|
By now just about everyone within 100 miles of the Marine Corps base in 29 Palms knows about MCAGCC's plans to expand. Notwithstanding notices of opposition from just about every municipality in the region, including the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, things just keep moving right along. There have been a few meet and greets, a few comment periods, enough of an attempt to ensure that the Marine Corps has done its best to contact all interested parties, and now, HVCC has issued its resolution regarding the matter...
A resolution of the Homestead Valley Community Council opposing the westward expansion option of the Twentynine Palms Marine Air Ground Combat Center.
WHEREAS, The Homestead Valley Community Council (HVCC) recognizes the desire to increase the size of the Twentynine Palms Marine Air Ground Combat Center to facilitate large scale air, ground, fire, and maneuver training; and
WHEREAS, the HVCC respects our military, are proud of their service to our county, and support their efforts to improve readiness; and
WHEREAS, HVCC council members are aware of the Twenty Nine Palms Marine Base expansion proposal, and the option to expand the base to the west through Johnson Valley and the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area, referred to hereafter as the JV OHV Area; and
WHEREAS, eliminating access to the JV OHV Area will severely impact the families who rely on this recreation area as one of the few remaining open areas set aside for off-highway vehicle activities; and
WHEREAS, eliminating access to the JV OHV Area will severely impact the locally owned businesses located in the JV OHV Area : businesses that will lose substantial revenues received through patronage by year round OHV activity participants; and
WHEREAS, legislation has been passed restricting off-road vehicle use on unpaved roads, private lands, and other areas outside the JV OHV Area; and
WHEREAS, eliminating access to the JV OHV Area will inevitably lead to increased unlawful ridership in these areas that are not suitable for off-road vehicle use; and
WHEREAS, Johnson Valley is a historic Homestead Community with well established homes, located in close proximity to, and in some cases within, the proposed westward expansion of the Twentynine Palms Marine Air Ground Combat Center; and
WHEREAS, residents of the Johnson Valley Community may be adversely affected by reduced air quality, increased noise, and increased traffic on Highway 247 traversing Johnson Valley, all resulting from the westward expansion option into the Johnson Valley area.
Now, therefore, the Homestead Valley Community Council resolves that it opposes the westward expansion option of the Twentynine Palms Marine Air Ground Combat Center into the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area .
Approved and adopted on this 28th day of January, 2009.
_______________________________________ Bradley D. Thornton
President, Homestead Valley Community Council 
|
