Addresses Must Be in Place by July 1
By Eric Fish

The deadline for property owners to display address numbers on homes and businesses on Mackinac Island is Sunday, July 1.

The address system was put into effect to qualify Mackinac Island for Mackinac County's enhanced 9-1-1 emergency response system. The addresses will be matched with telephone numbers so dispatchers will know from where a call is being made.

Presently, callers phoning 9- 1-1 must identify themselves, tell where they're located based on Island landmarks, and explain what the emergency is, all of which could be confusing to Island visitors and tourists. Island fire, police, and medical services have long relied on the familiarity of Island landmarks to identify the location of emergencies.

The new address system will also aid utility and delivery services in locating buildings.

About 90% of the Island's property owners have already put the addresses in place.

"We asked for compliance voluntarily up until this year, and a lot of the people did," Police Chief William Lenaghan said. "Now, we're going to ask the other 10% to comply."

A written warning will be sent to those not in compliance by July 1, he said.

"It's a public safety issue that needs to be done," he said.

If addresses still aren't installed at that time, Chief Lenaghan said, further action will be taken.

Address numbers must be a minimum of three inches high and displayed on a building or display post, clearly visible.

"If you walk up and down the street, [you'll see] most places have them up," said Kelly Bean, the assistant to the mayor.

Property owners who do not know their address can get it from Ms. Bean at her office on the second floor of Community Hall.