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Decision Deferred on Baileys Harbor’s Brann Field

The Baileys Harbor Town Board was scheduled to make a decision Sept. 12 on how to use and access Brann Field – a public, town-owned, gravel parking lot – but that decision became a deferral on making a decision until an unspecified date in the future. 

Visitors, customers and employees of nearby businesses use Brann Field as overflow parking, but a town parking ordinance prohibits disconnected trailers and overnight parking. 

The field was on the agenda during last month’s meeting, with the condition of the lot and its different uses considered, some of which would alleviate congestion from seasonal boat-trailer parking. 

Mostly, the conversation centered around one of two access points to Brann Field: through the parking lot of Lakeshore Rental Properties. That access – the other is an entrance to the field from School Lane – means that a private business has access to a public lot without an easement, according to town chair Don Sitte. 

Town attorney Tyler Pluff didn’t recommend keeping the entrance open because it could be a liability for the town, according to town clerk Haley Adams. Lakeshore Rental Properties owner Todd Haleen said the entrance has been used for years with no issue.

Sitte doesn’t think the current arrangement with Brann Field is causing problems either.

“The more I think about this, the more I think that maybe we should just leave it,” Sitte said.

Before the town makes a decision at a future date, town supervisor Peter Jacobs will have the plan commission consider the town’s options for Brann Field.