Tom O'Hare's Village-NO Snowmobiles Allowed

One man's "Vision" of Topinabee Village

This is not a fairy tale.

Once upon a time, a frustrated ex-CEO had his peace and quiet disturbed by the DNR's decision to open the North Central Trail to snowmobiles. He had previously been involved in "The Friends of West Mullett Lake Fund", an entity organized in large part to banish snowmobiles from the west side of Mullett Lake. That "Fund" now appears to be defunct. 

In February 2005, the battle lines were drawn at a MNRTF meeting.

Mr. Larry Lutz, a homeowner on Mullett Lake, made comments regarding the Gaylord to Cheboygan Trail, in particular, the Mullett Lake portion. In the past, he has written letters to former Director Cool, Ms. Koch and the Board expressing his concerns and objections to allowing motorized vehicles of any kind on the Mullett Lake stretch of the trail. In the summer of 2003, he spearheaded a petition drive to support the continuation of the quiet, nonmotorized status along this segment of the trail. To date, 262 property owners have signed the petition voicing their opposition to motorized vehicles and support for the continuation of a quiet trail, as promised in writing by the MNRTF Board and supported in writing by DNR officials'

Mr. Bob Ulrich, a member of the Inland Lakes Snowmobile Club, reminded the Board that he provided them with a petition last April, with over 4700 signatures, requesting that the Mullett Lake portion of the Gaylord to Cheboygan Trail be open for snowmobiles. Mr. Ulrich advised the Board that the adjacent property owners are using the easement for septic fields. This is State recreational land and is being used for personal gain. He would like to suggest that all septic permits be placed on hold until such time that the railroad grade is opened to snowmobiling. Mr. Ulrich further stated that the decision to not allow snowmobiling has not served the interest of the general public, but only for a privileged few. The Board can reverse the restriction placed on the trail, and are urging that the process begin.

We all know the decision was finally made to allow snowmobiles to use the North Central Trail with some sane restrictions in place. But, some people still fought the decision, either by threat of guns, like David Ogg, or adverse possession. Adverse possession, a polite way to say "stealing" by open and adverse use of your neighbors property.

Of course this affidavit is only the affiant's, Thomas G. O'Hare's word. He swears it's "TRUE" so it must be. Did the north bound train always make that jog west to go around Tom O'Hare and his neighbors' yards?

We have all heard numerous public statements from Thomas G. O'Hare saying he is not anti-snowmobile. Really?

Was his name among the 262 property owners that opposed opening the North Central Trail to snowmobile use? Or, was it among the 4700 signatures asking the trail be opened to snowmobiles?

If Thomas "Tom" G. O'Hare is so supportive of snowmobilers, why did his plans for a revitalized Topinabee Village, drawn only a short while after the trail was opened to snowmobiles incorporate a "snowmobile barrier"? The above plans clearly show who ordered and directed the design: Tom O'Hare.

The plans were drawn with the intent to banish snowmobiles from the village center.

The "Snowmobile Barrier", is labelled as a series of closely spaced posts on west side of trail starting at the north end of park by Lakeshore Drive, continuing south for two blocks.

                          Click on drawings for larger view

"Snowmobile Barrier" visible on west, left, side of trail.

Would such an open and adverse action, installing a series of closely spaced posts to block snowmobiles be acceptable to most people in Topinabee? Of course not. But, there are numerous ways to block people, cows, sheep, and snowmobilers. A sign, a fence, a wall, or a fancy sidewalk that might be damaged by snowmobiles. All deterrents to free movement. The park became so fancy in design it was like your Aunt Mary's living room. All the furniture covered in plastic, or snow-fence, only to be removed for viewing by the TDA supporters. 

That snow-fence back-fired on Thomas G. O'Hare. People could not even enter the park. He then consulted with David "do you want a candy bar?" Ogg by email. By manipulating the need, they coerced the DNR into installing a series of closely spaced posts, allowing pedestrians, but still blocking snowmobiles from the park. The process is known as a work around. Most people would have protested a two block long "Snowmobile Barrier" of posts. Instead, they now have a "Snowmobile Barrier" of closely spaced posts completed along the length of the park and think they have won a concession allowing limited park access.

After 6 years, Tom O'Hare's agenda to ban snowmobile use from Topinabee is still moving along. The next step is in the works now behind closed doors. The "Streetscape" parking, clearly shown on the above photo extending south to Tom Briggs building, will involve more asphalt, decorative concrete, more terraced ledges and unmaintained flower beds; all being planned and plotted in closed door committee and one on one conversations that need to be done privately "in person".

If the planned parking lots and landscaping does not effectively block the snowmobilers, another work around, another series of closely spaced posts can be installed later to "protect" the landscaping. 

Is Thomas G. O'Hare smarter than the rest of Mullett Township?  After 6 years, he has his village plans partially done, the "Snowmobile Barrier" half done, and the Mullett taxpayers have paid the bill for all of it. How smart are you?