OUR NATION's 245th birthday!!
HAPPY 4th of July!!!!
Please see below the presentation summary, for current updates. New Oral History Also!
*** 1st OPEN MEETING WAS THIS past June 15 @ 6:OOPM in the Community Hall
(Donovan Rypkema, national speaker, on economics of historic preservation was day before @ 6:00pm)
**moratorium is requested extended to the lake front lot, and the developer is contacted.
Updates below* - moratorium is passed on demolition on July 14, 2010, which is culminating NOW.
Skip past our presentation below to see what is happening now. It is the first RED SECTION below.

Our presentation is upon why historic preservation is important to the future of Mackinac Island, in the Downtown. The feature speaker, Jen Metz, is an expert speaker on historic preservation, and her speech and resources she provided, follows our speech"On the Importance of saving historic resources in the Downtown."

mackinac island

OUR PRESENTATION MAY 19, 2010, City Council Chambers

(+presentation documents)

Revised Intro as Eric Cowell could not make it:

"My name is Anthony Mac Trayser and am here to represent our group as Eric could not make it here.

We believe that the creed on the island is that our historic buildings are important, especially to our future.
 
Our group is trying to save this common heritage and wealth and welfare for future generations."
 

speaker from a downtown family business:

"My grandfather who lost everything during the depression, came to the island after World War 2, and started a business which my father joined in about 1950, and which I joined in about 1980.  My nephew and niece work in the business as well as does her father.  Our building houses the oldest fudge store in the United States, May's Fudge, run by the oldest continuous candy makers to be found in the U.S. as well.
 
When I was young, I met the Mayor's father, Robert Doud, for the first time, and he told me a story about our building.  He said it was called the "Majestic", and he impressed upon me the value of its history.
 
As a family we gradually came to realize how important these buildings we had were, and how this culture of preservation was a pact and understanding, that was not to be broken. 
 
These great downtown families have lovingly maintained what was passed down to them, and this has been impressed upon us, and our family now fully understands this tradition, which is now under threat.

Is there a future in going against the wishes of the community you are entering? 

Offers were made to open up to the community wishes by the development corporation, and our group is answering them.

If by living up to the  promises to work with us to save the past, and the view, the last opening to our harbor and the necessary nature and open spaces downtown, we will work with the development corporation,  to create  harmonious additions to our island in places that do not involve the destruction of what is real, and there are many places to do that downtown, where as everyone knows huge amounts of real estate are up for sale, much of it downtown in fact not historic, but modern.  $25 million in claimed assets make this affordable to them to not destroy or remove.

Removing destroys the real story of all these buildings downtown, especially this one. 

Where it stood and did and protected IS its story.
 
The wisdom of our elders is the story of us.  Each of us downtown, could have destroyed our buildings, but in so doing, set an example and break a tradition, which will lead to the destruction of our common heritage. 
 
Anyone, who thinks that this is an issue about freedom, does not understand our society, its ethic of working for the common good, nor about responsibility.  With the unique freedom that the business community enjoys, the ability to make money without direct compensation to the community comes the responsibility to not destroy what is the source of our wealth, our very essence, our essential historic character.
  
As a community we are now facing an alternative philosophy meant to guide our future island and states as listed in the current Town Crier, quote, “visitors did not come to the Island to see “antiquated” buildings”,  “rather visitors come to the Island for the ambiance.”   

[added note: this is now the past town crier issue of May 15, 2010]

Here is our answer to this particular investment philosophy:

These “antiquated” buildings from over one hundred years ago ARE our ambience. THEY CREATED IT.  They are the essence of who we are.  Without them there would be no historic ambience.  

If extracted from us  by this alternative philosophy, our essential historic character and resources  will be depleted until destroyed. There are craftsmen & businessmen and workers on council here who do things which are real and authentic, and our real authenticity of our heritage is our reputation, the real historic buildings here are our real wealth, our real authenticity, and cannot be allowed to be destroyed. This precedent will destroy it.
This alternative investor philosophy then goes on to say the goal is to do something unique.

Here is our reply based upon the wisdom of our forefathers to preserve:

Mackinac Island IS unique unless it is destroyed and replaced by what every other non-authentic community PRETENDS to be but which WE ACTUALLY ARE.

And here is our philosophy based upon this real and authentic unbroken connection to the past:

Our authenticity is Our Essence.  We are Real.  Our History is Our Story and Why We Exist.  The Historic National Park led to our creation.  It preserved the Nature and the Beauty, and it led to the Downtown, which is Real History, Not a Re-Creation.  Re-creations Exist in Museums.  We are the real thing.

Yet let it be clear: 

Historic preservation is NOT about re-creating the past EXACTLY, but about maintaining a connection to the past which is REAL ,

And THIS is the key to our SUCCESS.

Here is Jennifer Metz who specializes in advice to communities on strategies for historic preservation."


Jennifer Metz: (her speech provided here which we heard for the first time, and support documents gathered and delivered to the city, is posted now as follows, which because no recordings are available, is reproduced based upon the notes she made for her presentation).

[note: she ad libbed one comment based upon Councilman Jason St.Onge's congratulations to Council member Armin Porter's family decision to completely sprinkle and fire-safe the historic St.Cloud building, which they own. This received a clapping and congratulations from the entire community, from those who were present]

She stated that National Landmark and Historic legislation provides Tax Credits to the sprinklering of buildings which Not Only Saves Lives but Preserves History.


Here is Her Presentation Exactly as Sent to Us based upon her Intended Notes:


Presentation to City Council Mackinac Island  

Jennifer Metz
Past Perfect, Inc.
303 Briarwood SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Past-perfect.net

Thank you.

 

Please allow me to give you a bit of my credentials so that you can be assured I have some knowledge on the topic of Historic Preservation.  I am principal of Past Perfect, Inc. for the last 15 years and we are a consulting business for Historic Preservation based in Grand Rapids.  I also teach Historic Preservation and the History of Art at Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids. I hold a master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the Art Institute of Chicago and I am certified as an Architectural Historic by the State of Michigan.

I am here on behalf of the group called “Save Our Island”  to help focus and outline steps that can be taken to strengthen and protect your community as well as to present letters written in support of the Island pursuing preservation planning strategies.  The letters are from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, the National Park Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network.   The letters were previously sent to the City Commission and Mayor.

 

Please know that these organizations are non-profit or government agencies at the State and National levels that are charged with protecting our state and country's historic resources.  They have all deemed this issue important enough to write letters urging action to protect historic resources on Mackinac Island.  They are concerned about the lack of protection of the historic resources on the Island and the current National Historic Landmark Status of the island.  The National Park Service letter states the island has been placed on “watch” as they are concerned about the character-defining features being lost through demolition and insensitive rehabilitations.  The loss of the National Historic Landmark status would take away a prestigious honor as well as lucrative tax credit opportunities property owners are currently able to use due to that designation.  Losing that status would also be a public relations disaster for the island.

 

Mackinac Island is nationally important (as evidenced by its prestigious National Historic Landmark designation) and also a rite of passage for Michigan residents.   Why do so many of us go?  For the authentic experience – of a place that has real and not fake historic character, teaches history combined with natural beauty.

 

The recent threat to the McNally cottage has exposed the lack of real protection for historic resources.  Apparently there has been a loose culture of “doing the right thing” over the years and everyone simply abided by it – but as evidenced by the threat to McNally Cottage – you can not rely on that alone to protect against insensitive changes to the architecture or demolition. 

The good news is you are already doing work to protect your historic resources.   You have adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance and created a Downtown Historic District Study committee.  You have chosen to move in the direction of protecting the historic character of the island formally.

Although positive efforts have been made, action steps need to be taken NOW to formalize protection for the historic resources.  If more formal steps are not taken there will be more inappropriate alterations and demolitions that will erode what you all cherish and enjoy as residents and business owners.  Historic Preservation is a cost-effective economic development tool and can help ensure your continued success as a heritage-tourism destination.

We respectfully suggest you take these CRITICAL STEPS:

 

Let me sum up with this important point – you as a community must want this for you.   The movement to protect your community’s historic resources must come from within and no one will force it upon you - not experts or the writers of these letters in support of your efforts – we care and it is important to the State and Country as a whole, but ultimately it must be local property and business owners who decide what to do. 

There are many myths floating out there about Historic Preservation and we will stay after the meeting to help answer any questions you may have.    

Thank you for your time this evening.  We truly appreciate the opportunity.


ALL THE MATERIALS COMPILED BY HER COMPANY, PAST PERFECT, ARE ADDED in this LINK:


>www.IslandHistoricPreservation.info<

Upcoming:

open hearing on the creation of downtown historic districts, ensuring that important historic buildings, vital to commerce and all jobs on the island, will not be destroyed, the only means by which a community which depends on its authenticity, can defend its livelihood.

Past:

THE OPEN MEETING DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED HISTORIC DISTRICTS had an open meeting which presented all the findings of the Study Committee, which was HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 15 IN THE HISTORIC COMMUNITY HALL.

OUR SUMMARY of what was LEARNED, coming soon...

STAY TUNED FOR A NOTICE OF ANY ADDITIONAL OPEN HEARINGS. AT LEAST ONE WAS REQUIRED BY LAW WHICH WAS HELD.

Donovan Rypkema, a national known speaker on the economics of historic preservation gave a presentation in the Community Hall the previous day, Tuesday, June 14.

***CITY HALL OPEN MEETING ON HISTORIC DISTRICTS CREATION
Historic Community Hall, Wednesday, June 15, 2011 @ 6:00PM after City Council met @ 5

Donovan Rypkema spoke on the economics of historic preservation Tuesday, June 14 @ 6pm in the Community Hall. This presentation is not to be missed and is available to anyone, an audio recording we will make available to anyone who emails us at: SaveOurIsland@AOL.com
and a transcript as well will be coming soon, with a powerpoint presentation, as this is the most needed and relevant topic for Mackinac Island, our economic future, and our continued prosperity, which historic destruction endangers...

A video dvd will hopefully be provide as well to anyone who asks, to watch the presentation and all of the key information the national ECONOMICS expert presented, including data on PROPERTY VALUES within historic districts. The two most well known downtown commercial historic districts in the world, both down south, the conservative south, where the importance above all else, is placed upon revering the historic past of our nation:

NEW ORLEANS & CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

two communities which could never have remained as authentic to their pasts as anyone who has visited these DOWNTOWN commercial districts can attest, and of course,

DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA,

the birthplace of our nation and of historic preservation, all three of these historic communities unlike most any others and completely like us, are absolutely dependent upon their AUTHENTICITY. Has anyone noticed the absolute authenticity, of these places, prosperous, and vibrant with commercial acitivity, continueing economic development, ensured to continue their authenticity, against ALL CHALLENGES.

