Dear Council Members,
I am writing this letter to ask that you not agree to the TR’s request for a letter of support for their Proposed Alternatives for the Hwy 101 Interchange Projects. First, it is premature for the Rancheria to be asking the COT or others for a letter of support. There is not a Project to review only Alternatives all of which are without an Environmental Impact Report.
I am an adjacent property owner who will be directly impacted by all of the Proposed Alternative Projects. This property has been in my family since 1906 and has remained largely untouched since that time. I am deeply concerned about the impacts of the freeway interchange that will be occurring next to my property. The proposed project will have negative impacts on property value, air quality, polluted storm drainage from the interchange into McConnahas creek and on to Trinidad Bay. Currently my property is frequented by all kinds of wildlife that will also be negatively impacted. As we have seen in other similar development, the animals will be forced to relocate with an unknown number dying on the Rancherias on/off ramps. Even with a walking path, the area is notorious for its unleashed dogs that run loose. My property is nestled amongst the large redwood trees with McConnahas Creek running through it. This picturesque neighborhood has never seen development of this size or impact before.
This is a huge amount of development for a casino and would open up potential hotel, gas and convenience store revenue to the Rancheria. However, it would also likely put some existing stores out of business in Trinidad once there is no need to come through town to receive those same services and goods. The TR members may spend some of their new income in the community, but it likely won't be in Trinidad as the majority of Rancheria housing is in Mckinleyville. For members living in the Westhaven portion of the Rancheria housing, the concern of them accessing services at the Tribal Offices is solved simply by routing the casino bus shuttle that runs patrons to the casino property multiple times a day. I’m sure the Rancheria can extend this same service to its members who are without transportation instead of creating this huge impact to the rest of us.
The Rancheria businesses are not subject to taxation, therefore any tax dollars going toward funding this project will not see a return. This project only enhances the Rancheria businesses at the expense of taxpayers, other local businesses in Trinidad, wildlife, forest, clean water and adjacent property owners like me.
I respectfully request the COT not support this project nor write a letter or support as requested by the Rancheria.
Thank you for your attention on this very important matter.
Kelly Lindgren
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Subject: Feb 23, 2024 meeting agenda item 3:
From: Paige Smith <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Feb 13, 2024 3:38 pm
To: Trinidad City Council <[email protected]>
· At the August 2023 meeting held at the Rancheria, it was clear the Trinidad community at large did not fully support this project.
· It is not clear what alternative (3D or 5C) is likely to be pursued by the Rancheria. There was significant opposition to alternative 3D expressed at the August 2023 meeting. · To support the RAISE Grant application at this time, when it is not clear what direction the Rancheria intends to take, would be premature.
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Dear Trinidad City Council Members:
We are writing with respect to Trinidad City Council February 13, 2024 meeting Agenda Item 3:
Discussion/Decision regarding Letter of Support for Trinidad Rancheria RAISE Grant for the 101 Trinidad Area Access Improvement Project.
Please do not support the Trinidad Rancheria RAISE Grant at this time for the following reasons:
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.
Sincerely,
Greg Smith
Paige Smith
PO Box 2125
Trinidad CA 95570
[email protected]