Regular Meeting (Teresea Howes Letter to Council 01282025)
Event Date: 2025-01-28
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**Executive Summary**
**Overview of the Proposal**
The proposal to purchase property on the South Shore of South Bar Lake for the construction of a boardwalk has faced longstanding opposition due to environmental concerns and the private ownership of the land. A significant majority of local residents and taxpayers are against the initiative, citing the fragile nature of the wetland, predicted high costs associated with construction and maintenance, and existing regulations from EAGLE that prohibit such developments. Additionally, past proposals have focused on attracting tourists, which many residents feel contradicts the community’s values and needs.
**Concerns from Residents**
Supporters of the petition, which has garnered 116 signatures to date, argue that there are more suitable locations for nature viewing and fishing that the village already owns. They emphasize a commitment to preserving the wetland naturally rather than facilitating development that could compromise it. The petitioners advocate for alternative means of conservation that do not involve the village using taxpayer funds for projects they believe will ultimately be detrimental to local resources.
**Financial Implications**
The residents express concern that acquiring the land for preservation purposes may open the door for future councils to pursue boardwalk construction, directly undermining the initial goal of preservation. This has raised alarm about potential costs and risks involved, particularly in light of the vague and contradictory objectives outlined in the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The petitioners urge the village government to reconsider the inclusion of these proposals in the recreation plan and CIP, advocating against potential waste of resources on projects unlikely to serve the community effectively.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the petitioners call for the removal of the proposed acquisitions and corresponding projects from the planning documents, urging that taxpayer dollars and municipal efforts should be directed towards initiatives that reliably benefit the residents of Empire Village while protecting its natural landscapes for future generations.