Committee Discusses Plan Introduction
By Leslie Rott

Master Plan Committee members, meeting Thursday, August 3, continued their discussion about the introduction to the document and debated the intent of their work and of a master plan in general.

"The introduction basically serves as outline, theme, and plot for the rest of the essay," Chairman Mike Hart explained.

He said the committee should start thinking of its Master Plan update in terms of this question: "Is the future planning section strong enough, specific enough, or has time shown that it needs revision?"

There was some question as to how involved the committee wants to get in rewriting. Committee member Dan Wightman said he thought the goal is to update the old Master Plan, not completely change it.

"We're not restricted to the old one in any way," responded Mr. Hart.

After discussing what the committee felt should be in the introduction at their July 27 meeting, a rough draft version was presented, including mention of special living considerations on Mackinac Island, school, employment, winter, horse culture, and challenges.

Newly appointed member Trish Martin said that if the introduction is to be an outline, there are some missing points. She suggested that historic and natural resource preservation be added to the introduction.

"It needs to be pointed out," Mr. Wightman agreed.

"Mackinac Island has always been an ongoing balance between economic development and historic preservation," Mr. Hart elaborated.

Committee member Mary Dufina said she thought all the points were good, but asked if the committee is trying to address too much in the introduction. She proposed stressing the small amount of land that is available for development on Mackinac.

"We have "x" amount of land that everybody wants and is worth a lot," she said.

Chairman Hart disagreed, and Ms. Martin said that she felt the introduction offered a flavor of Island life.

The committee agreed that the size of the Island in terms of acreage and a breakdown of how much that is in terms of City and State Park land would help people to further visualize future expansion issues. Other things they feel should be added includes information on the police and fire departments, Mackinac Island Medical Center, and the library.

"We are a fully functioning city," Mr. Hart emphasized.

Committee member Lorna Straus stressed her belief in always keeping the audience in mind, especially when considering what exactly the introduction is supposed to be.

"The audience isn't us," she said, "it's someone who is interested in the Island and wants to know more about it. If [the Master Plan] doesn't lead to ordinances and regulatory actions, we are wasting our time."

The next Master Plan meeting will be Thursday, August 17, at 4 p.m.