As a Falcon homeowner close to Corral Bluffs, I am concerned about the lack of public process and short-sightedness of county officials who favor Corral Bluffs as a 522-acre motorbike park. This is an issue that will affect all county residents for years to come.What were commissioners thinking last summer when they gave staff the green light to apply for a $320,000 grant from the state to partially fund a $1.5 million motorbike park? This ill-thought-out proposal will benefit relatively few county residents and have the longevity of five to 15 years.County officials have the unique opportunity to develop a regional park to serve as a legacy for generations to come. The Banning Lewis Ranch development will serve about 179,000 residents by 2025. The city and county have already documented the need for a regional park of open space that would include Jimmy Camp Creek/Reservoir Park. An elementary school is already planned next to the motorbike site. Why are they favoring the special interests of a small OHV users group and disregarding the open space needs of the greater community?Residents are justifiably miffed that they were not invited to be part of the process from the start and support the State Parks Board in requiring the county to go “the extra mile in terms of public participation and transparency.” Indeed, elected officials and county staff are obliged to be responsible stewards of public resources and facilitate a public planning process that ensures everyone is heard and all options are considered.Members of the Corral Bluffs Improvement and Preservation Association agree that motorbike enthusiasts should have a place to recreate. And agree that the Corral Bluffs site is not the appropriate site.Nancy Milvid ApplemanFalcon
