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Correcting comments on Crescent Bar

Jim Hoersch
June 04, 2009

Having read about many opinions regarding the future of Crescent Bar Island, I feel compelled to write, and in some instances, correct what is being said. My neutrality will surely not settle this issue, as it will pose many questions and just as many mitigating situations as viewed from both sides of the fence.

First, Ms. Dal Porto mentions a man wanting to charge her $5 for each child to access a beach 20 years ago. I am very surprised a woman with her obvious intellect and moxie would let someone who was one step removed from being the village idiot buffalo her. He was wrong. My hope is that one bad apple over 20 years ago does not continue to color Ms. Dal Porto’s opinion of Crescent Bar. There has never been a charge at the public beach, it is a rare occasion when there was ever more than one to two cars parked there, excepting holidays. Its current condition (broken glass, graffiti, etc.) is due to general public use. I would unequivocally suggest that the residents of Crescent Bar did not degrade this area. It just doesn’t make sense to blame them. They have always been and remain good stewards of this island.

This brings us to the future. This property belongs to the public — bottom line. The taxpayers of Grant County should not feel unwelcome. However, if anybody has the idea that turning these RV parks into a big campground is going to be anything short of a maintenance and logistical nightmare they are either deluding themselves or not paying attention. Most of this “public” will not come from your county or even from this side of the state. You would be trading a very stable and virtually crime-free population for a totally transient group who would not respect the facility one-tenth as much as the people who have a vested interest in it. It is like driving a rental car — good people will return it in good shape not having abused it: people with less integrity will drive it like they stole it. That translates into big money, money from the taxpayers. I doubt very seriously that campers would fill the nearly 350 lots every weekend as compared to the relatively steady cash flow of trade and business from these RV lots now. How would you like to be the guy who rides herd on that mess? This community has supported the town of Quincy, its tax base, its stores, its service clubs and its volunteer work. I doubt the town of Quincy could depend on weekend campers to do that.

Speaking of money, Ms. Dal Porto, in my opinion, is correct in stating that good fortune to the leaseholders has followed the current RV contracts. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the leasehold payments need to be brought up to their current valuation. The current residents would expect this.

Mr. Miner obviously cares about Crescent Bar and I’m sure he’s made it a better place, but sorry to have to remind you, this 39 acres is the focus. It must be realized the “lose what we got” should be read “lose a lease extension beyond 2012.” I fully recognize the stakes are very high indeed. Every leaseholder knew or should have known what the “end date” of their real estate contract was and what that had the potential of meaning.

Having a good community with good people will be a high-wire act indeed. There has been interest by certain parties in taking over this soon-to-expire lease. As it was explained to me, “Anyone wanting to run Crescent Bar Island had better be able to conduct their own meetings effectively and have a fair and unbiased approach to the management style that it takes to represent the people of Grant County.” I’m not sure that self-government of Crescent Bar Island would effectively represent the people of Grant County and the general public. Sort of like the fox watching the hen house, it’s the reason the island’s current status is so far removed from the original lease intent.

I know I have probably ruffled some feathers. I have merely spoken the unbiased truth. This is a terrible situation for all concerned that cannot be cut clean. It is bound to have some jagged edges exposed. I am hopeful that over the next two years the issues will be put to debate and will result in a satisfactory conclusion for all sides concerned. My hat goes off to the people who are having to make these decisions, as this will not be easy. My greatest hope is if you want to shoot me after this, can you all get together to pull the trigger and shoot me with just one bullet?

What do you think?

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