| 1. | Just to be fair you should seriously consider all surveys no matter where the legal residence is. Seasonal owners pay more taxes than yearly owners.
Also the lighting throughout the town should be consistent and similar in style. Downtown is a beautiful gas lamp style. As you turn near the power plant and towards Ames Street you then have a modern style street lamp. Pick one style and stick with it.
Mom and Pop restaurants are needed for the middle class. Not all these high-prices specialty restaurants. |
| 2. | We would like the community to stay pretty much the way it is --- Hopefully our selections were in keeping with this. We were attracted to Elk Rapids for its beauty, its size and its warmth (welcoming feel). Hopefully we can maintain these wonderful qualities. |
| 3. | Some of these answers seem to contradict one another. I want visible open space, not huge sprawl and am willing to pay some for it. |
| 4. | There should be an expiration date on the TIFs. These entities cause a higher tax burden on residential taxpayers. When the DDA completes one project they manufacture another one.
I have yet to see any direct economic benefits to the citizens of the Village from the harbor. Perhaps someone can explain the economics so we can all feel good about this sacred cow. |
| 5. | No dwelling as I write this -- but there will be in a few weeks. |
| 6. | Must commend you on the thoroughness of this survey -- although I'm getting weary from taxing my brain Many hours of labor must have gone into putting this survey together. Looking forward to living there next year. |
| 7. | We don't need cityscapes and sidewalks everywhere. We sure as hell don't need to be paying millage for bicycle and walking paths. We don't need more or higher buildings on River Street, and we sure as hell don't need any more condos in the Village. What's been allowed so far makes a person want to puke. Our Village is being ruined by people who have money to buy anything they want, and so far it seems the Village has just been willing to let it happen. We need to protect the future of this beautiful Village by stopping this destructive trend of over-development. Once we've lost to this trend, we can never get back the beauty and charm of Elk Rapids. There's too much greed at work in this town and unscrupulous developers right there to act on it. Somebody needs to dig in their heels and say "Enough!" Those of us who have lived here all of our lives are perilously close to not being able to afford the tax increases to our homes every year. If you can build sidewalks and streetscapes (where is this money coming from?), why can't you keep the compactor open? Wrong Priorities!!! |
| 8. | Questionnaire was too long and repetitive. I would like to see our village grow at a slower pace. |
| 9. | Just to be fair you should seriously consider all surveys no matter where the legal residence is. Seasonal owners pay more taxes than yearly owners.
Also the lighting throughout town should be consistent and similar in style. Downtown is a beautiful gas lamp style. As you turn near the power plant and towards Ames St you then have a modern style street lamp. Pick one style and stick with it.
Mom & Pop restaurants are needed for the middle class. Not all these high-priced specialty restaurants. |
| 10. | Git-R-done! |
| 11. | No resident should be forced out of their home because of excessive taxes, regulations, or required services.
Elk Rapids is known as a wonderful community throughout the state. I would not like to see Elk Rapids develop like Traverse City and now Acme with hi-rises destroying the lake view and greatly increasing the density.
The lack of enforcement of 10-yr olds buying tickets for R-rated movies at the theater is disturbing.
Some of neighborhood roads are needing repair. |
| 12. | The village of Elk Rapids is a wonderful place to live! |
| 13. | ER needs user-friendly parks (read restrooms), contained growth, and employment opportunities ---- not more pizza shops, antique stores and resort wear! Embrace our history, but look to the future: it's not in catering to wealthy tourists until we can't afford our own homes! |
| 14. | This was an interesting survey. We asked our children (all adults) for input and answered as a family. Hope you got good results. (signed) |
| 15. | Taxes should not be raised on rate of inflation --- Taxes continuously going up --- City officials will always be able to spend increase whether needed or not --- Not good tax. |
| 16. | We need to decide whether we are a community that sets priorities for OURSELVES or will we become a community that services the interests and needs of those OUTSIDE of our community. I would hope we are the former and not the latter. |
| 17. | Parking lot paving rules need to be changed to be environmentally sensitive. Thanks for all your work! |
| 18. | Please support growth of all types in Elk Rapids |
| 19. | We feel the three-storey, vinyl-sided structure @ Bridge and River Streets is an eyesore. It does not comply aesthetically with the surrounding structures on River Street.
