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Citizens for Real Economic Growth Host Public Workshop

by CREG (repost)
Join Citizens for Real Economic Growth (CREG) for the first in their series of free public workshops.
Take a closer look at the Balloon Track.
PUBLIC FORUM #1

California Environmental Quality Act:
The CEQA Process
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The Wharfinger Building, Eureka
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Are you wondering how Union Pacific is getting out of their pollution liability in Eureka?

Want to know more about how to communicate with the decision-makers?

Learn how to stay on track with the process!

----------------

CREG Invites Public to Balloon Track Process Meeting

Citizens for Real Economic Growth will host a free public workshop regarding a proposed development on Eureka's Balloon Track this Tuesday evening, April 11 from 6:30 to 8:30. This event is the first of four planned community forums and will focus on the "nuts and bolts of the CEQA process" according to CREG spokesman Larry Glass. "We all need to become wonks and learn this material because of the way the project is being put on such a fast track", Glass said. "I want to say the project is being railroaded, but we think we can keep up".

In addition to an overview of the fundamental legal protections provided by the law, panelists will explain the function of city staff, the Planning Commission and City Council as well as the role of the California Coastal Commission in the environmental review. This event has been organized in response to the big box mall project proposed for the waterfront Balloon Tract by Rob and Cherie Arkley and their Security National company.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the public to prepare for meaningful participation in this crucial process of citizen review," said event organizer and panelist Larry Evans of the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC). "CEQA review works best when a wide spectrum of the community is involved. The concerns of residents about potential impacts, as well as historical knowledge about a place can be collected and analyzed to best inform citizens and decision makers."

The program will consist of four 15-minute presentations followed by a question and answer session. The remaining time at the end of the formal presentations will be used as a letter writing workshop for the preparation of scoping comments-- the first of several chances for the public to provide input.

According to Larry Glass, long time local businessman and spokesperson for CREG, "The dog-and-pony shows offered by Security National have glossed over the facts like they want to pave over the toxic waste problem on the Balloon Tract." He added that, "The environmental studies are one of the best chances for ordinary citizens to have a say in the decision-making process for this ill-conceived proposal. We want to ensure that the issues that matter to the residents of Eureka and Humboldt County at large are paid more than lip service."

"Everyone is welcome to this event and we anticipate a lot of interest,” concluded Glass. For more information people can go to: www.SaveEurekaWaterfront.org.

*************************************************************************** NEWS FLASH !! NEWS FLASH !! NEWS FLASH !! NEWS FLASH !!

The City of Eureka has responded positively to our request to hold a public scoping session for the big box mall proposed for the Balloon Tract. The hearing will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2006, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers at Eureka City Hall, 531 'K' St., Eureka, CA, 95501. The purpose of this meeting is to “receive public input as to the scope, focus, and content of the Environmental Impact Report” as mandated by CEQA. This is an important session for all concerned citizens to attend, but it is not the only avenue open for people wanting to provide input. Written comments will be accepted from now until Friday, May 5, 2006.

This initial phase of the environmental review process will be a particular focus of the CREG-- CEQA Workshop described above, so attendance is encouraged for those seeking training in effective participation in CEQA processes. If you are not available for one or both of these dates, additional information is available on the CREG website: www.SaveEurekaWaterfront.org.

We encourage all interested persons to sign onto the Public Notification list for all Balloon Tract announcements by e-mailing City of Eureka Senior Planner Sidnie Olson: solson@ci.eureka.ca.gov.

You can also visit the city webpage devoted to Balloon Tract news at: http://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov/depts/cd/marina_center/default.asp.

***************************************************************************

We look forward to bringing the voice of the every day residents of Eureka and Humboldt County into this important dialogue. Please tell your neighbors, friends and family about these opportunities to make your concerns heard!

Thank you for your support,

Larry Glass, Director
Citizens for Real Economic Growth
PO Box 738
Eureka, Ca. 95502
www.SaveEurekaWaterfront.org

(California non-profit corporation # 1937861)
by Garrett Coonrod (garrettcoonrod [at] yahoo.net)
I don't understand why people are so upset about who is going to clean up this mess at the balloon tract. If security national want to pay the bill for the cleanup then let them. If union pacific cleans up the tract that is basically saying that the taxpayers are going to do it since the railroad only exists because tax dollars keep holding up the company. There seems to be such a huge anger at any development anywhere it this community and it is not productive. The development on the balloon tract is actually a redevelopment project that the community should be providing input into the project instead of trying to kill it altogether.
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