Navy Street

Editor:

There has recently been two letters to the editor regarding the completion of the Navy Street project on the Hancock waterfront. The first writer is a resident of the condos; the second writer lives nearby on the paved roadway to the east of the condos. Both writers objected for several reasons including engineering considerations, water, runoff cost, and other factors listed in their letters. I suspect objections are also based on the “not in my backyard” perspective. I can appreciate that since we all value our privacy.

It has taken 25 years for all of the Navy Street property owners between the condos to the east and Forest Street about a mile to the west to have given or will give easement for a 20 foot right of way. This will provide for a one-way street, a walking, biking, and hiking path that would finally provide public access for residents from the bridge to the city campground. All of these landowners will be giving access literally through their backyards or maybe front yards. This project is large and much more important than just the area near the condos. It affects the whole city and all its residents now and in the future.

Hancock has moved forward with several large projects in the 25 years since this Navy Street project was first proposed, including but not limited the hospital, schools, Industrial Park, new residential neighborhoods, former Finlandia properties, Keweenaw Co-Op, and infrastructure improvements such as road water, sewer, etc. I hope that this will be the next new project for the City.

One of the previous writers mentioned all the many folks who ride their bikes, walk their dogs, jog, and stroll on the existing two track along the water. The two track has been partially blocked with big rocks at the east end behind the condos and also a gate near the City property in the middle of the route. This has discouraged public access. Without Navy Street completion it is very possible that all public access will cease for the City and all Residents who have already expressed their desire for better public waterfront access at long-term City planning meetings. This loss of access would be a tremendous loss for the Residents and the City. The previous writers mentioned that there will be a joint meeting at 6 PM Wednesday, of the city Council DDA and planning committee. I agree that all residents should attend.

If public access to the waterfront is important to you, please become involved.

Stephen Roblee

Hancock

Hancock’s Road to Nowhere

Editor:

As unit owners of the Portage Lakeside Condominium Association (PLCA), we would like to express our concerns about the use of Hancock City tax-payers money to fund a narrow multi-million dollar extension of Navy Street with questionable benefit to the City’s residents.

Digging into the delicate earthen bank to extend Navy Street poses a dangerous short and long term venture. Along Navy Street, trees that normally grow towards the sky point towards the canal, and farther west, large trees have uprooted from the existing earthen bank, emphasizing how the slope is failing from saturating rains.

Let us not forget the grim reminder of the Copper Country Father’s Day Flood of 2018, and its resultant unfortunate loss of human life, and the July 23, 2025 heavy rains causing the loss of portions of M-26 at Canal Rd.

Remember the 2025-2026 Navy Street winter snow accumulation and vision the logistics of winter maintenance.

For safety and logistical reasons, the PLCA has repeatedly stated its objection to the narrow Navy Street extension north of the PLCA garages, and numerously suggested a more people friendly pedestrian walking trail to the West, to the deaf ears of our City Administrators,

Spend the tax-payer’s downtown development funds to re-vitalize the decaying downtown business district. Hancock businesses have vacated the downtown, with some buildings physically removed. What a struggle for the remaining retailers and a disappointing and decrepit site for our residents and visitors.

Downtown Business District benefits:

• Act as incubators for small businesses, providing employment opportunities, and generating tax revenue through property and sales taxes.

• Act as a gathering place for the community, hosting festivals, public events, and, in many cases, providing cultural institutions, parks, and entertainment.

• Often house government services and reflect the unique history and character of a community through preserved architecture.

• Reduces suburban sprawl, offering a dense mix of residential, dining, and shopping options, encouraging pedestrian traffic and vibrant activity.

• Act as a catalyst for investment.

• Improves the property values of the entire city.

We urge the City to stop the wasteful Navy Street extension and to re-allocate those tax supported Downtown Development Authority funds towards the so much needed downtown central business development, fostering its economic growth.

Offer your “Public comment” April 1, 2026, 6 p.m, Hancock City Council/Planning Meeting

Jack & Deanna Chamberlain

Retired, and City Tax Payer