[Durham INC] FW: billboard update

[Melissa Rooney]

So very sad. Just another example of preference paid to big $ private over public interests. 

Meanwhile, our latest water bill, which is still charging fees for stormwater-related issues, states that it is the landowner's responsibility to maintain and fix drainage problems on his property -- despite the fact that such drainage problems are becoming more and more severe due to state/city/county-sanctioned tree clearing (and, in the case of development, replacement by impervious surfaces). This is especially the case for properties near intermittent streams, which have now become rapidly flowing storm ditches.

I was told by storm-water services (who did not provide any facts/regulations in this regard) that any homeowner who tried to stem the flow of water on their property would be liable for any consequences on neighboring properties. Their statement in our last bill/newsletter expressly prohibits homeowner's from inhibiting the flow of water downhill.

So it would seem the gov't wants to hold individual homeowners/taxpayers liable for consequences of their actions on stormwater but lets developers, billboard owners, and other special interests do what they want w/out any consideration for the consequences on their neighbors (in this case, the residents of the city/county in which they are doing business).

I am more and more saddened by this trend in our government.

Melissa (Rooney)





________________________________
 From: Pat Carstensen <pats1717 at hotmail.com>
To: inc listserv <inc-list at durhaminc.org> 
Sent: Thursday, 19 January 2012 4:56 PM
Subject: [Durham INC] FW: billboard update
 

 
FYI



________________________________
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:57:31 -0500
From: molly.diggins at sierraclub.org
Subject: billboard update
To: NC-CONS-FORUM at LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG



A controversial measure approved last year by the General Assembly at the request of the billboard industry is moving towards implementation.

In a divided vote, the Rules Review Commission today approved temporary rules that will allow permits to be issued to clearcut tens of thousands of the public's trees, some of them 50 years or more old, along interstates and major roadways. The changes are intended to increase viewing distance of billboards. Permits could be issued as soon as this spring. 

Impacts on local communities could be especially severe in western North Carolina, with large populations of older, large trees; as  well as communities with local ordinances intended to preserve existing vegetation. The new rules do not require replanting.

DOT estimates the value of the trees to the public at $12 million.  Ironically, North Carolinians invest approximately $5-6 million a year to beautify the state's roadways -- an investment that would seem to be severely undermined by the General Assembly having granted permission for wholesale cutting of the public's trees.

The new rules represent a big win for the billboard industry, which has sought similar concessions for years.


[Attached are simulation of the impact of the rules on a stretch of road in western NC]
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