To the Journal editor:

We want to thank Commissioner Sara Cambensy for standing alone in opposition to allowing a boathouse to be built on the shore at Founders Landing.

What started as a proposal for a modest open air pavilion next to the current concrete structure has turned into a nearly 6,000 foot monstrosity. Through all of the changes her concerns were ignored as she reminded her fellow commissioners of the wishes of city residents and voted against their motions.

First it was the condos exceeding the height of the guardrail along US 41. Now, to get the outcome they wanted, the commission rezoned a prime piece of real estate and assumed ownership of a monstrosity to be built at the water’s edge to satisfy the wants of a private rowing club.

How convenient that this request comes when spouses of the city attorney, city manager and a commissioner are members of the club. Conflict of interest? Legally, no.

Over 600 citizens, including nine former mayors, signed the petition for a referendum to let the people decide this issue. In response, the commission voted to rezone, making the petition moot. Illegal? No, but legal does not always equate with ethical.

We’re being assured that taxpayers will not be responsible for expenses associated with the boathouse. We don’t trust that assurance. We were also assured that the condos would be unobtrusive.

Whether citizens have recourse at this point is a question for an attorney. If not, diligence will be needed to assure that our tax dollars pay not one penny toward the building of the boathouse or its maintenance.

Not one penny for site preparation; getting utilities to the building; janitorial expenses; building insurance; vandalism damage; burst pipes or storm damage; constructing sidewalk, road or path access; parking lot plowing or maintenance; rooftop maintenance: personal injury inside or on the building; heat, water, sewer and electric utilities or any other expense.

Not one penny of rent should be charged to NMU budgets for use by the NMU rowers, and no city, county, state or federal grant applications should be filed. Those are also our tax dollars.

It’s our understanding that space being allotted for “public use” will be shared according to the wishes of the rowing club. Why should any citizen or group have to petition a private club? And finally, what happens if the rowing club disbands?

This deal stinks.

Veronica Varney, Faye Bowers

Liz Bussiere

Joe, Mary Buys

Marquette