Is Private Property Really Private

Several lakefront property owners on Lake Charlevoix are demanding action be taken to protect their rights as property owners. Two years ago, when Robert and Barbara Frisch purchased their condo at the base of Charlevoix Street, they never imagined that their boat would be impeded by those on public moorings. The thought of trespassers using private land, floating small boats out to party never crossed their mind. When this issue continued to come up several police reports later, the problem finally hit the top of the ladder: the City Commission. “This is our home, and we truly respect this as being our home. We’ve been very tolerant, we’ve kept calls to a minimum. Our lives have been disrupted” said Barbara Frisch at the City Commission meeting on September 23. Provided to the Commissioners was a picture of trespassers on private docks in a “Go Blue” boat, as well as a picture of their private boat being blocked by a moored boat.” With this was a police report, investigation report, as well as maps showing two moorings as being 103 feet apart, while the public property only spans 68 feet. “These people have a very legitimate gripe.” said Commissioner Ron Grunch “I wouldn’t put up with it myself if I lived there, I think it’s gone on too long.” It was agreed to research the matter further and come up with a plan of action. “We want our property back as private property. We live in this community. There are many people who think that we are just ‘downstaters’ but that is simply not true.” said Barbara Frisch in an interview. The plan of action will be revisited at the next meeting of the City Commission.