Big Box Blog

Any highest and best use analysis begins with the question “what is physically possible?” Understanding the environmental and physical (including geotechnical) constraints of the Balloon Tract would cost over $100,000. Once we understand the physical and environmental condition, we would still need to understand any impact on the community. What effect would the proposed uses have on local businesses, schools, the city’s general fund, etc. Chalk up another $75,000 for economic impact studies. Traffic studies? Another $75,000.

The proposed redundant plans cost the city money it does not have and provides no more information than the work being done by the city at Security National’s expense. Redundant plans would cost the city at least another $200,000 at taxpayers’ expense.

Furthermore, your insinuation that the city will somehow be tainted or that it can not lead a thorough and independent study is insulting to the hard-working staff and council of Eureka. The Environmental Impact Report is scoped, written, controlled and directed by the city.

When the General Plan/Local Coastal Plan were adopted by the city in 1984, the site was already vacant and underutilized. During that time, the city elected to zone the property “Public” to provide itself the opportunity to consider any future uses for the site. The city has always contemplated, at some point, a zone change for the Balloon Tract.

“What about Union Pacific?” you asked. While I agree that Union Pacific could have done more to maintain the Balloon Tract, they have fully complied with the state’s environmental law and regulations. Union Pacific has recognized the need to move the site from the railroad’s ownership and have actively marketed it for the last five years or more. Security National is not the first buyer they have negotiated with, rather the only one to have signed a deal.

“What future effect might that have on the waterfront?” Site contamination investigations have been conducted at the Balloon Track site for more than 15 years. The information collected over this time has repeatedly shown that petroleum hydrocarbon and metals contamination exists in the shallow soils. The placement of a barrier cap over the site, coupled with the removal of the most contaminated soil, would minimize rain and storm water from infiltrating to the subsurface and would effectively eliminate the primary mechanism for leaching subsurface contaminants into neighboring properties and the bay.

You also asked, “Why not ask the public what it thinks?” Great idea! Security National Properties would like to invite you and the public to an open house on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wharfinger building. Subject-matter experts will be available on a wide range of issues that affect the Balloon Tract site. The public should have the facts before being asked to make a decision on this project. Thank you for ensuring that these points are clearly presented.

Brian Morrissey is senior vice president for Security National Properties. His home is in Omaha, Neb.

The opinions expressed in My Word pieces do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the Times-Standard.