6-11-14 fdl councilmember opposes commercial development at lakeside park

A Fond du Lac city councilmember says he’s not convinced that commercial development at Lakeside Park  is in the best interests of the community.  The Fond du Lac city council is expected to support forming an adhoc committee to study the issue at their meeting Wednesday night.  No specific proposal has come forward although supporters say private commercial development could include a hotel, convention center,

restaurant,  or specialty shops.  Gary Miller questions why those types of businesses would have to be at the park. "I try to keep an open mind trying to decide what kind of private, commercial  development needs to be in Lakeside Park,"  Miller told AM 1170 WFDL's Between the Lines program.  "I'm just wracking my brain and I want to be convinced that we need to take this pristine gem of a city park and turn it into a private enterprise.  To convince me, that would have to be the overriding reason for me to move in that direction."    Miller disagrees with those who say the park is underutilized and a commercial development would help draw people to the park.  "It (Lakeside Park) is an attractive in and of itself,"  Miller said.