Dear True,
How much profit is enough? Is there a public interest in sustaining Grand Marais for future generations? If so, it was not in great evidence this afternoon at a workshop considering the proposed design guidelines from our visioning consultants.
The excellent work of CGI generated four downtown design "concept" areas, each with its own standards and conditional uses. Although "tweaking" varied (i.e., what should be the requirements for a conditional use of three stories and/or 35 feet? Or, should peaked roof structures be permitted in the "downtown overlay district"?) there was a general consensus that the proposed design standards for the present C-1 (Commercial District) were good ideas. The consultants proposed identifying: Core downtown harbor, Highway 61 corridor, Residential, and a design "overlay" for the key main streets of Broadway and Wisconsin along the lake shore for separate guidelines.
Some had suggested that the south harbor area between the Angry Trout and North House Folk School be defined as a separate, perhaps historic district. Fish House owner Harley Toftey opposed this sort of regulation, and his neighboring Angry Trout co-owner agreed: "It's easy for you to say there is a public interest, but what if you wanted to sell your property?" This was a real shock to me, a strong supporter of the "sustainability" concept so beautifully written about in the Angry Trout cookbook.
But the real crux of the challenge facing Grand Marais is its value to potential developers, from the Twin Cities or even big national chains, on the north side of the highway across from the "fishing village" complex. More condos ala East Bay, Cobblestone and cutesy Harbor House appear to be the most attractive options for sellers and developers. Our CGI consultants are asking: do you want to put restrictions on development in this area? Does the fact that zillions of tourists love the gateway entry to Grand Marais along this corridor resonate with the zillions of dollars of profits that property owners might realize?
To me, it is simple: How many millions do you need to make if you are fortunate enough to own this prime property beloved of locals and tourists alike? Do you see sustainability as limited to your descendants alone? Is two million enough? Seven million? Does the common good resonate?
Nancye Belding
Grand Marais
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