Let your voice be heard

Both this site, and the folks over at WLHS, received a request from the Chair of the Planning Commission to post a letter seeking your ideas! Thank you for taking the time to read Bill's request and give some thought to the Commission's questions:

"From: Bill Mulder, Chair – City of Harbor Springs Planning Commission

Subject: Ideas Requested

Thanks to those who are participating in the City of Harbor Springs zoning code rewrite which has been in process since November. You have turned out to participate regardless of the weather and the dryness of the meeting content. The process has been collaborative and productive. I feel we already have a better product than before.

During the rest of June and throughout July, the planning commission is discussing what some consider to be the most interesting aspects of the zoning code; “dimensions” and “regulated uses”. Now – we are putting out a call for the best ideas and solutions from the whole community.

Here are some specific questions you could help us with:

• Are there city bureaucratic processes that could be improved or eliminated?

• Are there undesirable aspects of the existing zoning code that should be cared for?

• What future needs of residents do you foresee?

• What ideas do you have for residents who want to create multi-generational households?

• What ideas do you have for helping residents age in place?

• What types of living arrangements might make sense for the 43% of households that are comprised of a single person (and are aging too)?

• Should we prioritize commercial agriculture over other uses?

• Are there other ideas we should consider?

Bonus Question – How can we retain year-round residents and possibly attract more? (We have lost about 1/3 of our population [approximately 500 residents] since the 1970’s / 1980’s / 1990’s. Or does this matter?

See you at a meeting soon and please bring your ideas! The next planning commission meeting is Thursday, 6/19/25 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall."

Thanks again for your help! Please feel free to email input to the city or to weloveharborspringstoo@gmail.com. I will be sure to pass your thoughts along.