December 22, 2009

Juniper Acres - At the December 9, 2009 Planning Commission meeting a unprecedented move was made to revoke an owner of property in Juniper Acres his CUP (Conditional use permit). It has been learned that this move was done in spite of the fact that the county acknowledged the responsible party was NOT property notified by mail of this pending action under Crook County code 18.172.100. Further investigation has also found that this party was threatened by a county official that if he did not show up that they would proceed on the revocation without him. If he chose to be present he could not present all of his information that needs to be put on record because of lack of time to prepare.

This move on the county planning commissions part to revoke peoples CUP based on David Gordon's prior testimony that the CUP's were only for owner occupied dwellings has many in Juniper Acres up in arms. Most of the cited people as well as people that chose to get CUP's only had campers or trailers (lived in or not). Most of the CUP's did not conform to David Gordon's understanding of Order #2008-10. Many in Juniper Acres are wondering if they will be next.

Many of the people that live in Juniper Acres that were cited are relieved that they did not spend the $900 to get a CUP only to have it revoked. In talking with some of them it was soon evident that they believe in the right for the enjoyment of there property and just want to be left alone. Even though the area is made up of a very diverse population, when it comes to dealing with Crook County they are unified in there conviction to help one another with the intrusion of Crook County into there life. Most just want to live away from the cities and enjoy the peaceful surroundings that this area offers. Unfortunately this has come at a time when the hard work on many peoples part, on the road and fire district, attention and efforts will again be sidelined to deal with the threat at hand.

This action has stirred up a very sore subject for those that live in Juniper Acres. Even though many had come to grips with Order #2008-10 right or wrong, it seems that the county just won't let these people alone. This it seems is just another in a long stream of injustices that the residents of Juniper Acres have had to put up with at the hands of Crook County.

Annmarie Champness 9/2/10  ip=98.247.120.33
Annmarie Champness

Gary Strong 9/1/10  ip=98.108.146.82
Dave,
Would you consider moving the Dec 2009 article to the archives?

I suspect people see it and think there is nothing new to read.

Thanks.

Lonnie Howard 7/28/10  ip=67.204.155.107
Looking to buy buildable land (CUP) in Juniper Acres with a great view of the surrounding mountains and buttes. Acreage size not that important. Hoping for a owner carry arrangement with reasonable down payment. Please call 541-480-2985

Curtis Coley 7/16/10  ip=168.212.207.11
Out of curiousity does anyone know Lee Smock’s status? Last post I saw was Lee was experiencing some health issues. Has anyone heard since then?

Regards..

Warren Smith 7/6/10  ip=144.70.2.129

Gary Strong 6/30/10  ip=98.108.146.82
Hi Rich,
Thank you for the funny comment.
Please let me build on your Planet metaphor.

I am from the Planet LIVE AND LET LIVE.

Planet LIVE AND LET LIVE citizens love Planet JUNIPER ACRES.
Planet JUNIPER ACRES is a pioneering group seeking self-responsibility and freedom.

Planet JUNIPER AGITATOR is a restless Community Organizer with too much time and little money.
JUNIPER AGITATOR works hard Community Organizing JUNIPER ACRES to pay for share-the-wealth dreams.
JUNIPER AGITATOR works hand in hand with Planet CROOK POLITICIAN and Planet CROOK REALTOR to keep Planet JUNIPER ACRES worried.

CROOK POLITICIAN is out for power which leads to control which leads to their monetary gratification.
CROOK REALTOR is out to create a market to sell more at a higher and higher value which leads to their monetary gratification.
CROOK REALTOR and CROOK POLITICIAN are interchangeable at election time.

JUNIPER AGITATOR Community Organizers are self-serving for covert reasons and preach about the "mistreatment" of JUNIPER ACRES by CROOK POLITICIAN.
JUNIPER ACRES then feels they are not being cared for by CROOK POLITICIAN.
JUNIPER AGITATOR then appears to be deeply concerned and appears sincere helping JUNIPER ACRES.
If things go as CROOK REALTOR, JUNIPER AGITATOR, and CROOK POLITICIAN plan, they all share in the wealth taken from JUNIPER ACRES.

Me? I’m from LIVE AND LET LIVE, remember?

What does JUNIPER ACRES need from Crook County?
Want cheaper taxes? Some newer JUNIPER ACRES landowners only pay $19.82 a year!
Want building rights? Many JUNIPER ACRES people ignore the health and safety aspects and have one or more places occupied or under construction. and CROOK POLITICIAN has forgiven them.

Every blockage of building rights has been initiated by a JUNIPER AGITATOR Community Organizer Activist. Think about that.
Every tax increase is a result of higher land values encouraged by CROOK REALTORS. Doh!

