To the Journal editor:

Old Town Negaunee makes up about 320 acres. The Negaunee City Council on Jan. 18 voted 4 to 2 to rezone 5 acres of it — at the corners of Cyr and Snow streets — from public use to multi-family residential, despite the fact that the vast majority of the packed meeting (over 60 citizens) were opposed to the rezoning and many spoke during public comment to say so.

Afterwards, citizens mobilized to take action and found they had recourse. In just a few short days, they successfully petitioned for the necessary signatures, leaving the city council with a choice, to either reverse their decision or put it on the ballot for the voters to decide. They chose the latter.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 is the day to vote. Voting yes will reverse the city council’s decision and return the beloved 5 acres to public use. There are opportunities to address housing without having to take this area away from the community, also known as the gateway to Old Town.

Advocates of Protect Old Town Negaunee would like to work with the city on addressing housing without targeting the 5 acres of Old Town, alleviating any controversy or divisiveness among the community members and city officials. This is not needed, it is unnecessary. Our city government should be directed by the will of the people.

Many alternative housing solutions exist. For example, a private developer is planning to build 8-apartment units right in the heart of downtown Negaunee and the city council recently voted yes on the first reading that accessory dwelling units can be built in all residential zones.

This will allow homeowners to build a smaller home on their property to live in and rent the larger one or vice versa. This will offer more housing and the ability to downsize and reduce housing costs.

We need to understand that once public property is sold off to the private sector it is gone from the public domain forever. The 320 acres of Old Town Negaunee is a cultural, historical, and natural jewel. We can preserve this critical 5 acres of Old Town and still provide new housing for residents.

This would be a win-win situation that is not only realistic but is also ecologically sound and thoughtful. We can start to work together as a community, alongside the city government and make some headway without ever needing to take Old Town away from the people who deeply enjoy it.

By keeping this land in the public domain, it will also be good for the long-term economy. In fact, Old Town is one of the many reasons people are flocking to our community. We can have adequate housing and preserve our green spaces which make Negaunee a truly livable, progressive city.

It is imperative that we do this for future generations. The first step in ensuring this is by voting yes on Aug. 6.

More at: http://www.facebook.com/ProtectOldTownNegaunee