Preservation is as old as our Grand Old Republic, for as soon as our Republic began, efforts began at preserving the past. In 1815 the first codified rules began in Philadelphia, and as case law evolved, after World War 2, in the SOUTH, a refined structure was created in the most classic of American fashions, in smaller cities, true to the Republican party model of governance, rules developed at the local community level rather than from the top down, and the present structure was created, giving power to ordinary people at the lowest level of governnance, most accessible, most in touch with local realities. Communities such as the above, and smaller ones such as our, began this effort, and made sure that democracy was not in the hands of elitist institutions, but these institutions rather served the needs and acted as a resource for people at the lowest levels to use in their own fashions, and to their own needs...

These communities,WHEN THREATENED, showed the "full measure of their devotion" by their businesses, proud and devoted, as we are, which demonstrated as in the words of Abraham Lincoln, placed & gave to all posterity, and for the common good... moral, political, and ECONOMIC, to the people of their communities, the protections of history, placing this above themselves, and so gave to others, so that these resources and this culture, could survive and others could cherish, and prosper, by them....

OUR DEMOCRATIC NATION, our united nation, meant to promote the welfare of ALL.

The moratorium on demolition expires one month from the Open Meeting on June 15, 2011. This would be the middle of July, 2011.(*) The importance of maintaining our historic past and preserving our historic future, is what our community is all about...

(*)Demolition of our past, of at least one of the most authentic to its past buildings downtown, and among the oldest, has been vowed to begin in the fall, without the creation of a downtown historic district before that, a building which has preserved its own authenticity and the last remaining downtown open view, since the presidency of Bejamin Harrison, during the midst of the Gilded Age, prior to the existence of any automobile, anywhere, in America or the world. Our historic harbor, our most authentic to its past building, and our character, as a people, as a community, & our future. A building which has sat proudly, in one place, guarding our heritage and our connections to our ancestors, to our culture, and to the historic harbor, which has defined us. A place which defines Michigan and our nation.

JOHN GOLDEN, professor, descendant of Michael McNally, New Oral History (click here)

Let it be noted, that approximately 70 percent of the landowners downtown on Main Street, have indicated support for the moratorium on demolition of potentially significant historic buildings. This is a much larger percentage than signed for the entire island, and this is an undeniable indication, contrary to all suspicions previously to the contrary, that the downtown cares enormously, and has always cared, about our beloved island. Nothing speaks louder than the continued existence of these century old historic buildings. Even among those who were against, the greatest downtown family at maintaining their buidings, an inspiration to the rest of the downtown community, their actions spoke and inspired. And for the developer-related properties, which were not asked, the best indication is the undeniable (now) honesty of the developer, who stated over the last two years that the community had time, honored his words, and actions speak far louder than words . . .
The historic ambience and quiet charm of the downtown is crucial to the future prosperity of the island, and is strongly felt by the downtown community, in our opinion. Open spaces, especially openings to the Harbor, are necessary to this ambience, and are worth protecting, preserving, and if possible, paying for.

(We made a proposal in 2010 to extend the moratorium to open lots while a historic survey is conducted, allowing for a 6 month period with one 6 month extension possible. The support of the Community for maintaining open spaces necessary to the historic ambience of the island and preservation of that historic island ambience in our opinion from talking to members of the Community for the past fall, winter, & summer, is nearly universal and deeply felt. The first island petition in 2008 was actually about precisely this issue, circulated in the fall of 2008, and showed absolutely overwhelming public support for this.)

 

Nore Winters, expert on design guidelines for historic districts, gave a presentation in May.

We will try to update our information on all of this, over the next days, and days following these meetings, to fill in the missing important presentations, and to provide as much resource material on preserving this most historically preserved place, which we call home, in the state of Michigan, and most authentic to its past place that we are aware of, in our nation, the first Democratic Republic in the World.

This presentation by Nore Winters was about design guidelines for buildings in an historic district or historic area, how historic buildings can be altered, how surrounding properties can be designed in harmony. This was given by a national expert, who formulated a presentation, just for Mackinac Island. Information will be updated about that presentation in the coming weeks. A pdf file will be provided, hopefully....

**CITY COUNCIL MET AUGUST 11, 2010 AT 6:00PM

The Island's first Historic District, the Annex, which is one of the world's most amazing collection of Victorian era cottages, better preserved and more varied and unique than just about anywhere on the planet, was enacted. Just one of the amazing facets of the island now has legal protection, and everyone now hopes will actively protect, inspire rehabiltation efforts, create jobs, and perservere.

Our lawyer introduced a letter asking for the extension of the Moratorium on Demolition enacted on July 14, 2010 to include Open Lots within the Historic District Study Area, which are an essential element of any historic district study. It was indicated that such lots are not protected prior to the study committee determination, which can proceed for 6 months, and has just one 6 month extension possible, to determine what historic resources are available within the district study area.

After the Meeting, Eric Starck met with the Manager of the Development Group, McNally Properties, L.L.C. to explain an offer sent to the Development Group, asking for discussion of purchasing these lots, or leasing the development rights, to allow the beach and the side yard of the Cottage to become open and free to everyone to use. This outcome, the best outcome, would include working with several parties, and the City, to develop a strategy to open the only beach in the entire harbor, free to everyone to use, and to also, across the street, allow a small park, with several benches and several picnic tables, allowing for the first time in the central business district Main Street, a park for everyone to be able to watch the horse carrages, bikes, people AND the beautiful harbor, from the absolute best viewing spot on the entire island, to enjoy the number one past time of watching the most fascinating and amazing street in the World. The strategy would allow for a continuation of the bike rental business and would involve the entire community with all avenues for making this most wonderful outcome a reality, and which was stated by all parties to be a goal we could work toward.

A return to the past where the downtown shore just less than 50 years ago was largely walkable, is not a fanciful desire but a real possibility which can come into existence through efforts at remaking our shoreline, and restoring our past connection to the Harbor. In this process, contrary to all short-sighted thinking that somehow preserving a historic ambience and protecting against overdevelopment which threatens to destroy it, is contrary to economic development and prosperity, will be shown to be completely un-thinking. The entire harbor front, is greatly degrading and opening it could be the beginning of a greater period of harmonious development in our history while restoring our historic connection to the shoreline. Protecting against over-development, maintaining beauty, are not contradictory to prosperity, but essential to it.

CITY COUNCIL MET JULY 28, 2010 AT 6:00PM

The historic enactment of the first island historic district, Hubbard's Annex, was delayed for 2 weeks.

*CITY COUNCIL MET JULY 14, 2010 AT 6:00PM

After a full one hour hearing on the issue of the moratorium on demolition, which is allowable by the enabling historic district legislation, which passed last October, the Council deliberated for just a few minutes, and then held the vote. The council voted 5 to 1 for a moratorium on demolition. The exact repercussions of what it means is now unfolding. Council members indicated a desire to move swiftly in the study committee, and required hearings, toward creation of a historic district, the only method by which communities can prevent demolitions of historic buildings, or destructions of other historic resources, such as those contained upon those historic structures. Wonderful citizens who came forward, and wonderful council members, have made this happen. And for some, it was not without fear as to what it means for them, as they are affected as well.

The developer gave an impassioned speech, about how he understands how important these issues are to the community, and he gets it and will pass this on to the group he represents. He indicated that there needs to be understanding from those on the side of historic preservation, about how it can affect some people, namely land owners, on the other side, in some cases, and asked that they consider this. Our group has felt strongly such issues need to be addressed, for we are a nation which has always from its beginning tried to be fair. We believe as always the best outcome is a purchase of the cottage by those who are or have become convinced, that saving our history is something worth devoting a life to...

Updates are listed from October 20 of last year, below, past the announcement below of the invitation to present to council. They begin at the first bold RED highlight section following this one:

GREAT NEWS BELOW! *

The following was writtten around Easter -

The city council meets every two weeks, the next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2009, 5:00pm. We have great hopes that all will come together and that things will change soon. Efforts will be forthcoming, and something will emerge. There is every reason to believe and hope that something positive is happening...

stay tuned...

Jan 25 - a letter was received from the city sent to our group's lawyer. (see below)
Feb 9 - our lawer sent a reply to the city listing board members** & requesting a presentation
Feb 10 - the city council approved a request to send a letter of invitation to our group
March 10 - the letter from the city is received by the legal firm offering dates for a presentation
& council indicated first such date where all can be present
March 24 - city council approves request for a presentation for May 5, 2010
*April 7 - city council changes proposed date to May 19, 2010, due to city elections

We are working on detailed information to give to the presentation, from various sources and organizations, as well as coordinating schedules and as it stands now, our biggest ongoing problem is not having members who are good at public speaking although we will make do with who we are and overcome this. It isn't something we expected, and are sorry for the lack of putting our names forward, but hope that everyone understands this shyness, and understand that we were trying to present ideas and information and not our personalities or ourselves. This is the most important effort our group has been involved in and we are honored by the opportunity. We thank the city council for this opportunity, and are hoping that we are worthy to the task we have been given this opportunity to present. We are hoping that the strength of our good intentions will be equal to the task of relating the importance to the community of historic preservation.

Without the city council's realization of the importance of historic preservation to the future of Mackinac Island with the passage of the historic district legislation, this presentation would not now be possible. The entire town can be proud of their representatives, and the honesty they have about their convictions, all of them, and the strength and courage of their wisdom in making this possible. Only the community as a whole can decide the value of history in many different ways, and we hope we can be of service to the community in this community wide effort to find ways to preserve our history, and to relay its importance to our future.

Not having been much involved in local politics before, we have come to have a great respect for the good intentions and careful attention to fairness of the council and know that without hearing from the community and good legal opinions from the best sources from alternative viewpoints, and hearing only some views, and our viewpoints not having been delivered effectively before until this opportunity, only with its effective delivery from us and as much of the public as possible in support now and in the upcoming months, and reasoned, legal, and viable information from experts, for and from the community through local community efforts in combination with elected officials and volunteers and leaders, can make good intentions translate into positive, and viable results, which can work for everyone and not hurt anyone, and thus enrich us all.

