Harbor Springs City Council Recap

City Council delayed the zoning vote, but a lot of your effort still needed to protect property rights

We wanted to provide you with a thorough overview of Monday's City Council meeting about the proposed zoning changes in Harbor Springs. Your support was instrumental, as a protest petition with 762 signatures was delivered to City Hall at 3 PM prior to the meeting. As a result, they delayed the vote! 

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council discussed four key zoning topics:

1. Triplexes: It was decided to maintain triplexes as a special approval use, not to be allowed “by right” in the residential neighborhood (RN) and business district (B1), while the Planning Commission will re-evaluate their status in the residential waterfront (RW) district.

2. Minimum dwelling sizes: There was consensus to retain the current minimum size foot print at 864 square feet.

3. Building height in the central business district (CBD): The council recommended setting the building height at 42 feet (equivalent to two stories or three stories with a 8 foot setback).

4. Flag lots: These were removed from the plan.

Following these discussions, the floor was opened for public comment, where numerous relevant points were brought up. The majority of speakers voiced opposition, while a minority, including 2 planning commission members, offered their support in an effort to address concerns.

Here are some highlights of the topics brought-up by the audience :

1. Concerns were raised about the city's failure to notify all property owners about the proposed changes.

2. Suggestions were made to preserve the agricultural district without an overlay. 

3. The negative impact of high-density zoning on the character and affordability of Harbor Springs was highlighted.

4. Accessory dwelling units should not be included in the plan as a “by right.” 

5. Calls were made for decisions to involve professionals with expertise in relevant areas, rather than solely relying on council members' opinions.

6. Opposition was voiced against making it easier for developers to operate in the area. Particularly the rules and regulations for PD and PUDs. 

7. Concerns were raised about expanding the central business district and its negative consequences for existing businesses. They asked, do the existing businesses agree? 

8. Residents' concerns should not be dismissed, as evidenced by the regret felt by residents of Austin, TX, where enacted zoning changes diverged from what was proposed, leading to undesirable outcomes.

9. Several arguments were made against Harbor Springs becoming a Redevelopment Ready Community. 

10. Criticism was leveled at the behavior of some city council members.

11. Affordable housing needs to be included in the plan.

12. Concerns were expressed about the influence of external entities, particularly the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Beckett and Raeder.

13. It was noted that not the entire code needs to be rewritten, and many proposed benefits can be achieved without drastic changes.

14. Calls were made to preserve green space and lake views, as well as prioritize historic preservation and to decide upon an architectural style, instead of leaving it to developers.

Additional Thoughts 

Your active participation and thoughtful contributions during Monday's City Council meeting have significantly shaped and slowed down the discourse surrounding the proposed zoning changes in Harbor Springs.

Our work is not done. If you have not signed the protest petition, please do so and encourage your neighbors if they have not. 

We also need your expertise. The local planning commission has dismissed our growth concerns for Harbor Springs as baseless, asserting that significant development is unlikely. However, we believe it's crucial to thoroughly understand the potential consequences of growth. We are seeking experts in real estate and investment who can address these issues. If you can contribute your insights, please email weloveharborsprings@gmail.com. Your involvement could make a significant difference.

The team will continue to send out weekly emails to keep residents stay informed. Please visit the “We Love Harbor Springs” website and Facebook page to continue the conversation. You will also find a 35-page document with suggestions for the plan, compiled from your input. 

Next City Meetings 

• Friday, May 10 at 10 am - Redevelopment Ready Community 

• Thursday, May 16 at 5:30 pm - Planning Commission 

• Monday, May 20 at 7pm - City Council  

• Monday, June 3 at 7pm - City Council