The Process Needs Your Attention

If you have noticed a change in tone this week...you're not alone. I've noticed it too. Honestly, it is too bad. I've been quiet through the spring because things were generally going well.

The Planning Commission was making good progress and were getting along and making compromises. They were working hard and listening.

Even this summer, the spokesperson for We Love Harbor Springs told the Council that she was looking forward to building bridges in our community. Heck, I got an email this week from her that said the same. She even reposted my post here about words having meaning. I publicly praised her and the action and hoped perhaps it was a new day.

And then my post and her nice words were removed from their site. Poof. Gone. I guess there were second thoughts about building bridges.

At Council, last week, we heard complaints about the work that began this week at the corner of Bluff and State. See if you can recognize a familiar pattern.

Plans for the roadway reconstruction and realignment have been in the works for over a year. Notices went out to the neighbors to participate in initial meetings and provide input. Input was received and considered. Plans were made and approved by City Council. Bid packages were developed and made public. Contractors bid on the project, and one was selected to do the work (by this City Council). The work was scheduled and has now begun.

At the meeting we heard several residents of the Bluff, raise concerns about the project.

There were opportunities for input. Affected residents had been invited to meetings year ago. A resident on Summit Street near the project talked about how helpful the meetings she attended were to understanding the project.

We all know there are safety issues at the top of State at Bluff. There have been serious accidents there. It’s a weird 3-way stop with difficult sightlines, weird angles, and often confused out-of-town visitors. The construction is trying to help make it safer for all.

And we remember well that the south lane of M-119 washed out and collapsed last year. It was one-lane for months. The rebuild and narrowing of the roadways at the corner will help manage run off. Slowing the run-off will help us all by reducing the risks of washouts.

Public processes take time. Often years, as we have seen with our zoning code. It takes time to gather input and weigh options. It is frustrating when some ignore opportunities to get involved and then complain at the last second. It is unrealistic and doesn't recognize or respect how much time and thought others have put into the project. People who participated when they were invited.

Go look. The big concrete pipes have been ordered. They are poured and are sitting up on State Street today. The equipment has arrived. The contractor has spent money and turned down other jobs because they signed a contract to begin work here. The city has placed its deposits and developed traffic detour plans. The barricades are up and the roadway has been torn up.

The timing of public input early in a project is so all can be heard when they can have the largest impact on the plans. Way before ground is turned---not the week the backhoes show up.

Wake up, Harbor Springs. City Council elections are November 4th and there are many who want to override our residents and replace process with constant grievance. If you think it can't happen here---look around. It already is.

It's up to us, Harbor Springs.