We can say this from actual experience and not from conjecture or justifiable anger at various things which are happening or have happened, but from actual engagement, and actual experience and encourage everyone to not fear getting involved or become cynical from the past, as all of us have been, prior to involvement, and engagement, but instead have come to feel optimism...

we have posted correspondence below to the city and legal letters with legal and reasoned opinions that the city of Mackinac Island has the legal ability to save history and that a community effort which is necessary to do so, can be made possible... Only the community can make these decisions, ultimately, and only the participation can make a difference of all the wonderful people who live and contribute to who we are. The elected council of the community have made courageous decisions and only the participation of everyone can make anything ultimately happen.

The legislation already exists, by virtue of the city adoption of historic district legislation last October. The legislation is intended specifically to preserve a city's historic resources. Our group has provided legal opinions about the ability to save historic resources from this legislation, which have been unequivocal, but also the reasoned implications of the legislation. We have advocated open and accurate discussions to the city council which has heard arguments and opinions which can be demonstrated to be erroneous, in the legal opinions presented. Only with factual and reasoned knowledge can informed decisions be made, and our group is committed to presenting these. They are based on the best legal advice and the opinions of experts, as well as reasoned arguments. Our group feels that the council consists of wise and reasoned and extremely well-intentioned elected officials, all committed to the island, who need to see the community's feelings, and reasoning, and that they are extremely willing to listen to all information, and only through this information can they form opinions about the preservation of what makes us unique and attractive and what we hold dear and important. Our group's purpose here is to raise awareness and our idealistic belief is that as in the past, only through this awareness can EVERYONE come to understand what is important, valuable, worth preserving, and critical to who we are, and we have an idealistic belief in the native goodness of everyone...

We also feel compelled to make one more comment about this effort. We must state unequivovally that the developer has been honest in his statement about not doing anything to the cottage until the fall, as he indicated. He has indicated that he is open to the community's decisions and actions, and is welcoming to these efforts which he felt were not in evidence. We apologize for thinking otherwise, and respect more now than ever before his honesty about his intentions. He has indicated he is open to the community's desires and has openly challenged the community to demonstrate its concern and show an equal effort. Our belief is that developers will abide by what the community demonstrates to be its concerns and desires, even ones who are aggressive in their own rights. We call on everyone to believe in each other. We believe it is possible to make all of this work for everyone. Only an open discussion can determine any of this.


The following updates from October 20th are listed in reverse order from the present:

 

CITY COUNCIL MET JUNE 30, 2010 AT 6:00PM

The moratorium was discussed and with strong concerns and reservations of some, a hearing was set for the next City Council meeting date, to be held one hour before the Council meets in session, an open hearing on the issue of a moratorium on demolition in the downtown.

CITY COUNCIL MET JUNE 16, 2010 AT 6:00PM

A petition was submitted begun by three local residents, one leading it of the downtown business community, the others cottagers, and they asked others to help, was submitted to Council. It is public record now and contains names representing over two thirds of the downtown properties which are in favor of a moratorium on demolition in the downtown, and includes Union Terminal Piers properties, and other major historic names from the downtown. We did not initiate this petition.

CITY COUNCIL MET JUNE 2, 2010 AT 6:00PM

Vic Callewaert introduced the new policemen recruits to the City Council and they were welcomed into our community. Our lawyer, Eric Starck, of Rhoades McKee attended the meeting, and said, “I've seen it happen where, when municipalities are evaluating what their resources are, one of those resources disappears while they are evaluating. I encourage you, if you are going to evaluate, to really seriously look at a moratorium so that something doesn't disappear that is a valuable resource, come to find out, and it is too late.”

CITY COUNCIL MET MAY 5, 2010 AT 5:00PM

The main issue was the annual ritual of renewing business license applications. The elections the previous day meant great work to the dedicated City Staff, and was the reason for the delay in presentation.

CITY COUNCIL MET APRIL 20, 2010 AT 5:00PM

We are working furiously to iron out changes to the proposed date and making sure it can be set for certain. There are announcements to be made soon about the full nature of the presentation and the downtown community which has worked for so long to maintain an environment and history unique in the world.

CITY COUNCIL MET APRIL 7, 2010 AT 5:00PM

Council proposed and seconded that the date of the meeting be changed from May 5 to May 19, oweing to concerns over the issues brought up by the May 4 elections, and the business and change that will bring.

CITY COUNCIL MET MARCH 24, 2010 AT 5:00PM

A formal request was presented and a motion made and seconded, indicating that we live in a place where all voices matter, and no one should be afraid of politics nor jump to conclusions. We wish this could have come together sooner, and apologize for this slower process, but hope everyone understands that for such an important thing as our future, and what these issues mean to all of us, the effort requires deliberation and hard work. Hopefully we can present the issue in a way which benefits us all. The meeting date was set as requested to May 5, 2010. * later forced to change, due to scheduling around May 4 elections.

CITY COUNCIL MET MARCH 10, 2010 AT 5:00PM

The council was presented suggested dates for a meeting which unfortunately were on Fridays, and which not all members could be present. We indicated that the first Wednesday where a historic district expert and professor could be present would be April 21. Not all members could be presented and so the next date available was May 5, and many people in the community we spoke with indicated that the later the better. Whereas it would have been best to do a presentation as soon as possible, the maximum best impact and the best presentation could only be arranged at the later date.

CITY COUNCIL MET FEBRUARY 24, 2010 AT 5:00PM

Nothing was presented at this meeting,and the letter from the city was received February 21. Ongoing business was work on the local boat franchises, in a community to whom boat transportation is a necessity.

CITY COUNCIL MET FEBRUARY 10, 2010 AT 5:00PM

The council accepted our letter and directed the city clerk to send a letter of invitation, which we are awaiting. **Our letter listed the 3 board members, Donald Andress, president, James Cowell, secretary, Carol Ruddle, treasurer. We attempted to get honorary members who signed previously or said it was all right to be listed, to consent to a public listing to the city, but a couple objected and others followed their worries. Several were willing to be listed but our lawyer removed any listing of honorary members. We cannot list members nor donors without consent, legally. We were disheartened for the couple objections (we were going to list a dozen members who everyone knows), but understanding, and are encouraged by the members we contacted who were willing to take a stand for Mackinac Island, its character, history, and traditions, what they consider important and openly state their public feelings. Everyone worries perhaps by threats and lawsuits that America is not a place where you can express opinions, and perhaps they are worried that our actions may be problematic, but that is precisely why we hired the best law firm in the state, and our belief is that America is all about democracy, and expressing yourself. We stopped seeking out people after this setback, and are sorry for members we did not reach out to. Everyone's voice matters and we all have a right to express how we feel.

At any time anyone is invited to participate and contribute their concerns and express their feelings within us. No one is unimportant, and everyone matters.

We have reached out to everyone to participate. We understand peoples' fears who do not. It is perfectly understandable, and we sympathize with them. We are heartened most by the willingness of those who have least to express themselves most, and who fear more what is happening to us rather than what might happen to them. We as a group have these same self-fears, but we know that we are fighting for things that have meaning and which are worth fighting for... the island was not preserved so long so well by sitting by and we commend everyone here who has done so well preserving and improving what we share. We are heartened by the great work done on things we cherish, the Church, the Grand, and many more beautiful & harmonious additions to us by the great individuals who have made these possible with what they own and contribute to and care for, and the careful meticulous care of downtown families for their historic buildings... which still yet exist and are cared for, connecting us to the past as well as our future...

CITY COUNCIL MET JANUARY 13, 2010 at 5:00pm

CITY COUNCIL MET JANUARY 27, 2010 at 5:00pm

The meeting January 27 was regarding proposed letters to be sent to the 3 boat lines concerning a transportation committee set of meetings over possibly raising the franchise fee to pay for extended winter service, or to insure that a possible new buyer can continue service after November 1, as some fear may be discontinued with a possible rumoured sale of the only boat line which provides late season service, and the city has indicated through its legal firm from Lansing, Michigan, that the city has the power to require late season or winter service from all three boat lines, although how it could be determined when it is safe to continue service into the ice season, is unknown. The meeting lasted a little over 15 minutes. A transportation committee meeting was held today at 3:30 apparently and the agreement with the boat lines is in this letter. We were unable to get a letter response to the city letter sent to our lawyer, received on Monday, Januar 25, two days ago, asking for more information about our group. At the same time we are attempting to put together a presentation as talked about at the last city council meeting. We have been working incredibly hard on this, and the lawyer is responding to questions about group membership from the city and we are asking group members to consent to a listing to the city.
JANUARY 13:
Incredibly good news. More about this later.* Sorry again for being so late in this summary of the meeting. Will try to get more information in order to accurately summarize what happened, but it is the best news of the entire preservation effort for our group ... Your interest has made the difference and our group which is working toward preservation efforts downtown, the voices of you are being heard, and listened to, and everyone is moving toward an open discussion. Nothing at all could be better news at this point...

thanks to everyone for working toward an open discussion. *We have no news yet (1/20), about the letter sent which is an invitation to a presentation. **Update (1/27): apparently a preliminary letter was sent requesting information about our group by the city, to reveal membership and more information so as for the city to ascertain that we are an island-based group, made up of their constituents, prior to a presentation. The legal letter was sent to the law firm, and as is normal, there is a delay to make time for a response. The council is acting prudently and correctly. Our belief is that ALL voices need to be heard , including those most affected especially, and that our idealistic belief is that with community involvment, EVERYONE will come to understand and accept what is decided, that it will be fair, and open, and the discussion will benefit ALL. There are so many ways to make this beneficial through a community effort, which takes into account everyone, and creatively we can figure how to work out EVERYONE's concerns. Only an open discussion can make this possible. In our nation, ALL things are POSSIBLE.

Our greatest purpose is to persuade anyone and everyone to join this effort and to work toward the preservation of the island's historic downtown and the great downtown community's involvement. Our belief is that it would be one of the most wonderful efforts we as a community have ever attempted, and a discussion cannot hurt anyone and all of us will benefit ultimately from this effort and community discussion...

Everything we have communicated to the Island's elected and appointed officials has been informational, letting them know the information about the legal aspects especially, as well as the potential harmful effects, which we believe is honest and accurate about the potential damage we are facing as a community.

The core reason and purpose behind our effort is to find if the downtown who already have community members who have expressed interest will in greater numbers consider this openly and be open to the idea of preserving the downtown and whether this method is something they will want to think about and consider, and they will listen to the best efforts of those who know the most about it, who are experts and can explain why it's benefits outweigh worries...

Only they can ultimately make this work. Every single one of them who wants to be should be included.

We have one of the greatest downtown communities who we believe will lead this effort and for this to work, the involvment of our downtown community is the only way this can possibly work. And in a democracy, EVERY SINGLE VOICE IS IMPORTANT.

