Harsens Island should be protected from Mike Malik's development schemes

11.16.07

Harsens Island should be protected from developers

I am writing to you in regard to a recent a special land use request submitted by the Lucky 7 Development Co. on Harsens Island.

This development group has tried every angle to move forward with its plans despite past refusals from the Department of Environmental Quality. Now, it seems its next plan is to convince the planning commission to grant a special-needs request when all of the community surrounding both on and off the island is against the request's approval.

I am very familiar with Harsens Island. I have biked on the island for many years. Our bike club has used the Harsens Island tour for its various fund-raising causes. This is a most popular place to ride as a group. Many say the island has a quaint feel, like Mackinac Island, without the more-than-5-hour drive.

I was deeply disappointed when I heard there was a proposal to close a most enjoyable and scenic portion of a public road, North Channel Drive, to the public to fit the needs of a private development. After further investigating the Lucky 7 development plans, I was shocked that such an exorbitant private complex would even be considered by anyone concerned with this community and environment.

This type of invasive development with the plans to destroy wetlands and habitat by dredging a lagoon, network of canals and excavating in the North Channel River would clearly have a devastating effect on the ecological system of the Lake Saint Clair region.

The qualities that make Harsens Island unique to all its surrounding communities should not be thought lightly of. Harsens Island is a gem to all in southeast Michigan and should be treasured and protected from over-development that would change the character of the island-just like Mackinac Island.

MARILYN CHATTEN
Utica, Oct. 29