I read with interest the dispute over the parking between Arts Dockside and the St. Ignace Marina. There seems to be a need for a reality check, as several points of fact have been obscured. First, the marina, whether in its old or current form, exists for the pleasure of the boating community. Its primary mission is, therefore, to serve boaters. Every other use is subservient to that goal. Frankly, I am surprised at the “my way or highway” attitude of the Arts Dockside board. When did they gain proprietary rights over the marina parking lot? The answer –- they didn’t and they don’t. It is the Harbor Authority that should determine how much of the parking lot is to be given over to Arts Dockside, or any other festival, for that matter, not vice-versa.

Second, and this perhaps is the fault of the City Council, they are allowing too many events to occur at the marina. This is especially true once the Little Bear Ice Arena and Community Center was built. This is where community festivals, etc. should be held, taking pressure off the marina whenever possible. Remember 32 years ago, we only had two events at the marina and no alternative place in town to hold events. Now we do. Currently there is not a weekend in the summer when parking for marina patrons is not restricted in some fashion. Aside from the five major events, don’t forget the Farmers Market. What happens if that expands? After all, many can remember when the Auto Show had fewer than 100 cars and only closed the marina parking lot for one day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now events close the marina parking lot not for mere hours but three to four days in a row. Can anyone not see why marina patrons who currently pay approximately $2,000 for a seasonal slip, which, to put things in perspective, is similar to what any St. Ignace resident may pay in property taxes each year, feel they are being cheated of what is, by contract, rightfully theirs?

Third, the idea that parking for marina patrons would “create a dangerous mix of vehicles and pedestrians.” Try walking down Truckey, McCann, Spring, or for that matter, crossing State Street to get to and from the art show – the “dangerous mix” has been present for some time.

Finally, over the years there have been far more than eight complaints. The difference now is that the City of St. Ignace, not the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is in control of funding and revenues and those complaints can have a serious effect on the budget of a smaller entity; consequently, those complaints must be addressed in a fair manner, which means compromise is a necessity. The Harbor Authority is willing to share; it’s sad that others are not.
Tom Hamel
St. Ignace