City’s parks board to consider changes to controversial boathouse agreement

There have been some adjustments to what has been a controversial licensing agreement for boathouse and houseboat owners in La Crosse.

The city’s parks board this week considers the latest tweaks to the agreement that is meant to get the city and DNR closer together on requirements for what are essentially floating cottages along the Mississippi and Black rivers.

Boathouse owners flooded City Hall’s council chambers last month over the agreement during a public hearing.

With feedback gained from that hearing, the city has lowered the license fee for non-residents from $1,000 to $600.

A controversial measure in the annual agreement allowing city inspectors to board and inspect a boathouse after 24 hours notice has also been removed.

However, one that allows the city to terminate the license for various reasons with just 60 days notice, remains in the agreement.