The ideas and opinions in this letter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the position of this article. The author of this letter has paid for its placement.
The eight lots that the city wants to sell are designated as public parks. None of these are parks and none are desirable for a family picnic, and most are not accessible for water sports.
Because the lots are city-owned, they don’t generate any property taxes. If sold, they have the potential to generate $1 million, a nice sum for the Lake Fund. Even better, the property will be taxed annually.
These plots have not been easy for the city to maintain, so adjacent property owners have often been forced to cut weeds and keep the lots decent. The stabilization and maintenance of the coast are expectations of the owners at their expense and very important.
This is an opportunity to clear these lots. One of the lots, located on the bay, has a steep cliff with a huge fallen tree, all visible from the water. This lot has gotten steadily worse over the decades.
In the late 1980s/early 1990s a few city lots were sold with the proceeds clearing and developing the lot where N. Ohlman St. intersects Lake Mitchell and West Harmon Dr. begins. It created a well-used and desirable beach. We are fortunate to have several beach areas to enjoy and having funds from the sale of these vacant lots will help the lake cleanup efforts.
Please vote yes to sell these lots and support the planning of Lake Mitchell, a community gem that few communities in eastern South Dakota have!
Thanks,
Tons of reason
Mitchell, SD