The 1950's-style purple lawyer's office on River Street which is presently for sale should be made to comply aesthetically with the surrounding structures on River Street. |
| 20. | You covered just about everything. |
| 21. | It would be an improvement to asphalt Dam St repair bathrooms --- and make dogs on beach stay out. "Public Beach Ends" sign, between public area and private condos. Clean up the boat slip place at 31 and River St. |
| 22. | Many thanks for the opportunity to convey our wishes for our village.
The survey was very complete and very well put together. Thanks. |
| 23. | Survey very well done! |
| 24. | Village also needs to do more with street cleaners and controlling "heavy" garbage days when people put out junk along the road for days before pickup.
Visibility of local/village police excellent and very much appreciated. |
| 25. | NOTE! Do not try to make traffic go thru town as Traverse City always has. (They have been talking about a bypass for well over 60 yrs I know for a fact. The merchants think they will get rich but they don't and usually go out of business because a bigger, newer, better one will go up next door to them and take all the business while they go broke. Acme is the same way. In the last 15 yrs or 20 all but 1 or 2 of the old businesses are gone and the other 2 are motels looking to sell.
Let the people pass right thru on US31 unimpeded as they are right now. That way the town district will remain peaceful, quiet, and relatively crime-free.
We also don't need manufacturing and we certainly don't want commercial development on US31. It will result in traffic congestion, accidents, etc. |
| 26. | We would like to maintain the quiet, quaint beach community that we all love so very much. |
| 27. | Elk Rapids has become a village for the wealthy. It's high property taxes on the minimal affordable housing available will eventually drive its present winter residents out of the area. Along with them will be loss of retail businesses which will not be able to survive without year-round residents. Thus eventually becoming a seasonal village based solely on wealthy summer businesses but losing in the long run the essence of the Village itself as a viable home to year-round residents. |
| 28. | Poorly done survey --- too wordy, long, confusing. Appreciate your intent, however. |
| 29. | Thank you for providing this method of gathering information. On areas of undecided of greater numbers perhaps forums for our education could be planned. Hopefully the results will be published in our paper. |
| 30. | After 20-plus years I still hope the Village will make the safety of our children a priority. Put sidewalks around the schools and get the kids out of the street! |
| 31. | New welcome signs are needed throughout Village. Some you can see.
More boat slips for Harbor (Elk Lake side only)
More benches to sit on in downtown area.
Flowers along roadside (US 31) in front of Chamber and north of town near industrial park.
More parking signs in downtown area. |
| 32. | Please make every effort to retain the charm of ER. Growth is inevitable --- well-thought growth is crucial if ER is to be a desirable town. Every time we return to our lake house, we're a bit disappointed at the way the town is growing. As I previously stated, there seems to be no thought about design/aesthetics. Do the public officials want ER to be more like a Suttons Bay (the charm personality) or Kalkaska (ghost town)??
A master plan needs to be thought out. Travel to other resort areas (even outside of MI) to gain a sense of a successful small town. Thank you for the opportunity to share our opinions. Please make every effort to enhance what ER has to offer. Eliminate/replace the tacky buildings/signs, and highlight the landscape/water views.
ER needs user-friendly parks (read restrooms), contained growth, and employment opportunities ---- not more pizza shops, antique stores and resort wear! Embrace our history, but look to the future: it's not in catering to wealthy tourists until we can't afford our own homes! |
| 33. | We are very concerned about what seems to be a trend to "close the door" to Elk Rapids. Tourist discovers ER -- they love it and move here --- but then they want to "close the door behind them." Developers are quick to recognize an opportunity for short term profit. Resorts and motels that once housed tourists are replaced with condominiums --- stacked ever higher, ever longer. Each blocking ever more access to view or enjoy the water and beaches.
We have now reached the point where the tourist can no longer find lodging --- save for few summer homes rented to tourists. Unfortunately even this is not secure --- as we are witnessing an every expanding trend by some who wish to close off even this last access to tourists: The "Close the Door Behind Them Syndrome!"
Those selfish people seem not to be content with owning their own paradise. They want to control what others do with their property. They coerce the passage of legislation to prevent or restrict renting to tourists. How quickly they forget they were once tourists themselves.
Our concern is for others. Where will the average hard working man take his family for a few days of rest and enjoyment? Not ER area! When there are no more tourists --- will our downtown once again become desolate with empty storefronts?
