Dear Editor, First of all, my appreciation is extended to the
Morgan Hill Times for being present to record and represent the
opinions of those in attendance during the two ULL Public Comment
meetings on March 14 and 21.
Dear Editor,
First of all, my appreciation is extended to the Morgan Hill Times for being present to record and represent the opinions of those in attendance during the two ULL Public Comment meetings on March 14 and 21.
One area of concern includes environmental and health impacts which may be intertwined with the proposed “New Greenbelt.” Parks, open space fields, creeks, ponds and water resources also may have these impacts. First, I would like to briefly distinguish the difference between the greenbelt known in the 1960’s and the “New Greenbelt” being proposed for the current time frame.
The “New Greenbelt” is not the natural, agricultural type of greenbelt as it was in the 1960’s. The reality has evolved that most orchards and seasonal crops are now deemed unprofitable.
Agriculture appears to have evolved to be an industry of failure in several areas of Morgan Hill. The “New Greenbelt,” as believed, would be a manufactured greenbelt, with all the environmental, health and economic concerns that can accompany a modern greenbelt.
The main point is that all of these concerns need to be considered in intelligent decision processes of proposing this “New Greenbelt” that carries with it modern levels of impact to life.
The proposed “New Greenbelt,” more probably than not, will require chemicals of various types to preserve the natural appearance. Fertilizers to keep the greenery a vibrant green, sprays to keep insects under control, weed pre-emergent to keep weeds from germinating, are especially important since licensed contractors at competitive contractor’s wages, may not be affordable, to extract the weeds manually. A concentration of chemicals on grass can be cancer-causing to humans.
This concentration of chemicals becomes intensified proportionally with the size of the “New Greenbelt.” There also is a concern about run-off of these chemicals, especially during heavy rainstorms. Potential health hazards from run-off can occur. A hefty fine can become applicable to any entity that pollutes water resources. The water purity in streams and wells can then become a concern if chemicals begin to seep into water supplies, contaminating water purity levels.
Economically, there needs to be significant funding to upkeep the ponds, creeks and water resources on a 24/7 basis. Unkept water sources can cause mold and algae to thrive or become breeding grounds for mosquitos or other insects. This outgrowth then can become a public health hazard. Would Santa Clara County be prepared to counteract an outbreak of the West Nile Virus from unkept ponds, not only in Morgan Hill, but if the outbreak reached epidemic proportions, extending to areas of Santa Clara County? This underscores why establishing solid financial funding for a greenbelt is imperative, not only in its implementation stage, but in the maintenance over the years.
The process of implementing any balanced plan should begin with a thorough process of consideration for the health of humans and life, in general, first, followed by environmental impacts. Certainly not to be overlooked is the assurance that finances for the “New Greenbelt” are established and strong from the outset for any implementation consideration, through the entire maintenance and operations support of the “New Greenbelt.”
The importance of health, environmental and financial level needs should be emphasized and analyzed to determine whether this entire “New Greenbelt” idea is really viable and feasible, all reality factors considered.
Julie Borina Driscoll, Saratoga
