Protecting the lake
I thought Dan Averill's position was self-serving. His development will bring our city more dollars, but it will benefit him much more.
He's not doing me any favor with his development and marina. He is, however, doing his good clients at Iron Horse an enormous favor with his proposed slip assignment.
A public marina should have a minimum of 50 percent of its slips available to the public.
Mr. Stack and the Lakeshore Committee have a duty to protect our lakeshore. I'm glad they're trying hard to do their job.
Doreen Cavin
Whitefish
Staying proactive
I just want to commend the Whitefish Lakeshore Protection Committee for standing by their conditions and urge Dan Averill to get a grip.
Things around the lake are changing so fast, i.e. the rapid and encroaching growth. And we must all try to be proactive in maintaining some semblance of Whitefish Lake as remaining as pristine as possible.
I have gone to Whitefish Lake for solace as well as recreation during the 26 years of living here. I am not a lakefront homeowner, nor do I have the privilege of any private beach access other than being a guest of a friend once in awhile, so I really appreciate the few public access points around the lake.
It is a public lake, Dan, and a small one at that. There can be only so much traffic until there becomes not only a decreasing aesthetics issue, but also a safety issue.
I appreciate the committee's foresightedness at limiting what has begun to appear as virulent growth for the benefit of a few. The lake health and safety need to come first, and that of the many varieties of folks who live around here or visit from afar.
It's such a wonderful playground. I think the Lakeshore Protection Committee is just trying to keep it that way for the majority. I would recommend something that brings me peace when I feel like I'm not getting a fair shake … look at all you do have, Dan, rather than what you don't have, and thank your lucky stars.
Sheila Shapiro
Whitefish
Apology needed
I am writing expressing my concerns regarding the front-page article about the Whitefish Lake Lodge Marina. The article stated this is another case of a developer vs. the watchdog committee. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is simply having a "public marina" meet all regulations set up by elected officials.
On July 5, 2005, the Whitefish Lake Lodge got the approval of the city council to expand their public marina to 85 slips. If Dan Averill and his sons did not like the conditions, they didn't have to sign. If they had failed to sign, the city council could have reverted the public marina to a private marina and reduced the number of slips to 43.
If Dan Averill was so concerned about polarizing the community, why this article?
Averill feels the Lakeshore Protection Committee should not have such power. Remember the ultimate decision is in the hands of the city council. The Lakeshore Committee can only make recommendations. Let's get the facts straight.
Jim Stack is right — the committee was willing to let Averill construct the marina before the hotel was completed, even though the city council years ago stated the marina could not be expanded until the hotel was completely built. Does he consider that harassment?
Averill admitted he built Phase 2 and extended the dock without seeking a permit. Averill claims a non-family member constructed a boathouse and provided it with electrical power without his knowledge. Yet in 1994, that same manager told the Lakeshore Committee he was simply following orders from Averill.
With regard to Iron Horse, while we were working on approving the permit last year, Averill granted another 15 slips to Iron Horse in violation of the PUD.
I believe one member of Iron Horse went out and purchased a new expensive boat based on Averill granting the slips to Iron Horse. Then Averill wonders why the Lakeshore Committee and the city council are concerned about his actions. Give me a break.
When Averill first brought the application to the Lakeshore Committee last year, he said he had to have the approval for the permit that night or it would affect his finances of the hotel. We politely told him that was his choice. He stormed out of the meeting.
Averill has, it seems, a pattern of providing information at the last minute, giving no time to review and wants immediate approval. If there is a delay, he blames others for his delaying tactics.
It really blew me away when I read that Averill said the Lakeshore Committee takes the position "my way or the highway approach." His way?
What really got me upset in the article was when Averill questioned the integrity of Lisa Stack. This is really what he was doing.
She has supported the Lakeshore Committee for nine years — long before her husband was elected chairman. She does not take part in the discussion regarding an application before the Lakeshore Committee. Her integrity is beyond question.
For Averill to stoop to such a comment is reprehensible, and Averill should apologize to Lisa Stack with a large front-page apology.
In closing, I would like to point out I was a member of the Whitefish Lakeshore Protection Committee when Averill submitted his application last year. When my term was up, I elected not to seek another term on the Lakeshore Committee.
While on the Lakeshore Committee, we handled hundreds of applications and would bend over backwards to help the applicant meet their needs within the regulations.
In my lifetime, I have been on many civic and business boards of directors. I have found this Lakeshore Committee to be outstanding and professional in their approach. Their integrity is beyond question.
Bill Kuehn
Columbia Falls