It is time for community leaders and our political representatives to take positive action to preserve, yes even promote, what ER has long been: a wonderful, friendly, "open" community that welcomes visitors. We should not forget that these visitors spend considerable tourist dollars --- dollars needed to keep our downtown and business community healthy and prosperous.
A proclamation supporting a position declaring ER to be and maintain an open warm welcoming community would e in order. It should be part of our mission statement.
Continuous actions and deeds by Village Government should be the norm so no one ever doubts your (our) resolve to keep ER warm, welcoming, and prosperous. |
| 34. | Be VERY careful how you spend the taxpayer's money. Because of the economy, 9/11, gas crisis, etc., many people are struggling to meet their expenses. Because we live in the village AND the township and we are on the water we are paying very high taxes. The village residents have, I think an unfair burden in paying taxes in both the village and township. Again --- one entity would be good. |
| 35. | One of the charms of ER is that it has not developed like Traverse City. Keep it small and fix up what we have. |
| 36. | I pay about $2,500 taxes per year for a non-lakefront cottage, where I stay for 2 or 3 months a year. I love ER and have since I was 5 years old (I'm 70 now).
Please don't improve things too much. |
| 37. | Taxes (village and township) are TOO HIGH on single family long-term rental houses. Possible tax breaks could be given to those landlords who are local residents. |
| 38. | I'm glad to see that the Village is taking an active role in seeking the input of its residents. The Village of ER is doing a great job! |
| 39. | * Village taxes, fees, assessments, bond issues and millage rates are all way too high and need to be reduced.
* It's good you're doing this survey for future growth guidelines, but remember the majority of full-time residents have limited resources, and can't afford more increases.
* This survey was waaaay too long --- it seem to have lots of areas of contradiction. |
| 40. | Elk Rapids has greatly improved during the 20 years we've lived here. We would like to see more continuity between the east and west sides. Removing every other street light on River St and re-locating them on Ames St to replace old street lights. Also add sidewalks on east side. |
| 41. | It appears that the current property tax system together with recent high property values or cost of new buildings may be a disincentive for attracting residents or businesses to the village. The tax burden is not fairly distributed to property owners and in the long run the property values of all could fall. |
| 42. | Thanks for your efforts to find out what Village residents want. The questions were challenging --- helped me understand the challenges the Planning Commission faces. |
| 43. | Due to my poor penmanship I decided to save you the strain and stress on your eyes by typing my thoughts about Elk Rapids.
A tremendous amount of credit goes to the Village Council for their dedication and time. The Garden Club is truly an asset to the town. It's obvious they take a lot of pride in maintaining the gardens. The gardens are immaculate and have dedicated members working on them on some very hot days. I have stopped by the Chamber of Commerce many times and the people are always friendly and helpful. The Historical Society, Lions Club, AM VETS, etc.. take a lot of pride in the community. The small businesses take pride in their shops. They have nice displays in their windows and keep their storefronts clean. Wednesday Night on River St. is a highlight of the summer season. The marina is very clean and well kept. It's a great asset to Elk Rapids.
I know the businesses rely heavily on tourism for their living, and they have a few short months to make their money. I give them a lot of credit for `hanging in there' during the long winter months.
I don't support more housing additions, apartments or condos. I DO NOT support campgrounds or trailer parks. We need to keep as much open space as possible. Once it's gone you can never get it back. I DO NOT support campers parked on private property more than one night. Short term rentals (1 to 4 weeks) are ok, but there needs to be some stipulations concerning this. Examples: 1) family atmosphere; 2) no loud parties; 3) possibly 2 vehicles to a rental; 4) Limit number of occupants per rental. (1 to 6).
We need a good public restroom, but it doesn't have to stick out like a sore thumb. Make public services available 7 days a week. WE NEED WEEKLY GARBAGE PICK UP SERVICE.
