Dear Editor,
One and a half years ago, the Two Harbors City Council began to work with the Friends of the Waterfront group on planning for the section of Agate Bay property that would be turned over to the city from the DNR. What makes the Friends group special is that the Citizens Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a part of the National Endowment for the Arts, has selected Two Harbors to enhance our quality of life and economic vitality through planning, design, and assistance with funding.
One year ago, a survey was sent out with the city utility bill asking Two Harbor’s residents what they would like done with the waterfront property. Four hundred responses were received representing individuals and entire households. The overwhelming response was that over 99% wanted to see the waterfront developed for park and recreation. Development of hotels, condos, and other businesses was definitely not wanted. That was clear for the Friends group and the city council.
At the final Friend’s meeting with CIRD and residents of Two Harbors, their plan for the waterfront was presented. I learned there that the city council was trying to sell a portion of this land to a developer, NAI, from the Twin Cities. NAI’s hotel is proposed to be four stories high, 118 rooms and room for 100 parking spaces. This is exactly what the vast majority of residents said they did not want.
When I approached the mayor on this, he said he couldn’t say anything about this because it was in closed door discussions. When I confronted the city administrator, she told me to trust the city council, because they were looking out for the residents’ best interests. These responses made me extremely suspicious. Anytime someone tells me they’re looking out for my best interests, I go on high alert, wondering what they are going to try to do to me and the folks around me.
What to do? The city council and administrator need to stop pursuing the sale of this land to a developer who proposes to do exactly what the city residents have clearly said they do not want. The city of Grand Marais dealt with a similar situation about 25 years ago. Their council wanted to sell to a developer a portion of the land that connects the city to Artists’ Point. The Point is a primary feature of the town that draws lots of visitors. The town rose up and successfully said no to this proposal, which preserved the beauty and attraction of the Point.
The residents of Two Harbors need to do the same here. We need to say no to the council and this development in order to preserve the most attractive feature of town. In the meantime, the plans for parks and recreation can be completed and funding secured. This area plays a key role in the future of Two Harbors. It draws visitors and business development to town. And, residents of Two Harbors enjoy this area every day of the year.
Glenn Johnson
Two Harbors, MN
