To the editor:
At a disappointing Nov. 3 New Ulm City Council meeting, the council considered approving a Minnesota Legacy grant application to place primitive campsites at Riverside and Minnecon Parks.
Why were the park area residents not included in this process from the beginning? Why did the area's councilor not respond to a constituent's request to vote no? Why did the mayor suggest approving a grant application (knowing that spending must meet the wording of the proposal) and worry about details later? Why was public comment closed before the public, in general, was aware of what was being proposed? Why did several council members seem unaware of what was being proposed. I do want to thank Councilman Rockvam for supporting the residents and pointing out logistical and fiscal problems.
I have four areas of concern for the proposed campgrounds.
Aesthetics - Concerns by citizens were passed off as a "not in my back yard" complaint. Most people are concerned about what happens in their neighborhood. Concerns about disrupted views, lights, noise from generators and parties, smoke from campfires and crime are legitimate. Smoke will not always blow into Nicollet County as sarcastically suggested at the meeting.
I contend that Riverside Park is not just my front yard, it is the front yard to the Minnesota River for all citizens of New Ulm. This is the town's only open access, green spot for the public to watch river levels, ducks in the flooded park, eagles on the wing and the passing of the seasons. This park was recently rated as one of the best spots in the state to watch fall colors. How will replacing valuable green space with an asphalt road, gravel camping spurs, fire pits and picnic tables improve the ability to appreciate the river valley? This park is highly used, particularly the area proposed for camping. Why would the city council consider depriving the residents of New Ulm access and change a community park to a commercial venture - supposedly geared to tourists?
Practicality - Riverside Park is prone to flooding. This will provide physical and legal challenges when constructing the campground. Camping near a public water access might require a variance. I heard no mention of approvals from the appropriate agencies at the council meeting.
The DNR has had to close and relocate two state park campgrounds located in the Minnesota River flood plain due to recurring flood damage. Would Riverside Park be different? In my opinion, how these campgrounds will compliment or compete with other parks and campgrounds in New Ulm and the surrounding area was not thought through.
Environmental impacts - I do not believe that questions on the potential effects on the river by continual camping were answered at this meeting. An increase in debris and run-off from asphalt and gravel surfaces and compacted soils is likely. Based on soils and remnant vegetation, the lower portion of Riverside Park should qualify as a wetland, requiring a replacement plan. At the very least, an environmental impact statement should be required before any modifications to the park are made.
Fiscal - The potential for litter such as broken glass, open fires, and the river itself to cause injury on city property was not adequately addressed. The presence of alcohol combined with the previous hazards raises liability issues. An alcohol policy had not been formulated. Although a 10 p.m. quiet time was suggested, no provision for enforcement of any campground policy was outlined. Contrary to Scott Sparlin's comments, campgrounds are not self-policing.
The Legacy grant, if funded, would provide 75 percent of the funding. Unfortunately 25 percent of construction costs and 100 percent of the maintenance and policing costs would be borne by the taxpayers of New Ulm. Could a speculated retail benefit to New Ulm actually offset these costs? Does New Ulm Parks and Rec really want to get into the campground business?
With more thought, a proposal could be developed that does not involve destroying a community and city asset like Riverside park.
Bruce Potter
New Ulm