I am very proud of our little village and the people who work so hard to keep it nice. It's obvious there are a lot of people in Elk Rapids who take pride in this little community. Thank you. |
| 44. | We have come to love Elk Rapids and its surrounding area. We hoped to become active and involved when we moved here. We'd really like to see the community, businesses and committees work very hard together to keep this a great place to be! |
| 45. | Thank you for giving me the privilege of giving my input on these issues. |
| 46. | I think for a Village the size of Elk Rapids the length and composition of this survey is excessive. The development of the Village is important but this is a turn-off. I can't imagine the cost and I'm curious about the return --- how many will spend the time! |
| 47. | We would like to see all the info from this survey, from all parties, be PUBLICLY PRINTED for all persons to see and later find out how all these answers are used to make forthcoming decisions. |
| 48. | We love the downtown theater and would like to see some community assistance in restoring it to its original shape! Good job on current improvements. (signed) |
| 49. | This plan is a waste of time and money. Money that should have been used for something beneficial to the village. Too many repeat questions, etc. You still want to know anything. Most of it doesn't even pertain to the village. You ruined the village when you started putting so much cement down. Now you want more. |
| 50. | Congratulations on your Master Plan Survey. It is a very fine job and it should give you the feelings of the people in the Village. I have enclosed my completed survey. In addition to it I would like go over some of the things I have thought about during my 60 years as a summer resident at 329 Center Street on your East side of the Village.
I have enclosed some topo maps of the Village. Each is a different scale so that you can see the features I am discussing Map #1 shows the big picture. The Village can only expand North and South. The land to the North consists of wind and wave deposited sand. The area from North of Birch Lake to the hills South of the Village was open to Grand Traverse Bay when the last glacier left the area 10,000 years ago. In subsequent years it has been filled in by the clockwise current in the Bay. The elevation of the water in Elk Lake is 10 feet higher than the Bay. As a result we have a ten foot hydraulic gradient across this narrow strip of sand. This presents the Village with a unique opportunity to obtain filtered Elk Lake drinking water without having to spend millions on a lake intake -and a filtering plant. Map #2 shows the potential well site area in better detail.
Map #3 shows the Village streets and houses. This information was taken from USGS data that is over 10 years old. You may have noticed that to get to the High School you must go up hill no matter from which direction you approach the schools. If you look at Map#3 you will see a contour line marked 187.5 meters. This outlines what was an island in what was Elk Bay. This was used by the Indians as a summer camp grounds. In our back yard on Center Street we have found arrow heads and stone skinning tools.
From the data that you will gather I assume that you will define the Master plan objectives; From that which you see on the enclosed maps you can see the constraints that exist. I would strongly urge you to make your primary goal The Enhancement of The Quality of Life for the present residents of the Village. This will accomplish two things. It will make a better life for those of us who live in the Village and it will also entice those who wish to establish specialized small manufacturing facilities who want their families to enjoy the quality of life that we have created.
The major development in our area is occurring in the Williamsburg-Acme-Elk Rapids triangle. It has the Resort, the Casino and seven golf courses already. There are large tracts that are public or Conservation entities. With some of the land up for sale, it would be a good time for the Village, Elk Rapids Township and the two townships in the Triangle to get together and discuss the development of this tract. That which happens there will have a serious impact on the future of the Village of Elk Rapids.
If there is any way I can help you, I will be pleased to be asked. I too have a vested interest in that which the future will bring to our area. I will be at our place on Center Street from May 30 th through September. (signed) |
| 51. | Elk Rapids is a unique community. I would hope that there would be some changes but not to lose the "village" concept it now has. A wonderful place to vacation --- if you want activity --- Traverse City close!!! |
| 52. | We don't want any changes. That's why we moved here in the first place;. We like (love) it the way it is! |
| 53. | This form is way too long! I sure hope the results of this survey are comparable to the efforts put forth in its preparation :-) |
| 54. | Elk Rapids is a very quaint, beautiful village. Hopefully the new growth will keep this wonderful area a safe, family-friendly community. |
| 55. | I was raised in ER and graduated from ERHS. I have returned and own a condo in the Sands. I have totally supported the improvements to the downtown area. Elk Rapids has a tremendous asset in the water and access to the lakes. I object to further compromise to access and in fact urge an increase. No more Sands complexes. I would build more public dockage in the Upper Harbor. The town will exist in the future because tourists love the beauty and serenity of the town. Capitalize on the assets ER has and develop a growth plan that is consistent with those assets. I develop automotive industrial facilities all over the world. My great joy is to come home to ER and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village. Cater to the tourists, the future successes of the village will depend on the commerce that is so associated but in a tasteful way. We cannot tolerate a "trinket" village. |
| 56. | What a great survey! Thank you for asking our opinions. We all want the town to be a great one --- now and in the future. It is a beautiful peaceful place. I hope we can keep it somewhat the same even thought the future will bring changes that need to be made to keep it thriving. Best of luck.
