Dear Editor,
Why is the land bank asking for a renewal this year when their funding does not expire for another two years? That is right 2014! Voting no in this upcoming election does not mean you are against land preservation because I certainly am not. Voting no will show that you are being a fiscally responsible citizen to your neighbors and friends.
The county is struggling with the current economic problems by cutting programs, positions and salaries. We do not know at this time what the next two years will bring. So while our funding is very tenuous at best the Land Bank is asking for us to commit for the next 16 years (2027).
I believe all organizations need to periodically evaluate what they are currently doing to make sure they are following their stated goals and mandates. I would like the Land Bank to take the next two years to do just that. Like many organizations that have had success in their primary mission, the Land Bank has begun to lose focus on conservation. It has strayed into commercial development and is competing with the struggling private sector. Check out the Land Bank mandate 16.54.010 purpose in their publications..LB shall 1st consider conservation easements.
As an example, the Land Bank purchased 66 acres on San Juan Island for $545,000, made $106,000 of improvements, (65k for a fence and the rest for utilities) and is now leasing it for $3000 a month for 20 years. They are creating unfair competition between our farmers.
Join me in urging the Land Bank to adopt a shorter time period for renewal and strict adherence to their conservation mission by voting NO on this current request for a 12-year taxing authorization.
Leith Templin
Orcas Island
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The Citizen’s Group working on the Renewal of the Land Bank decided to seek renewal early because, among other reasons, Land Bank projects frequently have a long gestation period, and there are some in the pipeline that will take longer than 2014 to complete. For example, the Land Bank is working on a project on San Juan Island (with $2.8 million of outside funds); a shoreline project on Orcas ($1 million of outside funds); and an important farm conservation easement on Lopez. Such projects require a willing seller, some delicate negotiations and enough time to ensure that they are done right.
The primary issue for us is our island quality of life and the future economic health of our communities. The Land Bank has a record of improving both! The San Juans remain a destination for those seeking what can be found here and what has been harmed, if not destroyed, elsewhere. The Land Bank’s work is not done and our communities, our lives and our legacy will all be richer for its renewal. The opportunity is now. Your Yes vote will allow the Land Bank to continue its work and keep what makes living in the San Juans so special.
Thank you, Harvey, for clarifying the timeline – that makes perfect sense! I am voting YES because I have never lived anywhere that cared as much about preserving land and public access to some of the most gorgeous places in these amazing islands. Thank you to everybody working on this important project – to Renew our commitment to the Land Bank! As a property owner on Orcas, I am willing to pay a small amount to promote land conservation and preserving some of the most pristine places in the county. As the manager of a tourist-based business, I see what it means to our visitors to be able to access some of these amazing places – the beauty of the natural environment is one of the most important reasons they visit at all! I appreciate the Land Bank and look forward to celebrating the passage of this very important piece of legislation. The Land Bank is something we can be incredibly proud of!
I would gladly pay more tax to not see more houses. However the land Bank should buy Vern’s and turn it into open space. The building is worthless and no restaurant could open without spending a fortune.