All of our group's community wishes are filled with hope and optimism.

please join this effort...

CITY COUNCIL MET DECEMBER 30, 2009 at 5:00pm

There was great news in that the council unanimously supported accepting the easement the condos offered to keep the ancient concrete steps to the east bluff state park stairway, which have been around as long as anyone living can remember. The Mayor asked council that all agree that no one wants to see these steps disappear and the city will take on this responsibility, which is wonderful news. We sent a letter to each council member which was not an official one but individual correspondence to each member asking that they bring up in council the issue of the temporary moratorium and open discussion of a historic district downtown at an open meeting of the council at some time.


CITY COUNCIL MET DECEMBER 16, 2009 at 5:00pm

-we sent a letter to the city council along with a legal letter, concerning the legal arguments made by the developer expressing the legal opinion that the city cannot act against his development in the way which was suggested, to show to the opposite by the best legal opinion, that the city could act as other communities have acted, such as Ann Arbor just recently, to protect the cottage while a discussion takes place. (for the text of this letter, please check this web link: www.SupportforCity.info) (This link provides answers to legal questions about this matter concerning what legal rights the city has to enforce the historic legislation they passed and which is specifically designed to be given effect in circumstances where a proposed historic building is to be demolished).

following is our letter:

Dear Council members, our Mayor, and citizens of Mackinac Island,

Our group, as everyone knows, has advocated action on the saving of the McNally cottage among other things, and we have sent many letters identifying legal reasons why this action and to allow efforts toward this goal is both legal and prudent.

We respect the traditional council's caution, and concern for hearing all voices, a very democratic impulse, and its prudent actions to date that it act with care that everything be done respectfully, with integrity, and without fear of negative impacts to the current financial well being of the city, nor at the same time detrimental to the long term benefit of the island.

We respect the developer's desire as well to have this discussion as he has in the past indicated to the city lawyer and re-affirmed to the local newspaper in November, and which he said as well in October, he was more than willing to engage in such a debate and discussion.  As all of the island's voices have been heard from, including the overwhelming support for the creation of historic districts on Mackinac Island as demonstrated by the open meeting of the Annex committee's discussion to hear complaints or dissent that was held this month.  No complaints were heard and so the only conclusion which you should draw from this is that the island does support historic districts and welcomes it in areas where there is public support.

The voices in opposition to the demolition of the cottage this year in September are this year's indication, as well as the petition signed by over a hundred island residents in just one week last year, together with our group's formation which has had over one hundred signatures without having fully searched out all potential signers yet.  This is clear indication of a community which supports this concept of studying this issue further.

The developer’s open invitation to discussion should be welcomed and taken seriously.  His lawyer's not so veiled threat at legal action should not be.  The city will be following a legal path in the footsteps of other communities, in fact the majority of communities throughout the state and nation, who have done exactly this same thing, as indicated by an actual recent case in the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan that was sent to council. 

As such and acting prudently, no one is against this discussion afforded by a 6 month moratorium to determine if there is confirmed community support and if the downtown supports this action.  We can say from past history, that the downtown community appears to overwhelmingly support historic preservation as only one[historic*]building in the entire last century was intentionally torn down* and this one instance it was agreed the building was in very bad shape.  Historic preservation legislation takes into account dilapidated buildings whose structures are in difficulty and that the legislation was intended to protect only buildings of historic value, which means not every old building should be saved, especially as pointed out in the weeks prior to the enactment by the council of the enabling historic legislation, where some buildings referred to are but attached shacks to other buildings or other inherent problems emerged.  Not all these have historic relevance of sufficient depth to expect them all to be maintained.  And no where in the historic enabling legislation does it suggest that an entire community be a historic district such as the suggestion in the last week's legal letter that the whole island be so declared.  Such a suggestion is inherently absurd, as areas of the island are clearly non-historic in their nature and continue by tradition to be modified with ever more modern building styles.  Not so the downtown.  The downtown, which is older and more historic than the Annex, has had only one[historic*]building intentionally torn down in the 20th century, and most of the owners have spent huge sums maintaining and structurally improving their buildings.   Nothing speaks louder than actions, and the actions of this community are to prudently conserve history and to proudly do so.

The enactment of this moratorium would be a prudent act, encouraged by all parties, and one which opens the community to determining if it actively wants to save the cottage and to see if the downtown will continue its conservative and historic tradition of so doing.  If it does not demonstrate such in 6 months, the cottage will be replaced.  We encourage the council to take the prudent, cautious, and conservative action.

Save Our Island

*MISTAKE IN THE SUBMISSION TO COUNCIL, MEANT WAS OF COURSE OLDER HISTORIC BUILDINGS CORRECTED WITH BRACKETS HERE
*several buildings went to fire but one building at the very end of the last century was absolutely ready to collapse whose roof was falling into the restaurant below, and whose foundation was non-existent. Though an old building, we have not heard of much of historical or architectural significance in it. The only old building intentionally torn down whose collapse was not imminent we are aware of during the entire last century, was at the start of the 1980's and it was thought by everyone to be the second worst building on the street. In retrospect it seems a shame as upon close examination of old photos it appears to have been a building possibly dating to the 1840's which housed at one time the original Davis family business. This legislation would not have been able to save it however without community support to do so, as it was in such bad shape, however such legislation would have opened up funds to attempt to do so, and awareness, something at least one very old historic building downtown right now is in desperate need of... Fire claimed the original Doud family business at the head of the dock and the Lasley building, of the family who actually put up the very first hotel on the island coinciding with the Davis family business original building, during the period of time from the 1840's to 1875 where the growing attraction of the island to sightseers led to the creation of the 2nd national park in the world, the Lasley building went to fire as did the brick Davis building next door. The original Lasley Hotel was approximately on the sight of the very old pre-Grand Hotel Lake View Hotel, which coincided with the creation of the National Park. The Lasley family goes back to before the War of 1812, and a Mr. Dousman and Mr Lasley accused each other their entire lives of treason during that war when in the opening battle the Fort catastropically fell. So many old buildings exist and have existed here that we lose track of them all, including even ancient park step pathways...! The island downtown community should be very proud that actually fewer buildings were torn down during the 1900's than during the 1800's, however now these traditionalist wonderful business families appear to be leaving... Will we do anything to care as they did that our history is maintained, precisely what historic district legislation is meant for? Do these things matter to us?





STATE PARK COMMISSION MET TODAY DECEMBER 16, 2009 at 1:30 pm

- a response to our questions appear to be that the state park will do what it can to work to continue public access to the east bluff steps.

SPECIAL ROADS/SIDEWALK committee met Wednesday, December 9, at 11:30am

to discuss the sidewalk leading to the East Bluff from the road which runs from the Catholic Church up the hill to the bluff, dead-ending just before the East bluff. The condo at the top of this road which states ownership of the area where a presumably (in question*)state-park- built sidewalk rests (possibly even originally built by the National Park in the late 1800's), which runs to the state-park maintained stairway up to the East Bluff, or possibly built as a gift from a landowner from the wonderful past...

The meeting was held by teleconference as a terrible winter storm prevented the boats from running, an extremely rare occurrence. The head of the state park was contacted by phone and maintained that the park cannot maintain the sidewalk because it sits not on state land and it has no records of when it was built or by whom. There is a wooden railing in apparently very good condition alongside this path and the sidewalk is in adequate condition, not needing maintenance at the present. The path runs invitingly from the city street to the state park stairs so maybe some assumed with this set-up that the state park or national park when Mackinac Island was a national park, would have built these steps, and maybe there was some agreement in the distant past. If not it is alternatively possible someone donated and built the steps without an agreement ever worked out, although another possibility is that the landowner then allowed the state or national park to build upon his land. No one knows. No one alive on the island can remember a time when these steps were not there, and to view these steps it appears quite obvious that there is some connection to the park (*the state park maintains that they have no evidence from the past regarding any history of the steps and only that in the past 38 years there is no state park involvement (updated 12/21), no state park records have been found. The condominium association which claims ownership of the land fully wants to facilitate the continued use by the state of this pathway, but wants to have no liability, and does not want any money even for an easement or any other arrangement a public body could offer as far as we know or was suggested, and the state feels it cannot make an arrangement yet. Our group is attempting to get a legal opinion, which preliminarily would suggest the best possible solution would be for the pathway alone to become public land which would best legally protect all parties, as an easement would be just as permanent but offer far less protection for everyone... and if land for zoning is truly needed(??), a simple land swap, an un-noticeable sliver, would be a simple and creative solution. We are attempting to hurry with legal advice as the state park commission meets this next Wednesday but not again until April. We hope no party is offended by this at least, everyone wants or appears to want the steps to continue their existence, and everyone appears committed to a solution.

We asked to the state park that this issue be investigated further and at the meeting it was indicated it would be. The state park maintains that it cannot directly do anything (12/21) which leaves the issue in the hands of the city and the state park indicates that it will do what it can... We trust that everything will work out. It has indicated it will continue maintenance, everyone is working on a solution, no one wants to lose these steps...

We are proud that the city of Mackinac Island is attempting to do what it can and hopefully in coordination with the state there can be a continued commitment and everyone not just us is committed. The island is going to research liability and insurance issues, and the issue continues to be worked out. These are a historic ancient pathway in themselves, a gem of historical state/national (?) park endeavor during the amazing creation of the world's first national and state parks, however they came to be in existence...

PLANNING COMMISSION MET TUESDAY, Dec 8, AT 3 pm

the developer with approval to demolish the McNally cottage, extended the plans he has to develop the lot across the street from the McNally cottage, which was owned and kept open by the McNally cottage and remains the last opening to the lake along the entire harbor. His plans for a 3 story hotel there which were approved a year ago were extended permission for one year. His development company is called McNally development, LLC. Both his plans for replacing the McNally cottage and the last opening to the beach with developments, have received enormous opposition from the community but the planning commission had no discussed alternatives. Many in the community support purchasing somehow the last remaining opening to the harbor, and there is extreme opposition to tearing down historic buildings on Mackinac Island. The state legislative historic district legislation gives the community which adopted it, the ability to prevent the destruction of historic buildings, and gives state and federal support to communities and especially developers who do so, in the best American tradition. Help and assistance to this process which has democratic support is needed. Our group has alternative plans which would benefit enormously the entire state and which would open up the entire harbor to everyone, but the small community of about 300 voters on Mackinac Island, without state help, and with an infrastructure of a much larger community, needs direction and help from the state on these issues. It is a critical moment which may destroy what was for so long preserved...

