LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
When will ERDL open?Dear Editor,
I’d like to know when our library will reopen. All of the other businesses in Elk Rapids are open, yet the library remains closed. It can’t be more difficult to adhere to the COVID requirements than it is for a restaurant, bar or other establishments. Why should we contribute to expand the library if we can’t use what we already have? Ron Gurdak Elk Rapids Township Proposed Elk Rapids Township Fireworks OrdinanceDear Editor,
At the June 9, 2020 Elk Rapids TWP meeting the question was raised with regard to the indiscriminate use of fireworks. Sheriff Bean addressed fireworks prohibition, indicating a Township ordinance was needed to enforce fireworks prohibition outside the dates set forth in the State “Fireworks Statue.” Nine townships in Grand Traverse County, including Acme, and Traverse City, have fireworks ordinances which prohibit fireworks on any date except those specified as legal in the State Fireworks Statute. The Township has been provided with a copy of a fireworks ordinance, which prohibits the use of fireworks with the exception of the dates reserved in the State Fireworks Statute. It is hoped this will be modified by their attorney and presented to the TWP Board for consideration at their July meeting. The ordinance would conform to Acme Township and eliminate unpredictable disturbances to residents. The effect of 5 end of fireworks blasts at 7:45 a.m. on a veteran with PTSD is despicable. An ordinance would allow residents to anticipate and plan for fireworks on the dates specified by the State Statute. Support of this proposed ordinance is important, therefore anyone interested should plan on attending the board meeting on July 14, 2020 at 9 a.m. Salvatore Castronovo Elk Rapids Sad and angeredDear Editor,
I am unbelievably sad and angered to see a video of a white man riding around on a golf cart at The Villages in Florida yelling and fist pumping “white power.” Then our president retweets this video stating how much he loves the people at The Villages. Then our president’s handlers explain to the press that our president did not hear what was very clearly said in the video. Really? This is 2020. We are supposed to be a kind, big hearted nation. I’m exhausted............... Dianne Fisher Kilcherman Elk Rapids Preservation of island overlookedDear Editor,
I am writing with concern regarding the location of the no-wake buoys that mark the entrance of Elk River. I am a local boater and pass Rycenga Island at the entrance almost daily in the summertime. Over the past 20 years I have witnessed major erosion of the island. It is a fraction of the size it once was. This year the east buoy is a good 60 feet closer to the island than in years past. I have been witnessing boats regularly making large wake as they pass the island and it is obviously eroding the land. The island is habitat for birds and waterfowl, along with being a wonderful landmark for boaters and kayakers to enjoy. I feel fortunate to live in an area that takes the preservation of our watershed and wetlands very seriously, but I feel this island has been overlooked. The buoys should be placed at least 100 feet south of the island. This would ensure that boats are not making wake as they approach and pass the island. This change would add roughly 20 seconds to a boat trip down the river, but potentially add years or perhaps decades to the preservation of the island. Kyle Schumacher Kewadin |
Regarding recent happenings worth ponderingDear Editor,
My first thought as a local citizen on a recent newspaper headline regarding Elk Rapids: Not worth sharing. The greater word: We’re better than that! A fella named Jesus once, said amidst some thoughts regarding division in the community (Matthew 12: 22-37). I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Ever since our sons and their families became a part of the Elk Rapids Community, I have been told by folks in the area how wonderful a place this is. A joy to hear. But in over 55 years in the Christian Ministry, for the most part in small, rural communities, I have found these words of Jesus to also ring true: “Every Kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” How sad! Words have the potential for joy, offer the possibility of peace, but only when the need of forgiveness and reconciliation is celebrated. A community held hostage to “hurt feelings.” We’re better than that! Ken Lein Kewadin How we’re losing hereDear Editor,
The problem isn’t zoning. R1 zoning should insulate neighborhoods from commercial activity. All homeowners can rent for two weeks short term (the third week is reportable income) or monthly. That’s the way things were back in the day. Homeowners could vacation two weeks and rent their home to defray taxes. If they got “good” renters, they could come back year after year and become part of the neighborhood. That sounds like how some ER residents did it. My grandparents did the same in 1953, purchasing the cottage they rented. These feel good stories are still possible. Letting in STR’s you rave about it will destroy the neighborhood. All the homes will be owned by corporations or LLC’s. No family owned homes with school children. I don’t know how you think it’s ok to allow that to happen. In my mind it would require unanimous agreement from the whole subdivision to let that kind of commercialism in. It is pure greed by the property owner and arrogance by the planning commissions or DDA’s. You can see it with the way they went about the closing of River Street. They all should resign in shame. Jerry Sorgi, Kewadin Letters to the Editor:
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