My husband says, and I totally agree, that the stumps in the Elk River east of 31 should be cleaned out. It is an eyesore and looks unkempt. No fast food restaurants, please! We didn't like to see Gilroy's come in and run the other hardware store out of business. |
| 57. | The old red-brick dam-building should be painted the same antique tan color currently being used to upgrade all the old state hospital buildings downtown near the Munson Medical Center. This could turn a basic eye-sore into a much more attractive center piece of the Harbor Area. |
| 58. | Are you going to provide/mail/publish a tabulation of this survey for the public? |
| 59. | We love the charming "Northern Michigan" atmosphere of Elk Rapids and the surrounding area. Our experience in living and promoting (actively) other areas we have lived is one of Preservation: Don't Change but allow to grow with SENSITIVITY! EVERYONE is drawn to history. "He who knows where he's from, he knows where he's going!" It's a subconscious level with most people but it works for the environment about you. When expansion is "trendy" it doesn't last. Americans tend to "spit out" that which gets old and run down, tear it down and build something "new." Let's maintain what we have and move slowly into the future, integrating the new with the old and with Grace. |
| 60. | Thanks for planning ahead. Please keep Elk Rapids "small town" |
| 61. | In a nutshell:
MORE OF:
* seasonal rentals
* bike paths
* pedestrian paths
* tourism draws
LESS OF:
* noise
* traffic
* manufacturing
PROJECT:
* water
* parks
* beaches ALWAYS! |
| 62. | Poorly written survey --- many "questions" written so that no valid interpretation of results is possible. Please don't base master plan on this document. Anyone could use any question to support either side of the question! |
| 63. | I hope you mention the present preserved atmosphere of Elk Rapids. It makes a quaint village for tourists and residents to relax in. The harbor improvements have already lost some of our originality. |
| 64. | Survey misses money uses and funding for suggested projects. Need in-depth study of tax base for 10- to 20-yr projections. |
| 65. | One of Elk Rapids' greatest strengths is that of a warm, friendly small town community. The greatest challenge in the future will be to hang onto that feel and character against the pressures for development --- against becoming a "big-city, big-box" suburb of a rapidly expanding Traverse City metropolis. We hope good planning will keep Elk Rapids retain its best features in the future --- as do our children and grandchildren who are also regular visitors. |
| 66. | The village has done a fine job of managing growth. The key is to HAVE GROWTH. Manage it. DO NOT OVER-REGULATE. You must create a job base to pay taxes and improve living for all residents. Continue to expand local industry --- this is where the jobs will be created. Take care of them. (I am [???] one, but know how important it is to help them.) |
| 67. | Need more boat slips for Public in upper harbor to access merchants. |
| 68. | Sorry this is late. Hopefully not too late. |
| 69. | I'm glad to finally see some planning for the inevitable future. The town is only going to grow and it is important to plan for a receptive community that embraces it instead of fighting it. Some possible suggestions:
It's never too late to think about public transit (here to TC?). Encourage water practices that are less eco-damaging. This could include encouragement of natural, native plants that don't require extra water, fewer pesticides and chemicals, runoff that doesn't empty into lakes, water quality education signs along public waters, energy (resource) consumption vs. non-native grasses, etc.
Renewable energy (wind and water) possibilities that the community could utilize for both monetary gain and as an advertisement to prospective residents. Bio-fuel production and utilization by village-owned transportations. Erosion education and possible incentives to those who practice environmentally sound methods.
The success of a village in the future will be determined by its lack of irresponsibility. |
| 70. | Thank you for taking the time and effort to prepare and process this survey. We enjoyed the privilege of filling out this survey. |
| 71. | * large white building by dam looks very bad
* no more antique shops
* need more restaurants
* people speed on N Bayshore Dr all the time. It has become dangerous
* provide convenient car and boat trailer parking |
| 72. | Bayshore Dr needs paving. Not just patching. This is a great route for running/biking/walking and needs serious attention.
