A Closer Look at the "Caves"

EDITORIAL - Friday, May 08, 2009 - In my last editorial I questioned why anybody would be fighting over the "caves" area considering how badly it's been abused by people who seem to have no regard for our environment. Now let's take a look at the flip side. Superior Chronicle photographer Steve Frank took the photos in the slideshow above.

According the Frank, "Here are some nice views of the area. They don't do it justice. You really need to get out and hike it yourselves. The first is right across Bonnie from one entrance to the trail and the second is at another entrance on top of Newport Hill. Other branches exit onto Iron King Road and other parts of Newport Location. Talk about connecting historically significant buildings!"

In order for anything to ever progressively develop in Ironwood, people need to start working with one another. Everybody needs to understand that City-owned land is really publicly owned land. While everybody has the right to use it, nobody has the right to abuse it. Property that is closed to the public -- is closed to the public. When the City gates or fences off areas, that means that anybody going into those area is trespassing. Whatever rules the City establishes for the "caves" area must be followed by everybody.

At one of the public hearings regarding the Miners Memorial Heritage Trail, I believe it was Ken Hazel that referred to the "caves" area as "a diamond in the rough!" I cannot think of a better description for the land. Years ago the City declared the land to be subsiding. Major construction on any of this property would be irresponsible. Selling the property for that purpose would be even more irresponsible. If there is even the slightest question that the land will not support a building -- and every bit of evidence I have seen clearly points in that direction -- then no major construction should be allowed in that area. The "caves" area was once owned by Keeweenaw Land Association. When the Association deeded the land over to the City they made it very clear that the land was not suitable for building.

There is plenty of vacant land throughout the City that developers can utilize. In fact, there are blighted, obsolete properties that would qualify for Brownfield Development funds and other incentives that would make them even more attractive to any developer. Many of the vacant properties throughout the City already have water, sewer, and other utilities in close proximity. This too would save any developer considerable money.

Before anything can be established with the "caves" area, it needs to be cleaned up. Efforts are in the works to establish a "Save the Caves" clean-up event. Volunteers are urged to participate. Collectively, if everybody rolls up their sleeves -- offering whatever assistance each is able to offer -- the area can be cleaned up and made into something we can all be proud of.

Jim Albert