The Courthouse

I have no idea what the eventual outcome of the courthouse situation will be but I wonder if it wouldn't make a great casino if we lose it as courthouse. That would be good for business.

Lawyer Banner

Did anybody else see the "lawyer" banner they were talking about in the paper this week? It was pretty clever actually. I liked it. I thought it was an excellent commentary.

ABA Development Continues, Another Mtg Aug. 2

I received this letter from someone who has been keeping up with the development possibilties in the Green Lake Conference Center. I am posting the body of the letter here for the benefit of others who may not know about these developments. The developers seem to think they have preliminary approval AND are offering leases for 97 boat slips in the ABA. Hmmm. What are these people thinking? The body of the letter follows.




Dear



We are XXXXXXXXXXX. We have a home at XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX, on the Green Lake Conference Center grounds.



At the upcoming August 2nd Plan Commission hearing, the developer (Lindenwood) and the American Baptist Assembly (ABA) will seek approval of the preliminary plat. We urge you to deny this. There are a number of reasons why you should do so.



THE PROPOSED PLAT VIOLATES THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN



The Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in 2003, is the result of a great deal of hard work by a number of dedicated people. It is now part of the governing regulations of Brooklyn Township, and its provisions must be adhered to when any development comes before the Plan Commission for approval. As you know, the Comprehensive Plan calls for one to two acre lots in the Green Lake Conference Center area. The developer is seeking approval for a plan that has one-half acre lots. Not only is this contrary to the Comprehensive Plan, it is totally inconsistent with existing lot sizes on the east end of the grounds. (The average lot size is 1.2 acres.) In addition, other objectives of the Comprehensive Plan are undermined by this extremely dense proposed development:



· Provision for open space

· Protection of woodlands

· Provision for and protection of scenic vistas

· Protection of wildlife habitat

· Protection of wetland

· Shoreline protection

· Conservation of groundwater resources



When you look at the preliminary plat, it is somewhat difficult to visualize how great will be the destruction of woodlands in the 80 acre development. However, the roads and the home sites take up almost all the 80 acres of the development. There are 21 acres of roads, and 51 acres of home sites. In addition, there are 3 retention ponds and the wetland area. With the necessary tree removal for the proposed roads, most of the only trees that will remain will be on the lots themselves. Many more trees will be removed for the construction of homes. With 97 one-half acre lots, the tree removal will be extensive.



Other than the retention ponds and wetland area, there is no open space in the plan. There is no space set aside for parkland. The wetland area, which cannot be built upon, nor even walked upon without extensive protection measures, cannot be considered as parkland. Clearly the developer has failed to provide for open spaces, protection of woodlands, and provision of scenic vistas. Nor does the developer provide adequate protection for the wetland area, and has totally disregarded the protection of wildlife habitat. (Richard Bishop has addressed these two issues, so we will not repeat what he has said.) The only way to reduce the impact on the existing environment is to reduce the density by requiring the developer to have one to two acre lots. The Comprehensive Plan must be adhered to.



FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE LATEST STRAND REPORT



None of the 55 issues in the latest Strand report have been responded to by the developer. Dick Martens has discussed this in greater detail. However, just one issue raised is that there is not any indication of a connection of Stone House Road to Lawson Drive or a connection of Shore Drive to Circle Drive. It must be made clear that Carpenter Lane residents can enter and leave the grounds without having to use the proposed east gate, which would require two dangerous left turns.



AMBIGIOUS AND INAPPROPRIATE RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS



In the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants For Estates of Lawsonia, filed with the original request for preliminary approval, the statement is made that pier access and either boat slips or lifts will be provided for all homeowner who desire them, either through the Homeowners Association or the ABA. The latest plat indicates a narrow strip of land in front of the lakefront lots, which the ABA will continue to own. In April, the developer claimed no knowledge of what the ABA planned to do regarding piers. However, there is now available to prospective buyers, a copy of a “Boat Slip Lease”, which states that the ABA will construct a series of piers extending into Green Lake which …will contain boat slips. Any buyer can lease such a slip. Thus with 97 home sites on the east end, there would be a very large number of piers and boat slips. This does not even take into consideration the home sites that are proposed for the west side of the Conference grounds. It sounds very much like a back-door way of getting back lots a boat slip. There must be DNR approval for any such proposal, and as far as we know, this has not been obtained.



