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.