A few village residents are highly taxed for the benefit of all of the community. If we want a more upscale community, all need to pay. If we want new residents then we can't up the taxes to where these people leave and no one comes in. |
| 73. | Sorry this was late. I love the community here. It does bother me there are so many condos going up. It appears to be a tourist area more than geared for regular middle-class families. We need to take care of families and elderly. I don't like to have to travel far to go get our goods and services. Also our youth need not travel far, promoting more youth related accidents and deaths. Create activities here to help keep them safe. Also look at how now the drivers training is no longer free, was when I was a youth. It is a real shame. This world is getting greedier and greedier. What are they going to do for hunter safety now? If the won't have the Sportsman's Club? Hopefully that will be fixed. Maybe someone has a good idea for a new site? Also I don't want everything to be a political issue. Example: Acme township with Wal-mart and Meijer. Sooo stupid. Irritates me bad. Can't disallow growth. We are a free county. Some people shouldn't have the right to speak for everybody if I want to open a legitimate business, e.g. pizzeria or subway… let me! Not hurting anyone! |
| 74. | 1. Survey is a good idea if info is used and results publicized.
2. Support farmland preservation efforts.
3. Village must protect against overdevelopment.
4. Study changing demographics of township and village. Don't let Elk Rapids become a town for the wealthy only. Keep the balance of socio-economic groups: very important! |
| 75. | An economy based on tourism is not healthy for the community or the environment and ultimately destroys the quality of life in the area. Emphasis on "soft-footprint" industry and entry-level housing generates income and population to maintain quality schools, municipal facilities, and living areas while protecting our unique and precious environment.
Development which promotes less energy use will be critical in the years ahead. Expand the Village away from the water to promote less expensive, non-tourist building sites. Provide incentives for PUDs integrating residence, workplace, and recreation. |
| 76. | Control is excessive to own village property in Elk Rapids at this time. |
| 77. | I have completed this to the best of my knowledge.
HOWEVER: At mid-90's age and having sold our business about 20 years ago, I have not been too involved I seeing the town you chose to do planning on. Subsequently, I fear that these survey items from me are not of much actual use… (signed). |
| 78. | Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink (unless it's boiled) and then it's too expensive! It's a "hard pill to swallow" even though I understand why.
The "For Sale or Rent" signs for business and residences alike forewarn due to the large amount and high prices. Many who may work here, live elsewhere and those who can afford to live here, most probably work elsewhere.
Zoning variances are too readily granted so new taxes can be gleaned. Village and townships alike do this. Zoning should not be readily changed.
Winter on River St is a hazard of snow and ice near curbing. Our plow can't plow nor shopkeepers clean walks like they once did. POOR PLANNING loses our businesses.
PS: sorry I misplaced my glasses while writing my comments. |
| 79. | Thanks for doing this. Elk Rapids is a special place and should stay that way, building on its strengths. |
| 80. | We very much appreciate the opportunity to provide this input on Elk Rapids' future! |
| 81. | The questionnaire appears to be stacked in favor of curbs, sidewalks, and increased construction/utilization of village sewers and water.
Some of the choices offered regarding these issues constitute a "Hobson's Choice" in that there is really no choice at all. Sandy berms, for example, and a lane-like appearance can add charm to a village street, while also providing filtration for runoff. Also, in the same vein, one may have trees in such a setting. Sidewalks and curbs are not prerequisites for trees. Nor are curbs prerequisites to sidewalks. |
| 82. | Elk Rapids is NOT GOING IN THE DIRECTION OUR FAMILY WANTS
[1] Too many lights/bright downtown
[2] Recently too much land ownership, development in the hands of too few people
[3] A Police Force with one officer lacking complete Public Relation skills
[4] Why are we so obsessed with "more," "bigger," better." Progress is not always a positive thing
[5] Too few things for young people in town
It appears that almost EVERYTHING being done in ER is geared towards the non-local population:
-- Condo
-- Tourism businesses
-- And NOW possibly a brick structure in Memorial Park. Porta Johns are fine.
At some point this development is going to make us look so homogenized that one will be hard pressed to tell us apart from other "Tourist Towns" up here.
IT'S HORRIBLE!
The good things about ER:?
-- Relatively qet. less so now than 20 yeas ago, butgenerally quie-- Not a lot of unneeded pavement-- Lots of open spaces
-- Almost rural feel
-- NOT an excessive amount of Tourist rentals
We should strive to keep this.
