To the Journal editor:

Having been raised in Marquette, I returned to live here because of the city’s unique attractions.

Like so many others, I spend hours walking the bike path along the lake shore, enjoying the views and the atmosphere. The variety of boats on our waterfront surpasses any other city I know.

Where else can you see ore boats, tall ships, cruise boats, sailboats, motor boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and – rowing shells? This is part of what makes Marquette exciting and attractive.

I am disturbed that those who oppose the rowing club’s proposed boathouse are showing little respect for the long, arduous and very public process that took place prior to the lease.

In viewing websites from both sides of the issue, I see a city owned building on city owned property that increases access to the waterfront for the public and provides handicap access that is not otherwise available.

The opposition’s claim that the rowing club is being given a free lease seems ridiculous since the rowing club is offering to raise $600,000 in funds to build and maintain the structure. To me, that sounds like a sweet gift to Marquette taxpayers.

The opposition’s website uses the words “private” and “members only”, yet the rowing club’s president (The Mining Journal, Dec. 3) says that the facility will not be reserved solely for members of the rowing club and the club’s website says “the Founders Landing beach will remain open to the public, just as it is today.

As residents of a city that is proud of its waterfront, we should support the rowing club’s proposal to improve this section of the shoreline that is already being used to launch their boats.

Richard A. Peterson

Marquette