Five acres of dock

To the editor,

I'm writing in regard to the Lakeside marina dock extension. I have no objection to upgrading the current marina. Its condition is an eyesore to our beautiful community.

Petitions have been circulating for two months against granting a major variance for the Lakeside marina dock extension. Hundreds of local taxpayers have read and understand why this variance should not be granted.

Extending the dock five or 600 feet into the lake is far beyond the Flathead County lakeshore protection regulations. Regulations allow for 100-foot docks for a public marina. The request for a major variance would be more than six times what current regulations allow. This would create five acres of enclosed docks emanating from approximately 1.5 acres of land out into the water.

The cost of building the proposed dock is going to be enormous, and nothing has been said how much it will cost to moor a boat. I would bet most local people could not afford it. Most boats sold in the valley are between 16 feet and 22 feet. Many folks want to be able to take their boat to any lake they wish.

If the local people do not use it, it will become a private marina for the 600 approved acres of high-end homes the developers are working on. When the first phase is complete, there are rumors of another 1,000 acres they are going to develop.

Parking is another problem. There is a public boat slip adjacent to the marina, and next to that is a public swimming area. Parking is a problem for both. Traffic on U.S. Highway 93 is another problem. There is no adjacent parking without crossing the busy highway.

If this variance passes, it will set a precedent for more large docks, and we don't need to have our navigation interrupted for the monetary gain of a few.

The folks living behind the marina will look at a lot of lights at night.

Flathead Lake belongs to everyone.

Howard Ruby

Somers