Protecting Mackinac Island's History

The properties recently purchased on Mackinac were done so AFTER the possibility of establishing Historic Districts had begun. The purchasers were simply confident that they could influence the powers that be NOT to support the districts. They knew full well the risk they took. The current owners of properties are stewards of those properties; they will not OWN them forever. Once an historic structure is gone, it is gone - forever. Many of these buildings that are 100+ years old are built from first growth lumber, a far superior material than any wood one can buy today. Isn't it amazing that those wood foundations lasted this long?? Every City has rules as to what can and cannot be done by "property owners" whether they have historic districts or not. In fact, our zoning ordinances are MORE restrictive than the guidelines drawn up by Nore Winters Group, a company hired by the City of Mackinac Island to do so. A recent example is of a new property being built in the one HD we have: the applicant wanted a type of siding allowed by the guidelines but NOT by our zoning rules. He got a variance to use what he wanted. Our HD commission does NOT address color. WE chose what is important to us here just as other HD's choose guidelines as to what their needs are. HD's do, however, typically address open spaces. They are desirable in any town setting. The public hearing required by the State of Michigan was held in June of 2012 and the council could have voted at any time after that until June of 2013, This hearing, while not required, has been scheduled for more input on the topic from locals. The overwhelming consensus from those who come here is: "Adopt the districts"! It is time we all worked together for the common goal which is to keep Mackinac as charming as possible. After all, we ARE "selling" 100 years ago!