Supervisor's Weekly E-Letter

November 18, 2004

Note: Pursuant to state law, the new Township Board officially assumes power on Saturday, Nov. 20th at noon.

Bridge Meeting

The township will host a public forum on Bridge issues. The public information meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6th at 7pm in the Merle Solomon Board Room of Township Hall. Township Supervisor Elect Kurt Kobiljak will host the meeting and representatives from the county, state and federal government will be on hand to talk about the bridges and community access issues. You are invited to bring your questions and comments, or watch it live on GI-TV.

The Email Bag

Dear Doug...I have enjoyed the debate, I will miss this format and public forum. Thank God we still have the ACLU to protect our freedom of speech...just in case we might need them...you have left the island with grace..and we look forward to your return...
A Parke Lane resident

Seems to me the argument for stealing the toll bridge is extremely weak. Obtaining "free and unencumbered access to the mainland" is more of an issue with the county over a poorly maintained, weak structure we call the "free bridge". I am against wasting my tax dollars in a frivolous law suit the Township can't possibly win. It would make more sense to go after the county to spend more money upgrading the county bridge so it can stand up to the heavy traffic it receives. I have regularly, willingly, used the toll bridge since 1963. During those 42 years I have always found the toll persons courteous, and the bridge well maintained. I've never wanted to own it. The Ambassador Bridge is privately owned and I haven't heard of the USA or Canada feeling the need to take it over. If you think the tolls are too high now, wait until the Township drags the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Company through a long court battle.
Island Resident

Job well done, Doug. Best wishes.
Island Resident

Doug, Congratulations on a strong 12 years. Your efforts have clearly resulted in a continually improved Grosse Ile. Kurt, please keep up the regular email communications with residents -- they are convenient, timely, and informative. By the way, will the bridge meeting be televised for those persons unable to attend? If so, could you please mention the particulars (i.e., date/time/channel)?
A Marquette Resident

Note: The Bridge Meeting will be cablecast live and rebroadcast in the weeks following. It can be watched on GI-TV, which is Comcast 12 and can also be found on the WOW system. The Meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 6th beginning at 7pm.

Well said and thank you for all you have done! We will miss you.
Island Resident

Best wishes to you in your future.
Island Resident

Doug, thank you for all you have done for Grosse Ile. You did a great job! Enjoy your new life.
Former Island Resident

More GI Arts Honors

GI resident Justin Rito accepting Young Artist of the Year Award for Wayne County. It was presented by GI Resident Rosie Meyer, and was nominated by GI Resident Pam Frucci.

Justin graduated from GIHS last year and is currently at Alma College. His activities include classical piano, choirs, theatre, marching band & concert band both at GIHS and at Alma. His major focus is on piano, although he plays the trombone too, and was drum major. He was Ren McCormack in Footloose, Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz among many other parts in GIHS stage productions.

For more information see: http://www.waynearts.org/.

Picture of the Week

Wintery GI Lighthouse at sunrise.

This Week in Island History

Nov. 1913 - Thanksgiving Day - Toll Bridge was opened at the north end of the Island.

The Toll Bridge pictured from the Riverview Boat Launch:

On Thanksgiving Day in 1976, 28 years ago, the look of the Island's central intersection was forever changed. Fire wiped out five businesses and four apartments at Four Corners. The building, which among other things housed a restaurant and gas station, was located on the northwest corner of the Meridian and Parkway intersection. The loss was estimated at $200,000. The site was cleared, acquired by the township and landscaped.

Compiled by Clare Koester, GI Historical Society

Photos courtesy the GI Historical Society

Before the fire:

After the fire:

Personal Note: I would like to thank Clare Koester and the GI Historical Society for their help in compiling the historical facts and pictures published in this newsletter over the last several years. Clare's work has been so valuable and is greatly appreciated!

Quotes of the Week

From Thomas Jefferson before his two terms as President, before his term as Secretary of State and Vice President, and before his role in founding the University of Virginia and the Louisiana Purchase/Lewis&Clark Expedition, referring to his decision to abandon government service:

"I have taken my final leave of everything of that nature (politics), have retired to my farm, my family and books from which I think nothing will ever separate me."

Resources available at Grosse Ile On-Line include:
Past weekly updates: http://www.grosseile.com/government/supervisor/eletters.html
Searchable township code, zoning ordinance & master plan: http://www.grosseile.com/government/index.html
This week on GI-TV: http://www.grosseile.com/government/cable/gitv.html

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