The People’s Lands and the People’s Choice
This Monday, on June 4th, the Council will discuss the Dunkley Presentation schedule (item 14). (re: the date of Monday, June 11th, starting at 6pm, when the Dunkley proposals are scheduled to be presented to the Council and public.)
As there are more proposals than expected, ie. 7 applicants, there is concern that with each being given 45 minutes, the initial presentations would be a long evening, extending beyond 10:30pm! Stock up on popcorn!
Three plans come from the non-profits and Parks Department which would keep public lands in public hands.
The four plans from commercial developers would involve the City selling the public lands. Each development shows a heavy concentration of buildings, two even include new ideas for more marinas!
The floodplains which are part of the wetland ecosystem, need to be open and porous to properly function. These would be fairly well sealed in with the commercial proposals.
In a time of environmental awareness, the public has a choice. It can choose to keep its lands for the people, with open, green space of a park or arboretum. This solution would be the most prudent, if one really takes to heart the environment and the well-being of all into the future.
The people will ultimately be given the choice of ownership.
Do you want the already overly developed Black River, so close to Lake Michigan, taken over by more high-rise structures and condominiums that might be gated? So much of the land around South Haven, once walkable neighborhoods, is sadly disappearing to a gate and ‘no trespassing’ sign.
We encourage you to come to City Hall or watch on TV the presentations to become informed before the public hearing.
The residents of South Haven have an opportunity to be make a wise choice in tune with the times. A choice to keep public lands in public hands in a proposal for an Arboretum and Preserve, such as proposed by Celery Pond Advocates, is a way to reclaim and revitalize the town’s asset of ownership.
Ecotourism would bring a new businesses and employment opportunities to South Haven, combined with the potential of a cultural center within the Arboretum. Together, these would add a completely different dimension to the area, that could be the hallmark of the county and state.
Which type of success will the residents of South Haven choose?
More condos with the promise of more tax dollars and the consequent density factor? Or, the success of moving forward in a new way, with everyone involved, making something unique and wonderful and totally ours which would open to everyone to enjoy.
“When we destroy wetlands, there can be enormous impacts. If we preserve the health of wetlands and restore wetland ecosystems, it simply follows that we generate associated environmental, social and economic benefits.” (taken from an Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Fact Sheet)
