Fence, Fake Materials Are Unsightly Intrusion
To the Editor:

I'm sure that the DNR's designer of the new "stone" columns and "wood" rail fence along the marina meant no harm. Stone equals historic; fake stone equals savings. Sadly, it also equals fake history, which is what Disneyland does. Real history is what Mackinac does and is - and should strive to remain, which is why this oversized Playmobil-style fence should be dismantled and sold to a medieval theme park.

The scale of the fence, the fake materials, and other "amenities" along the marina's shoreline are an unsightly intrusion on the Island's fragile aesthetic and historic character. And that character is already threatened, as this paper reported in the June 2, 2007 issue: "The concern among preservationists is that Mackinac Island may be following a similar path (loss of National Historic Landmark status), as historic architecture is being replaced with buildings mimicking Victorian design. 'The loss of historic authenticity could impact the Island's National Historic Register status,' said Dr. Jane Busch, a consulting preservationist who, seven years ago, prepared the nomination to establish all of Mackinac Island as a historic landmark."

Why should we care? If not for aesthetic reasons, then for pocketbook reasons: Historic Landmark status attracts tourists, and it also makes restoration funding available to landowners of historic properties, including a State Historic Restoration tax credit.

And unlike other modern intrusions that improve public safety, like street address numbers, this one is completely unnecessary. Take a look at the old rail fence that was there and see if this is an improvement - or just a waste of money.

And who gave the okay to the design of this marina rehab project? Does the city of Mackinac Island have no say in the look of it, or the materials to be used? Did the Planning Commission sign off on this plastic fence? Wasn't the Post Office told last spring that it could not replace its wooden picket fence with a vinyl one? So how did the DNR slip this monstrosity past us?

Perhaps it's too late; perhaps, as they say, it's set in stone. Well, okay, but it's not real stone.

Please lend your voice to the effort to get the DNR to remove this over-sized Playmobil plastic fence and replace it with something suitably authentic to Mackinac Island. Contact Todd Wyett, chairman, Waterways Commission, tawyett@aol.com; Bob Brown, Waterways commissioner and chairman of the Mackinac Island Planning Commission, City of Mackinac Island, MI 49757 (906) 847- 3351.

Susan Lenfestey

Mackinac Island

Editor's Note: The Planning Commission's comments were covered in the Town Crier