PAC starts process for ballot petition to retain trail land
“The proposed ordinance would preserve the public’s right to access and use the Yamhelas Westsider Trail, regardless of whether Yamhill County retains or transfers ownership of the corridor,” a PAC press release states.
If sent to the ballot and approved by voters, the measure would require the trail remain open to the public even if portions are sold to private owners, according to the TRAILS (Transportation, Recreation, & Agritourism Infrastructure for Livability & Sustainability) PAC.
“The measure affirms that these protections ‘run with the land,’ ensuring that current and future owners cannot eliminate public rights-of-way or easements that form the contiguous trail corridor, and specifies that these protections would apply retroactively to the date the petition was filed,” the press release states.
The group will begin collecting signatures for a ballot measure once the initiative is approved by the county clerk, according to group members.
For more information, visit trailspac.org.
Comments
manyhands
The Yamhill County Planning Commission’s Dec. 4 hearing on the Yamhelas Westsider Trail was a waste of time. It quickly became obvious these “public servants” had already made up their minds to get rid of this treasured public asset.
Asked if he’d ever served as petitioner to LUBA on the trail, Commissioner Mark Gaibler said he didn’t know. But a quick Google search showed: “Mark Gaibler has served as a petitioner in multiple cases before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals concerning the Yamhelas Westsider Trail. He was one of several property owners and farmers along the proposed trail who filed appeals against Yamhill County’s actions related to the trail’s development.”
In 2020, the George family of hazelnut fame donated large sums to elect anti-trail activist Lindsay Berschauer county commissioner. In turn, Berschauer and fellow anti-trail commissioners Mary Starrett and Kit Johnston appointed Christy (George) Cooke to the planning commission. Rather than recuse herself at the hearing, George claimed her family’s donations to anti-trail commissioners and subsequent appointment by them would not influence her vote.
Commissioners Steven Belt and Lee Schrepel, owners of land adjacent to the trail, did recuse themselves. But they did not follow standard protocol of leaving the hearing. They not only remained seated, but offered comments throughout.
Commissioner Brett Veatch, a real estate agent specializing in agricultural land, reclined in his chair, closed his eyes and looked to be napping. Maybe he was dreaming of some land coming up for sale soon?
It was no surprise then when every participating commissioner voted to get rid of the trail.
Sadly, Mary and Kit will arrange the sale of this treasured public asset to people who already have so much and now will have more. It’s a classic case of the greedy catering to the rich at the expense of the poor.