WLHS: You Need to Participate
The Planning Commission will decide the future of Harbor Springs without you
The Brief
The planning commission is hosting an important zoning meeting on December 5th, 5:30PM Please attend at City Hall or by Zoom
The City Council will decide on commission members in the Monday December 16th City Council Meeting.
The City Council should only appoint new members to the committees rather than reappointing those with expired terms. We have been ignoring past term limit practices.
A Letter from Our Volunteers about Zoning
Dear Friends,
We hope this letter finds you well.
Janie Jenkins and Karin Reid Offield are reaching out to friends and Harbor Springs families. Janie’s passion is dogs, and Karin’s passion is horses, but together the two of us became deeply concerned and interested in Harbor Springs politics starting in February 2024. Last winter! Attending a meeting together, it was obvious to us that zoning reform was about to occur in the city limits of Harbor Springs and not many people were aware of this fact.
We’re writing to encourage you to become involved in the Harbor Springs political community. Harbor Springs is a very special place for all of us and we all want to keep it unique. The future will be shaped by the decisions we make today. Thankfully, the “By Right” Zoning Code approved in May 2024 was repealed by a majority vote in the November election. We represented the community that said YES, please repeal the “by right” zoning.
Also, there appeared to be confidence growing among boards and commissions for the inclusion of Harbor Springs into the RRC (Redevelopment Ready Community) program, a State of Michigan organized special interest group.
Involvement on Boards and Commissions - the community needs YOU.
This letter is to ask you or a member of your family or friends to consider joining a Harbor Springs board or a commission before the deadline of December 12, 2024.
City meetings are generally once a month, and others may meet twice a month. For the Planning Commission, up to two (2) members can be registered voters of another municipality. For the Harbor Commission, the members shall represent different groups using or bordering the harbor. For the Downtown Development Authority, a majority of the board shall have an interest in property located in the downtown district. Otherwise, the other members must be registered voters in the City of Harbor Springs. (Link)
Attending Meetings - Another way to become involved
The City of Harbor Springs calendar keeps the schedule of the meetings. One of the best ways to ensure that Harbor Springs develops in a way that aligns with our values is to engage with our City Council, Planning Commission, and other city boards. Attending their meetings allows us to stay informed about key decisions and developments happening in our community. It’s also an excellent chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and offer suggestions before decisions are made.
Explain what currently is occurring with remote attendance by ZOOM…..
We could get better at ZOOM meetings so remote people can comprehend what is going on. Second homeowners, property owners, and those who live elsewhere during the year will be allowed to be part of the upcoming zoning process. Policymaking is not restricted to year-round voters. State law gives you the right to participate. We all are now paying attention, and it seems to We Love Harbor Springs (a 401 C5 PAC) that everyone wants to be a part of building a new zoning code for Harbor Springs. Let’s do this together.
A new Zoning Plan is being developed
All Hands on Deck! This zoning code will dictate how our city grows and evolves, and it’s important that we all have a say in its development. The Planning Commission will be working on this in the coming months, and our involvement is crucial. By joining boards, becoming a new voice in the discussions, and attending meetings by ZOOM and in person, we can help ensure that the new zoning code reflects the values and vision of our community. So many have voiced their opinions about a few of these choices:
Keeping a two story downtown, not expanding Bay Street, Main Street and Third Street to all three story “by right”.
Removal of the “by-right” residential zoning, that removes the rights of neighbors being contacted and Planning Commission oversight to approve projects. We are unique, let’s stay unique.
Allow Planned Development approvals (PD), with neighbor and Planning Commission oversight for two-family housing, if the district wishes to adopt.
Town Halls must be scheduled within each zoning district. Agenda’s for zoning improvements should be made from and by the community members.
Whats’ Next
The incoming City Council has a big job ahead for us. Our town may be split down the middle on an issue. Those of you who receive this letter will need to be the ones to ask for facts, guidance, and opinions on what to do and where to go next. We must sift through the possibilities, ask questions, and listen to the answers. The answers can be provided by everyone. Life experiences, comparisons of what has been done in a town nearby, professional achievements – all of the reasons, by the full community can be listened to for the answers.
The future of Harbor Springs depends on informed and engaged residents. We encourage you to:
Stay informed
Attend meetings
Read agendas
Visit the We Love Harbor Springs website: www.weloveharborsprings.org
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to reach out to City officials, board members, or your neighbors. Speak up at meetings, write letters to the editor, and talk to friends and family.
Finally, Fund Raising
We ask for financial assistance to help the We Love Harbor Springs.org outreach; mailings; legal advice when and if needed; website upgrades for year two of the We Love Harbor Springs effort; and small amounts of investment in social media posts and boosts. We would like to purchase an improved ZOOM camera for the city that can integrate with the new microphones the city purchased recently. Helping Harbor Springs be transparent and modern.
This is our last fundraising effort of the year. Please join us in taking an active role in shaping the future of our town. Together, we can ensure that Harbor Springs remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.
Together, we can all make a difference.
Yours sincerely, Janie and Karin