A few folks are continuing to talk about the zoning issue as if nothing has changed.

Tons has already changed and more will change in the weeks to come. I think they are having the fight they want to have, but it's not one that reflects the reality of what is happening here in town.

There are so many who have participated in person and online during the listening sessions set up by the Planning Commission. The vast majority have come with concrete ideas about what needs changed, concerns, and genuine praise for those who are listening to them.

At the last Planning Commission meeting, the consultant who has been involved in several zoning code processes in cities across Michigan, said no city has done more to reach out to its citizens and listen to them than Harbor Springs. That is something we can be proud of.

Letters were sent to every homeowner inviting input. We are working through 10 open listening sessions. The majority of these meetings have been available on Zoom for those who are out of town.

Hundreds of comments have been made, heard and recorded.

A little over a dozen residents joined Planning Commission members and a member of the City Council in another Town Hall to listen to one another about the zoning code. New Commission member Kenny Stewart once again moderated the discussion.

The meeting began with a review of decisions made at the last Planning Commission meeting on January 23, which included:

• Agreement that the gaps and risks in the current zoning code should be addressed

• A vote to being the process to update the zoning code

• An vote to agree to use the framework (not the language) of the repealed ordinance #439

• A plan to review the content of all the articles of the repealed #429 ordinance

  • Will work through each article at Planning Commission meetings

  • The exact order and pacing is to be determined

  • Will save discussion of articles 2 and 3 (the most contentious an consequential) until last

Our little town is not Brigadoon. We don't appear from the mist in late May and return to the ether on Labor Day. No, we are a year round city.

And in this year round city, tonight we get to celebrate some graduates who brought glory to Harbor Springs on the track, pitch and hill! Tonight at 6:30pm in between the basketball games at the gym, the Harbor Springs High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be inducted.

I received an email a few weeks ago that I have been thinking about a lot. It suggested that I have a bit of "humble pie." The well-made point was because the "Yes" folks prevailed and the "No" side lost, it was our "side" that needed to persuade the "Yes" voters not the other way around.

It has stuck with me. In part, because I think there is some truth to it. And, honestly, we could all use a bit of humility and self-reflection.

Who in the world are we, Harbor Springs? It has been a puzzle, indeed. Had you asked me in November who we would become, I would have given you an answer that might have sounded a bit like the Mad Hatter.

But this week in the frozen tundra of our little town, the Planning Commission has shown that we can and should believe in impossible things. This week, their faith in the process and commitment to listening has allowed us to show that we can be civil. We can work together. And we value community and consensus.

Tony Johnson a member of the Planning Commission kicked off the meeting with introductions and Marie Wayman again took to the flip board to take notes about what was said during the meeting.

After some table setting by Bull Mulder, chair of the Commission the public was asked for comments.

On a freezing night and with some residents wrapped in blankets at City Hall, new Planning Commissioner Bob Buckner greeted the hardy guests who braved the cold to talk about zoning.

Marie Wayman again took to the easel and flip board to make sure all comments were recognized and recorded.

Emails and letters went out to all residents and property owners to invite them to this meeting and the coming meeting.

Last night, the Planning Commission held a Town Hall to hear about what residents might like to see in a new zoning code. I am so proud of the tone and tenor of the meeting. Yes, some very helpful and interesting ideas were discussed, but it was the community spirit that really stood out.

Please take some time to listen for yourself if, like me, were unable to be there in person. The video is live here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=higm1BtyFT0

As we move into this time of public meetings about out new code, let's embrace our younger brains and remember our lessons in "object permanence." I hope that as many of you as possible can come to the 10 scheduled meetings to be held in the next month. But, just because you can't attend all of them, it doesn't mean they didn't happen. Comments will still be taken and new things learned.

Hello! I hope you all are enjoying the snow! I just got an email (because I am signed up for notifications) with the public engagement calendar. Over the next month, there will be both Town Halls and Open Houses to listen and learn from the residents of Harbor Springs. Holy Moly! It looks like 8 of the 10 meetings will be on Zoom.

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...

Last night it was freezing. And yet, the feeling inside City Hall was warm and inviting. The Planning Commission gaveled to order and welcomed three new members: Cip Everest, Kenny Stewart and Bob Buckner.

Cutting, pikepole-ing and packing ice for the summer is perhaps the very best example of what some have rightly called the "symbiotic" relationship between our summer and local residents. Back in the day, if you wanted to enjoy cold drinks on wide porches while taking in the gorgeous lake views, someone needed to cut that ice in the frigid cold of winter.

So, what's the point of this frosty little story? In towns like ours, you do what you can do when you can get it done. Some have asked why code rewriting is happening in the winter. For those of us who serve on the city's committees, it is frankly when we have the time to do this kind of thing.

Welcome to 2025, Harbor Springs! This year we get to reconsider our zoning code. For those who worked so hard on the last version, this is a bittersweet opportunity. Their work last year helped to set the stage for this year’s thoughtful discussions. I know it is a bit Pollyannaish, but there aren't two sides to this conversation. There many different voices trying to find the best way forward.

Sounds simple. And it honestly can be...if everyone is willing to give a little and be honest with one another.

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.

This is how it begins.

Tonight, I hope some of those who feel like they are on the outside are invited in to join us in the hard work of shaping next steps. Cheers and congratulations to all our city's appointees new and old. There is a lot of work to do and I know we can do it together!

This morning, I am inspired by the Harbor Springs 5th grade class who collected 1042 food items for the Harbor Springs Food Pantry. Each year for the last 21, our 5th graders have collected to give to those most in need. What a truly impactful tradition.

We've talked a lot about what makes community as we have discussed the zoning code, but we can learn a lot from our 5th graders. They took the time to serve others. People they did not know. Neighbors who need help.

Good morning! Wanted to share a few notes from last night's public hearing. After receiving public comments that nearly unanimously favored reinstating the old code while a new one is crafted, the Planning Commission approved a motion to recommend the City Council do just that.

Happy Thanksgiving, Harbor Springs!

There is much to be grateful for today. My intent when I started writing this message was to convey sincere gratitude. I hope that is where it ends up. This is a hard one to write, but I hope it is something that needs to be said.