- the entire historic character of the downtown

HISTORIC COMMITTEE FOR THE ANNEX MET TUESDAY, Dec 8, AT 1:30 pm

this was the state mandated open public meeting to allow input from neighbors and the entire community for the preservation of history in the historic annex area of Mackinac Island, which lays beyond the Grand Hotel, from the West Bluff and behind it into the interior, of cottages dating to the time of the creation of the Mackinac National Park as the even older historic downtown was also largely built then, the West Bluff cottages, are a portion of the annex area defined here, built on state land, leased to provide funding for the National park, and later this, the first state park in the United States and the world.

the people of this area have worked with state help to accumulate all the data required by the state, and to make sure the process is open. It is a wonderful example to all of what can happen with participation, and all of us at times have not participated, but given a chance, we believe all of us can rise to the occassion to see what can happen, and participate in this attempt, and respect all voices in this process...

The evidence from this meeting is that the people of Mackinac Island support this process as no member of the community spoke out against historic preservation. This is the most important legislation which the city is trying to enact, in many years. The help the state park can give is crucial. The involvment of the community essential, and only with that will any of this be possible. We believe everyone cares about this issue, and that it matters to the community.


CITY COUNCIL MET WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2009 AT 5:00pm


the Mayor discussed at the end of the meeting, the upcoming meeting of the Annex historic committee. The Annex, also known as Hubbard's Annex, was created during the Mackinac Island National Park era. The residents there have for many years been growing in awareness and concern for maintaining the historic character of this area, and have met several times collecting the data and working toward preserving this historic area, built at the same time as most of the Historic downtown. Their meeting is the culmination 0f their efforts and is a state historic district required open hearing, which had to be held by the rules of the historic district enabling legislation, which had to have specific rules for timing, and which once held, the city must approve its creation within one year, the creation of a historic district in the Annex.

the Mackinac Island Community Foundation made a report to the city council, and invited other non-profit organizations to work with them on issues they are working upon. they thanked everyone for their support, and said financially they are doing well. They have supported the historic preservation efforts and have been instrumental in community projects such as the community park called "Great Turtle Park" which rests along Harrisonville, originally knows as "Harrisonville Indian Village" founded during the years of President Harrison's administration in the very late 1800's coinciding with the Mackinac National Park era. Harrisonville lies beyond the Grand Hotel on the Avenue which passes the Grand, and is the traditional residence of the working class islanders, and originally the original inhabitants of Mackinac Island, who were settled here, whereas before they led traditional lives as hunter/gatherers & fishermen. The island has been greatly helped by the community spirit of this foundation. They support the island medical center as well.

The sidewalk committee meeting was announced, as one week from today's meeting, and invited and indicated he will be there, is the head of the Mackinac Island State Park, to explain the Mackinac Island State Park's position on being able to maintain this cement walkway which have been in existence for at least a hundred years, which gives access to the stairway access to the East bluff, owned by the park and provided for the benefit of state park visitors for over a century, connecting Church Street to the East Bluff. This upcoming meeting is extremely important. It is an absolutely beautiful pathway and valued so much by many.

Please check back for more details of this meeting and anyone is encouraged to provide input and information...

(Dec. 21 update). The state park head indicated that there is not evidence of support by the state park for maintenance on neither the cements steps leading to the stairways to the East bluff nor to the wooden hand railing which runs along the cement steps in the 38 years he has worked for the state park. He indicated that the state has no legal ability to maintain the steps but c0mmission staff are working with the property owners and the city to "explore a solution by which the cement steps/railing can be maintained by the public." We are really hopeful and encouraged...

CITY COUNCIL MET WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Our letter to the council the Mayor asked if it was read and she stated it to be self-explanatory, that we are asking for a moratorium on demolition of the McNally cottage and a discussion. No discussion ensued or was asked for. We don't have any explanation as to why no one appears to be taking up the request, but we don't know yet for certain what it means. Please read through all our postings, and understand our confusion. We believe that the preservation of history is crucial to the future of the island and the McNally cottage is an integral part of the history of Mackinac Island and the voting public of Mackinac Island deserves to have the opinions of the council members on this matter debated and known, in order to know who favors saving or at least discussing the saving of our heritage and who is opposed to this. We still hope the council members will be forthcoming, but if not, we ask what this means for accountability? Please write to council members and ask that they let their opinions be known on the demolition and their ability to save the heritage of Mackinac Island.

"motion to place our request on file"

four members present: Bloswick, Hart, Whiteman, St. Onge

all were in favor of placing it on file, noting that they received our request.

FOLLOWING IS AN EXPLANATION OF, FOLLOWED BY OUR ACTUAL, LETTER:

We, all members of Save Our Island, are formally requesting that the McNally cottage be saved through Realizing the Goals of the Historic District Legislation they enacted on October 21, and to therefore put in place a MORATORIUM on DEMOLITION on the McNALLY COTTAGE, effective immediately. Our group sent a general legal letter to the members of the city council and the Mayor, and have sent specific letters to the head of the Historical Preservation Committee, Alderman Mike Hart, and to Mayor Margaret Doud, setting forth the specific powers the city now has and the dangers of inaction.

The entire purpose of the historic district legislation which the city passed on October 21 by 5 of the 6 council members is to save valuable historic buildings on Mackinac Island. The first test is the imminent demolition of the McNally cottage made possible when by a 4 to 3 vote, the Planning Commission on October 20, lacking the actions of the city council banning demolitions, some of the members felt obliged to authorize the demolition of the cottage rather than wait. So now the whole purpose of the passage of the historic district legislation one day after, is under its first test to see whether the city council wants to save historic buildings by allowing the fate of the cottage to be debated openly under an open hearing, or to allow the cottage to be destroyed without any public hearing. Four of the seven planning commission members present voted to allow demolition. Will the elected members of the city council ignore the more than one hundred island residents who last fall asked to save history (a larger number than typically vote on an island council election), or will they vote to allow an open discussion by the people of Mackinac Island?

(this refers to a petition circulated in the fall of 2008)

WE URGE THE CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW THE PEOPLE OF MACKINAC ISLAND TO SAVE HISTORY.

Following is the general letter to the 6 city council members:

Dear Mayor Doud & Aldermen:

On behalf of Save Our Island I am writing to request that you give effect to the Historic District Ordinance of the City of Mackinac Island that was enacted by a majority of the city council in October 2009 (the "Historic Ordinance"). The difficult step of enacting the Historic Ordinance has been completed. The first step in giving effect to the Historic Ordinance is to evaluate whether there are historic structures on Mackinac Island that contribute to the heritage of Mackinac Island and should be preserved. In my experience, this level of evaluation takes 6 - 12 months to complete. Moreover, while such an evaluation is ongoing, the historic district study committee must be assured that potentially valuable historic structures are not demolished.

Section 19 of the Historic Ordinance authorized this city council to declare a moratorium if "The City Council determines that pending work will cause irreparable harm to resources located within an established or proposed historic district...." While it is clear that a moratorium cannot be declared until a proposed historic district has been identified, both the Historic Ordinance and the Local Historic Districts Act defines a proposed historic district as "an area .... that is under review by a committee or a standing committee for the purpose of making a recommendation as to whether it should be established as a historic district or added to an established historic district."

An area can become "under review" in one of two ways. The historic district study committee can identify such an area under its own initiative or, as is most common, the City Council can, by resolution, identify an area that it would like the historic committee to review. Because it is not prohibited by the Local Historic District Act, many municipalities will, in the same resolution, identify an area to be studied by the committee and declare a moratorium on demolition in that identified area. A sample resolution accomplishing these two actions simultaneously is attached as Exhibit A.

As you are aware, on October 20, 2009, the Mackinac Island Planning Commission granted site plan approval for the redevelopment of the McNally cottage property, which included demolition of the McNally cottage. A zoning permit was simultaneously issued for the demolition and redevelopment by the Mackinac Island Zoning Administrator. Less that two (2) weeks after the permits were granted, the owner of the McNally property applied for and was granted a demoliton/relocation permit for the McNally cottage. As a result of these approvals, demolition of the McNally cottage could begin immediately.

An option for this City Council, given the irreparable harm that could be caused by the demolition of the McNally cottage if the study committee ultimately concludes that the McNally cottage is a valuable resource for Mackinac Island, is to temporarily identify only McNally cottage as a proposed historic district for the study committee and declare a moratorium to prevent the demolition of the McNally cottage. The Historic Ordinance only requires that a proposed historic district be an "area" and the term "area" is defined by Black's Law Dictionary, 6th ed. "as [a]ny plane surface, also the inclosed space on which a building stands." Therefore, the term"area" can be applied to a single property.

We encourage you to give effect to the Historic Ordinance at the upcoming meeting and declare a moratorium while the McNally cottage property is under review by the study committee. We further encourage you to discuss this important issue at the upcoming City Council meeting in order to keep the citizens of Mackinac Island fully informed and help to deter the dissemination of inaccurate information with regard to the McNally Cottage and the Historic Ordinance.

Very truly yours,

Rhoades McKee

Eric Starck

MORE EXPLANATION TO BE FOUND AT:

www.SupportforCity.info

November 4, 2009:

We, the people...

the city council is entrusted to vote for issues on the basis of how it affects All of Us and not themselves or a friend(s) or just one person. It is the fundamental principle of democratic deliberation by an elected body.

the city delayed discussion on the topic. More info later. the agenda for the meeting included a proposal for a sidewalk handicap ramp stated for the developer's bike rental lot across the street from the McNally cottage. The bike lot already has a handicap ramp and the proposal is for a very wide additional ramp which seems more for the bike rental business, but was stated for handicap access. The motion for a handicap ramp passed. One member absent. A special meeting may be called for the future. We rely upon the developer's word to not demolish as he stated nothing would be done with the site for 1 to 2 years. Please contact us for a recording of the meeting, which lasted less then 15 minutes and for recordings of previous meetings where statements were issued which influenced council members' decisions. Please contact us for the proposal for a moratorium on demolition of the McNally Cottage which we presented yesterday but which was not placed on this agenda. In fairness to the developer, it calls for an immediate moratorium on demolition for a maximum of one year in which the people of Mackinac Island can be given a chance based upon an evaluation to decide whether this history is worth saving...

SaveOurIsland@AOL.com

November 1 & 2, 2009:

November 1: All Saints & Martyrs day and the day of the Innocent
November 2: ALL SOULS DAY, a day for all of our souls to listen to

All religions have the days for all souls, but often at different times, but these first two days are the Catholic and some Protestant denominations, the day for their observances. The 2nd is for All Souls. It is a day specially set aside to talk spirit to spirit to those we love and who still love us.

