Way to go, Harbor Springs!

Congratulations Harbor Springs! As of last night you now have an updated zoning code!

After nearly 1,750 hours throughout all four seasons, five town halls, 10 open houses, an online survey, 23 open Commission meetings-after the fourth public hearing last held last night the City Council voted 3-2 to approve the recommended updates.

Thanks to each of the members of the Planning Commission who worked their tails off to review every single word of the zoning code.

And a heartfelt “thank you” to Councilpersons Jamie Melke, Kathy Motschall and Jeanne Benjamin who together trusted the work of their neighbors and the extraordinary efforts to listen and find common ground through compromise.

I hope you will indulge me a bit, today. There are some things I would like to say before I sign off for a while.

I am proud of this effort to support the incredible work of the Planning Commission. Lil' Nubbins was born in an attempt to demonstrate to my daughter that we can make a difference if we act with good will, civility and kindness. Sounds sappy-but it is true.

There were plenty of moments where I wasn't sure we would get the code updated. Even last night, some were still suggesting we needed to take more time.

The vote was, unfortunately, always going to be 3-2. After nearly two years of compromise, thoughtful engagement and hard work, the Planning Commission had unanimously sent its recommendations to Council. For some it still wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

Opposition to updating the zoning code has become a cottage industry in Harbor Springs. Lawyers, accountants, planning and political consultants (all with addresses way outside of Harbor Springs) have been paid thousands to influence this effort. In 2024 they and others were paid out of a pot of $174,000. All that money was secret. Not a single donor name has been disclosed. Who knows how much more dark money was raised and paid out in 2025. All over modest updates to the zoning code. It’s kinda nuts.

Speaking of nuts, for the last year and a half, I have tried to express in this space that it didn't have to be this way. Now that the update is passed, I hope everyone can take a little time to reflect on how we can do better next time. Me included.

Today is a day of relief. This little effort has gathered over 600 follows, hundreds of thousands of views, thousands of comments and kind words.

I started with zero clue of what I was getting into. I was just trying to support our neighbors working to make needed updates the zoning code. And now that the goal is accomplished, it is time for a break.

We Love Harbor Springs Too was never meant to be a movement. It was intended to remind people that those who wanted to update the code also loved Harbor Springs. I thought perhaps there could be more light and less heat.

Along the way, we have helped to raise thousands for a community friend who is battling cancer. We helped raise over $30,000 to send the Robotics Team kids to their first World Championship. We raised money for hard-working charities that support our city. We connected with people when we were all struggling during the ice storm. We celebrated our City staff, volunteers and amazing kids. We highlighted so much of the great work being done in our community to feed the hungry, provide company to the lonely, and beautify our town. We showed love not just for Habor Springs, but also the people that make it special.

Most of all, I hope this thing has been a reminder that we are a great community when we are a good community. Good in how we treat one another. Kind in how we care and listen. And as that cardigan-clad mad-genius Mr. Rodger's said, "look for the helpers." There have been so many "helpers" in this effort and to each of you, please accept my sincere, "thank you!"

So next up is a break. I never imagined this would result in hundreds of posts. I have been at this nearly every day for a year and a half and I am worn out. But I have to admit, it is a bit hard to unplug. I truly have enjoyed so much of doing this. The parts I loved most are because of each of you. You have made this effort an example of what genuine community can be. I hope it has heartened you as much as it has me.

Finally, a very special thanks to Sara, Tyler and Hattie who have read posts, tolerated diatribes, and supported this crazy idea. None of us knew what we were signing up for, but I couldn’t have done it without you.

Last night, common sense and good will prevailed. I am grateful for all involved in making that happen. Thank you for all of our support. It means the world. Way to go Harbor Springs!

Take care of one another. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Danny (and Lil' Nubbins)