Letter: Save local parkland

Dear Editor,

One of Hudson’s most prized city parklands is in jeopardy. The Hudson City Council is pondering the possibility of selling off public parklands along the riverfront pathway from Vine to St. Croix streets, on the river side of the walking path so that a select few can have private docks on the river.

Hudson residents need to stand up and say “save our parks!” These docks located in this park area were “presumed” to be owned by the First Street residents who in fact have put docks on this property illegally. City Ordinance adopted in 1981 (Section 181-13) prohibits anyone from “constructing or maintaining a dock extending from the shoreline of any park or public area unless specific authority was given by the Common Council.” This permission was never granted to any private individual.

Most of these homeowners did not even own their First street home in 1981. This is no different than you or I having a dock on this parkland. Where does this stop? Hudson Parks Department has done a fabulous job to make this a beautiful quiet riverfront area. This could be lost forever.

The city council is considering this option simply to review all options of city revenue. What would stop the council from selling or leasing land along the bluff at Birkmose or Prospect Parks to private individuals? If you are not familiar with this problem you must see the City Council meeting of Monday July 23, 2012, at www.riverchannel.org/.

Tags: opinion, letters, environment, outdoors