If Juniper Acres wants a question answered, pick up the phone and call the county or walk-in to an office.
The feet-on-the-ground workers are very helpful!
Tel: (541) 447-6555
Email:administration@co.crook.or.us

JUNIPER ACRES seeks LIVE AND LET LIVE.
Join me on LIVE AND LET LIVE!

Keep Juniper Acres Wild!

RICH KEMPER 6/28/10  ip=75.145.68.201
Crook County is there for you, yeah right. What planet are you living on??

Gary Strong 6/27/10  ip=208.54.14.77
To Scott Hamilton:
You post over and over about wondering what is going on in Juniper Acres.

Here is your answer ...we are all enjoying a quiet period without Realtors and Roustabouts making trouble.

For your needs and answers about building and other turbulent topics, why not look up "Crook County." Use the phone or try emailing them. They are there for you.

The flowers out here are incredible this year.

Scott Hamilton 6/14/10  ip=75.106.192.36
My wife and I own a 10 acre parcle off Acacia. We are wondering who is the best contact related to JA issues? I am assuming that Mr. Smock is taking a well deserved break from dealing with Crook County. What is the status with the road and fire district improvements that were intended to relieve the building lottery process? I have read portions of the draft wind farm EIS. Is there any possibility of permanent power or road improvements as a result of option #2? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

john jacob 5/21/10  ip=68.67.102.67
5/21/2010
PRICE LOWERED ON MY HOUSE IN JUNIPER ACRES TO $ 119,500 OBO POSSIBLE TERMS
CALL 541-408 1236
SEE ON CRAIGS LIST FOR SALE BY OWNER

JOHN JACOB 5/21/10  ip=68.67.102.67
5/21/2010
PRICE LOWERED ON MY HOUSE TO $ 119,500
OBO. POSSIBLE TERMS
CALL 541-408-1236
SEE PHOTOS ON CRAIGS LIST FOR SALE BY OWNER

John Jacob 5/21/10  ip=68.67.102.67
Price change on my house in add below
New price is $119,500 OBO Possible terms.
Call 541-408-1236 5/21/2010
See photos on craigs list For sale by owner.

john jacob 5/14/10  ip=68.67.102.67
SOLAR/WIND POWERED 1 BR. 1BA. LOFT. PASSIVE SOLAR ATTACHED GREENHOUSE, OPEN FLOOR PLAN(864 SQ. FT.)STORAGE SHED,ROOT CELLAR, RV. SITE, DECKS ON 10 ACRES OF JUNIPER AND SAGE. pONDS WITH FISH/PLANTS AND WATER FEATURES FED
BY ROOF RAINWATER COLLECTION AND GREY WATER SYSTEMS.
GREAT MOUNTAIN VIEWS,WALKING PATHS,
PARTIALLY FENCED, CLOSE TO PRINEVILLE
RESERVOIR AND CROOKED RIVER FISHING AND RECREATION.
$149,500 WITH $30,000 DOWN , OWNER CONTRACT.
CALL (541) 408-1236 FOR INFORMATION AND APPOINTMENT TO VIEW.
ALSO GO TO CRAIGS LIST ALTERNATIVE ENERGY HOMES TO SEE PHOTOS.

john jacob 5/14/10  ip=68.67.102.67

Gary Strong 4/15/10  ip=98.108.146.82
In regards to the Alternative 2 for wind turbine access and power line construction, I am for the least disturbance and effect on Juniper Acres. Do the access and powerline building on the south side of West Butte please. Keep Juniper Acres Wild.

chris kelly 4/5/10  ip=71.104.193.198
FOR SALE 10 acres with septic approval and CUP (conditional use permit) off Cascade on Walnut. $35,000 Chris 805 452 9501 or email me @ onephreeone@yahoo.com

jim jackson 4/2/10  ip=67.171.230.178
The West Butte Wind Project environmental statement from BLM is available for comments. Alternative 2 has the access to the Wind Project and power lines using Cascade Way. Opinions?

http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/plans/wbw_power_row/

Claudia Gatto 3/25/10  ip=173.76.249.251

Claudia Gatto 3/25/10  ip=173.76.249.251

Juniper Acres News 1/3/10  ip=72.0.173.164
Lyle .. It was approved at the Feb 20, 2008 meeting, you have to look for it as there was no discussion about it. You might say it was just rubber stamped!!

Lyle Curtis 1/3/10  ip=72.160.109.214
Does anyone know if Order #2008-10 was actualy approved?

I searched the records and found that the order was supposed to be finalized and presented to the court in the 2/20/08 meeting. A search of court records through early 2009 doesn’t ever have it come up on the consent agenda. It seems to have dissappeared......unless I missed it.

