DDA kicks off downtown streetscape plan; resident urges review of Shay Park history

The Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority has launched a streetscape planning project that will run through the summer and include community meetings and outreach, the DDA told the Planning Commission on April 16.

Becky, speaking by Zoom as the DDA representative, said the initiative has begun with a public-input board at City Hall and a survey; consultants Beckett Raeder will consolidate comments, provide guidance and offer projected costs for options. Becky encouraged commissioners and residents to participate in the outreach schedule included in the commission packet.

During public comment, resident Karen Offield urged the commission and staff to consult historical documents about Shay Park before approving sidewalk or other changes. Offield said archival records indicate a demolished ‘‘waterworks mound and building’’ had once been part of the park, and she asked city staff to confirm whether removal or modification of subsurface features should inform planned work.

Why it matters: Streetscape design can affect downtown character, maintenance costs and budgeting for implementation. Becky said any capital work would need to be included in future budgets and would require both DDA and City Council approvals.

Becky said consultants will not only consolidate community input but help estimate projected costs and produce a final plan for DDA approval; the plan would then be incorporated into future budget requests to City Council. Commissioners recommended clearer public messaging about survey and event windows and suggested keeping interactive sticky-note boards in place so residents can add to others’ comments.

Next steps: The DDA will continue outreach through the summer, staff will refine public-notice language to include survey windows, and the final plan will be returned to the Planning Commission for input before any budget or council action.