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At Monday’s Hancock Planning Commission meeting, City Manager Mary Babcock presented on placemaking. That topic has been front and center in discussions with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their redevelopment ready community certification and with OHM as they advise on updating the city’s zoning ordinance.
Placemaking is the process of harmonizing a community for the needs of everyone involved. Babcock talked about what Hancock is doing to make the city more hospitable for current and future residents.
The city is making strides in the arts scene as well.
The thought is that attracting great people implicitly helps area businesses, who will need to tap those human resources to be successful.
OHM and consultant Kim Littleton are pushing for Hancock zoning to better reflect its Master Plan. One of the suggestions is to do away with specific residential zones for a more general version. Commissioner Kurt Rickard said he wasn’t ready to dissolve the current structure of R-1, R-2, etc. One allows only single-family structures, while others permit apartments and rental units. Many residents are concerned about the effect on property values if major changes occur in their neighborhood. With an all-encompassing zoning code, commissioners worry the city loses its ability to guide development in a structured manner.
