MUSKEGON, Mich. — A 12- by-14 foot chalet is under construction on Muskegon's Pere Marquette Beach. The city's free beach is about one mile long and for the most part is undeveloped.
It's the kind of beach were Muskegon residents go for a long walk or to park and watch big freighters enter and leave Muskegon's channel.
"That's what I come down here for," said Muskegon resident Tom Virro.
Virro watched as one large ship left Muskegon Wednesday, and noticed the chalet that's under construction near Beach Street and Channel Drive.
"I don't really care for it right there," he said.
"It seems to me sand it the most valuable resource," said Marc Hoeksema, a Norton Shores resident who uses the park to kite surf. "I just thought it was kind of a weird place to have another building right around the curve when you come in to view the lake."
The structure can block views of lighthouses at the beach. But Ron Rand owner of 3rd Coast Rentals says it's where city leaders told him it should be placed. Last summer 3rd Coast Rentals used a large tent in nearly the same location.
3rd Coast Rentals offers rentals of a variety of watercraft including Sea Doos.
"Obviously we have a little obstruction but so did our tent," Rand said.
The $6,000 structure is being built and paid for by 3rd Coast Rentals. Once completed the City of Muskegon will own the structure, in exchange beach rental fess for Rand's business are waived for three years.
Rand says there significant interest in his business from Muskegon residents and others from West Michigan and beyond who visit Pere Marquette.
"We're really here to help Muskegon grow," he said.
Hoeksema fears the small development at the city park will open the door to additional development, like the RV park and cottage proposal for a unused area of the park known by locals as "the ovals."
"I think the beach needs to maintain a minimalist characteristic to keep it as natural as possible," he said.
The chalet is built so it can be lifted and removed from the beach. It will be in place from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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