The city council meets two days after ALL SOULS DAY.

this should be a time for reflection upon the past, and a remembrance of those who made us who we are as we should reflect with everyone regardless of their religion or beliefs and be one with them on their special days for emphasizing our connection spiritual to the past. For other protestant religions this observance comes on the nearest Sunday after the Pentecost. For some other Protestants it comes on the nearest Sunday to the first days of November. But for everyone a connection to the past is a key to self-discovery of connection to others.

Through all of this democratic struggle on this issue, there should be apologies made to those who are hurt by this. It is important to understand that each and every one of us makes mistakes, and does things wrong or right. We ask for forgiveness from the developer for things said which may harm him and hope that no lasting harm will come to anyone from all of this. Our greatest hope is that out of this can at least come a diligent effort to study and figure out what is important to all of our futures, and whether the special cottage under consideration is worth caring about and caring for.

The developer has stated many times on public record and very recently (the last several days) to public officials that he is willing to have this discussion and it should start immediately so that he can go on with his plans and figure out where he stands in one year, which is the most time that this project can be delayed in this process, and he has stated that this will not hurt him as there are not plans yet to do anything with respect to the proposed development. We ask him to consider if things should happen in a way that is not what he desires, that he work with us both to insure he is not hurt, and that he consider an alternative future which saves this absolutely amazing, in our opinon, history, one whose story is inspiring beyond belief, if allowed to be told, and that from here, we can build a future which allows for even better things, does not stop development, but creates things which complement and add to what we have in a way that will multiply by many times what the present course would have alternatively done. We can have a harbor open to all, and developments which allow everyone to enjoy it, and brings them to it in a way that the present course will close off.

so on this week we remember the McNally family and the connection they have had to making us who we are. We remember the harbor opening they saved. We remember the U.S. fort soldiers who Mrs. McNally cared for and helped and then built a house from which served and cared for them, as they cared for the very first truly cared for National Park in the World, as they built the trails through the woods, and protected new areas which were purchased or donated by incredible souls who made us who we are.

We remember all the buildings which were built during that era to care for the travelers who voyaged here on a pioneering voyage of discovery of the first popular national park the world had ever seen. We remember that the Grand was built specifically for this purpose just as the McNally cottage was, just as all the historic downtown buildings were, built out of the emergence of the creation of the first popular national park for all. None of what we now still can see downtown would have happened without the creation of this National Park.

We are all children of a national park, whether we are aware of it or have forgot.

We remember this with what we save and forget with what we destroy.

as one very last word on the meaning of this time and this issue and its relevance to all of us, please every one for one moment please remember all the souls that lay buried along this shore, this harbor, where at one time which lasted thousands of years every one was truly free and able to walk along and to truly freely enjoy and to share. Please remember the Souls of All of our Ancestors on All Souls Day... and what it means to the salvation of all of our souls. Ultimately the meaning of everything we do is educated by our beliefs...

October 21, 2009:

First Legislation Passes

Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash Newsflash

Mackinac Island has adopted the Historic District legislation

the first step toward saving history.

Ayes: all but one, INCLUDING one major downtown developer, Armin Porter
a huge victory which CANNOT be Overestimated...5 to 1.

The greatest gratitude of the whole island, those in favor, for this very first victory must be extended to the Mayor of Mackinac Island, Margaret Doud, who has worked tirelessly for this very first step toward protection, making sure the process is open, democratic, and fair. It will take time to win everyone over, as this is only the start. She has worked tirelessly and will listen to those who seek her help, to right wrongs and make things right. It will take time to convince everyone that this is not only right, but necessary.

THE FOLLOWING HOWEVER IS FOR CERTAIN:

It does not yet save the McNally cottage where it has sat for 120 years,
tending to United States soldiers, lumbermen, fishermen, sailors and visitors....
protecting and looking over the last remaining fully unblocked opening in the entire Mackinac Island harbor still left...

Please understand, the process toward ANY historic district will probably take a long time of dedicated effort, so those against, don't think this will not allow for careful explanation and debate, because it will be a long process, for certain. Please understand, the whole essence of this effort is to convince everyone that history matters and that without everyone's consent, nothing of lasting value is possible. In areas with diverse properties, combining residential, business, and public properties, it could easily take well over a year if not longer to even create a district if it is even created, and that is not in itself enough. Please don't think anyone that the democratic process, which is absolutely essential to proving to everyone that this is a good thing, will be ignored, for especially without individuals as a community supporting this effort, it is impossible for it to work. We must all come to believe in it. Only democracy and personal choice combined can make that possible. Please contact us for literature about this process and in depth explanations of what it all means. Certain areas of the island it will not affect unless the community there thinks it should.

Here is the reality. Without historic legislation combined with some district within a historic area, which does not even have to be contiguous, it can connect only the historic buildings in that area, anyone at any time at any moment, by legal procedure, can demolish any building they want. One by one or in groups, the historic downtown containing more historic wooden building in one small area than any place else in the U.S. can be torn down with no recourse whatsoever.

History does not depreciate. It goes up in value, monetary and intangible. Over time it will go up exponentially. It is as much our future as it was our past. It is our lives and livelihoods, our ancestors, our children, our state, nation, and our prosperity, spiritual, tangible and intangible. Save it and the world will notice. This is the greatest potential resort in the world. Care for it and return things lost, and a bright future lay ahead for all of us and all of our children.

When an historic building is torn down, it is gone forever...
When it is moved also, all connection it had to that spot and whatever it protected, is gone, it's story erased from the visible imagination...unless the move is to a featured place, even what value in the move is made ridiculous. Our downtown IS the story. We must protect what is valuable inside of it, although what that is, is up to our democratic debate which the whole state and nation will help us discover. The entire state loves & cares for Mackinac Island. The entire Midwest actually. The entire nation and world needs only to be told to discover it.

October 20, 2009(the previous day to above):

Newsflash: DEVELOPMENT and therefore DEMOLITION by 1 vote APPROVED by PLANNING COMMISSION, the entire decision now in hands of the City Council, which meets Tomorrow. Each member who voted in favor made the deciding vote as it passed by just 1 vote and so it will now be demolished unless the city council decides otherwise this week until November 1 presumably. The city MUST pass the historic district preservation ordinance AND declare a mortorium, and then in one year enact a historic district in an area which includes the cottage - the entire historic downtown which by a miracle is still largely intact.
VOTE TALLY
for this development as proposed and demolition(as legally they could have tabled it): brown,finkel,whiteman,pettit
against and in favor of tabling & deferring issue to city council:dunnigan,martin,strauss

The city council meets tomorrow. Probably at 5:00, call in morning to find out when...
Come to this, EVERYTHING now rides upon it.

The saddest possible outcome will be if the city council by not taking action, allows destruction of the cottage, as they will blame the planning commission, and the planning commission will blame them. A very good person, such as Jim Pettit, will blame with some reason, the city council's inaction, and the city council will possibly say that the planning comission decided the issue. Some members may have let their own financial interests dominate their decisions, but now we may never get to see this revealed if the city council decides against a vote. But we will all lose and our historic street will be altered once again, made less real, less historic, pushing the small tenants further into financial ruin, and actually causing the bigger stores to do better paradoxically. But the island will become more mangled, and developed in a fake way(repeat: this legislation will NOT stop development, that is a lie), less as it once was, the Main street will become a tunnel without any more openings, trees, and little light. The new big development, the Bicycle Inn, with its inside enclosed new store tenants who will come, work hard, and die financially as the island cannot support all the small stores, especially as in this new mall, with a deep interior, with visitors who are coming in smaller and smaller numbers each year, with limited time who know the island is difficult to stay much time on it because of an increasingly limited boat schedule, who will peek into the huge deep interior(who has time for that? there is the fort, the trails, the horses, carriages, and the boat leaves soon, and we have to buy fudge, and eat), and decide they just don't have time to see those little stores, but perhaps by that time the developer, having made his money, will have moved onto new venues of destroying more old things (Lakeview mangled, McNally destroyed, what is next, our last open view of the lake perhaps?), things we have treasured, and loved, but will all be gone one day. To the new developments who some(developers) have stated better than the old, more valuable than our historic structures, and families who were our history, who by their existence, made us who we are, will be forgotten.

Note: the city council must adopt the historic preservation ordinance and declare a moratorium OR the McNally cottage will be demolished. Either saying yes, or by stalling, to historic preservation will be saying either "We want to save history" or "We want to allow historic buildings to be torn down". There is absolutely NO PROTECTION for any downtown historic building without the adoption of this ordinance. And doing so ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT COST THE CITY. THE DEVELOPER KNOWS THIS WHICH IS WHY HE IS CREATING CONFUSION. He can threaten to file a lawsuit which he will lose and we do not think he is unaware of this and we do not think he wants to waste money in an effort that will fail. We appeal to him to please admit the truth.

Is our heritage and our history worth anything any more in this day and age of selfishness? So many businesspeople in the past really had integrity, and we still have them here now, but for much longer?
Can someone just unabashedly say all that matters is money and we just shrug, and say "well, at least he is honest"? Is this what we will all become? Cynical, blaming others for inaction, or what they didn't do to stop it? Do we applaud people for honesty regardless of what it says? We need to hold people as we do to high standards when their actions affect us all...

The developer's contention about nonconforming use and not being able to do something is just not true. It sounds good and convincing, but it is a false arguement. We hope the city leaders will not be duped by the false arguements of a good salesman with a convincing nature and self-assuredness and self-certainty, who is able to convince with false claims and reasoning, as these reasoned opinions from good counsel demonstrate. Also evidenced is changing arguments which shift from one arguement to a new one as old arguements are uncovered and defeated. We have legal arguements submitted and will present them tomorrow.
Earlier this summer he said on record it was impossible to move the cottage. Today he says it is completely possible. The truth is the city does not have to agree to move it, they have the legal ability to protect history, and they of course do not own any property or have the wherewithall to obtain the property and we all know that and can see that, can't we? YOU decide what it says about someone when his arguement which is false that you have to do something or he will destroy something, and you reasonably cannot do that something(provide a place to move the building to), and then he blames you for the destruction when he takes the bulldozer, and destroys the past. And furthermore he knows you can legally prevent this, but he shifts the focus away and blames you for destroying something???
This is exactly what historical legislation is supposed to prevent, and he knows it gives the city the ability to protect the past. Do we want to save our old buildings or let people who do not care about historical preservation as revealed in the Lake View where he mangled a historical building and lost its historic status, who come and destroy any building's historic character, destroying our heritage and welfare? The developers we have had in the past did not do this. They did not go against the community. We want them here, good developers, who care about our interests as a community. We have been lucky, but our luck is running out now. We can begin to say goodbye to our old buildings and history, in short order. Someone please stand up for us.

