Where does one find Environmentalists?? Need help shutting down a new construction.

[Cindyluwho]

I need some help with a nasty neighbor who is trying to build a new home in an environmentally sensitive area. How does one contact an environmental group to get them involved. I've tried Google, etc but can't seem to find where to start. We do have a geotech involved but I really want this guy stopped! We've been really supportive of other new constructions in our neighborhood but this guy is positioned in a very sensitive spot with an unstable hillside. The folks in the homes up above are freaking!!

 

[JR6ooo4]

what exactly is the problem. is it a plant issue or wildlife or unstable earth.

are you in an incorporated village/town?

*remember to leave out name calling adjectives when voicing discontent. It makes your complaint sound petty and spiteful. It detracts from the validity of your real issue.

Mikeeee

 

[Janet Hill]

Maybe you all could just buy the property from him. It is his to do with what he wants. I'm sure when he purchased it, he did so with the intent to build. Maybe it was the housing above him that caused the hillside to become unstable.

 

[luvmy3]

If its an unstable hillside how was he able to get the proper permits to build in the first place?

 

[minniecarousel]

EPA?
Is there a University near-by that would take up the cause?
Your city's building inspector?

the local newspaper?

 

[Chicago526]

I'd probably start with your town/city/county whatever. I'd express your concerns with the building code people and just base it on the unstable hill, leave the enviromental concerns out of it.

If he has the proper permits and you can't appeal (or lose the appeal) then I'm not sure what else you can do, it's private property. Short of having it declared a nature perserve of some sort I don't think you'd be able to stop him.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Thanks so those who have posted ideas so far. At this point he has not been given the "variance" for his reserve septic/drainfield. The reserve would be at the top of a hill that has already been deemed "unstable" by a geotech. The problem is, the geotech that looked at the hillside before did it for another property that was being built- it has to be on the "intended" property for it to be used at the county hearing. The man who wants to build hired his own geotech and it was deemed suitable. we are now at the point that our only recourse is to hire our own geotech. If ours finds it unstable then the county will hire their own, 3rd party geo to do a report on it.

At the last county meeting all of the neighbors were very well spoken, no name calling, they voiced their concerns and even brought photos of past slides on the hillside. The committee voiced their opinion that the variance not be given (he can't build without it) but they have to abide by the letter of the law and the law states that he needs a geotech report declaring the hillside stable. So their hands are tied! Unless, unless...we pay for our own geo, etc.

Since this property is right on the water of Hood Canal and right at the bottom of an unstable hill, you'd think this would be a no-brainer. But noooo!!

and no, he did not purchase this property to build. It was deemed for "Recreational use only" since the lot was established in the 1970's. He inherited the property and is trying to get it changed. And the man is just caustic, really an awful man. We did try to buy the property from him but he wants at least 10X the amount it is assessed at.

 

[HighClass]

My BIL is an Ecologist-but he is hired to see if construction will hurt the wetlands (his specialty)-and makes big $$ doing this consulting work. He's a college Prof/Dean.

I agree with otheres that this is more a zoning issue-call city hall!

 

[agnes!]

Contact any/all of the following, keeping in mind that event though some might seem to not be specifically invested in your situation, they could have contacts with others who can help.

local chapter of the Sierra Club
local birding clubs or groups
Corps of Engineers - waterway concerns
environmental lawyers

When you start feeling hopeless about the situation, read up on how Senator Barbara Mikulski got her start. She spearheaded a group that stopped the complete destruction of Fells Point in Baltimore, I believe for a Federal Highway project.

Also have everyone who's concerned should play 5 degrees of separation to figure out who might be connected with the local zoning board or local politicians

Good luck,.
agnes!

 

[Cindyluwho]

My BIL is an Ecologist-but he is hired to see if construction will hurt the wetlands (his specialty)-and makes big $$ doing this consulting work. He's a college Prof/Dean.

I agree with otheres that this is more a zoning issue-call city hall!

We have been to the meeting at city hall. The law is that your property must pass certain criteria or you must get a variance. He has applied for a variance but needs the geotech survey that says the hillside is stable. His geo says it is. We are hiring our own geo. If ours says it isn't then the county will hire it's own, 3rd party geo to do a report. I was just hoping for an easier, quicker way. What I really want is to tear the guys head off. I have NEVER met anyone that is as awful as this guy! One minute he's nice then he starts yelling and screaming! The guy is a freak!! He calls names, screams, etc.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've showed your posts to a friend who is a city planner, and used to be one out in Shelton. I'll PM you whatever she tells me.

Just so you know, these battles aren't always won. She had a long, drawnout battle with a guy who wanted to do idiotic things on a wetland, and he won. Stupid. Sometimes commonsense doesn't win. Just letting you know.

 

[Cindyluwho]

I've showed your posts to a friend who is a city planner, and used to be one out in Shelton. I'll PM you whatever she tells me.

Just so you know, these battles aren't always won. She had a long, drawnout battle with a guy who wanted to do idiotic things on a wetland, and he won. Stupid. Sometimes commonsense doesn't win. Just letting you know.

Thank you, thank you. And yes, I know that we may lose but I just can't believe this could happen and endanger so many homes in the process. But I know, "no one said life was fair"

 

[Chicago526]

We have been to the meeting at city hall. The law is that your property must pass certain criteria or you must get a variance. He has applied for a variance but needs the geotech survey that says the hillside is stable. His geo says it is. We are hiring our own geo. If ours says it isn't then the county will hire it's own, 3rd party geo to do a report. I was just hoping for an easier, quicker way. What I really want is to tear the guys head off. I have NEVER met anyone that is as awful as this guy! One minute he's nice then he starts yelling and screaming! The guy is a freak!! He calls names, screams, etc.

Hmmm...an enviromental cause group may be willing to help fund the geotech survey. Or may be able to refer you to someone that will do it for free or a reduced fee. And contact your local paper, nothing like local presure on city hall, especially if you have counsil members up for re-election anytime soon.

 

[bumbershoot]

PM'ing you.

 

[agnes!]

We have been to the meeting at city hall. The law is that your property must pass certain criteria or you must get a variance. He has applied for a variance but needs the geotech survey that says the hillside is stable. His geo says it is. We are hiring our own geo. If ours says it isn't then the county will hire it's own, 3rd party geo to do a report. I was just hoping for an easier, quicker way. What I really want is to tear the guys head off. I have NEVER met anyone that is as awful as this guy! One minute he's nice then he starts yelling and screaming! The guy is a freak!! He calls names, screams, etc.

This might sound odd, but has anybody done a background check on the guy? I would. The more information you have about your opponent, the better-prepared you'll be for war. What is his background, where did he come from, what did he do before he plopped down into your neighborhood's life? How did he end up with the property? Buy it, inherit it, steal it?...

I would. The more information you have about your opponent, the better-prepared you'll be for war.

agnes!