Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Jean Klock Park was given to the children & residents of Benton Harbor. Period.

Jean Klock Park belongs to BH residents

Herald Palladium ,June 4, Letter to Editor

Editor,

Enough already. Even if you have lived in St. Joseph, Berrien Springs, Hagar Shore, Coloma, Hartford, Bridgman, Watervliet or even Benton Township or any other areas surrounding Benton Harbor for your entire life, Jean Klock Park was not given to you by the Klock family. It was given to the children and residents of Benton Harbor. Period.

I am in agreement with Scott Elliott when he pointed on WBBH 105.3 FM on May 15 the hypocrisy of St. Joseph residents who denounce Benton Harbor residents for their desire to keep their Jean Klock Park intact but were in an uproar when a few trees were cut down at Tiscornia. What a double standard. How dare they praise the destruction of Jean Klock Park dunes for three golf holes but become incensed when a few trees were cut down at their Tiscornia Park.

Although my family members were no “visionaries” who left for future generations and taxpayers large amounts of polluted lands, they have been land owners in the area since the 1800s and lived in the city of Benton Harbor since 1930, paying taxes, which have contributed to the upkeep of Jean Klock Park. No lifelong resident of any surrounding area has contributed as much.

The long and short of it is: Jean Klock Park belongs only to the children and residents of Benton Harbor. Unless your tax dollars go to the city of Benton Harbor, you have no horse in the J.K.P. race.

Shirley Stinson Benton Harbor