Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Benton Harbor will be stuck paying off the cleanup of all the contaminated lands for the whole project

Thank goodness for deeds of an ‘audacious few’

Editor, (HP, 10/14/08)

This is regarding the letter to the editor of Sept. 26 from Greg Allen, “An audacious few put needs of many at risk.”

In the long history of the United States, it has been actions of an “audacious few” who brought about changes in America. Examples from colonial times include the Boston Tea Party, Concord, Lexington, Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill, resulting in the freedoms we enjoy today. So the act of being an “audacious few” places them in great company!

In his letter, Mr. Allen, as do most who regurgitate Harbor Shores’ handouts and public relations, deal in generalities when referring to the “many benefits.” Exactly what benefits? How many yearlong jobs will be created? What rate of pay? How many taxproducing properties are on Benton Harbor-owned lands to provide the increased tax base?

In 20 years, when the infrastructure is due to be paid off, who will be the greatest beneficiary? Not Benton Harbor residents, from all I have read. But Benton Harbor will be stuck paying off the cleanup of all the contaminated lands for the whole project, including that donated by Whirlpool in St. Joseph, which was only annexed until the infrastructure is paid off. See, I have followed all the PR put out to the public since the beginning of this and did my own research, too.

Last, but not least, we are not against Harbor Shores per se, only against the further devastation of a public park (Jean Klock) and its sand dunes for three holes of a golf course.

Shirley Stinson Benton Harbor