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Letter to the Editor

August 22, 2004

I just submitted this letter to the Sentinel’s Editor… we’ll see if it makes it in the paper sometime soon. I hope it doesn’t sound bad… I didn’t edit it before sending… just spell-checked it.

To the Editor:

After reading Julie Harkema’s editorial and Tracy Overway’s letter, I cannot help but write in to display my disgust at their ideas.

Window on the Waterfront is NOT a waste of space. The marsh should in no way be dredged to provide a minimal economic benefit for a few people in the city.

The local ecology depends on the marsh to provide environmental diversity. The plants in the marsh help filter out excess phosphorus, a goal of many of us who live around Lake Macatawa. Window on the Waterfront provides ample opportunity for bird watchers, animal lovers and nature nuts to view God’s creation. It is a wonderful place to walk or sit and enjoy with friends - it should not be taken for granted.

If people wish to develop the lakeshore, they should focus their attention on land that is already developed. Focus attention on conservation and alternative energy to eliminate the need for the power plant. Convince Padnos to move their facilities to a rail spur close to the city limits. Move Verplank next to Brewer’s City Dock. Then develop on the lakeshore. Built a hotel or two, add a restaurants and public docks, but don’t do it at the expense of what little marshland we have left!

Paul Ryckbost,

Park Township

EDIT: I realize now that I failed to add this quote, and I had originally intended to… “I do not intend that our natural resources shall be exploited by the few against the interests of the many.” - President Theodore Roosevelt

That is a man I am highly interested in and who I deeply respect. Plan to hear more about him in the future.

EDIT TWO: Here it is!

Posted by paul at August 22, 2004 04:31 PM

Comments

ethan said on August 25, 2004 01:48 AM

Great work Paul! Regarding Padnos, Verplank, and Brewer's, are there any new, promising ideas being seriously promoted?

Paul said on August 25, 2004 07:23 PM

Not that I know of, but the powers that be are always thinking. I heard about a month ago that Lake Michigan Contractors was going to use their land for a hotel, because some local business men had begun pushing the owner to do so... and then, last week, it was anounced. Hopefully there is some movement behind my ideas.

Aaron Schaap said on August 29, 2004 12:54 AM

Good job on getting your thoughts into the Sentinel. I love when people are pationate about what they know and don't just talk about it within their own little groups. I'm glad you're speaking up about it and explaining it to the rest of us while you do :-)

mosterd said on September 8, 2004 01:43 PM

Paul, you know what you are talking about. I vote Paul Ryckbost for world leader (or at least the leader of the free land of Holland) Keep telling us how to make this city a better place to live in harmony with nature and eachother.

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