Posted on 04/23/2002 8:24:16 PM PDT by Vigilant1
04/23/2002
Reported by Anita Kissée, KTVB
Property owners along the Snake River in Jerome County Idaho are crying foul over a proposal to further restrict development along the river's banks.
The current preservation zone runs from the river to the canyon rim.
A new proposal would extend that zone another 300 feet along the full 35 miles of the Snake River in Jerome County. The idea is to preserve canyon scenery and protect wildlife.
Property owners say the move steps on their rights.
"In principle it's a good idea. The downside is it steps on the property rights of property owners," said Rusty Gideon, who owns 100 acres along the river.
He said he bought it because of the views.
"After seeing this, nothing compares so we bought it," he said.
It's the view and the archeological value that planners say they want to preserve.
"People say, what's the big deal. Ok. I'll go put a blue house with flashing red lights on the canyon rim. They could do that today if they wanted to," said Art Brown of the Jerome County Planning and Zoning department.
"It's a very pristine area. There's a lot of history, archeological value. The original Oregon Trail runs through there," he said.
If the new restrictions are adopted, no development would be allowed within the first 100 feet of that zone and restrictions would be imposed on the remaining 200 feet.
Gideon said that if the rules had existed before, he would not have been able to build his house where he did. "It would have to be back another 50 feet. Then, who knows what it would have to look like," he said.
He and 90 other landowners say the plan will cause thier property values to fall. So they're encouraging county officials to impose restrictions on Bureau of Land Management land only.
"Be our guest. Go for it on public land. Leave our private land alone," he said.
Two more public hearings are scheduled for May and June, during which time the proposal could be modified.
And if that's not enough, there's always this monumental, historic event..........
I am becoming thoroughly sick of this word...
It's the all-purpose envirowacko justification for everything.
Well, Mr. Brown. You can kiss my pristine ass!
Thus, the interview was also welcome.
Not MUCH hope there, but SOME hope.
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