Curtis Coley 12/13/09  ip=24.113.81.191
Doug, thank you for the update. Lee I not only want to thank you for the service to your country but for all the time and effort you have put into the Juniper Acres community. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and my you have a speedy recovery.

chris kelly 11/30/09  ip=71.165.192.196
Ready to Build ? 10 acres land for sale with (CUP) Conditional Use Permit and septic approval. Owner might finance Chris Kelly 805 452 9501

jordan king 11/27/09  ip=68.116.70.34

doug curtis 11/9/09  ip=207.200.116.131
I recently got a e-mail from Lee Smock.He is a veteran and is suffering from conditions related to his service to our country. Lee has not been able to or will be able to be involved in J.A. issues for some time. If you get a chance please thank him for his service not only to the J.A. community but our country as a whole. Doug Curtis

scott hamilton 10/15/09  ip=99.196.192.59
Has anybody heard from Bev Prothro or Mr. Smock recently? Although, we live north of Seattle we surveyed our 10 acres on Acacia over the weekend. What ever happened to our "legal" position with Crook County? At one time we retained representation and I am wondering what happened to the road and fire improvement discussion. I would be happy to contact someone, but I don’t know who that would be. The wind farms around Grass Valley/Goldendale are massive. Thanks.

Gary Strong 10/14/09  ip=74.98.88.103
Alvin,
Your idea is GREAT! But ...
Pacific Wind Power LLC is not testing wind turbines. They may build a wind farm of them. I believe the power is already sold ...to California.

This project might be sold several more times before being built; it may never be built.

Zilkha Renewable Energy started this project around 2000. In 2005 they sold it to Goldman Sachs and it became known as Horizon Wind Energy. At that time the Zilkas were on the board. Goldman Sachs sold Horizon to Energias de Portugal in 2007. EDP is a big player in windpower.

Seems like Pacific Wind Power LLC might be a corporation set up by EDP.

Meanwhile I think the Zilkas could be doing the biomass energy facility in Prineville. That was their next interest ...they get people interested in an energy project, and then sell for profit, and move to the next frontier.

Big World with small connections.

I do not think Juniper Acres is EDP’s idea of a viable market so don’t toss out the solar panels and personal wind turbines just yet.

Alvin Overacker 10/13/09  ip=76.104.209.4
According to the information I have read about the Wind project it will be far enough south of our development that we should not be affected. However I think one thing that "MIGHT" be proposed is that if they want to experiment with this type of a wind farm, we might benefit from it by them providing power to us, as a test site for their power production.

jim jackson 9/28/09  ip=67.171.230.178


Regarding the West Butte Wind project

There will be lights blinking at night visible to all. There will be degradation of our dark starry skies. I’m not real happy about that.

Rick O\'Connor 9/27/09  ip=71.123.229.128
I just received a letter from the Department of Interior requesting comments on the West Butte Wind Project.

Where is the West Butte Wind Projectin proximity to Juniper Acres? will this effect our land, our Land value or our views?
Can someone tell me what’s going on?

Grace Whitehead 9/12/09  ip=68.229.126.225
Hello:
My family owns parcel 107 on Myrtlewood,(aka 874 SW Myrtlewood) between Prineville Way & Bend Way. Do you all know if anyone has built on any of the nearby lots. Just curious.

doug curtis 9/8/09  ip=207.200.116.131
Scott, I have been wondering about Lee myself. I sent him an e-mail almost a month ago but never got a reponse.I am hoping Lee is o.k. as I believe that he has had some medical conditions. If anyone more closely aquanted with Lee sees this let him know he is missed. As far as Crook county goes-who knows?

scott hamilton 9/7/09  ip=99.196.224.56
What ever happened to all the work Lee Smock was doing to improve roads and mitigate fire danger in JA? This board seems to have lost its momentum. Is Crook County going to abolish the building restrictions or are we still waiting for a change in county politics? Any updates would be greatly appreciated.

Gary Strong 9/6/09  ip=208.54.14.76
The BLM pseudo-science range management team plans dangerous fire war on West Butte.

Prescriptive fire job creation is back at work. BLM is going to firebomb the area from a helicopter; scary isn’t it?

From the Central Oregonian:
“When the helicopter is used, the intensity of the burn is generally greater, so the local residents can expect to see some active fire behavior,” said West Butte Burn Boss Nancy Wiggins.
The West Butte controlled burn area is located approximately 15 miles south of Prineville along the Millican Highway and due south of the Juniper Acres subdivision. The targeted total acreage for this burn is 4,600 acres. The burn is tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8th, weather conditions permitting.

They are also doing Conant Basin area in the same time period. When things go wrong at both sites, help will be thinned out.

This is destruction of a natural climatic juniper forest association while alleging positive outcomes. It is creative fiddling in favor of other rangeland economical gains.

The fire danger alleged on the butte has been largely created by cutting, clearing, and piling huge areas of juniper.

Let’s be sure to practice Firewise goals among ourselves.

