Thomas J. Donahue
51 Crescent Hill
Grand Haven, MI 49417

Ms. Michelle Hohn, DEQ
Land and Water Management Division
350 Ottawa Ave. N.W. Unit 10
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2341
June 8, 2005

Dear Ms. Hohn,

SUBJECT: DEQ Application Number 04-70-0212-P

Unfortunately I was out of the country on June 2nd during the hearing about the Grand Haven Bil-Mar Restaurant. DEQ regulations were designed for the public good, and I urge you not to allow any variances from DEQ regulations in this case. A larger Bil-Mar Restaurant built closer to the lake would be harmful to both our physical and social environment.

This proposal for a five story building (2 floors of restaurant, two floors of "below grade" parking and a roof deck) is being promoted to the public as a two story building. About a week before the public hearing I went to the Grand Haven City Hall to see the proposal. I was told that the city hall has not received any plans. Apparently since that time plans were submitted, but they are different from the plans submitted to the DEQ. This process may be legal, but is not forthright or open. If the public were aware of what is afoot, there would be a public outcry as loud as his proposal to the city to build a seven story building on the beach. The public outcry was so loud that the plan was withdrawn and replaced with this large "two" (i.e., five) story structure.  If necessary, we can begin a petition, but this proposal overbuilds the property so egregiously that we think it will fall from its own weight.

I remember when the main floor of the current Bil-Mar was underwater and the restaurant was closed because the high lake level. A boarded up multistory building built without regard to the environment is not in the interest of the environment or the community, but eventually would be a likely outcome of this current plan.

The owner of the Bil-Mar was once a mayor of Grand Haven. Last year Mr. Howard Meyer proposed to purchase the City beach parking lot ostensibly "to preserve it". His next proposal for a ten year exclusive lease from Memorial Day to Labor Day was approved. He has already usurped the public parking lot next to the Bil-Mar for private gain (see the attached picture of the empty parking lot guarded so that the beach-going public may not use it). If he builds a larger restaurant closer to the water's edge, he will effectively usurp the public beach for private gain. Pirates Den Inc. is an appropriate name for his corporation.    

During the summer the State Park beach and portions of the adjacent city beach are crowded with bathers. Very few bathers choose to be near the city now privatized public parking lot where one would expect crowds. A few choose to be in front of the Bil-Mar, but immediately to the south of the Bil-Mar, the crowds of bathers again appear, even though there is relatively little public parking nearby. If Pirates Den Inc. enlarges the Bil-Mar and moves it closer to the beach it will have the effect of usurping this marvelous public resource for private gain.
 
Recently the Grand Haven City council commissioned a study which concluded that all of the buildings between Harbor Street and the Channel should be moved or demolished. Enlarging the Bil-Mar and moving it closer to the water's edge is exactly the opposite of what the consultants, city council, and planning commission are attempting to do to enhance the quality of our environment.

I hope you will only approve a structure the same size or smaller than the current Bil-Mar, and that no variances will be granted to laws that protect our environment.

Sincerely,


Thomas J. Donahue
51 Crescent Hill
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 847-8641
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