Dunkirk’s Planning Board is being a bit too harsh when it comes to reviewing plans for a pavilion at the Dunkirk Lighthouse. At a meeting last month, the panel would not allow for the construction of the structure because as designed, the pavilion is basically a large, generic shed.

“It looks like something you’d see at the county fairgrounds,” said board member Ed Schober, technically belittling the plans. Others on the board were in agreement.

But here’s the problem. Dunkirk’s Historic Lighthouse is run by a group of volunteers and struggles financially. They do not have the funds to create grand plans for the nautical themes Planning Board members appear to want.

Looking at the most recent Lighthouse 990 form shows no one is paid — and its revenues are a piddly $40,000 a year. The pavilion is supposed to help with fund-raising. Its building was not supposed to be a drain on finances.

There is something that may help both entities in finding a solution. If Dunkirk has additional American Recovery Protection Act funds, the Lighthouse would be a worthy recipient.

Of course, there is a major issue with that. Dunkirk Common Council members decided last year they would rather pay themselves bonuses than put the money back into the community. That $10,000 would have gone farther if the money had gone to a volunteer organization.