ADA-accessible dock in Negaunee vandalized

An Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible dock in the City of Negaunee has three times been a target for vandalism. (Photo courtesy of the City of Negaunee)
NEGAUNEE — An Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible dock on Teal Lake in the City of Negaunee has been vandalized three times, according to City Manager Nate Heffron, with the most recent incident happening last weekend.
Heffron said the city is fully prepared to prosecute those responsible. Previous incidents of vandalism took place last year and earlier this year.
“There are cameras out there,” Heffron said. “I know kids like to jump off of things (into the water) but this denies use (of the facility) to a whole group of people.”
The vandalism was focused on a part of the dock that assists persons with physical challenges in boarding watercraft, he said. The cost of repairing the damage, Heffron estimates, is from $1,000 to $3,000, which to date has been borne by the downstate contractor that installed the dock originally.
“But we can’t expect they will continue to do that,” Heffron said. “That wouldn’t be fair.
“We can’t turn a blind eye to this,” he said. “And we’re not going to.”