THE ARGUEMENT HE MAKES WHICH CARRIES THE MOST WEIGHT WITH PEOPLE IS THAT THE CITY WILL NOT BUY IT FROM HIM. THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO BUY IT (WE ALL KNOW THAT!!!!) BUT DOES HAVE THE LEGAL ABILITY TO PROTECT OUR HISTORY. IT IS A FALSE ARGUEMENT, AND HE KNOWS IT. THE CITY IS EMPOWERED BY HISTORIC LEGISLATION WHICH HAS ENORMOUS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FROM BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS, TO SAVE OUR HISTORY. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BUY IT. HE KNEW HE WAS BUYING A HISTORIC STRUCTURE WHEN HE BOUGHT IT AND ALL WE CAN SAY IS "BUYER BEWARE", NO DEVELOPER IS GUARANTEED TO MAKE A PROFIT IN OUR SYSTEM WHICH HE IS ARGUEING THAT THEY ARE, THEY SHOULD KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GETTING INTO WHEN THEY SEEK TO DESTROY THE THINGS WE TREASURE, OUR HERITAGE. OUR NATION HAS SAID EMPHATICALLY THROUGH THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, THAT WE TREASURE OUR PAST. IT MATTERS TO US.

AND ACTUALLY HOW DO WE KNOW THAT HE IS BARGAINING FAIRLY? HE KNOWS HOW STRAPPED FINANCIALLY THE CITY IS, YET HE WANTED 50 PERCENT MORE PER FRONT FOOT FOR THE MCNALLY SIDE, WHERE A COTTAGE WHICH HE WOULD HAVE TO DESTROY FIRST, EXISTS, THAN FOR THE SIDE WHICH IS ON THE LAKE, AND HAS NOTHING HE NEEDS TO DESTROY? ALL HE HAS TO DO IS JUST BLOCK IT. THE CITY DOES HAVE EMINENT DOMAIN, BUT SOME IN THE PLANNING COMMISSION SEEMED TO JUST SNICKER AT ITS USE TO PROTECT OUR LAST OPEN SPACES DOWNTOWN. EMINENT DOMAIN COULD BE USED ANY TIME TO ENSURE A FAIR PRICE FOR THE CITY AND FOR THE DEVELOPER. EMINENT DOMAIN IS USED EVERY DAY OF EVERY WEEK OF EVERY YEAR ALL OVER THE NATION TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE BEAUTY, TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND MAINLY BY GOVERNMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE ONLY PAYING A FAIR PRICE AND NOT AN INFLATED PRICE. HOW WAS THAT A FAIR PRICE? HE WANTED $1.7 MILLION FOR THE ONE SIDE AWAY FROM THE WATER AND THE CITY INDICATES THE MCNALLY PRICE WAS $3 MILLION FOR ALL OF IT. THIS MEANS THE SIDE WITHOUT A LAKE VIEW WAS PRICED BY HIM MORE EXPENSIVELY THAN THE SIDE WITH A VIEW. HE STATED THAT PRICE WAS 3.2 MILLION, BUT THE CITY SAID IT WAS $3 MILLION WHICH THE MCNALLY'S OFFERED. . IS OUR MAYOR BEING DISHONEST? WE REALLY DOUBT IT. WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

THE TRUTH IS THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE TO BARGAIN IN ORDER TO SAVE THIS COTTAGE.

IT IS A FALSE ISSUE.

Today there was an outrageous claim, which is an absurd assertion, that our legal law firm Rhoades McKee, hired by us because they are the best in the state, are a bunch of zealots bent on sueing the city. The largest and most successful firm in the state of Michigan, who win cases because they are legally correct, but this is the only thing he can say in rebuttal is to attack the people who he knows are legally right, and morally right for trying to save history. This law firm is currently aiding the Mayor in her attempt to preserve history. It is supporting the Mayor who represents the city in its legal arguements for preservation and against destruction. It is another example of the lengths someone will go to appear to be a "plain talker" who says unabashedly that his only purpose in life is to make as much money as possible when you ask him directly and others are not listening who he does not want to hear this, which we then applaud for what? Honesty????. Some people admire him for this. We do not. Other developers on the island do care about the island and do care to do what is best for the city and its people. Harry Ryba made the Lake View a registered historic landmark. This developer took that away. Destroyed it too. This apparently is all right with some?

To find out what he is referring to, please contact us. It is not good and says volumes. We are sorry for being so offended, but people reveal themselves in what they say about others. We are only referring to what he says and you can decide what it says about him. We have been as fair in the past pleading with him to truly help to save history, but enough is enough. Our legal arguements are directed toward the legal reality, not another person. But when someone else attacks others, we point it out. We ask you what it means about them, when they feel their own arguements are not good enough and so they have to attack and label others. Please please ask for the recording from the last city council meeting, and decide for yourself. Only with knowledge can you know the truth. What people say reveals who they are.

Well, based on people's questions, here is a short summary of what he is referring to what are such actually incredibly inane references. He is referring to a neighbor who hired a lawyer because he didn't like how this developer was affecting his property, and what his neighbor was allowed to do. I think pretty much everyone in town can relate to that. So the neighbor hired a lawyer, and the city did not spend money for something, and so it did not cost the city. In the final end, the neighbor had to give up and this developer won, and now appears to be asking for sympathy for affecting the rights of the neighbor. Please do not ask that this is precisely what happened but it is the best summary we can give at the present. Planning commission members may however not have known what he is referring to. We believe city council members will not hear this arguement because one of them knows the true story, but this developer tailors his arguements to the audience, and so says different things to different people. Somehow he still convinces and some do not see through it, that he is being straight.

Please contact us for the complete recording of this Planning Commission meeting and the complete recording of the last city council meeting. SaveOurIsland@AOL.com

Each member who voted for the development and therefore the demolition made the deciding vote.

the vote was 4 to 3.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND IS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED BY BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES. IT WAS A STATEMENT WHICH LOUDLY STATED OUR NATION WANTS TO PRESERVE HISTORY. REPUBLICANS IN MICHIGAN RECENTLY BEEFED UP THE TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSMEN WHO SAVE RATHER THAN DESTROY HISTORY. IT IS AVAILABLE ONLY WITH THIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE.

well we cannot complain because the democratic process was open and visible and all the citizens of the community can therefore judge it, as democracy dictates.

Although it is all for certain a bit confusing, and unfortunately drawn out, but nonetheless for commendable reasons. The process is open and is moving and everyone can be the judge and see what is influencing our elected officials and those appointed by them. We can begin to see by their actions and sometimes by the reasons they give and we can work to change these influences and let our opinions be known what we value. Again, contact us for a recording of the last city council meeting, and it will reveal what is happening.

Most importantly, remember a planning commission plans and recommends but is not legally the decision making body. That is the City Council.

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view from ferry boat

UPDATES CONTINUED HERE from the Opening Site page,
above this line are in reverse order from this point forward

Please contact us if any of the following information is not complete and accurate.
SaveOurIsland@AOL.com
The currently most pressing issue is that it is completely legally possible for the demolition to be halted while the city determines the impact on the WELFARE of all the PEOPLE of Mackinac Island, to the DOWNTOWN area, and NOT to anyone's homes or small businesses in ANY OTHER AREA. WITHOUT HISTORIC PRESERVATION WE WILL LOSE THE HISTORIC NATURE OF THE DOWNTOWN PERIOD which is critical to the WELFARE of us ALL.

(remember a city is legally empowered by our society from the beginning of our republic to protect the health, safety, and WELFARE. Welfare consists of BOTH our FREEDOM and COMMON GOOD. One is NOT possible without the other. Otherwise we are not a democracy. The balance is what we decide)

OUR BELIEF IS THAT THE RESIDENTS OF ALL OTHER AREAS MUST THEMSELVES COME TO THEIR CONCLUSIONS ABOUT HISTORY & PRESERVATION IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE CITY COUNCIL MUST ADDRESS THESE ISSUES OR WE WILL ALL LOSE.

THE DOWNTOWN AREA MUST BE SAVED. IF THINGS CONTINUE AS THEY ARE, ALL THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS DOWNTOWN WILL EITHER BE TORN DOWN, FALL APART, BE DISCONFIGURED BEYOND RECOGNITION IN TIME AND THE MOST HISTORIC STILL LARGELY INTACT DOWNTOWN IN THE NATION WILL BECOME NOTHING BUT A JOKE.

and all because of developers' pursuits of the dollar signs and not because of our interests as a community.

October 20 is the next planning commission meeting which will address the proposed McNally demolition.

October 14 is when the agenda is for adopting the Historic Preservation Ordinance. However, the construction moratorium is NOT on the Agenda. It must be moved to be placed on an upcoming Agenda, or else the McNally cottage WILL BE DESTROYED.

As it turns out, the City on October 14 delayed the adoption of the Ordinance, because of strong objections from some who worry that even though it in itself will not create any historic districts, they fear historic districts. The city has to tell the people that unequivocally it will answer these questions, but that to kill the adoption of this ordinance is simply not going to happen because it must adopt this ordinance so that residents from the Annex who have asked for a historic district, can do so. The person objecting the most actually wanted that areas that want to be allowed to have historic districts be allowed, but was still against it out of concern for what will happen. She asks, will she never be allowed to do something on her property if after this ENABLING legislation, and then proposal for a historic district, and then finally the enactment of an historic district, will it prevent her from doing anything on her property, a legitimate question. Unfortunately no statements were issued by anyone knowledgeable on this matter. The historical committee which met today, only two of the five members showed up. The President of the Grand Hotel did not show up (& did not show up for the September meeting), and the Director of the State Parks also did not show up. Those present were not able to answer this person's legitimate questions. As the committee has not met enough to research the issue to give a legally well-reserched answer, still some tentative answer should be possible to give and knowing the reasoned caution that official elected bodies must give, we believe still tentativlely since it is so important for people to know, we will hazard a preliminary opinion:

This historic district legislation allows the city to LEGALLY do what it has been doing for years anyway, but not with something that will stand legally. It can actually enforce that any property development which takes place will actually be in the historic style of the neighborhood. This is being done now already in the manner in which the planning commission operates, the only difference is if a downtown historic district is created, the legislation will have legal teeth. Furthermore, it can prohibit the demolition of historical structures, something which it unequivocally cannot do until this legislation is adopted, and for the first time we as a community can see and enforce that our heritage is protected and cared for on a daily basis through the maintenance of these old buildings, and if the first step toward this is done, the ENABLING historical legislation, which is the only thing right now on the table, then it will have 6 months with just one 6 month period extension, to enact an historic district downtown, and if it does not, then the McNally cottage will be demolished. This is the best summary explanation we can make at the present.

