Board resists Coast Guard request for exclusive parking license at Michigan City harbor

The Michigan City Port Authority on March 9 discussed a Coast Guard request to expand its use of port parking and seek exclusive rights to a large area adjacent to the Coast Guard station.

The board's attorney told members the initial request was for a small footprint — "16 by 40, 16 feet in width by 40 in length" — but that later communications asked for exclusive use of a much larger area. The attorney said an exclusive license would "effectively give the property to them" and recommended offering a nonexclusive license while seeking more detail from the Coast Guard about their intended improvements.

Harbormaster Mister Freeney noted portions of the parking area are already under the Coast Guard's control and that any repaving or expansion could affect boat-race staging and crane operations. Board members expressed concern about long-term loss of public access if exclusive control were granted.

The board did not vote on a final authorization. The attorney said he would respond to the Coast Guard proposing a nonexclusive license and ask for more information about their planned improvements and whether they intend to move existing fences or reconfigure parking.