Regarding an article from the Sept. 10 edition of the Highland Park News – “Boaters unhappy with boat launch traffic plan” – it is regrettable that the city of Highland Park, and the park district, have been cowed by bureaucrats from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, who deemed the “degree of public access unacceptable.”
These bureaucrats are paid to fantasize about a whole range of possible vulnerabilities, all of which have no precedent at other water intake plants. I believe the public has a right to unfettered access to its own beach, supported by our taxes, which should take priority over the musings of desk-bound officials who are beyond the reach of the voters. Where does this go next? An electrified fence? Guard towers? Whatever happened to common sense?
Ronald Kallen
Highland Park