, 2025 meeting about two zoning issues and the lands West of Bluff Gardens. Please consider his letter.
Meeting Transcript 13:15 City Council Meeting 5.1.2025 Jeff James Public Comment:
I asked two simple questions at the March 6 Planning Commission meeting.
Question one, why would the citizens and taxpayers of Harvard Springs want or need smaller lots or need more density?
Question two, why would the citizens and taxpayers want or need “build by right” language in the zoning code? Why do you want to give up our current landowner rights in favor of potential development now that the city of Harbor Springs is thankfully no longer part of the RRC, or needing to check boxes for Lansing, MI or trying for that certification designation?
These questions need to be answered by the Planning Commission for the current citizens of Harbor Springs or these two items need to be dropped from the new zoning code that your committee is drafting.
As far as question number one, I also attended the March 20 planning commission meeting here where one of the agenda items was named Presentation Density. Mr. Mulder shared a lot of pictures and numbers that use a lot of assumptions to fulfill a agenda for smaller lots and more density but still did not answer the question why this is needed, and why more density is good for the current citizens.
Why does what we have in the zoning currently not work? He did show that it could be possibly done, but did not answer why it has to be done.
With that I believe to be a huge conflict of interest due to the number of housing boards this chairman represents, it is imperative that this question needs to be answered, or it needs to be dropped in the proposed zoning language. It’s a simple question, why?
As far as question number two, I was advised at the 3-6-25 meeting to watch the previous meeting that discussed “build by right”. Again, no answer as to why. I would add at the 4-17-25 planning commission, I think it was the planning commission, meeting on YouTube at 44 minutes and 45 seconds time frame, Jeff Grimm talking about Jane Bugara not supporting her neighbors proposed ADU, and stated that the neighbors should be notified, and heard if something could affect that neighbor’s home price.
Again, please answer the questions or drop the language before the proposed new zoning code goes to city council for approval.
Lastly, we know that Bluff Gardens acreage has been sold. We know there’s been a large down payment made, and we know that balloon payments are due in June at which time transfer of title will take place. So far preliminary plans are for 42 homes can be built on approximately eight acres and includes a clubhouse This blows all speculation of future home growth that Planning Commissioner Chairman Bill Mulder explained at the March 20th meeting.
If you can’t answer why to these two simple questions, if these two simple questions cannot be answered, then why then the vote should be no, and left as is in the current zoning. We are not part of the RRC anymore.
It is so interesting that the division of Harbor Springs started about five years ago when the agenda to change this town became so obvious. Why is this needed? It’s a simple question, Why? Thank you all very much.
Jeff James
Harbor Springs Resident