Open Letter to the Board of County Commissioners

Jefferson County Commissioners,

~ We are writing to voice concern over the proposed JEA / Jefferson County Horse Park. As the majority neighbors to the 80 acre county parcel along our NE property boundaries, our family is very concerned with the impact the proposed horse park will have on our property, home, business and peace of mind here on Cape George Road. In 2009 we completed a deal with the county by trading a portion of our property to allow county access into the parcel from the road. Over the years we have maintained a good relationship with the Dept. of Public Works but now have serious concerns with JEA's recent plans for development of the land and proposed horse park. While we would welcome low impact and limited development on the neighboring parcel -- ( ie. sm. parking area and non-motorized bike, hiking and horse trails ) the current JEA proposal calls for expansive bulldozing, grading and major "improvements" to a timber parcel that is naturally contoured ( very far from level ) and has already been re-planted with flourishing and growing timber. Although a very small user group, JEA's development plans are clear and as proposed this is not merely a small recreational project but a major commercial venture expanding into a rural residential area.

~ Our family is familiar with the county acreage as its neighbor for some time and be assured that this parcel is far from a logged out wasteland. We have observed deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, cougar, bear, eagles, owls and other animals that live, nest and breed on this county land including the 80 acre parcel in question. The development of the parcel into public parking lots, stables, trails and horse arenas will surely alter this habitat forever. Our community is well known for its environmental conscious and all should be aware that the development of this project as proposed will exploit and destroy a vibrant and growing forest ecosystem. The proposed plans for the JEA horse park development will certainly impact our own property, home and business as well. We are concerned about the increase of people and vehicle traffic adjacent to our property as a result of the parks development, access and events. Consequential noise, security, trespass and maintenance will result from this newly developed neighboring park. Is JEA and the County prepared for the time and expense to manage this park during and after hours ? As the sole neighbors to the western side of the park we do not want the burden of overseeing its impact to that part of our our property. Security issues and trespass have always been a concern from the surrounding county land and these issues will certainly increase for us with this new park. The current site plans also allows for stables and the boarding of a substantial number of horses directly along our eastern property border and we certainly do not want the noise or smell the result of 60 or more large horses directly outside our front door !

~ As stewards of the county you should uphold being good neighbors to both the environment and the community and not allow the JEA Horse Park development as currently planned . Unlike the recent press on the issue this is not simply a win/ win situation for all those involved. The horse park is a large commercial venture proposed by a very small user group for their own benefit. This project will impact the county, taxpayer, environment and neighbors at great expense.

As concerned neighbors,

David and Tiffany Drewry and Family

1280 Cape George Road
Port Townsend