Letter: Development of bike path on farm land an unnecessary ‘slippery slope’
“n the past, eminent domain was used for real exigencies. During World War II, a segment of what is now our farm was taken by the federal government for a water treatment plant, a well and several pipelines for Camp Adair — all needed for the collective good of the entire populace.
Later, during the Eisenhower administration, eminent domain was applied for acquisition of land for the interstate highway system — also deemed necessary for the good of the nation.
In Benton County, the threat of eminent domain is now being applied for the acquisition of land — which was zoned for Exclusive Farm Use — for a recreational bike path. It is not an allowed use of Willamette Valley high-quality soils nor a necessity.
If public health and safety are reasons for the taking of private property, it is distressing that the entire proposed pathway along our farm is on the opposite side of the railroad berm away from highway sight and safety.
Serious public safety issues are cropping up on similar paths in several Oregon counties. I cringe at the possibility of one day discovering a person on our field who is maimed or worse due to misguided opportunists preying on an unsuspecting public. No good intentions nor excessive federal funding can make this acceptable.”
Corvallis Gazette Times 20 November 2014.