Editor:

In the May 23 Journal, Freddy Brewster discusses some current plans for Humboldt County development ("Draft Housing Element Calls for Drastic Solutions to Humboldt's Housing 'Crisis'"). I wanted to add one to the list, the proposed wind turbine "farm" by Terra-Gen (NCJ Daily, May 30). This project would erect 60 wind turbines along the top of Bear and Monument Ridges. 

Meanwhile, the Cher-Ae Heights Rancheria is asking the Coastal Commission to allow it to build a 100-unit, five-story hotel that would dominate the landscape and wreak havoc with Trinidad's water supply, traffic, etc. ("Got Water?" May 16).

Most of us remember the massive damage caused to our watersheds, logging and fisheries industries by Maxxam back in the 1990s, before it declared bankruptcy. 

These are all large-scale projects that mostly profit their corporate boards, consolidating more and more wealth into fewer and fewer hands. Instead of serving a wide base of residents and ensuring a future healthy Humboldt, they take more than they give and, when they leave, it is us who pay the consequences. 

This type of development model parlays the downsides into the future instead of honestly addressed them up front, giving citizens and our elected officials a chance to make better informed decisions. 

We can develop Humboldt County with a green future in view. It just takes leadership and a commitment to our grandchildren and our animal neighbors.

Listen to the May 27 Monday Morning Magazine on KMUD for more info on the wind turbine project. Go to Humboldt Alliance for Responsible Planning's website for more info on the Trinidad hotel.

Send comments on the wind project to: Humboldt Wind Project Planner, County of Humboldt, Planning and Building Department, 3015 H St., Eureka, 95501 or [email protected]. Deadline is 5 p.m. June 14.

Send Comments on the Trinidad hotel to [email protected]. Deadline is June 7.

Meighan O'Brien, McKinleyville