Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP)

After organizing in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, HARP conducted public forums at which local citizens voiced their priorities for improving the Honor area.  Some of the goals have been realized, such as the removal of blighted buildings and the construction of a new sidewalk by the mall and a bridge in the park.  Another wish expressed by participants was to develop access to the Platte River.  Even though the river runs through the Village of Honor, the only access point to the river are two primitive campgrounds upstream from the village and a bridge in Honor that is not built for access.

 

A 52-acre parcel of land that has 1,550 feet of river frontage just west of Honor has become available for purchase. If acquired, it would provide excellent access to the river and could be developed into a picnic area and much more.  HARP is seeking $120,000 in donations and grants to allow for the purchase the property for $300,000 for ownership by Homestead Township.  HARP already has obtained the support for the project from the Benzie County Board of Supervisors, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Rotary Charities and the Alliance for Economic Success, among others.  At the state level the project is a recognized priority of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  More information about the project is available from Sunrise Rotarian Bruce Wildie.