EDITOR:

I am happy to see that Escanaba’s waterfront is finally going to be developed. In 2008, Mark Blomquist and I presented a proposal to the city about an “idea” to develop the waterfront. Even at that time, it was our belief that many new jobs would allow employees to work from home and that they would like to relocate to a small city. When we approached the city manager, he told us that it was dead on arrival.

There was also a group of citizens who were extremely opposed to the “idea.” Mark and I only wanted it as an initial talking point — a place to begin. We wanted the units to be spectacular, not just run of the mill ones that are present in most communities. We called our plan “The Regatta on the Bays de Noquet.” Our proposal included: buildings that were built to look like sails so that it would look like a sailboat race when you approached Escanaba from any direction. These condos/apartments would be located at the old Chamber site, the jail site, if possible, the Municipal Dock, the area where the gazebo is currently located and eventually where the water plant sits.

At that time we proposed that the developer would have to pay to relocate the water plant. We also wanted to build a bridge linking the two peninsulas. This would project out over the water and look like the bow of a ship. It would only be used for walking, biking or the use of golf carts, not motorized vehicles.

Additionally, it would include a boardwalk with small shops located around the yacht harbor. The final phase would be to reintroduce the old trolly car system down Ludington Street when the old infrastructure would eventually be replaced. This was to assist with transportation, plus it would be a tourist attraction.

We felt that Chicago had its “Gold Coast,” but that we could become the “Diamond” on the Great Lakes. As I stated initially, I am happy to see progress. However, I would like Matt to consider building more spectacular units, even if this requires bringing in additional partners. We need to be unique — spectacular.

Paul Neumeier

Escanaba