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Residents tell planning commission drilling near foredune risks homes and habitat
Summary
Multiple Bandon residents told the planning commission that nearby foredunes have eroded significantly and that allowing drilling or subsequent development could increase risk to the South Jenny neighborhood; speakers submitted photos and urged denial or stricter conditions.
Several neighbors testifying at the Bandon Planning Commission hearing on April 23 said the subject parcel sits within or adjacent to an active foredune and that the dunes have been eroding for years. John Dietrich told commissioners: "I estimate the foredune ridge ... has lost 50% of its mass in the last 10 years," and he said earlier notices to residents were mailed late, limiting participation in the packet deadline.
Other residents submitted photos and reports of dune retreat and king‑tide overtopping. A speaker who identified himself as Preston said the dunes near the lot had retreated "about 15 feet in the past several years" and asked the board to deny the permit or at minimum require further studies before any on‑site work. Denise Frazier and Steve Santoro described fragile dune vegetation and warned that damage to beach grass can take years to recover. Multiple commenters asked that any access not be allowed without rigorous restoration and oversight.
