Letter to the Editor: Incorporating As a Village Would Give Baileys Harbor More Control

I have read with interest, and heard comments from locals, about the disappointment in the architectural style and signage of the newest building in downtown Baileys Harbor. 

To be clear, my comments are not a criticism of the businesses that occupy the building, but rather the architecture, open commercial parking and lack of landscaping – it looks, to me, like it belongs in an urban city. In my eyes, it does not replicate any historical feature of the charming town of Baileys Harbor.

If citizens wish to keep charming characteristics, while at the same time grow with new development, I would suggest incorporating from a town to a village. As a village, Baileys Harbor could adopt a historical district, create architecture and landscaping standards that will maintain its quaint charm, and possibly establish tax incremental districts to attract development. Incorporation into a village from a town may be your best option for gaining control.

I am an elected official in a small village in southeastern Wisconsin, and we addressed these issues in 2015. It was achieved by creating a citizens incorporation committee, with the cooperation of the board, and we began the process of incorporating from a town to village. It is a long process, and citizens and the board must be willing to have the stamina to see it through. But, we now have attractive, quality-built development that happens on purpose, not by accident, ending county zoning that did not address our community’s character.

Egg Harbor, Ephraim and Sister Bay have all incorporated into a village, and Baileys Harbor can do the same. I am certain there are people in these other communities who can share the “how to” so you do not need to reinvent the wheel.

I have been a visitor to Door for more than 50 years, and for the last four years, I’ve visited monthly. I hope my comments prompt a group of locals to rally. 

Jackie K. Nelson

Somers, Wisconsin