Clark Lakers spoke out again before the Columbia Charter Township board regarding the park at the west end of the lake. They reacted to the actions the board took in July to limit parking and hours. In the words of one of the speakers Monday evening (9/15), those two actions were game changers.
There are two opportunities for public comment at board meetings – one at beginning, and one at the end. Speakers are allotted 3 minutes each. In this video, you will witness what was said during the public comment sessions. For timing and relevance to the topic, this video is specific to Clark Lake. Other comments, not having to do with the park nor directly affecting Clark Lake, included raising chickens and a VRBO that residents feel is disruptive to their lives. Those are not included. The videos are from both public comment opportunities on September 15th.
As previously reported on this website, the Township board voted unanimously to move forward with a redesign that would limit inside parking to 12 spaces. The Township employed a consulting firm, OHM, to put together the plan. To cover the cost of changes to the park, the Township applied for, and received a $119,000 grant from the DNR to be matched with $40,000 from the Township. To review details in the plan as voted upon, click here.
After the major disturbance in the park on June 22nd, the Township acted quickly. Given that bad behavior occurred mainly after 6 pm, hours were reduced to reflect that. Parking inside the gates was also restricted. Previously, visitors could park anywhere in a large graveled section. Now, defined parking spaces have been established, and signs have been posted.
In addition, Hyde Road parking has been restricted due to ongoing changes.
Prior to the board’s vote and Township action, a petition was circulated. The petition outlined the threats to safety and quality of life resulting from criminal and abusive behavior in the Park. Several Clark Lake residents led the petition drive – Kip Hilbert, Archie Sconochia, and Zack Kanaan, all from the North Shore. It was also a lake-wide effort. Rising to the challenge were individuals like Ron June, John Deming, Tim Studer, Elise Fish and others. Over 360 petitions were submitted to the board.
To review the July 22nd story, please click here.
No one in The Township supports criminal behavior but no one in the Township’s Board should support severely limiting access to the Park (an asset of the entire Township population not just Clark Lake residents) because of isolated incidents and complaints by a very vocal minority. Positive thinking communities everywhere are tying to expand and improve green spaces and facilities for their total population not limit or do away with them. The vocal folks who own property at the lake should be thankful they have direct access to the lake unlike the majority of the rest of the folks that live in the Township. Landowners should not be permitted to limit access to one of the Township’s jewels, but instead be limited to seek and support increased enforcement by authorities. The Board should not punish the majority of residents for the conduct of a few bad apples.
Enforce the speed limit on Ocean Beach Rd,!
Can’t launch boats at the boat launch cause there is now no where to park our trucks and trailers.
A lot of people used to enjoy the park. Now only 12 families can enjoy it. And there can still be bad people during the open hours. You are NOT fixing the problem.