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]