Doug Curtis 9/4/09  ip=207.200.116.131
Hey Curtis. I should just give you my e-mail since we seem to be the only ones even checking this board these days. Call Beverly protho-associates real estate(p-ville) or leslie beard(not sure which office shes with these days)but she is in prine-tucky also I belive. They would know those details.

Mark Froke 8/31/09  ip=99.59.99.185

Curtis Coley 8/12/09  ip=168.212.207.11
Does anyone know what the average selling price of a 10 acre parcel has been recently?

Thanks

Dianna Thomas 8/3/09  ip=71.94.248.18

doug curtis 7/30/09  ip=207.200.116.131
Jeb, You can contact Crook County(not sure which department)and they will have a recorded well log including depths.

jeb goss 7/21/09  ip=72.234.147.208
Does anyone know the depths of working wells in juniper acres? Locations? I have heard of several dry wells. Wondering if it is worth drilling a well versus hauling water?

krista miller 6/26/09  ip=67.59.90.126
I have someone who is interestd in 20 acres, my e -mail is khamiltonlcsnw@yahoo.com

Susan Taylor 6/25/09  ip=208.38.105.244
I have 20 acres in Juniper Acres that I would like to sell. Can someone tell me the best way to go about doing that?

Curtis Coley 5/28/09  ip=168.212.207.11
Sorry Doug, its a link to the project. Just cut and paste the link into a browser and it should bring you to the "WEST BUTTE WIND POWER PROJECT" document.

doug curtis 5/28/09  ip=207.200.116.131
Thanks for the reply Curtis. I am having difficulty locating the file you shared. Any advise on how to readily pin it down?

Curtis Coley 5/28/09  ip=168.212.207.11
Doug, I am not sure if this is going to answer your question, but look at Section 3.8 of this file. It may provide an answer..

http://co.crook.or.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=qoawuGiaJj0%3D&tabid=169&mid=2222

Doug Curtis 5/27/09  ip=207.200.116.131
I understand that there have been discussions regarding a wind turbine company using cascade ave. as an access route.Anyone else hear of this?

rhonda george 4/30/09  ip=68.106.226.53
Anyone interested in buying a parceln of land in Juniper Acres, send me an email. rsgpcn@yahoo.com

Curtis Coley 4/20/09  ip=168.212.207.11
Does anyone know how or if this would effect Juniper Acres.

New bill would better protect farmland
If passed, the bill would eliminate six different uses of land zoned EFU
By Kevin Gaboury
A new bill that would increase protection on Oregon farmland was heard by the Oregon House Land Use committee last week.
HB 3099 would eliminate six uses on land zoned EFU (exclusive farm use) - landfills, dog kennels, model airplane clubs, living history museums, spring water bottling and fireworks displays
Along with this, the bill would require rural schools sited on EFU land to serve primarily rural students and limit aggregate mining on farmland. It would also ban golf courses on EFU land require non-farm dwellings to be located where they would least interfere with farming.
http://www.centraloregonian.com/ArcStoryPage.asp?Database=Story&StoryID=8848

krista miller 4/18/09  ip=67.59.90.126
I am curious about the solar/wind grants. Does someone have information?

The Webmaster 4/10/09  ip=208.100.170.239
Story in the Central Oregonian

County code inspections lead to unrest in Juniper Acres community

http://www.centraloregonian.com/ArcStoryPage.asp?Database=Story&StoryID=8801

Whistlingsage 3/5/09  ip=64.251.243.253
There is a forum for Juniper Acres at:

http://www.buildbabybuild.net/blog/forum/juniper-acres-or/

This forum is for sharing ideas on energy independence in Juniper Acres. Please feel free to share your knowledge of alternative energy solutions for living within a remote off-grid location so that others may benefit. There is much to share so that all my benefit!

Mike Surrett 3/4/09  ip=71.182.95.11
Just wanted to wish Lee a speedy recovery!

Rick O\'Connor 2/28/09  ip=173.64.210.164
Is this site active? I own property here and wanted to check in

Mark Burris 2/26/09  ip=207.200.116.131
Looking to purchase 10 acres at a reasonable price. I have cash!..call Mark at 714-713-9655 or email me at Bigskymb@aol.com...Thank you!

chris kelly 2/20/09  ip=69.85.79.121
10 Acres with Conditional Use Permit for sale. Permit valid for 3 more years, septic design done On Walnut ln $60,000 Contact Chris @ 805 452 9501 or onephreeone@yahoo.com

Whistlingsage 2/7/09  ip=208.54.14.29
Some documents and articles about the West Butte Wind Power Project can be found at:

http://www.buildbabybuild.net/blog/forum/west-butte/

Doug Curtis 1/9/09  ip=207.200.116.131
Judge Scott Cooper is retring.The gavel of power will be handed to someone new. Does anyone have insight as to how this may effect the changes being sought for J.A.? How we may be able to best position ourselves in this period of transition/change?