The developer, in the above-mentioned Declaration of Restrictive Covenants (Part IV, paragraph 3 titled Mandatory Membership), has stipulated that residents on Carpenter Lane become full or secondary members of the Estates of Lawsonia Homeowners Association, and pay an access fee as well. It surely is not within the power of the developer to govern existing residents.



STANDING



It has been suggested that residents of Carpenter Lane do not have standing to oppose this development. Standing has no relevance to citizens having a right to appear and participate in a public hearing. Moreover, this clearly will affect us as well as our neighbors. Our home is located XXXXX from the Estates of Lawsonia. Homes on the north side of Carpenter Lane abut the development, with most of the houses actually backing up to proposed home sites. In addition, we all have rights, guaranteed to us in our original purchase documents, to the full use of all the roads on the Assembly grounds. This is true for homeowners on other parts of the grounds as well.



THE ABA AND DEVELOPER’S APPROACH HAS BEEN ARROGANT AND INAPPROPRIATE



We understand the financial needs of the Conference Center, and could consider supporting a development if it met the requirement for lot size of one to two acres, and if it were be designed to better protect the woodlands, wetlands, wildlife habitats, open spaces, scenic vistas, groundwater resources and the lake. These are the very elements that are outlined in the “Smart Growth” goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Our motto is “Development Done Right”. The developer’s plan is designed to maximize its profit, but does not take into consideration the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Are we to sacrifice a large part of a Green Lake treasure so the developer/ABA can make more money?



We acknowledge that the developer has already spent a great deal of money with the idea that approval will be given for this project. However, that cannot be the criteria for approval. The town should not try to fit its ordinances and regulations to meet the demands of a developer. It is the burden at all times for the developer to provide a code-compliant plan. Yet, the developer has proceeded to market the home sites in spite of not having the necessary approvals. On February 26, 2007, Lindenwood sent out letters to prospective buyers, stating “With the initial approval process now complete our survey and engineering teams are in high gear.” Enclosed with the letter was a concept land plan and lot price list. This was sent out before the County Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee public hearing. No approvals had been given.



Lindenwood has advertised extensively in the Chicago Tribune and other papers. They have appeared before the Green Lake Chamber of Commerce stating that the development will have one-half acre lots, and private roads. They are meeting prospective buyers, passing out printed materials, including information about piers, at the newly remodeled House of Seven Gables. Thus they are conducting business there, in spite of not having approval for a zoning change to commercial. In addition, they are telling people that the preliminary plat will be approved on August 2nd.



This arrogant attitude makes a mockery of the approval process, is disrespectful of Brooklyn Township officials, and should not be tolerated. We urge you to reject this preliminary plat.



Sincerely,

The Bike Race

OK. First off let me say I am all for the bike race. I think it is good for the town. Brings in people, revenue, etc.

Now lets talk about the town. This race was handed off to Green Lake from Fond du Lac three weeks ago. Not a lot of time to plan. Then the town essentially handed it off to the chamber. It was so badly planned I couldn't believe it. People could not get into their own homes. Parking was blocked off where it didn't need to be. The mayor was a complete .... I feel badly for Dusty and the Chamber people because I know they took a lot of flak for the planning but it was BADLY planned and it was really the citys fault not the Chamber. If it comes back next year I hope they have learned a little from their mistakes.

A New Web Site for The Chief and His Friends

The Chief has moved. Click on the link to the right for the new site.

Thanks, Chief HIghknocker

Late Night Boat Accident

I heard there was a late night boating accident Saturday. One boat collided with another out near Oakwood. As far as I know nobody was hurt.

The Green Lake School System Forum

I HAVE MOVED MOVED THE COMMENTS HERE OVER TO THE NEW MESSAGE BOARD SO THEY ARE ALL IN ONE PLACE AND EVERYBODY WHO HAS SOMETHING TO SAY CAN DO IT IN ONE PLACE. PLEASE POST ANY NEW SCHOOL COMMENTS THERE. THANKS. JUST CLICK ON THE LINK TO THE RIGHT AND TAKE IT FROM THERE.

