EAGLE HARBOR TOWNSHIP — As the members of the Township Planning Committee met throughout 2021, a short-term rental ordinance seemed to become more of priority, with each meeting being increasingly occupied by the topic. During the August 2021 meeting, commission members voiced their reasons for wanting such an ordinance to be put in place, ranging from short-term renters are viewed as outsiders  in the neighborhood of Eagle Harbor (Eagle Harbor is not an incorporated village) to concerns of resources being stretched too thin.  

Commission member Larua Bonde said Eagle Harbor has always been a rental community, but not necessarily a tourist destination.  

“Traditionally, renters have been family or had connections in the community,” she said. “They participated in the community. And they added to the community. They weren’t coming for two days and then leaving. So, they had a stake in picking up garbage, putting out fires, dressing up for the Fourth of July parade, volunteering at the lighthouse and being on the volunteer fire department.

“Many short-term renters don’t have those connections. The concern is that there is nobody present to be responsible.” 

Bonde also expressed concern over children and grandchildren of property owners who want to move into the community cannot find affordable housing, because all of the affordable housing has been purchased as investments.  

While some argued that short-term renters do not contribute to Eagle Harbor, property owner Stacy Kochan suggested that, yes, they do. Having recently purchased a house in the township, she said the number of occupants allowed was lowered, the number of cars in the driveway was reduced, and security devices had been installed. 

“We plan on using it as much as we can,” Kochan said, “but need to rent it to help pay for it.” 

Bryce Holden said he has been visiting Eagle Harbor for 14 years and has been a resident for seven. He brought up the subject of changes in culture over the years. 

“We have a whole new group of people coming here that create safety issues, trash issues, respect issues,” said Holden.  

Holden said that by limiting the number of short-term rentals, more long-term rentals would be available for people wanting to move to Eagle Harbor who work remotely.  

Holden concluded his address by stating Eagle Harbor has been a resort town long before his time, and it will be long after. 

Carol Bogart, commission member, argued, saying “We’ve never been a resort town.”