Residents urge San Juan County to reject high‑density ‘treehouse’ resort proposals on Lampard Road

Dozens of residents used public access time at the March 20 San Juan County Planning Commission meeting to press planners about a proposed development at the end of Lampard Road, saying the project’s size, traffic and drainage plans threaten a rural agricultural valley.

"How can someone apply for 5,000‑square‑foot homes plus two tree houses on five acres on two parcels of ag land? How does that make any sense?" asked Loriann David, owner of Aurora Farms LLC, who provided the commission with written comments and referenced land‑use file numbers on the record.

Neighbors raised three recurring concerns: road safety and capacity, stormwater/drainage inadequacies, and whether the Heritage Plan’s intent allows the proposed clustering. Several speakers cited narrow road widths (12–13 feet in places), frequent pedestrian use, blind curves and daily walkers and school teams as safety vulnerabilities.

"Lampard Road is enjoyed daily from sunup to sundown by island residents of all ages," said Kathleen Robb. She said the applicant’s SEPA projected as many as 60 vehicle trips per day and that coupled projects and heavy equipment could strain the narrow, tree‑canopied route.

Speakers also questioned the use of an older SEPA review for a new proposal. "So a next plan would require another SEPA review. So I don't think you can use an old review SEPA for a new development project," Loriann David told commissioners and staff and provided specific land‑use file references for staff follow‑up.

Other residents described prior compliance concerns related to the same developer, including alleged unpermitted tree removal, filling of wetlands and stop‑work orders in other jurisdictions. "When this all started ... I think the Nelsons filled wetlands, removed trees, burned without the proper permits, and ignored stop work orders from the county," Mary McCready said.

Local agricultural residents framed the debate as a threat to the Valley Heritage Plan’s intent to preserve farming and rural character. "You're putting another nail in the farming coffin around here," said Rex Guard, who said he served on the Valley Heritage Plan steering committee.

County staff did not indicate the Planning Commission would review the specific development proposal, noting the commission handles long‑range planning (comprehensive plan and code) rather than individual land‑use permit decisions. Staff said the public comment period is an appropriate place to place concerns on the public record.

What’s next: Staff told commenters they will look into the land‑use files and follow up. Commissioners did not take formal action on the development during the meeting.