PETITION AGAINST HIAWATHA TOWNSHIP USE OF DODGE LAKE LOTS FOR PUBLIC PARK/ACCESS/BEACH

Given we already have a public boat launch on Dodge Lake, it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars to create and maintain a park on this property.

5 years ago Featured

I do not want this project in my neighborhood-will only open up our peaceful area to unwanted crowds, trash in the lakes, excessive noise, and possible theft. This is my vacation home and I do not want to worry about the goings on when I am not there. This is not welcome.

Concerned about excessive crowds, garbage, potential vandalism. Do not need this, boat landing enough

I agree; no public access.

I don’t think this property would be cared for, and who will be responsible for things that go on there.

5 years ago Featured

How can this small plot of land be used responsibly? Where are bathroom facilities going to be located and kept clean? Will boats be allowed to park? If this is the plan, explain how to safely prevent the increase in boat traffic from the landing to this area? Who would ensure that garbage disposal is maintained? There are several private roads that are off the Island Lake Road. What will prevent non-residents from "checking out/exploring" this personal property. I am 100% against this project and think this is a waste of the taxpayer's money. Look at what was done to the Township cemetery. Is this the type of work that is performed within the township?

Surprised that there is money to develop and maintain such an undertaking.

I’m not in favor of the park. If I would have known they were going to put a park in next to my house I wouldn’t have just bought it. I would have bought elsewhere.

We do not agree with this plan.

Homeowners should have a say in how their neighborhood is enhanced. This beach/park does not benefit us in any way but make us more prone to noise, litter and potential crime. I do not approve of it.

5 years ago Featured

This is clearly a waste of taxpayer funds for not only the initial construction but also any future improvements that may be required to maintain the area. There is no plan for maintenance and this will only become a burden to those that use and care of the lake on a regular basis. There are more than adequate facilities at Lake Michigan and Indian Lake nearby. The boat access allows people to enjoy the lake without an unnecessary beach. Strongly oppose the entire idea. Cut taxes for the residents and ask people what the want rather than using their money at your discretion without input or thought.

Our family is strongly against this venture. There appears to be zero planning on the township’s part to maintain this beach. There is a already a public boat launch. Indian Lake AND Michigan Lake are already in close proximity. Quite wasting tax payers money.

To think that a governmental body can try to sneak an ill-prepared project onto taxpayers in the middle of an economic downturn is not only against our area's conservative values, but is essentially un-American. We do not approve of this overreach. Furthermore, we value transparency in the responsible use of our resources. Have anyone collected any data on the need or demand for said park? Can a small township justify this expenditure on a park that no one needs or wants? Has there been an environmental study? Does the board have any mitigation plans in place for the disturbance of the habitat for the many migratory species that visit our little lake. Also, there is a breeding pair of Bald Eagles on the lake, so I am sure there is some sort of criteria in place to protect our national symbol. Furthermore, it seems financially irresponsible to plan, develop and build a park for which you have no appropriated funding. I am curious as to who is responsible for this decision. It seems silly and unnecessary, for the property owners as well as the taxpayers. Perhaps the board needs to focus its attention on actual problems or issues facing our township.

Not needed

We do not want a public beach.

U have lake Michigan. U don't need a 50 foot beach between people's homes

Strongly oppose this!

5 years ago Featured

This property is ill-suited for public access of any kind. The infrastructure necessary is non-existent. There are plenty of public parks in close proximity that are available for use. There is already a boat landing on Dodge Lake. This is a reckless waste of taxpayer funds.

This public park idea in this location is ill-advised and like many other "well intended" public projects the unintended consequences of this short sighted proposal will only serve to decrease the property values of the taxpayers who will be forced to fund this debacle against their will. The area is too small, has no access or parking, and lacks the infrastructure needed to support a public use area. Furthermore, it will destroy any worth that the land on which it is to be built may have and turn what is currently an asset with real market value into a liability with ever increasing maintenance costs. Before any additional public use areas (additional liabilities to the tax payers) are considered the township needs to prove that the existing public use areas are operating at or over capacity. Spending public money to build unnecessary public use areas is the epitome of government waste. If the township is able to prove that additional public use areas are needed then the fiscally responsible thing to do is to sell this parcel of land (asset) in order to fund the construction of a public use area in a more logical location that can be improved in a more economical manner and will not destroy the private land values adjacent to it.

David and Sandy Whitman, property owners on Dodge Lake are opposed to a park/beach at the Hiawatha Township property located on Island Lake Road