Editor:

On April 28th, the Houghton Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed rezoning along a section of East Lakeshore Drive. Citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting and offer their thoughts, or just observe the dialogue. One of the main issues is the impact this rezoning will have on a section of the Waterfront Trail.

The lot in question is currently owned by the city and zoned RSV (“reserved” or single family residential). A single developer has shown interest in buying the property in order to build and sell condominiums. For this to proceed, the property would need to be rezoned to R-3.

We have lived on East Lakeshore now for 25 years. Although we would rather not lose any of the natural green space, we understand the need for more housing. As such, we have not been opposed to development on this property. However, the lot is a long, narrow strip (about 720 ft x 110 ft) along the side of a steep hill. This includes about 200 ft directly adjacent to the trail. In order to build the proposed condominiums, the trees and hillside right along the trail would be removed and replaced with buildings, parking and an access road. We believe there is not enough room to merit R-3 zoning along this part of the property. At the very least, a green space buffer should be required between the trail and the buildings or pavement.

Last November, as a show of support and compromise, the entire East Lakeshore neighborhood requested that approximately 520 ft of the property be rezoned RSV to R-3. This excluded the narrowest part of the lot which is next to the trail. We also showed that 18 condominium units would comfortably fit on this part of the property. It’s our understanding that rezoning just the smaller section is still an option. This would eliminate the need to provide a buffer between the trail and the development.

So, if you enjoy walking, running, picking thimble berries, or watching birds along the trail, plan to come down to City Center and share your thoughts with the Planning Commission on Tuesday, April 28th at 5:30.

Jim & Peg Hertel

Houghton