It’s a process, Charlie Brown
Hello Harbor Springs! Last night the new Planning Commission held it's first meeting. Three new members were sworn in and took their seats. Great to have Chip, Kenny and Bob's voices added to the conversation.
I have posted my notes from the meeting here: https://www.forwardharborsprings.org/.../jan-9-planning...
It was a good and productive meeting. Bill Mulder was re-elected chair and Vanessa Warren will now serve as Vice Chair. No one else volunteered for either position. Other details are in my notes, so if you are interested take a second to click on the link above and check them out.
I noticed something about a few of the public comments (there were less than 10 comments from the public). Since I was a kid, I always liked the Peanut's comic strip. Last night reminded me of the one where Lucy holds the football and, once again, convinces Charlie Brown to run and try and kick it. Only, as always, Lucy pulls the ball from under Charlie at the last second.
So...a few of the comments last night felt very much like we are Charlie Brown trusting Lucy again, only to have the ball yanked out from under us.
One public commenter insinuated that the 478 folks who voted to repeal the zoning code in the fall did so because they just wanted to keep the old code in place. They suggested we should suspend working on anything new.
Now, I am very sure that some of the 478 folks would be just fine keeping the old code in place. But, there was no mention in any mailer or post prior to the election that the goal was to keep the 1976/2005 code. I checked. In fact, a whole list was generated of items that should be addressed when we rewrote the code after repeal.
If you go to the "Yes" folks website, right at the top is a document you can review that is titled "What is Missing, What Needs to Change, and What We Want." I encourage you to take a look. No where does it mention we should keep the 1976/2005 code with no changes.
The need for changes to our code was made even clearer to me this morning at our RRC meeting. Oddly, today was the first time we have ever talked about the zoning code at RRC. We were discussing the fact that green infrastructure is not mentioned in our current 1976/2005 zoning code. Natural landscaping, permeable pavement, solar panels, green roofs---are not mentioned at all in the current code. Green infrastructure is part of our Master Plan update, but is not addressed in the current code. Why? Because in 1976 when it was drafted and in 2005 when it was updated, green infrastructure wasn't really a thing. A lot has changed in the world in the last 50 years. Heck, even in the last 20 years.
It is just one example of why it is a good idea to update our code. An effort that is underway again after the repeal. Something both sides agreed was the logical next step after repeal. (I thought)
Why would we think that? Well for instance, here is what it says on the top of the homepage of We Love Harbor Springs:
"The town of Harbor Springs voters repealed Ordinance #439 and this decision will give our town back the right to decide our future within the city, the developments, city density and correct the loss of oversight in zoning.
By holding town halls, library gatherings and in-person & ZOOM meetings, the voices of community will be heard about their opinions, their needs, and their worries about what is planned in their neighborhoods.
It’s time now to organize the planning stages of building a new zoning code that reflects the Master Plan, the Community Surveys and build new legitimate surveys that will ask the tough questions of the community to provide answers in deciding the towns future."
Here, here! In this, the "Yes" and "No" side are united!
And that brings me to the second surprising comment. The Planning Commission rolled out an extensive public engagement calendar to collect input from residents prior to starting any rewrite of the code. There is a button at the top of this post where you can see the proposed meetings: https://www.forwardharborsprings.org/.../jan-9-planning...
It is exactly what was asked for by the "Yes" folks. They wanted lots of meetings throughout the city in the different zoning districts. They came to the podium and specifically asked for meetings out of City Hall and into the neighborhoods. And honestly, its a good idea. But not everywhere in town can broadcast on ZOOM. So some will be on ZOOM, and others wont be. (So if you need to be on ZOOM, I'd suggest attending the ones that will be broadcast on ZOOM.) Makes sense!
Except now, after pushing for an engagement plan just like this--a leader of the "Yes" folks stood up and said that maybe we should only have the meetings at City Hall.
In the immortal words of Charlie Brown, "AARGH!"
Remember, one way you can stay informed is by joining the city's email list and opting into agendas and newsletters you'd like to receive in the comfort of your mail box. It takes two minutes and the hardest part is doing one of those "find all the traffic lights" test to prove you are not a robot. Go to https://www.cityofharborsprings.com/.../meetings-at.../... to get added to the list!
Thanks again for all you are doing to keep these conversations civil and sane. Remember to to click the "Share" button to pass this along.
It's snowing! Don't forget sledding tomorrow at Kiwanis Park 4-6! Charlie Brown, Lucy and I will see you there!