HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmail from Chris Palmarini - Butte Creek Canyon Overlay Zone Menchaca, Clarissa
From: C.P. <inirarnlap@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday,April 23, 2018 2:16 PM
To: Kirk, Maureen
Cc: Clerk of the Board
Subject: Support the Butte Creek Canyon Overlay
Supervisor Kirk,
I support the Butte Creek Canyon Overlay as it is with no changes.
Chris Palmarini
13350 Centerville Rd.
Canyon resident since 1998 (20 years)
COMMENTS
I only recently heard that the adoption of the Butte Creek Canyon Overlay into the General Plan was still in
question. After so many years of discussion, comment and modification, I was under the impression that the
Overlay was already, or soon would be, approved. Then I learned that an apparent lack of public support for the
idea put it in jeopardy.
I would like to share some thoughts on why the Butte Creek Canyon Overlay should be incorporated into the
General Plan.
First, recognize that Butte Creek Canyon is a distinct and unique element of Butte County, it is special in
a variety of ways, and should be managed conservatively.
You don't have to look far to find someone who thinks Butte Creek Canyon is special. Just ask any of the
cyclists who ride in the canyon, or the paddlers who kayak the whitewater, or the families that enjoy the creek
in the heat of the summer. Ask the couples who chose to get married at the Covered Bridge or the Centerville
Estate, ask the school children who visit the museum or the Chico State preserve. Ask any photographer,
biologist, geologist, or historian. Or just ask anyone who lives there. Butte Creek Canyon is special.
Second, acknowledge that developed land may change over time, but it is never unbuilt, and should be
considered permanent.
A General Plan is about the future, and that is exactly what we are talking about. If you pull back all of the
debates over the details,the rights and restrictions, the studies and reports, the meetings and comments... this is
really about the future of Butte Creek Canyon. There are already hundreds of homes in the canyon now, and I
think I can say with some confidence that even with the overlay,there will be many more homes in the
future. Some parcels that can be divided eventually will be, or a second home might be built where it's
permitted. There will be more driveways, outbuildings, and landscaping. There will be growth. But if there is
any interest in preserving that specialness I mentioned earlier, then adoption of the overlay is essential.
Third, please understand this is not about me.
t
You might hear the argument that this is just a bunch of anti-development people crying "not in my
backyard!" It may be my backyard today,but it won't be forever. It might be children's, or some other
family. There are countless people who have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Butte Creek Canyon in
the future, and the Canyon can continue to be a special gem in Butte County for a long time to come, but not
unless it is recognized for what it is, and managed accordingly.
Thank you.
/chris palmarini
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