|
Second, Nature. “We need
<br />Nature, and now, Nature needs
<br />us.” Given the intent of Goal 5 to
<br />protect natural and other
<br />resources, with all the existing
<br />exemptions under Eugene's code
<br />on Tree Preservation Standards,
<br />there effectively is no tree
<br />preservation. The exemptions of
<br />this city code, “have no teeth,”
<br />for it appears anyone can cut
<br />down just about any tree. And,
<br />as can clearly be seen in the
<br />comments submitted by some
<br />nearby neighbors, one that
<br />tops the list is, the trees,
<br />those wonderful trees, and in
<br />general Nature, too. It's the oak
<br />woodlands and wetlands and
<br />wildlife, these are clearly valued.
<br />So, given all the exemptions in the relevant existing city code, given the proposed development,
<br />apparently every single tree -- one oak as old as 150-200 years -- could all be cut down, gone forever. My
<br />request: Revise Tree Preservation Standards by the end of this year, with exemptions either modified or
<br />eliminated, such that the city has a code whereby trees really are preserved and protected. In so doing
<br />will honor ancestral lands of the Kalapuya Tribe, and ensures nature close to home for people and wildlife.
<br />Third, Love. “Love Thy Neighbors.” So, let's consider a community-oriented option. If you look at one
<br />past landscape design for development on this landscape (see attached image after this page), it did a
<br />great job of providing both housing while preserving key natural areas. Oak woodlands and wetlands were
<br />valued and protected, and as a result, wildlife habitat and their corridors. So, who are thy neighbors
<br />anyway? Well, everyone, no exceptions. I mean everyone in the world, and frankly, for me, that includes
<br />not only people, but also wildlife, plants, and you guessed it, trees.
<br />Now, it's been said, that to listen IS to love. And its pretty clear that a lot of people aren't too happy
<br />about what's been proposed. And it's a foregone conclusion, that everyone else who now calls it home,
<br />well, they wouldn't like their homes to disappear, namely, wildlife, trees, plants. So, it would seem, that
<br />indeed, love is the answer. It would seem when you add everything up, then a truly
<br />community-oriented solution would be, for everyone to work together so good things can
<br />happen for all concerned. And so, other generous, responsive, and caring options could be considered,
<br />from preserving the entire landscape to incorporating a serious conservation design approach into a new
<br />development proposal.
<br />And I mean here, specifically the applicant, being open to make good things happen, working with
<br />everyone. Realizing such an option through collaboration and cooperation -- versus the current conflict
<br />and confrontation -- encourages everyone to be generous, respectful, and thankful. It recognizes the
<br />inter-connectedness of all life, and encourages us all to dig deeply within ourselves to realize our inherent
<br />goodness, both in words and actions. Love thy neighbors, is thus, in one word, "realized."
<br />I close with Reverence to the inherent goodness within each one of us, which can make everything
<br />work for the good of people and wildlife, of plants and trees, Earth . . . And . . . you may say I'm a
<br />dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope today we'll join together, so the world, and Videra Oak Meadow,
<br />can live as one.
<br />So be it. Amen.
<br />With Respect and Gratitude,
<br />Al LePage, Resident, "Lover of Videra Oak Meadow" / Please see attachment on next page.
<br />Appeal Testimony (PDT 24-01 & ST 24-03) - Batch #1 Page 42 of 43
|