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BL annexation hearings continue
By Matt Kapko
Eye Reporter
The Arcata Eye
May 27, 2003
For residents of the Blue Lake community, government and its function take on different roles depending on which desires or services are considered most important.
As the Blue Lake Planning Commission has progressed in its plans for annexation of adjacent lands, it has decided to add areas north of State Route 299 to its study.
On May 19, at its third meeting regarding these areas, the commission heard a very diverse range of concerns and opinions on annexation.
Approval for annexation was split among the audience, with each resident citing reasons for their choice.
Some residents prefer their distant, yet familiar relationship with the county government, while others see potential benefits in becoming annexed by the city.
A major point of concern for residents north of SR 299 is water and sewer services.
As of now, those residents’ situation with water and sewer services is in dire straits.
Without annexation, new water and sewer services will not be possible. Annexation will allow for development of new water/sewer service across SR 299, however, it isn’t imminent.
Many, if not all, are quick to jump at the opportunity of receiving more efficient water/sewer services from the city. Likewise, residents from these areas are discouraged by the lack of potential for new water/sewer services from the city.
City Planner Bob Brown said, new systems would be great, but land use densities may not pan out enough to make new systems economical.
And that is what is standing in the way of new services; funding. In these tough financial times, the city is in no position to spearhead a costly water/sewer service expansion.
City Manager Wiley Buck said, the only think stopping any serious discussion of sewer and further water hookups is a lack of funding.
He suggested a further investigation of grant and loan opportunities. If the situation is presented as a safety concern by residents, Buck said, grants and loans are readily available.
Making the situation more unique is that the Fieldbrook Community Services District has the closest sewer service, but Blue Lake has the closest water service.
Because of this serious lack of upgraded water/sewer services, some residents voiced their opposition to the city’s annexation plans.
One resident said, “We’re not gonna get anything out of this. We might as well leave now. No water, [and nothing else].”
Another simply offered, “I like it the way it is.”
Planning Commissioner John Bartholomew pointed out his increasing concerns with outside influence on the city, namely the Blue Lake Rancheria. He fears widespread expansion of the Rancheria complex, as he passed along rumors of a future hotel and airstrip.
“This is a protective measure to protect our quality of life,” he said. Further Rancheria expansion could potentially threaten what residents of the Blue Lake community desire, he added.
The residents in favor of annexation cited the potential for new water/sewer services, more local control, and rezoning of lands as the core benefits of annexation.
The commission will continue to hold monthly meetings on annexation plans as it finalizes its recommendations for the City Council’s perusing in the coming months.
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