20 years from now we (our family) we might regret the direction Elk Rapids has been taking in the last 10. FYI Four generations of our family have lived in ER. |
| 83. | Like many of the residents in this area, we love the small town atmosphere. We realize change is inevitable as the community continues to grow, but we would like to keep it to remain the way it is as much as possible. Thank you for providing the opportunity to take part in this survey. |
| 84. | None of the questions seem to relate to the image of the future of Elk Rapids as a bedroom community or "suburb" of Traverse City. I believe that if you create a wonderful place to live with good schools people will come to live there and commute to Traverse City to work. |
| 85. | Traffic noise control and reduction* and aesthetic improvements like sidewalks/bike paths and buried utility lines are improvements I would like to see. The improvements in the village on River St over the past 10-15 years have been very positive. (* truck breaking on 31; sirens on emergency vehicles; speed limit enforcement) |
| 86. | Village taxes much too high for services received |
| 87. | I don't think it is fair that summer residents don't get to vote on issues hat come up. You always hold the elections when summer property owners are gone. |
| 88. | Some effort should be made to black top road and parking area next to dam (dam road). Suggest SMALL picnic area (a FEW picnic tables) in area between Bay and Upper Harbor north of cut tot Bay. This area currently is somewhat an eyesore. |
| 89. | I appreciate the opportunity to input!
Elk Rapids has become and continues to develop into a significant and PRETTY Northern Michigan village. It is blessed with a beautiful natural setting.
A key point - TAXES ARE INCREDIBLE and will ultimately make this an UNAFFORDABLE TOWN FOR ALL!
Be wise with the tax $ and bring in some industry to cut the TAX rate while beautifying our village. |
| 90. | Who funded this questionnaire |
| 91. | Having been a resident for many years I've seen many changes within our town as well as within the township. The number one and greatest change was the development of the lower harbor. I believe that was the glistening jewel that fostered much of the growth witnessed in recent years. The second most important thing was the augmentation of the DDA. The people involved in the planning of both of these projects are to be commended. In short, I believe that emphasis should be put on the expansion of both. As we have seen, development will follow. The DDA might be enlarged to cover the US-31 corridor from Elk Lake Rd. to North of the bridge. The only thing that looks decent along this stretch of highway is the Rotary Park and the Village water tower. It was a mistake for the Village to let the Palmer property slip away. Perhaps a good look, now, should be had by the Village of the possibilities of acquiring the Super Tool property before it's allowed to slip away and become more of a shambles then it presently is. After all, you want to look ahead 20 years! How about 50 years or a 100 years? I'd be more than happy to participate in a tax millage for the removal of this eyesore if it meant that the ultimate ownership of the land would be with the Village. The cleanup of the entire west side of US-31, opening the vista of Bridge St. to the west would encourage the continued natural development of Bridge St. South. Then, the visibility of Bridge St. and the Village would be more open to US-31 and, thus, more identifiable. |
| 92. | Congratulations on a very good effort and complete survey. It was appreciated. |
| 93. | I love the improvements that have been made in the business district in the last 10-20 years - flower beds, marina improvement, etc. I generally don't like change in Elk Rapids! My mother and grandparents had been in Elk Rapids about every summer since 1927. Every summer we would lament any new building or other change that had popped up since the last summer! That sense of continuity, familiarity, is what makes Elk Rapids so special. I realize I do not make my living in Elk Rapids, so I am biased in that way. I hope Elk Rapids continues not to allow fast food (McDonalds) and WalMart type places and tall condos. Water (lake) quality is also EXTREMELY important to me.
Thank you! |
| 94. | Make sure projects are completed & in timely manner (ex., Bridge St. - new road expanded, my yard is full of uneven ground, twisted ankle several times just getting mail or mowing lawn, yard is full of weeds hardly any grass now, was told a red maple tree & light would be put on between road & sidewalk. Place for light but nothing else is there. No pole or light, just square & no red maple tree either. |
| 95. | Thank you for preparing this Master Plan Survey. It certainly made me think about the future of our town and re-evaluate my feelings about the next generation of residents and owners of property. |
| 96. | Get rid of the lights all over town. Attracts people all night long. If you turn out the lights like at 11PM, maybe people will go home and sleep. It is so bright in town you can't even see the heavens. |
| 97. | It does not matter what we have marked you'll do as you want. |
| 98. | We hope that the growth of Elk Rapids over the next 10-20 years will NOT damage the quaint and cozy village we love! That is the reason we bought a summer/weekend home, which we eventually plan to reside in Elk Rapids.
