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CORRESPONDENCE
Visser
explained that the Township received requests to vacate New Holland Street road
end at Lake Michigan.
Kent Rubley, Managing Director for the Ottawa County Road
Commission, stated that Mr. Jerome and Mr. Meyer homeowners attended their Board
meeting two weeks ago and presented the situation that they have been
experiencing at the New Holland beach road end. The Ottawa County Road
Commission Board has not taken any action since New Holland is a border street
between Park and Port Sheldon Townships. The Road Commission is waiting
for responses from both townships.
Tom Palarz, Engineering Director for
the Ottawa County Road Commission, stated that the New Holland road end became a
public right-of-way down to the waters edge in 1933. If the Road
Commission were petitioned to abandon this road right-of-way, the first rights
would go to the Township. If the Township declined, then it would go to
the DNR. If the DNR refused, then it would go to the adjacent property owners.
Deputy Jeff Somers, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, stated that the
Sheriff’s Department wants to be fair and impartial to the home owners and to
those who want to access the beach. So far this year they have received 13
calls for service: 9 have been State or Township violations, 7 of which
were after hour calls, 1 was a campfire on the beach, and 1 was for fireworks.
Out of the 7 after hour calls, 4 were no longer at the sight upon arrival.
3 out of the 13 calls were for suspicious cars (non-criminal). No arrests
have been made. He stated that Port Sheldon has posted rules at the beach,
and the prosecutor is reviewing the new waterway laws.
Visser
stated that he contacted the Sheriff’s Department for additional patrol.
He met with officials from Port Sheldon Township, and from the Ottawa County
Road Commission. He also had many phone conversations with people who use
this lake access. Visser does not want to close the public access.
Van
Iwaarded stated that when he recently visited the public access at night, there
was only one family enjoying the beach, and there was no litter in sight.
Steggerda stated that she also visited the beach and met with the Road
Commission. Park Township has 17 road end right-of-ways. Surveys have shown
that residents want more public access to the lakes. She would like to see more
police patrol, curb parking violations, and posted rules.
Koopman
stated that the road ends are used and appreciated by many people. He feels
that additional enforcement is needed, and rules should be similar to Port
Sheldon Township. Koopman does not want to vacate any public property leading
to the waterfront.
Visser stated that
both Townships’ ordinances are almost identical.
Van
Iwaarden stated that copies of the ordinance have been given to the Sheriff’s
Department and they are carried in the squad cars. The ordinance states that a
$500 fine can be levied for infractions at unimproved road right-of-ways.
Skip Keeter, 442
N. Lakeshore Dr.
Mary Danielson Meyer, 4789 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Chris Jerome, 4775 Lakeshore Dr.
Randy Skipper, Sunset Bluff
Homer Barber, 3171 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Barry Whitsitt, Riley St.
Al Broodman, 2421 Lakefront Dr.
Deanna Pohl, 17264 Riley St.
Rick Nelson, 17242 Riley St.
Jacqueline Newhof, 17335 Riley St.
Tom Newhof, 3233 N. Lakeshore Dr.
Wayne Vander Yacht, 17221 James St.
Hal Hoeksema, 2405 Lakefront Dr.
Kathleen Gietzen, 17334 Riley St.
Kirk Walter, 4260 Niles Ave.
Carol Walter, 4260 Niles Ave.
Rich Bouma, 470 Lakeshore Dr.
Rick Blackmar, 4261 Niles Ave.
Chuck DeGlopper, 17051 Lakeview Rd.
Brian Rexford, 1762 Main St.
Mike Toscano, 1228 Oak Hampton
Dave Langa, 4229 Niles Ave.
The
above named residents all expressed their concerns for controlling public road
end lake access. They agreed that late night parties, dogs running on the
beach, and traffic are major problems. Some other issues include trash, crude
behavior, and trespassers. Most people do not want the road end closed, and
offered support in finding a way to control the situation. Neighboring
residents sympathize, but stress that closing the lake access would be a
tremendous loss. Some homeowners asked for fencing and a gate, more policing and
issuing tickets, and possibly a beach attendant.
Ebihara
stated that he would like to have a committee involved to help find a solution
to this problem.
Price
stated that she would like to see an increase in police patrol, a gate to close
at 10 p.m., and dog control. There is only 3 weeks left of summer. Some steps
toward control can be taken, but it will take some time to completely resolve
this issue. She requested information on Buchanan Beach in Grand Haven to learn
how they control their public access.
Visser
stated that with the Board’s consensus, he will asked for overtime from the
Sheriff’s Department. He will also obtain information on the Buchanan Beach.
Koopman
requested a zero tolerance policy from the Sheriff’s Department. He also
addressed the public stating that they have to take some responsibility and go
to the Commissioners. Increasing law enforcement presence will cost money.
Van
Iwaarden suggested having the Public Safety Committee involved, and meet with
the homeowners who are immediately adjacent to James, Riley, and New Holland
road ends.
Visser
stated that the Public Safety Committee, Parks & Recreation Committee, Finance
Committee, and others will all need to be involved.
Price
suggested getting the County Commissioner involved.
Dreyer
stated that he appreciates the resident’s concerns, but there is a lot of
anger. He asked the public to be patient. The Board will work with the
residents and this matter will get resolved.
Martin
stated that this is an enforcement issue. The ordinances are in effect. |
