Update

During the first week of November both area papers, the Roscommon Herald and the Houghton Lake Resorter, ran articles stating that the HLPOA, the Higgins Lake Civic Association and local government agencies were discussing lake access issues. We would like to clarify exactly what these discussions entailed and how they would affect the lake and our members. The focus of the discussions was very narrow and would affect people in only three subdivisions.

Carey & Jaskowski, P.L.L.C. represent the riparians in all three subdivisions; Sovereign Park, Almeda Beach and the 1st Addition to Michigan Central Park. All three subdivisions have platted boulevards that run parallel to the lake. Each of the boulevards present problems for the adjacent riparian owners. In each of these subdivisions our members literally have people walking and recreating very close to their front windows. The riparian owners in these subdivisions feel that their lives would be better if, in exchange for some seasonal mooring privileges, the lakeside boulevards are vacated.

We would like to emphasize that the only three areas open for discussion would be the three subdivisions where there is something to be gained for our members. At the same time, we reiterate the HLPOA will not support any discussion or negotiations that are inconsistent with the Jacob’s ruling. Any agreement will require a replat to create township parks. Replatting would require agreement by the township, the Roscommon Road Commission, the Department of Environmental Quality and all residents in the subdivisions involved. If all of the necessary participants agree, a consent judgment would result. The township would then be responsible for policing the mooring and dockage.

The only other issues being discussed are related to the Baxter Marina (Higgins Lake Boat Yard) and the B&B Marina. Both the Townships have expressed an interest in the conversion of these marinas from private to public. Lyon Township may also research the possibility of a public mooring area at the DNR west launch site. To implement public mooring, the townships would charge market rate mooring fees and a road-end ordinance. The road-end ordinance would ban mooring at road-ends. Such an ordinance would relieve HLPOA of the responsibility of enforcing the rule of Jacobs by contempt proceedings.

In closing, we would like to emphasize that the HLPOA wants to show a good faith effort to reach an amicable resolution to the access issues which have plagued Higgins Lake for many years. The HLPOA is serving as a facilitator in the meetings involving the subdivisions that are in conflict. The final outcome is up to the property owners within those subdivisions. Beyond being a facilitator, HLPOA is being careful to make sure that the Jacob’s rule of law is not modified or compromised in any way.

We would like to wish you and your families a very happy holiday. While you are away from your beloved lake, please rest assured that HLPOA will be diligent in protecting your interests and the health of Higgins Lake.

Pat Springstead, President