There seem to be a lot people who would like to have a forum for the Green Lake School District. I agree with them. I am in the process of changing this format so more people can start creating their own "feeds". I am pretty ignorant on problems with the school system but I get a lot of emails want a school system spot to discuss this isuse. So until I get the new format up so you can start your own "feed" here is the Green Lake School Forum for you.

Tourist Area Liquor Licenses

Two Chez has been trying to get a liquor license from the city for a couple of years. Heidel House, which could operate on a non-conforming liquor license fights them and the city in this regard. The city backs down from Heidel House. I keep wondering how many local people are even employed there at all. Other than the taxes Heidel House pays the employees can barely give directions to anything around here becasue they aren't from here nor are they encouraged to promote the area, just Heidel House. Two Chez has even agreed to put in writing that they would return any liquor license to Heidel House if there was a problem. Heidel House still declines and the city goes along. What would happen if the city did give another establishment Heidel House's "regular" license. Would they move out of town?

Summer Soltice

The Chamber of Commerce is having the summer soltice night this weekend. What stores we have will be open late. Get new pajamas.

Dimmer Day

A little local color went out of Green Lake last night when Arden T. died. He was lucky enough to have died at home in bed. I think there are a few relieved bluegills in the mill pond. I'll miss him and my sympathy to his family.

Spring Grove Fugitive

I see the woman who was protecting herself from the late night intrusion on Spring Grove Road has a warrant out for failure to show up at her court hearing. Keep an eye out.

ABA Development

At the last meeting for the ABA development the current plat was turned down. The developers are going to have to come back with a new modified plan. I think if they would increase the lot size they would not be meeting with so much resistance but they don't seem to want to do this. I noticed in the Ripon paper a photo of a bald eagle nesting in the development area. The Green Lake Center just seems to want to ignore ths aspect of the possible developement.

Camp Grow Fundraiser

I hear the Camp Grow Fundraiser at Bob and Patty Francis's house was a big success. People seemed to have great time on a beautiful night in a beautiful setting. It is great that Bob & Patty open their house for this event.

4th of July Fireworks

You only have a few weeks left to contribute to the Green Lake Fund at the Chamber of Commerce for the fireworks. Be aware that they are not free but they are the single best event the lake has every year. Make checks payable to the Green Lake Fund and send them to the Chamber of Commerce. Let Dusty know you read about it here.

The Court House Saga Continues

There was yet another meeting at the courthouse to discuss the courthouse. Unfortunately, I couldn't get there. Was anybody out there in attendance?

Tragic Event Today in Hattie Sherwood Park.....

I wouldn't speculate about such a tragic and sensitive issue, but a very reliable source has told me that the body of a male was found at Hattie Sherwoods today, apparently the victim of a gunshot wound. Naturally there will be a lengthy investigation into this and of course the full details will be released to the public in due course, but I just wanted to let our bloggers know about this very sad news.

Our thoughts and prayers should go out to the deceased, with sincere condolences to his family and friends.



Chief Highknocker

Its Been a Little Dull Around Town

Summer has definitely started. More and more Illinois license plates are here which is a good thing.

I hear there was a break-in at the County Park refreshment stand over memorial day weekend. What did they take? Stale hot dogs?

The developer who bought the Grocery Bag went before the city council Tuesday night looking for variances. The council has decided against him for the moment. He wants too many exceptions at this point. They should just tear that building down. It wasn't the greatest building to begin with and it is becoming an eyesore. I keep hearing about increasing the tax base but I don't see that as giving any relief to tax payers, just more money for the city. They aren't going to lower the current taxes, that's for sure. Do we need a medical clinic?

Remember

If you happen down North St. be sure and notice the number of flags in the Dartford Cemetery this weeken.

Jazz at Two Chez

John Harmon starts jazz at Two Chez this Friday night. Green Lake is lucky to have him in town. Give him a shot, he's pretty great.

Fill Up Now!

The BP Gas is up to $3.42/gallon today. By Friday who knows.