Greenhurst Residents Express Wetland Regulation Concerns
Readers' Forum
To The Reader’s Forum:
Dear Governor Hochul,
As full-time lakefront property owners, we are writing in response to the proposed “wetlands” designation of the Chautauqua Lake Southern Basin. We firmly oppose this proposal.
Who will be affected should this proposal pass?
– Over 1,300 lakefront property owners (and thousands more “lake rights” residents) who assumed their lake was recreational
– Property values will plummet and lake use will be limited
– Multiple lakefront businesses and organizations will suffer, including, but not limited to:
– A new 135 room, nine-acre resort which includes a lakeside restaurant, pool and dock slips (always filled in season)
– Seven marinas servicing thousands of boaters
– Five public beaches/ parks
– Two campgrounds
– Several clubs (such as Rod & Gun, CHQ Yacht Club, etc.)
– Multiple lakefront/ lakeview restaurants
– A bustling YWCA
– Two sailing schools, plus
– Dozens of lakeview shops and boutiques
An economic cascade effect will ensue: tourism in the southern basin areas will dwindle and businesses will face demise thus leading to a shrunken tax base. Who will make up for the loss of taxes? The rest of us. Property values shrink and residential taxes will increase.
We believe you recently purchased a lake home. We’re hoping you understand our deep concern for any impediment to the recreational and personal use of the southern basin of Lake Chautauqua.
Lake Chautauqua is a lake. Not a marsh or wetland.
Please keep it that way so we as well as our neighbor.
Sincerely,
Marc and Lisa Vitantonio
Greenhurst