Editor’s note: The following is based on an exclusive interview The Review had with former state senator Mat Dunaskiss following Monday night’s township board meeting…
Mat Dunaskiss said that when it comes to his docks on Pine Island, a large portion of his lakefront neighbors are simply misinformed.
‘I think there’s a lot of misconception,? Dunaskiss said. ‘What we’re establishing are good standards to be good neighbors.?
Restrictions that the former state senator will likely agree to in the coming weeks are something that he feels will start to mend the relationship with some 400 neighbors that signed petitions last year.
‘Our reputations are important,? Dunaskiss said. ‘We’re committed to trying to do the best we can with the property.
‘Is this the ultimate and best use of the property? Heaven’s sake, no.?
Dunaskiss said he is hopeful that the pending consent judgement will be the beginning of the end for the two-year process that involved attempting to get a MDEQ permit and then counter-suing the township.
‘The sooner we can get this behind us, the sooner we can get to the clean-up,? he said.
Dunaskiss noted that his mother is actually the majority property owner.
‘The property is still owned by my mother and this is what we’ve done for years and years and years.
‘The point of principle is that we’ve owned the property for 60 years.?
Dunaskiss said he is glad that he’ll get to leave his undeveloped land as is.
‘I’ve always wanted to be a good environmentalist and a good citizen.?
When asked if he thinks the relationship between he and his neighbors can be repaired, Dunaskiss answered, ‘I hope so. It really hurts to hear some of the comments made.?
‘We’ve got a listed phone number,? he added. ‘I hope people will come and talk to me.?