Dear editor,

I would like to commend you for producing such an upbeat paper that highlights the positive characteristics of the Glen Arbor and Empire communities. However, after reading the Glen Arbor Sun’s October articles about “sleepy” Empire, I feel additional information is needed about the Farmer’s Market and Empire’s development goals.
On a positive tone, far from being a bust, the Farmer’s Market was quite a success considering that it was put together quickly, was virtually not promoted, and was hidden away in a corner behind tall bushes at the end of Front Street. Despite these drawbacks, an average of 50 people each Saturday found the market and walked away with homemade edibles, fresh produce and bread. I’m happy to report that vendors who participated are already working on securing a more prominent site in Empire for next year’s market and, now that they have the time, are actively lining up more farmers to participate. As always, the energy and creativity of Empire town folks will make this good thing even better next year.
And yes, a downstate corporation that states they’re committed to cutting costs closed Empire’s once thriving hardware. This same corporation also boasts they are committed to the communities they are located in. Residents are having a hard time seeing the commitment to this community as this historical structure stands empty. Certainly zoning requirements are not standing in the way of any future business moving into the vacant building.
It is true that Empire’s zoning requirements do require a higher quality of development, but these standards serve to retain and enhance the characteristics that make Empire a true village, as our Front Street exemplifies. Growth will come to Empire, but not at the expense of losing the very qualities that make our village a desireable place to live.
Obviously, our zoning is not too great of a “roadblock” as we watch two old businesses along M-22 being renovated and one new business being built. All have managed to hurdle the stringent “village character” standards of our zoning. These same developers have also freely embraced the unwritten goal for more village-type building designs, not because zoning forced them to, but because they know it is a better way. If they had truly followed zoning we could be watching the construction of a 30,000 square foor building. (Note that the Empire Village Inn has 2800-sq. ft. of floor space.) Perhaps our current commercial zoning is overly “business friendly.” As far as causing a Realtor problems with the Lot Division section of zoning, one could say how insightful Empire is to follow the State’s law precisely, just as Glen Arbor does.
Empire residents’ sense of pride and love in their community are the basis for the goals we set. One could say that even in zoning, “If something is worth doing, then it’s worth doing well.”
Sincerely,
Christine Neiswonger, Village of Empire resident