Sunday, June 07, 2009

Harbor Shores campaign of propaganda and misinformation

Editor,

I often wonder how the Harbor Shores juggernaut continues to find acolytes to perpetuate their campaign of propaganda and misinformation. Are people so blind that they really can't see what is happening? Paul Abrams' letter is a perfect example.

He says Klock Park "was a beautiful, clean park, ... the nicest and most beautiful in Southwest Michigan." That is true, until it was all but obliterated by Harbor Shores in the name of "improvements." Once again, he cites the "garbage-strewn parking lot," yet claims that the beach is unused. If the restrooms were poorly maintained, which is also true, wouldn't the logical remedy be to pressure the city to do its job instead of giving the beach away to private developers? The city has the funds for this specific purpose, but chooses to pretend otherwise. Oh, I forgot. The 22 acres are not being given away, they are being leased for pennies for the next 105 years.

It would appear that the majority of people around here believe that men with bulldozers are greater landscapers than God, and, that if a beach is not "packed with people," it is worthless. But, aesthetics and God aside, Mr. Abrams is still missing the point. Does he really think they are luring investors and homebuyers with the prospect of a packed beach? A typical advertisement shows a solitary couple walking along the beach at sunset. This is about private vs. public use - period.

Just imagine a championship golf event or a Whirlpool annual picnic taking place on the same weekend as a big family reunion, barbecued ribs and all. Or a wedding party or baptism with lots of noisy kids and honking cars. Will everyone be accommodated, or will someone have to be excluded, and if so, guess who? Does anyone believe that the view Harbor Shores says it must have will include picnic tables, volleyball nets and concession stands? Ain't gonna happen.

So far, I have not seen any so-called "improvements" at Klock Park that do not primarily or at least equally benefit the golf course. The city government has abdicated its responsibility and allowed the private developers to take control. How dumb do you have to be to fall for a letter that refers to the park as "some swampland," and then in the same sentence, "to the glory and usefulness it once was"?

It is unclear whether we have already lost or are about to lose our greatest natural public asset, but there are a few of us left who still believe that it's not a done deal. If you are interested in learning the truth, go to www.protectjkp.com.

Scott Elliott, HP 6/6/09