To the editor:

Next month the Portage Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed change to the zoning ordinance to allow a seaplane business to operate at the former Onigaming and Pilgrim Point property. This change is not temporary and will permanently alter the beautiful shoreline and the area all around Pilgrim Point as you drive into Houghton on both sides of highway 41. It will forever change the natural beauty and wildlife in the area. This is a legacy decision that will impact all the residents of the Copper Country. Don’t peddle away our lake, or natural landscape, and our wildlife for tax revenue. The arguments against this proposed zoning change are vast and fundamentally sound:

— A Seaplane operation base (which is what Isle Royale Seaplanes is) requires an airport by FAA regulations.

— Airports are only allowed in M-1 manufacturing districts; current zoning is B-2 so essentially this is trying to rezone the area from B-2 to M-1.

— This piece of land is B-2 and bounded with R-2 Residential on both sides.

We all will suffer from a short-sided decision, especially those residents adjacent to a new airport.

— Property values in the surrounding area will be devalued

— The noise from seaplanes with 8 scheduled flights throughout the day and cruise ship excursions as well

— Safety of the DNR trail and Highway 41 for pedestrian crossing

— Disruption to residents enjoyment of the lake around the Pilgrim Point area (kayak, paddle board, boating, fishing etc)

— Active Eagle’s nest and other wildlife in this area

The City of Houghton wisely rejected the relocation of a seaplane airport to its community and the Portage Township should do the same. Our legacy matters. Don’t sell our legacy for developer profit and tax revenue!