There has been strong support from many, and opposition from
some.
Some lakefront
property owner comments of support: “Establishing a method of
funding lake improvements is a must. / The LRI proposal isn’t perfect, but it is the only way
we will ever get enough funding to really have an impact on improving the lake.
/ What a minor investment to protect my property value! / It concerns me that
all the questions aren’t answered and that we need to put the implementation
into the hands of the Townships, but if we want to really accomplish something
positive for the lake, this is the best alternative. / We talked about it long
enough; now it’s time to take some action. / This has to fly; if it doesn’t we
are looking at more years of doing nothing while the conditions in the lake
continue to get worse. / This is a no-brainer. / The lake continues to
deteriorate; it’s green, full of weeds; we need to act now. / The condition of
the lake is so important to all of us, why shouldn’t we each pay a little to
improve it? / The whole community will benefit; it’s a great plan!”
Other lakefront
property owner comments: “I
already pay too much in taxes. / The government should pay for lake
improvement. / Why don’t you get grant money to pay for it? / Why should
riparian property owners pay all of the cost? Why doesn’t the rest of the
Township get taxed too? / I don’t trust the Townships to implement the Special
Assessment Districts. / I don’t think dredging will do any good. / I like the
weeds; it keeps the boats away from my pier. / I live in the channel; I don’t
think we should pay the same rate as the people that live on the big lake. / I have
lived on the lake for 40 years; it hasn’t changed, it’s fine. / We need more
studies. / Why should we pay for all the costs; how about others that use the
lake, they should pay too?”
The
bottom line: We
need about 1000 petition signatures, or about 60% of the riparian property
owners, supporting the request to the Townships asking them to establish
Special Assessment Districts. This level of support will demonstrate strongly
to the Township Boards that the majority of riparian property owners are
willing to be taxed each year to fund the improvement of
We now
have about 600 riparian property owner signatures. Not all riparian property
owners have been contacted yet. Why?
Because it is an amazingly difficult job to get face-to-face with 850
property owners. Our block captains, who
are all donating their time, are doing a terrific job, but they could use
some help.
If you are
a
Supporters,
please help us identify the other people like yourself that support the
Initiative by going to the web site, www.PPLRI.org , click on “What can I do to help” then
click on “Let us know that you want to sign a petition,” and, then send us an
email with your name and lake address or anyone you know who wants to sign a
petition. If you would prefer, call 269
468 7550 and give us your lake address and a contact number. We are close, and we have the month of August
to catch the summer visitors, so
please help if you can.
The