Local political corruption and big business antics make me sick!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ Sep 5 2007, 10:32 AM) [snapback]507322[/snapback]</div>

1) What corp doesn't operate unde this philosophy?

2) A 30/30 tends to help discourage people from acting "inappropriately".

 

I didn't download your links but it sounds like there are legal grounds to sue the City of Rocklin for not disclosing the sale of this land within the time frame specified by the procedures outlined.

Also, couple more things...........

Can these residents pool enough funds to offer a lucrative deal to the developer and hold the land themselves?

Is there a local land conservancy that would be interested in purchasing this land from the developer for conservation purposes?

Did anyone contact the local Sierra Club to bring suit or utilize other means to fight this development? If it's truly as remarkable as it sounds, I'm quite certain they'll have an interest. If a suit is initiated, I believe that this will hinder any development activity until the court hears the case and arrives at a conclusion. At least the land will have a chance to speak in this way.

Since the land is acting habitat for endangered species, why aren't the ESA rules acting to thwart this development? This would surely be another legal means for the Sierra Club to engage suit, would it not?

Write letters to as many local newspapers as possible.

Lastly, if these jokers survive this offense, I would encourage someone to persuade them to develop the area in a sound manner. Pack the houses close together with buffer areas to protect the remaining natural area, landscape with native plantings, make sure to have an area that collects and filters storm water run off naturally before it enters neighboring watersheds and then place the remaining undeveloped land in a conservation easement so that this land is protected for eternity. Make sure an environmentally sound management plan is attached to this easement so that the land is cared for in the best manner feasible. However, funding may be an obstacle so far as this management plan is concerned. This is where a local conservation organization may be useful. I know this last event is no means of consolation, but at least they're implementing some things that will offer a compromise to the environmentally aware.

In my area, the most effective act against environmentally damaging development has been our collective voice. People need to go to the local meetings and speak out, they need to sign whatever petitions are available to them and they need to call the Mayor and voice opposition. But then you probably already know all this.

What is the name of this developer and in what city are they domiciled?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(05_SilverPri @ Sep 5 2007, 10:22 AM) [snapback]507380[/snapback]</div>

Funny, I thought using a 30/30 would be about the most inappropriate act possible, judging from the generally negative reaction when employed by private citizens in the service of "discouraging" "inappropriate" behavior (Colombine, Virginia Tech, etc.)

Back to the topic - there's an organization of volunteer pilots who regularly take local politicians and reporters aloft specifically to bring informed visibility to the encroachments of relentless development, that has had several successes at holding back the tide.

So long as we tolerate a growing population, however, these kinds of battles are only going to be pyrhhic victories when won. I'm sure you agree, F8L, that continued population growth is probably as large or even larger an environmental threat to the ecosphere than global climate change, particularly when so much of the trappings of "civilization" include a heavy materialistic bias that values possession above other qualities of life (like honest dealing, cooperation, etc.) - issues far beyond the ability of a 30/30 to solve.

Mark Baird
Alameda CA

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(airportkid @ Sep 5 2007, 01:53 PM) [snapback]507399[/snapback]</div>

You need something with a larger killing radius.

Tom

 

The (mostly) pristine valley I live in attracts developers from all over the world when they come to visit San Francisco, due to our proximity to the City. Many times our community has had to fight the good fight to keep development compatible with the surroundings. SSimon has obviously faced similar problems in his community and offers a blueprint to sound community input toward development. Notice nobody is advocating NIMBYism, but instead local control of communities. One other way the communities in my county have decreased development pressure is to offer large land holders (usually ranches here) tax benefits of not selling out to the highest bidder, as well as a locally formed non-profit to be used as a holding company to purchase and hold precious parcels until a conservation buyer can be found. The process is ongoing for generations, and vigilance is never ending, since 'no' does not mean 'never' to a developer with eyes on prime real estate.

Transit-centered clustered housing with multiple options like required low income & senior housing, dedicated open space, preservation of historically significant sites, developer provided infrastructure, and proximity to jobs are some of the considerations developers must address in their master plans to gain community planning support around here. Those who try end-runs around established practices are tied up in court for many years, usually resulting in developer bankruptcy and/or stricter controls and limits than if they had played by the rules. Those developers who work with us demonstrating sensitivity to our unique ecosystem and community spirit are much happier at the end of the project.

 

The same sort of repeated abuse happens in San Diego constantly. It is all developers with Republican City Officials in their pockets. The most recent was building a skyscraper too tall near a local airport. The developer intentionally violated FAA guidelines, lied about it and was aided by city officials and the Mayor. The Mayor eventually backed down but one of his deputies was still lobbying for the developer while the Mayor was out of town. The corruption goes much deeper.

Liberals are always the "obstructionists" trying to hinder progress. In fact they are the watchdogs trying to keep developers and Republicans honest. Or as honest as possible. It's surprising the violations of the law these people think they can get away with. And they think that way because....they do. Over and over.

I'd suggest going to a higher level and getting your state representatives involved. Unfortunately, the "little people" have no direct power. Your opposition has too much money and too much power in the form of politicians in their pockets.