Regular Meeting (Recreation Plan Petition for VC 01282025)

**Executive Summary**

**Introduction**
This document presents a petition from residents of Empire Village, urging the Village Council to reconsider certain actions proposed in the 2025 Draft Recreation Plan concerning South Bar Lake. The undersigned taxpayers express their concerns over using public funds to purchase fragile wetland property and develop a boardwalk through sensitive areas, arguing that these plans conflict with community goals related to environmental preservation.

**Key Concerns**
The petition highlights that proposed actions involving purchasing private property and constructing a boardwalk would disrupt the fragile ecosystem of South Bar Lake, contradicting both the objectives of the Draft Recreation Plan that emphasize the preservation of critical dune areas and federally protected wetlands. The residents emphasize that protecting these natural resources is the highest priority in the Village’s planning documents, advocating for an alternative approach that prioritizes the wellbeing of the local environment.

**Proposed Alternatives**
In lieu of the controversial proposals, the petition suggests constructing additional floating docks on existing Village property to enhance local opportunities for fishing, nature viewing, and education, all while ensuring environmental protection. This alternative is presented as a more suitable and accessible option for community engagement with the lake’s natural resources, aligning with the community’s priorities.