The developer of the proposed resort on Bayocean Spit did not appeal the Tillamook County Planning Commission denial of his Conditional Use Permit application. He had until yesterday (Jan 21st) to appeal to the County Commissioners and no appeal was filed. While this proposal is now dead, it does not mean the spit is protected — the developer can still propose other schemes to try to meet zoning requirements. It does, however, give us an opportunity to find a more comprehensive and permanent protection for this wonderful resource.
Public testimony at the January 8, 2015 meeting of the Tillamook County Planning Commission raised questions regarding fire protection on the Bayocean Spit and a response to any medical emergencies that may occur there. This testimony, in turn, raised questions among Cape Meares residents regarding the accuracy of the testimony.
Reminder, the Planning Commission will again review the proposed Eco-resort on Bayocean Spit at its January 8th meeting. We hope as many of you as possible will attend and also speak, (7:00 pm, 2nd floor of the Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave, Tillamook)Written testimony may be submitted at any time before the Jan 8th meeting, but if sent before Dec 30th will be included in the package sent to commissioners in preparation for the meeting. Written testimony should be emailed to Sarah Absher sabsher@co.tillamook.or.us
A group of dedicated Cape Meares residents has been working diligently since early October to prepare a response to the proposed eco-resort on the Bayocean Spit. A document containing approximately 150 pages was handed over to Sarah Absher on November 4th so it could be reviewed by the Planning Commission before the hearing on November 13, 2014.
This sand is your sand
this sand is my sand
from the jetty downward
and west of townward
from the ocean inland
it’s my next of kin land
This sand was saved for you and me.
Date, time and location are known for the Public Comment meeting of the Tillamook County Planning Commission. Everyone who has an interest in the proposed construction of a resort on the Bayocean spit should attend the hearing on Thursday, November 13, 7 PM, second floor of the Tillamook County Courthouse. Attendance is encouraged even for those not planning to testify.
To refresh your memory, this summer a Conditional Use Permit was sought from Tillamook County by the owner of a 53-acre parcel located just south of the second gate at the northern end of the Bayocean spit. As part of the approval process Tillamook County determined the eco-resort application was “complete.” This means that all of the Review Criteria were addressed for a Conditional Use permit. It does not, however, mean that the permit was approved or likely to be approved.
E. Vallianatos worked at the EPA for 25 years and has written a book entitled Poison Spring in which he details the methods used by that agency in setting safety standards under the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. He will be speaking at the Bay City Arts Center, on October 14, 7 PM.
The maps provided thus far related to the proposed eco-resort on the Bayocean spit have not been particularly forthcoming. It’s been difficult to determine the precise location of the land owned by Mr. Bernards and also understand how his property relates to other properties in the area.
