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OpinionGrowing problem for landownersTo the editor: Problem: there is a growing problem for landowners in Chisago County. More and more decisions from county commissioners are creating policies and regulations that limit the use of land, decrease the value of land, make it impossible to develop land or simply threaten to confiscate land they want. One only needs to look at recent policies that could lead to the condemnation and confiscation of property for the Swedish Immigrant Trail, the recent 3-2 vote by the county commissioners to activate a moratorium on new plats one mile from the St. Croix and Sunrise River, and whatís even more concerning is the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan currently being developed. Based upon the commissionersí votes on recent resolutions, the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan will not bode well for landowners in Chisago County. This problem will only increase as people move from the Twin Cities into the county but donít want anyone else to move in and in turn elect county commissioners that continue to look for ways to limit land use in the county. It is popular to cry: ěSave the Environment,î or ěSave the Land for Future Generations,î especially by those that recently moved to their 1-5 acres home site. The ironic part of this is that there is no group of people that have been more environmentally conscious or saved more for future generations that the farmers and landowners of Chisago County. It is an insult to condemn those who for years have taken care of the land, paid taxes on the land and now find themselves limited on how they can use or develop their land. The recent land use policies adopted by the county commissioners should be a wake-up call to landowners of what is to come with the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Now is the time to act, before the comprehensive plan is adopted. Solution- Chisago County Landowners for Responsible Government, Inc. This incorporated organization will have a board of directors (members of the organization) that will guide and direct the organization, and oversee any finances necessary to run the organization. Purpose- attend governmental meetings in the county affecting land use, inform members on current policies and future plans affecting land use, act as a group to oppose irresponsible land use restrictions and affirm responsible land use policies, inform the community about irresponsible land use policies through articles and letters to the editor, ads, mailers, internet and radio talk shows, etc., endorse political candidates that support responsible land use policies, take legal action when irresponsible land use policies are detrimental to members. Membership- land owners in Chisago County and other interested parties can become part of the organization by agreeing to the principles and annual membership fee of $100. The organization will not be created unless members own a combined total of 5,000 acres or more in Chisago County. If interested in the organization, call (651) 257-9743. Stan Jakubowski ©ECM Post Review |