To the Journal editor:

Following are my comments and questions in regard to a recent Mining Journal article and editorial about a so-called upgrade of Lakeshore Boulevard in Marquette.

First of all, I would note that I have been active about concerns along our lakeshore for a number of years and also that nobody I’ve talked with sees this as necessary, let alone a good idea! Rather it seems to be essentially a boondoggle, a waste of taxpayers money no matter the source thereof.

Further, only part of this area has any restricted view and also we have Picnic Rocks at one end and a new park/playground planned at the other end at Hawley Street, let alone the drive to and around the Island itself. Given all this why then, if this project even was feasible, do we need viewing platforms?

Who really is going to get out of their car and walk down to these when even currently, within a short distance, the lake is viewable as it is for most of the shoreline area approaching and within the City including in particular the Lower Harbor area!

As to the recent unusual storm, neither any persons or property were injured and there are alternate routes available, including for the rare times there is any water there in the fall. The city has spent little money maintaining this road and has done no remedial work on the adjacent area.

Why also were all the Lombardy Poplars, including healthy ones removed, though Peter White himself had them planted there, to deal with soil erosion and why are we now instead planting grasses? Won’t this new road itself block the view of all who are behind it?

As to a roundabout, unlike Front Street, the traffic in this area does not warrant one.

Philip l. White

Marquette