Happy Holidays!
Last night a little over a dozen of us came out in the cold (and a handful online) to join the Planning Commissioners for their regular meeting.
It was the last meeting for three members and they were thanked for their incredible service. Rick, Bob and Emily weathered a tumultuous time on the Commission, but each expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve our community. It was a nice reminder of how fortunate we are to have people who volunteer their time and talents to craft our city's policies. Two of the new appointees (Bob and Chip) joined us in attendance.
This was a normal meeting of the Commission. There was an ask from the new homeowner of the old Judd House to return it to a single-family residence. My family is one of four or five homes on Main Street that are occupied year around. It will be nice to have a new neighbor, especially in the winter.
The Commission received and responded to a request for support from our friends to the north in Cross Village. The Village is looking to write a Master Plan and is seeking a grant from the state to help with costs for public meeting support, copies, and staff time during the 18-month process. With wishes of good luck, the Commission unanimously voted to support our neighbors in their work to chart a path for the future of Cross Village.
Finally, the folks gathered in person and online were asked for input on issues the new zoning code should address. This was not the last time suggestions will be made, but it did represent a pretty good first step. After the Commissioners each threw out ideas, three members of the public (1 full-time Harbor resident, 1 West Traverse resident, and 1 Weque resident) also presented a few thoughts. Along with some letters received by the Commission, here are the issues I heard:
• We need quality public input this time
• Maximize the input online
• Cast the net wide for input (and often)
• Define what it means to be historic
• Assign historic qualities to each zoning district
• Devise a plan for evaluating those qualities.
• Improve Zoom
• Be thoughtful that many have left for the winter
• Review the number of Zoning Districts/boundaries
• Mixed use opportunities
• Process for tri-plex review
• Building heights in the CBD
• Minimum lot sizes
• Alternative lot configurations
• Front and side setbacks
• Apartments
• Affordable housing
• Review home business rules
I imagine more will (and should) be added, but it sure seems like a good start. The meeting adjourned with applause for the three retiring members.
Volunteerism, support for both new neighbors and our neighboring communities, good thoughts and appreciation-hard to beat a meeting like this. Also, it was completed a half-hour early, an early Christmas miracle.
As we left and wished one another a happy holiday, things felt "lighter" somehow. Yes, there is a lot of work ahead of us all, but the meeting was civil, productive and there was even some laughter. This is a special place with a bright future-if we give each other a little grace and trust.
On a personal note, to those who celebrate, I want to wish a very “Merry Christmas” to you and yours. Thank you for everything this year, Harbor Springs! This ole ram is very proud to call you my neighbors.
All the best from our family to yours in 2025!
Danny (aka Lil' Nubbins)