I live in Charlevoix. A beautiful place, but a tourist mecca if ever there was one. That said, I have practiced real estate law for nearly 26 years. I have represented many Townships and there Zoning Boards. I have also represented developers and worked on projects that have won awards for the sensitive use of land. If this commercial enterprise is allowed in what I understand is an area that is zoned residential, you will open the flood gates for more proposed projects. As an attorney and representing a developer, I love to see Townships set a precedent in allowing a new use which is contrary to the present zoning. Precedent is the foothold that all attorneys use to advocate for a client. Not only does he want the “air walk”, but he intends to build a restaurant as well. Soon you will see a request from a good attorney seeking permission to build an ice cream parlor, claiming that you have allowed his restaurant, you have to allow my use. So much for my free legal advice. My personal desire is that you turn this down for the benefit of all of us in Northern Michigan. I have children who want to settle up here, where they were born and raised. They will likely never have there own helicopter working up here, but they will be able to visit the area and enjoy its beauty. Should they feel the need for an air walk, Cedar Point is only a days drive. This is one of the most disgusting proposals I have ever heard in my career (and I have heard a lot–I represented the Township that kept Wal-Mart out of Charlevoix) . Turning this down should not be difficult. I have read the letters and the comment from the township official stating that all comments have been negative. It will not hurt the Martins as they can sell their land to the Township or a conservancy, which will result in the same consideration, given the tax advantages of such a transaction. Our best friends just sold a 60+ acre camp on Lake Charlevoix to Hayes Township, thus preserving for all time the last big piece of frontage on the lake. The Martins and the people in the area could easily do the same if it is their desire to sell. I may not be what you consider a stakeholder in this because of where I live. However, those of us who live up here have a duty to our children to preserve the region and so, I urge you to be courageous and take a stand by refusing to permit this proposal to go forward.
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