Please carefully consider how Elk Rapids should/can grow, or it will tragically end up like any other sprawling town. Plan and plan well! It is such a JEWEL IN THE NORTH.
Thank you, (signed) |
| 99. | We appreciate the effort to gain public opinion of issues facing the Village of Elk Rapids.
Overall we prefer limited conservative growth with little or no increased costs to taxpayers. We feel issues such as public water and sewer connection to entire Village would create hardships for many. Emphasis should be placed [on] strict rules and public health dept. compliance of properly maintained wells and septic systems where they currently exist. Strict rules and compliance of building, zoning, sign rules are also important. |
| 100. | My husband and I feel that you cannot stunt growth, but you must have a plan and execute it. In general, we would like to move there and have our business there someday. It would be nice to see it as busy in the winter as the summer. To have it grow and keep the small town feel is a challenge to the people in charge. We would like to see a board who is educated… and open minded about the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to give our opinion. |
| 101. | Keeping ER a 'small town' is the most important concept to maintain.
Change is OK if it can be done without changing the reason people come here. |
| 102. | I think the current sign ordinance is too strict. Businesses off River St. do not get enough exposure.
I heard that Widow's Walk was not allowed to serve breakfast. This is wrong. How can a B&B survive without the second 'B"?
Village should more strongly enforce dogs not on leashes.
Need better selection of restaurants & more restaurants.
Riverwalk Cafe should have handicap bathrooms. Isn't this a law?
Should start collections of Harbor Days early in the summer during Evenings on River St. nights. |
| 103. | My longer term vision for Elk Rapids is a smaller, upscale 'self-sufficient' village (larger single-family residential) with first rate schools that exist primarily for Village residents and THEIR CHILDREN. Tourists should feel welcome, but they should not be a primary reason for the village to exist. But, the community should welcome businesses because successful businesses are a key to the village staying self sufficient.
Finally, we should encourage people who currently live in Traverse City to live in Elk Rapids because Elk Rapids will become a 'better' place to live.
The village should also be sensitive to how much they tax because we want the community to continue to economically …
Also we need to remember that property has value and we can't overly regulate or restrict property rights unless the village is prepared to pay for it. |
| 104. | Section IX and X - What's the intended difference between `2 - Moderate Effort' and `4 - Some Effort'??? |
| 105. | Better dog control through enforcement. |
| 106. | Combine Township and Village government. There is no reason to continue with 2 sets of government --- boards, zoning, treasurers, etc.
Effective leadership means change. |
| 107. | ER is a wonderful community, the 'small' town atmosphere is what we like.
Hopefully we can keep it, so [that] community people own businesses, etc. No 'big' stores, NO Walmart, etc. We can go to TC for that.
You people have done a good job so far. Please keep our town a quaint wonderful village. |
| 108. | You have a beautiful little town here. I'm grateful to see such thoughtful consideration in planning for the future. |
| 109. | Think of ways to keep folks "IN" town to shop and dine, [folks] that visit and LIVE here. Where in town can I buy a pair of men's shoes? I.E., we heed something akin to a department type store, to keep folks from driving all the way to Traverse City for daily shopping needs.
Another grocery store -- this seems to be monopolized here. Competition is good for business. Actually the Super Tool building/location would be a prefect spot for such a business.
Thanks for the opportunity to voice an opinion. |
| 110. | Trees removed due to age and disease along all streets should be replaced with new trees ASAP.
External wood heating units should be regulated --- smoke, burning waste materials and height of flue should be regulated. |
| 111. | Repair existing side walks. Eliminate emergency sirens. Use beepers and cell phones. |
| 112. | Please give it up re: bathrooms at Memorial Park.
What is the cost of this survey and where could the money have done more good? How many 'man hours' went into this? |
| 113. | We are concerned that ER may become like Petoskey, Charlevoix, and TC which will detract from it safe feeling, small town charm. |
| 114. | For years ER has tried to return to its 1800 industrial status. It isn't going to happen, concentrate on the wonderful waters available. That's the future of ER. |
| 115. | Hats off to the Planning Commission for this great effort Probably one of the most user friendly surveys I've every completed. Good Luck! |
| 116. | * Screen boat storage by River St and US 31.
* Screen boat storage buildings along US 31 or better yet, move them!
* Stop allowing boat storage in front yards! |