🚀 go-pugleaf

The following letter was submitted to the GT for publication, by
a resident of SW 45th street.  It was submitted before the
Editor's cutoff date, but may not appear because of "space
limitations."

Corvallis residents are faced with the proposed Meadowlark
annexation this election. Contrary to what has been (un)reported,
this proposed annexation has basic and serious flaws which
precipitated intense debate, and passed by only a one vote margin
before both the Planning Commission and the City Council. It is
now up to Corvallis voters to decide based on limited
information. Let me present some reasons as to why we should
defeat this annexation.

First, in a recent consultant^s report commissioned by the City,
the amount of buildable land existing within the city limits will
be adequate for at least the next twenty years, and quite
possibly, even longer. Planning Commissioners and City Councilors
opposed to the annexation often cited this report and its
conclusions. Given this fact, why on earth are Corvallis
residents being asked to vote on a proposed annexation when there
is plenty of land already available? 

Second, negative impacts to the surrounding neighborhood were not
adequately addressed by City Planners; in fact the development
plan was hastily assembled, with serious issues addressed only
when neighbors expressed concerns. The Squaw Creek drainage has
experienced substantial flooding recently, with one result being
water backing up and submerging the corner of 45th Street and
Country Club Drive. As reported by City Planners, the proposed
development would likely increase the amount of runoff, yet no
mitigation measures are proposed or likely. At what point is
flooding and increased runoff considered unacceptable to City
Planners? When houses are flooded along Squaw Creek?

I strongly urge you to vote no on this poorly planned proposed
annexation.


Wm C. Lightfoot
SW 45th
Corvallis