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Regal Marine Group given 30 days to move out

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By Correne Martin

Less than one week ago, Regal Marine Group posted to its Facebook page that the marina operations in Prairie du Chien were open for the 2017 season, though not exactly at full speed due to lack of power at its docks.
Yet, on Monday, May 22, a three-person arbitration panel rendered a written order granting an eviction judgement in favor of the city and against Regal Marine Group, in the recent binding arbitration case.

“The Regals have 30 days to get their stuff off the property,” cited City Attorney Lara Czajkowski Higgins. Any of Regals’ property remaining after June 21 shall become property of the city.

The order was based on the following:

1. Regal Marine Group failed to file a 90-day notice to renew the 1963 contract for 2012 through 2017.

2. Regal Marine Group was not entitled to renewal because it had already breached the contract prior to the expiration date of Oct. 31, 2012.

3. The one-year contracts, 2012 to 2016, preserved all rights and expressly agreed that the parties have not waived any rights or claims regarding the application of the 2012 lease.

Prairie du Chien Mayor Dave Hemmer said the city’s next step after Regal Marine Group vacates the city’s land at the marina location is to “move forward and decide what to do with the property and boating needs of the community.” He said the city does not have another party interested in the property.

“I feel bad it came to this. I really do. We tried to work with them, but they didn’t want to listen. Obviously, we are pleased with the decision reached by the arbitrators, as we have the facts and evidence to support our position,” Hemmer said. “I know this has been an unfortunate and unsettling situation for many, but our primary concern was the safety of everyone who used the marina. We appreciate and understand what the boaters have been through.”

As the Courier Press has previously reported, Regal Marine Group owns the buildings, their contents and equipment, though the city owns the land. The status of how or what will be done with the Regals’ belongings is uncertain.

A statement from the Regal family regarding the order and plans was requested. No official statement was given, although family friend and retired Veterans Administration field examiner, Ed Erdos, said the family “might move on to a simpler life, perhaps a marine repair shop or something similar. But nothing’s set in stone.”

According to a city press release issued Wednesday morning after a special council meeting May 23, “the city is providing this information as soon as possible so boaters and the public can take action to remove their boats, trailers, and other property from the marina promptly.”

The city will continue to evaluate the marina situation and is considering potential options.

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