Titlow: Geology and Rules
(March 4, 2010) Editor:
The geology of Titlow Hill — lots of unstable sections — makes much of it unsuitable for roads and buildings (see “Titlow Hill Blues,” Feb. 18). As Fifth District Supervisor at the time, I voted for a pattern of development which I was advised would not burden the rest of the taxpayers with the costs of eventual building or road failures. There were findings made that explained the decisions.
Resource contracts under the TPZ and Williamson Acts were intended to provide economic incentives for wise management and continued range and timber production. Generous provision was made for focused development on more appropriate and stable sites, actually bending the resource protection guidelines in favor of what is now called planned unit development, with a density bonus.
The Bareilles and the Barnes hoped to make a profit by changing how the land was historically used. They were asking government to change zoning for their special interest, but it was my job to consider longterm effects on the entire community, costs and benefits to everyone.
I respect Ken Bareilles. He is a good person, and so is his wife Linda, so I personally wonder at what is accomplished by the prosecution of felony conviction against him. Punitive measures don’t make things better. The county and Bareilles even now can cure this with good faith negotiation and commitment.
An underlying problem for all of us is that if people pay for land based on what they hope it is worth, rather than what its present zoned use and economic value are, then they will seek a way to pay for it by changing use.
Buy at actual value. And present use.
Eric Hedlund, Eureka
→ post a comment
on the cover
Railroad!
Proposed lines ‘set rich blood a-tingling’ in early 1900s
Some Other Proposed North Coast Railroads
Choo-choo Fantasies
Exposing this east-west rail nonsense
seven-o-heaven
Undeterred Will
Will chides Andrew for lack of attention to detail and makes plans for his inevitable victory.
Today
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
Flow 2012 Fashion Show
STAFF PICK / events / 8 p.m. Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St. Student designed and produced clothing. Fundraiser for Arcata Arts Institute. $35/$25 students. artsinstitute.net. 822-1220.
Woodside Preschool's Rummage/Bake Sale
events / 8 a.m.-noon. Woodside Preschool, 900 Hodgson St, Eureka. www.woodsidepreschool.com. 445-9132.
Lanphere Dunes Restoration
STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
More →
0 Comments