March, 2007

Residents fight to save a public park in Michigan from a corporate take-over

BY PEOPLE’S TRIBUNE STAFF

Below, Carol Drake, vice president of "Friends of Jean Klock Park," speaks about the struggle to save a public park located on the coveted Lake Michigan shoreline in Benton Harbor. Corporations are trying to turn the park into an expensive golf course that the majority of the community cannot afford to use.

"The Jean Klock Park is considered to be the last undeveloped property on the Lake Michigan shore line between Sagutuack and New Buffalo. Therefore it is sought after by developers. Benton Harbor is the only African American community in the state with deeded access to Lake Michigan. No other African American community owns Lake Michigan access. As one of the oldest parks in Michigan, it was deeded to the City of Benton Harbor in 1917, purchased specifically so the city would own their own lakefront.

"Benton Harbor residents have been forced to choose between the environment and the speculation that the golf course will transform the city and provide jobs. In reality, a public park is being taken over by private entities. We are fighting the Whirlpool Corporation. This is part of their 530 acre Harbor Shores development project. They can build it without using the park.

"This is about fighting for our heritage, to keep what's ours. I'm not in this to make a name for myself, and the Friends of Jean Klock Park are not going to back down. Someone is trying to take something that does not belong to them. If they get this park, that's it. You might as well pack your bags. You won't be able to afford to live here, or you won't want to live here because wealthy second home owners will be calling the shots. It will build resentment within the community and eventually lead to a cultural clash."

Contact Friends of Jean Klock Park at www.savejeanklockpark.org for more information.