Meeting set for residents in Racine, Kenosha Counties that need "urgent" help with bluff erosion issues



MOUNT PLEASANT -- Some along Lake Michigan in parts of Racine and Kenosha Counties continue to watch their properties wash away. Homes are at risk of falling into Lake Michigan -- along with roads and utility lines. There is a special meeting scheduled in Mount Pleasant Thursday, July 14th for residents that need "urgent" help.

Governor Scott Walker has sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers formally requesting federal help to control the bluff erosion problem in Mount Pleasant.

Bluff erosion along Lake Michigan



According to a statement from Mount Pleasant Interim Village Administrator Tim Zarzecki, a Department of Natural Resources representative will be at the Mount Pleasant Village Hall Thursday, July 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to assist people with "urgent bluff stabilization projects."

Zarzecki noted this is for urgent requests -- and those with routine requests should use the normal DNR process.

In June, FOX6 News introduced you to Tom and Marge Lindgren, who live in the Town of Somers.

"All I'm waiting for is the next storm and it could happen. You never know," Tom Lindgren said.

Bluff erosion along Lake Michigan



The Lindgrens live in one of more than a dozen homes in Racine and Kenosha Counties affected by severe, rapid erosion, caused, in part by rising lake levels and crashing waves.

"It was a beautiful tree -- and we lost our picnic table," Lindgren said.

Mount Pleasant Village President Jerry Garski hopes property owners like the Lindgrens will come to the Mount Pleasant Village Hall between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to meet with DNR officials one-on-one.

Bluff erosion along Lake Michigan



"There`s rumors going around that if you touch the lake bank, you`re going to jail. And the DNR doesn`t want you to think that they just want you to come in and talk to them first -- that they know what`s going on. They`ll give you their permit and their blessing and you can get started," Garski said.

Garski said he expects most people who come to the meeting will receive a temporary permit to start bluff stabilization efforts.

And it's not just for Mount Pleasant residents.

Bluff erosion along Lake Michigan



"When I talked to the DNR, I said I did not want this just for Mount Pleasant. I wanted it for anybody that did have a problem," Garski said.

Officials stress that this meeting is for those with urgent problems -- not for regular maintenance issues.

Appointments must be made by calling the Mount Pleasant Village Hall at (262) 664-7820.

Garski said we can expect another announcement on the bluff erosion issue next week.

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