DCEC Position Statement on the Gills Rock Project

On October 16th, by a vote of 111-19, Town of Liberty Grove (TLG) residents approved the purchase of three Gills Rock shoreline properties for $1.45 million.

According to TLG Chairman John Lowry, “The Town has no plans for these properties,” and “What we want to do is come back to the electors for the electors to decide what to do with these properties.” Chairman Lowry said a committee or task force will be formed to gather input, with hopes that proposals will be brought to the Town next spring (2019) and electors would get to vote on the future use of the property.

The Door County Environmental Council applauds the Town of Liberty Grove for protecting these Gills Rock properties from commercial development for the benefit of the community.

The future project should allow public access to the Bay while preserving the natural environment and character of Gills Rock as a traditional rural fishing village, taking into consideration that any major transformation, such as the creation of a marina or, the construction or transformation of buildings, could affect the natural character of this beautiful and unique property.

The Door County Environmental Council looks forward to participating in the public discussions initiated by the TLG on the future of this important community project.

Eileen Andera, Michael Bahrke, John Beck, Steven Eatough, Paul Leline, Renee McAllister and Dorothy Metzel

Board of Directors, Door County Environmental Council, Inc.