In any case, if it does not enact this enabling legislation and then declare a moratorium, then the McNally cottage will be demolished or the developer is also indicating he now will move it, when earlier he said it was impossible, it now has become suddenly possible again, with we suppose the implied suggestion that all the historic structures downtown some day will be moved to some undisclosed location inside the island where visitors can be directed to see the real historical island. Although we believe that the developer should not lose money in the final analysis for ethical reasons, not legal ones, and our proposal for this will be eventually worked out, nonetheless the island first and foremost must protect its history and scenery, or we are all doomed, and this is the first crucial order of business.

Please urgently someone step forward in our city government, who we know are working hard, and explain these issues to everyone and be forthcoming with answers to straightforward and reasonable questions. (sorry for being so impassioned and please forgive the moment in which this was written)

We have copies of the document explaining the process after the enabling legislation is adopted, toward development of a downtown historic district, which must undergo open debate by law. E-mail us.
SaveOurIsland@AOL.com

Remember, this group, which is made up of the oldest families period, on the island, who are blue collar and working class, is absolutely not against development. fully only to this group, whose numbers are dwindling but whose lives and livelihood depend upon it, can they see some value in beautiful, wonderful and consistent development which does not destroy cultural artifacts or make the island worse or the benefit does not outweigh the loss. We remember that the biggest wheeler dealer in island history, from Detroit, came here and everyone criticized him, and he came to smartly see that history is what mattered here. He restored the historic Island House, gave it historic landmark designation, and then historically restored an historic feature of the Lake View, and gave it historical landmark designation, which this current developer proceeded this summer to lose, and this one man, Harry Ryba, who passed away just a few years ago, did more to help the island and the state than all of us who criticized him COMBINED. We are smart enough to realize that and to realize that to shut off nature completely downtown and lose critical last openings, will hurt everyone, most of all the downtown businesses who we know will realize this once they have time, because they can figure this out also and also love and care for our island.

The Important date that the city council meets to decide to adopt the historical enabling ordinance and then also to issue a 6 month moratorium on demolition of historical structures, is right now completely up in the Air, but this issue is ultimately and legally completely under the control of the 6 elected members of the city council when they decide to take action on historic preservation by either saying they DO NOT want to preserve history or that they DO want to preserve the still most intact old downtown in Michigan. All praise or blame will fall on them and cannot be deferred to another un-elected body as all law-making power is vested by the state of Michigan by the city charter upon the City Council. This is what the law states, this is what democracy dictates, and this issue is entirely up to them.

October 20 the planning commission, which is un-elected, can decide to grant demolition OR to table the issue, each completely legally and without fear of any legal repercussions whatsoever because any false threats to bring legal action will absolutely fail in court, unequivocally. A planning commission does not have to by law rush into a decision by any threat of a developer or any legal necessity to force an unwanted decision because of the time consideration.

The wants and needs of the public outweigh any such rash move against the legal will of the people, especially since it ultimately and most importantly must consider the democratically elected city council's powers to make law and to enforce the legally enforceable will of the people. By tabling the issue, it can decide that it will defer to the city council to decide the issue through a moratorium on demolitions made possible by adoption of the proposed ordinance, using the city council's decision to have the issue studied more thoroughly by the special downtown historical committee and to leave open more public feedback which is commendable and democratic and right. Based on this input, THE CITY COUNCIL THEN DECIDES.

Even if the planning commission decides to grant the demolition, the city council can then decide to issue a ban, making the granting of permission to demolish irrelevant. Legally, the city council has all the power REGARDLESS of what the planning commission decides, because it makes laws, and decides issues and takes the blame legally. As a result, we strongly urge the planning commission to do the right thing, and defer to the elected body, and therefore table the issue.

The exact legal nature of these statements will be presented in a legal letter to the members of the planning commission explaining the important powers the city council has and the full powers they the planning commission have over these matters. Any possible confusion over this will be explained. Democracy is not at the behest of money or the money making needs of individuals.

We are not a republic of dollar signs. Although developers have legal rights they do not outweigh the legal desires of a community. BOTH have legal rights but democratic ones prevail in a democracy.

If this legislation could have passed October 7, it would have placed a moratorium on demolition, and the planning commission meeting October would not have been able to address the issue. This could make the planning commission members uncomfortable, but it should not. The will of the people in a democracy is paramount, as long as what is done is legal, and the city has the legal right to take its time and decide the issue through the process it deems most prudent, which is right and proper.

(the following was written first of all before all of the above)

The special historic committee met this Wednesday, September 14, and the Planning Commission meets on Tuesday, October 20.

The elected body city council met on October 14 at 5:00pm which has the ultimate say on everything. This was an extremely important meeting, ask for the recording.

----------------------------Chronology of the issue since September 8, 2009-------------------------------

with advice and help the Mayor's office contacted the Michigan Historical Preservation Network and the Michigan Historical Preservation Office in Lansing, a state office to assist in historical preservation.

September 22 a special joint planning commission/city council meeting was arranged and the field representative from Cadillac, Michigan of the Michigan Historical Preservation Network/National Trust for Historic Preservation came to the meeting along with Amy Arnold of the State of Michigan Historical Preservation Office ("shipo") which brought to the meeting a legal structure for the preservation of historical structures, and in consultation with the city lawyer, convinced the city lawyer that this was feasible and completely legally possible to do.

September 24 at the City Council meeting, the City Council after advice from the city lawyer, asked the city lawyer to work toward creation of the structures necessary for historical preservation, to be presented at a special city council meeting. This seems at odds with the Town Crier reports, which state the city ordinance was already ready at this meeting after the structure for it was presented to the city on September 22.

September 30, 2009:  the special meeting of the city council received the prepared proposal of the legislation mentioned above, provided as a structure by the state historical preservation office (SHPO) and this document was made available to the general public just this past Friday October 2nd. They set up another special meeting to discuss this issue and possibly enact legislation for October 7.

Please contact us if you would like a copy of this important historical preservation proposed ordinance consisting of ten pages. e-mail SaveOurIsland@AOL.com

October 7, 2009: the City of Mackinac Island City Council met to discuss enactment of this truly historic groundbreaking historical legislation. The city council decided to not take action yet, and it was decided that the special downtown historic committee will meet on October 14 just prior to the next city council meeting the same day, presumably with city council members being present to listen to this discussion, only the second meeting of the special downtown historical meeting since it was formed in December of 2008. According to Town Crier reports, many of the members have not attended previous scheduled meeting which were not held as a result.

October 14, 2009, 3:00pm: the special downtown historical commission will meet to discuss the creation of the structures necessary to save the McNally cottage and other "in danger" downtown buildings. Through these structures, a little state help and a lot of federal help will become available to help save old & historical buildings. The island has lost several older buildings over the last two decades, the oldest being the building which was torn down between May's Fudge and Sinclair's Irish Pub, which went back to the mid 1800's. In the walls of the May's Fudge building(the oldest fudgemakers in the nation who also own the oldest fudge store in the nation, site of the original Murdick's fudge who their grandfather worked for as professional candymaker), a newspaper was found which bore the headline "Lincoln assassinated". The McNally Cottage was built in 1889 by Michael McNally and the property was purchased by his wife who worked for many years for the actual Fort, when it was still a United States Military installation, and after the island became the 2nd National Park of America. The soldiers as they are now depicted by the Fort staff, are exactly what Mrs. McNally experienced, and as a female, she purchased this property when it was rare for a woman to purchase property.* The money from the work for the soldiers at the Fort is what made it possible for her to do so. It may have constituted one of the oldest bed and breakfast families in the Midwest or anywhere outside of the East coast, but possibly the nation? It was without a doubt the oldest family run B&B on the island, one of the three oldest communities in Michigan. The exact nature* of the above is in question as to its precise accuracy, so please anyone who reads this, let us know of any factual errors, and we will be updating the exact history as it can be revealed by people who know and care and hopefully are not prevented from speaking the truth, and providing information we as a community need to preserve our character...

October 14, 2009 also: City Council meets at 5:00 pm.

October 20, 2009: the next Planning Commission meeting of the City of Mackinac Island which will consider the building project which could lead to the demolition of the McNally Cottage if the city council goes along with the demolion if the planning commission decides to grant approval.

October 21, 2009: the City Council Meets.

We advise everyone with an interest in saving the McNally Cottage to contact the city council members and let them know how you feel. We have a legal document prepared also, if you would like a copy, please e-mail us for this supporting document. SaveOurIsland@AOL.com. Anyone with an interest in saving the cottage, please attend the historical committee meeting and the City Council meeting and the upcoming planning commission meeting

Wednesday October 14 - 3:00pm&5:00pm & Tuesday, October 20 3:00pm!!!

and let your voice be heard in support of this process. The future of historical preservation in the downtown area, Mackinac Island is not negotiable. It is critical to everyone's interests...

We have legal letters for tonights meeting (2 different legal opinions)

The City Council Meets Tomorrow. Rumored agenda is this Cottage as well.

Please everyone also contact the Mayor and let her know that we all support her in this difficult and stressful period. Let her know we will stand behind her, and that we understand the difficulties. If we can get through this everyone can know what the new groundrules are, and we can make amends for whatever harm was caused to anyone in this process.

The mayor has stepped up to the plate for all of us and made sure that the actions take into account all voices including the will of the people. We commend her and all the people who have helped her recently, as the actions the city is undertaking right now are a shining example of democracy in action. Everyone, participate in this. It is something we need to all be proud of. Either be there if you can or let your voices be heard in other ways...

We advise everyone to please be respectful to the developer, and be understanding. Ultimately we must convince everyone of the importance of historical preservation as well as the importance of all that the future entails for all of us, a community as much or more than any in the world, whose interests intersect and interact together. All of us are in a very small boat together, and there are no life preservers which can save us. if we sink we sink together, and if we survive we all survive as one and the burden upon us toward the state and nation and posterity are deeper than we can imagine, even in our deepest moments. Please be firm and passionate in your convictions but also understanding and charitable in your demeanor, and honor the advice of Abraham Lincoln - "with Malice toward None, and Charity toward All"