| The Oregonian reported that on the first day Measure 37 went into effect, citizens came in to file claims for such developments as a coastal subdivision with 400 one-acre lots, a farmland subdivision consisting of 350 two-acre lots, a plan for a rural subdivision with a gambling casino, as well as numerous small rural subdivisions. It also claimed that planners are “expecting proposals to build large retail centers or destination resorts on farmland that’s been in the same families for generations.”
Obviously, the state can’t afford to compensate developers for claims of this magnitude without raising taxes (and Oregon is not paying these claims). The only allowable option under Measure 37 is to suspend the rules and allow development to proceed, regardless of local impact. This means neighboring communities and property owners are left with no legal recourse. There is no oversight and no way for the public to question the impact of these developments. Now at least there is a public process for reviewing the local impact of new development. I-933 would eliminate that process.
If you believe all property use restrictions are unreasonable, and that developers should be able to build whatever and wherever they want without regard for local impact, then of course you will want to support I-933. But if you believe some are justifiable measures to protect the community, than I should think it would be obvious that I-933 is an “all or nothing” solution that goes too far.
Gene Bullock
Poulsbo |
