EDITOR:

Once again our so called “city fathers” are pushing tourism to the detriment of our city. We need more jobs paying a living wage to encourage our children to stay in the area, not more entry level wages (even at $15/hr.). The citizens of Escanaba and Delta County should take a careful look at what is happening in the Upper Peninsula and in our country as a whole. Here in the U.P. people born and raised in Munising and Marquette, in particular, cannot afford to live there due to the push of tourism promoting those elite from outside the U.P. to move in and purchase second homes at an exorbitant cost.

Many retirees born in these two cities now live in our area due to the high cost of housing in their own birthplaces. The same thing has happened in the Northeast, Montana, Colorado, Tennessee, and Hawaii. 40,000 more tourists flowing through the area is not what we need. Also Mr. Jordan promoting Red Deer Lodge begs askance on my part. And catering to all of the plans is repugnant. The jobs created by 3 out 4 proposals are minimal. North Shore Marine has the chance of 100 or more living wage jobs with benefits. Although the chance of an increase in lake pollution unless stringent rules are followed increases with North Shore and Terrace Bay. Bilges are emptied, accidentally or not. Unfortunately, more boats on the lake increases the chance of more pollution. We need affordable housing, especially for middle income families. But again, we do not need high price condos, etc. along our lakeshore.

We have a beautiful landmark in the House of Ludington but no one seems to want to invest in updating the hotel for apartments while keeping the restaurant and bar open. There is room for shops and a beautiful courtyard that residents could enjoy. All while keeping our landmark, which already has a lovely view of our Bay de Noc (although 1 understand it may be sold). The Chamber of Commerce building could be demolished and a parking lot put in to cater to those enjoying the Municipal Dock during Rock the Dock, patrons enjoying the Kruisin’ Klassics parade, etc. As a young person growing up in Esky, I remember the adults complaining that the city did not promote industry coming into the area but an influx of low paying employment and tourism seemed welcome.

Looking back, I believe they were wrong then and the city is wrong again. We need employment paying a decent living wage with benefits. Tom Grant’s quote on a former council member from years’ ago still holds true in my book and that of many other citizens: “We don’t want to end up like Traverse City.” No, we don’t, or Petoskey for that matter. If you want this area to stay a great place to raise a family and a close community with a reasonably affordable cost of living look carefully at what council is promoting.

Bonnie Cowell

Escanaba