I am writing to let you know I oppose a second Anthony's restaurant at our marina. In fact, for ecological impact reasons, I discourage any major construction at the marina (other than repairs to existing structures, or infrastructural upgrades).
Every winter I am amazed at what Mother Nature does to the Beach Park, and for the past couple of years I have been looking at the water-damaged hillside where a condominium building might someday slide down onto the marina parking lot. I'm afraid that construction at the marina will magnify the flooding problems that we already have.
Earline Byers deserves the credit for drawing this situation to my attention. In her most recent article in the Des Moines News, she quotes Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury as saying, "I'm all about revenue. The average launch annual income is about $60,000. Operational/labor costs are about $80,000 per year resulting in a deficit balance."
I'm pleased our harbormaster is concerned about a $20,000 deficit but I believe the launch generates more than $60,000 income for the city of Des Moines. I know from personal experience that those who use the boat launch spend more money in Des Moines than just the price of the launch. Launch users buy fuel at the marina dock, eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores on their way to and from the marina.
You're shortsighted if you remove the boat launch because it doesn't generate enough income, especially when you can raise the launch price.
In the city's "Comprehensive Marina Master Plan - Updated 6-14-07," the Marina Vision is described as: "When the Marina began operations in 1970 it primarily served the local boating public. However, as the community of Des Moines developed around the Marina, it has become a significant public asset for the downtown area and a place where the entire community can enjoy the unique qualities and character of Des Moines."
God help us if the unique qualities and character of Des Moines are defined as another chain restaurant at the marina.
MaryEllen Laird
Des Moines
