Hot and Cold Opinions About Ludington

[XLFD]

On the Opinion page of the March 9, 2015 edition of the City of Ludington Daily News (COLDNews) we got a double dose of what usually amounts to the most interesting and best written part of the paper, the opinions and commentaries of readers, just like you, sent in to be published.  At the top of the page was a My Turn/Speaking Out piece penned by Kristin Korendyke, the executive director of Sandcastle Museum on the northwest corner of the Ludington and Harrison intersection.

Her piece dealt with a recent fire incident at that museum that was handled professionally and superlatively by the Ludington Fire Department.  One thing that is very noticeable in the commentary when read throughout is that Ms. Korendyke lavishes well deserved praise onto the LFD for their actions in the first two and last paragraphs of her writing. 

But in all those middle paragraphs she shows quite a lot of appreciation and praise for her own organization at Sandcastles Museum, and uses the opportunity to seek donations for their efforts.  Such dedication to her organization is admirable, but I think it deflected a bit away from her gratitude with the local fire department, and perhaps was a little bit too self serving. 

It is not debatable that she holds both organizations in high esteem and focused on the positive aspects both groups have in our community.  It is also not debatable that when the LFD and Sandcastles function in their usual capacity, they are among the best that we have in our community.  We don't have to experience a near-fire in the museum to get that concept. 

But as if in balance to this puff piece, two related letters in the Reader's Forum took a different approach.  Both referenced the freezing of the water line of a resident, Theresa Baker, living at 710 North James Street and the City of Ludington's response to that incident.  Be careful, the first letter is heavily dosed with sarcasm, while the second reveals an interesting bit of Ludington lore about your responsibility for what should be city-controlled pipes. 

Ironically, the very night of March 9th was the first reading of an ordinance that would adjust water rates once again, where a citizen noted that since 2009 the water rates have been raised 39% while the inflation rate has been less than 9%.  The city council also adopted a resolution to issue bonds to invest up to $13 million into water supply issues and had the first reading of an ordinance that would allow water restrictions to be enforced by the city manager under certain conditions. 

As noted, Manistee, who have their own infrastructure problems with water, at least have more sensible policies regarding lines beyond your control, encouraged residents to run water when pipes were in danger of freezing (and offered remuneration for inflated water bills), and offered citizens without water due to frozen pipes the opportunity to use facilities at the city marina. 

In Ludington, you're locked out of the city marina facilities 365 days a year unless you berth a boat, even though the state created them in agreements that said the public could use them.  Ludington encouraged running water without any sort of concern to inflated bills, and as noted, do not have sensible policies regarding lines running in the public right of ways, which our city will tell you belongs to the City of Ludington, but you are responsible for them. 

If you enjoyed the first type of commentary exhibited by the Sandcastle executive which affirms your vision of what is best in Ludington, more power to you.  But if you enjoyed and commiserated with the second pair of ladies, making ends meet in this city and loving it, despite the slings and arrows of a local government that should be working for them, then even more power to you.  Critical expositions are far more entertaining and meaningful whether you agree or disagree with them.

[Willy]

Most cities have meters inside the dwelling and residents are responsible for piping on the house side of the meter and the water providers are responsible for the piping on the street side of the meter. Many cities have a designated team of workers who will thaw out the frozen pipes the provider is responsible for. I have never heard of any city that requires property owners to maintain piping under the streets. Most cities do not want welders connected to water piping because of potential problems but it seems Ludington doesn't care how pipes are thawed as long as they don't have to do it.

[stump]

A number of years ago the city of Whitehall had frozen water lines. The city had big portable welders hooked up to fire hydrants thawing out the mains. In the city of Ludington you are responsible from your house to the shut off. That is usually located at the property line. Now if the shut off doesn't shut off you are also responsible for that replacement cost plus the labor , probably the $500. bucks that was stated in the article , been there done that deal. Also if you have a problem with your sewer line , you are responsible to the main, that's usually in the center of the street Can you imagine digging up a street and replacing the sewer line , then having to have the street repaved to road specs. I can , I had to do it twice . Same bull shit with the sidewalks, city sidewalk and your responsible for repair or replacement at the city's whim. I just love Ludington , Yea right.

[MED]

Amen, Stump! Harbor Terrace Condos also had to pay for ancient sewer lines under the street to be fixed by the city. The city blamed the original developer for "damage" to lines that were several yards away under the pavement. It really sucks!