Letter to the Editor: Best Uses of Gills Rock Waterfront Properties

Last year, the Town of Liberty Grove purchased three waterfront properties in Gills Rock. In January of this year, during a series of public sessions, taxpayers provided town officials with input as to how the properties might best be used. Based upon taxpayer comments made during the public sessions, town officials mailed a survey to town taxpayers again asking for opinions on how best to use the properties.

Survey results revealed “Public park with walking paths and benches,” “Refurbish docks for public use” and “A small pavilion for public use” as the three highest recommended best uses for the properties. Among the lowest recommended best uses for the properties were “A safe harbor” and “Property to be income producing for the town.”

It is readily apparent from comments and survey results that town taxpayers want to preserve and protect these three Gills Rock properties, that quality of life is important to them, and that taxpayers do not want to invest large sums of money in the properties.

As Town Chairman John Lowry stated shortly after purchase of the properties, “The town has no plans for these properties. What we want to do is come back to the electors for the electors to decide what to do with these properties.”

The Door County Environmental Council welcomes these results as they represent a clear choice in favor of a public space which will preserve and be in harmony with the natural environment of Gills Rock. The DCEC welcomes the Town of Liberty Grove’s commitment to implement taxpayers’ recommendations.

Board of Directors

Door County Environmental Council (DCEC)