During a recent government meeting, community members expressed strong opposition to a proposed industrial overlay in Brush Prairie, Washington, which they believe threatens local farmland and the environment. Joe Zimmerman, a representative for local farmers, voiced concerns about the council's decision to hire a consultant for the FRDU (Future Residential Development Unit) project, emphasizing that many landowners, including himself, are firmly against selling their land for industrial development. He urged the council to engage with the community to gauge their true sentiments rather than making assumptions about their willingness to sell.
Theresa Hardy criticized the council's apparent prioritization of the building industry's interests over public concerns, accusing the chair of belittling community feedback and pushing forward with plans that could waste taxpayer money. She highlighted the risks of litigation and the potential environmental impact of the proposed industrial developments, particularly during a climate emergency.
John Nanny, another local resident, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the current FRDU overlay primarily consists of farmland and small residential parcels, making it unsuitable for industrial development. He argued that the council's efforts to pursue this plan, despite widespread opposition, are misguided and wasteful.
The meeting concluded with a call for the council to reconsider its approach and prioritize the needs and desires of the community, rather than continuing with a plan that many residents deem detrimental to their way of life and the local environment.