Forwarded by Jane Clark
If you have time to write a brief letter tonight or anytime tomorrow, it
will be appreciated. Thanks!
Dear Friends,
A group in the Marquette/McGregor area met recently to discuss opposition to
the current Vision Iowa Proposal which would bring several
million dollars to our area. Their idea is to construct a "Destination
Super Park" which would include a big golf course, a snow boarding hill, a
6 story hotel complex right next to the Casino on the riverfront in
Marquette, and a bike trail between Marquette and McGregor.
While some portions of the proposal are worthwhile, there are elements in
the plan that ignore the delicate aspect of the local natural beauty. For
the most part the plan appears to be a proposal to help the Casino bring in
more people for the Casino.
Please read the info over and register your opposition by Monday August 6.
Please rewrite something in your own words so it doesn't look like a form
letter.
If you have any questions, call Jon Stravers at 319-586-2621
Thanks for helping us out and thanks for loving the "Driftless"
Jon Stravers
Responses should be sent by August 6 by e-mail to:
Attention: Vision Iowa Board
c/o Susan Judkins
Vision Iowa Program Coordinator
200 E. Grand
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
[log in to unmask]
A group of concerned local residents met on August 2nd, 2001 to discuss the
McGregor -Marquette Area Legacy Vision Iowa Application. The group
identified several areas of concern with the proposal and the ³Destination
Super Park² specifically, which we would like to bring to the attention of
the Vision Iowa Board.
The residents attending this meeting are very interested in the
betterment of our northeast Iowa communities. We feel strongly that this
proposal, in its entirety, does not accommodate local needs but rather will
fully benefit the Isle of Capri Casino.
We ask that the Vision Iowa Board review the areas of concern listed
below, and that you place a moratorium on the proposed McGregor Marquette
Area Legacy project.
Areas of Concern
* Local infrastructure, (ex. roads, intersections, sewer systems &
water treatment facilities), cannot support this magnitude of project in
its current condition. Who will be responsible for infrastructure
improvement < city, county, or state taxpayers? Vision Iowa? The
developer? This area needs study.
* Agency support shown in the proposals ³letters of support² may be
misrepresented in that many of these agencies voice support for selected
components and show no knowledge of other components which likely are
against their missions. (ex. support for developing trail systems
without evidence that agency is aware of destination hotel component.) In
implying that all agencies who submitted letters support the full scope of
the proposal and the ³Destination SuperPark², the subcommitee may be
misleading the Vision Iowa Board. < This area needs study.
* Proposal shows what may prove to be contradictions between required
permits, joint agency/private company agreements and feasibility. (ex.
rip-rap necessary for building trail and restrictions involving railroad
property which will effect Trail of Two Cities component.) < This area
needs study.
* In November of 2002, the Isle of Capri¹s license is up for a renewal
vote by Clayton County residents. If the casino is banned, what
agencies/private interests will be responsible for the Destination hotel,
golf course and winter park? < This area needs study.
* What will the environmental impacts include and how will our natural
areas and communities be guaranteed protection from problems such as:
run-off caused by golf course chemicals, ground water contamination,
habitat destruction and light pollution? < This area needs study.
* The ³Destination Hotel², golf course and winter park will bring job
opportunities to the area, however, the majority may prove to be low wage,
no advancement opportunity positions. What evidence is there that these
types of jobs will ³benefit² our communities in the long run? < This area
needs study.
* What will the annexation changes be because of these development
areas? Are area rural property owners informed? At risk? < This area
needs study.
* How will local taxes change as a result of the proposed SuperPark?
Are area residents informed? < This area needs study
* Our greatest asset in northeast Iowa is the natural history & beauty
of the area, and relative wildness of our rivers, blufflands and woodlands.
This will be compromised by a Destination SuperPark and will permanently
alter the natural attraction of this area. Is this to the benefit of local
residents and the state of Iowa to compromise the wildest corner of the
state, and our primary existing tourist attraction? < This area needs
study.
* The exact physical locations of some proposal components have yet to
be determined, including the $17,700,000, Destination Hotel and golf
course. How can the economic, social and environmental impacts be assessed
and projects funded without these locations being determined? < This area
needs study.
* The SuperPark components are the most expensive and will have the
largest impact and long-term effects on area communities. Yet, local
citizens are not educated about the proposed projects and must be given the
opportunity to decide if a ³Destination SuperPark² is what would most
benefit the future of this area. < This area needs to be addressed.
* Finally, there are other projects which would require support and
funding which would prove much more beneficial to the health and vitality
of area communities and the local and state tourism industry than the
proposed SuperPark. This area needs study.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
For SC email list T-and-C, send: GET TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS.CURRENT
to [log in to unmask]
|
