These
annexations are only for houses. There's nothing that will generate
a grocery store or other retail services. All the developers promise is
one small park.
Loss of PRIME
farmland. North Plains is a big part of Washington County's farm
industry. Developing farmland decreases the "critical mass" of
the local farm industry, and makes survival more difficult for
businesses that support agriculture.
The livability
costs of annexation are many. In addition to increased traffic are
increases in pollution of all types, especially air, noise, and light.
The incidence of crime will increase, if for no other reason than that
there will be more homes and cars subject to burglary and theft.
The faster we
grow now, the faster we'll grow later. Future growth rates are based
on current and past rates. Grow fast now, grow even faster later.
Annexation
will not necessarily lead to an increase in property values. Why would
values increase? The land and housing supply will have increased and the
small-town feel and scenic views will have decreased.
…but your
property taxes may well increase. Residential development is the most expensive
in terms of the cost of providing services such as fire and police. New
schools will need to be built somewhere, and all property owners in the
Hillsboro School District will pay for their construction.
North Plains
will be divided. Residents of the eastern annexed area would be less
likely to do business in town, especially once there's a new school.
Shopping, banking, and dining in North Plains won't be as convenient for
them as for other area residents.
What your neighbors are saying…
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“I don’t understand why people who
chose to live in a small town would want to change it.”
- Sheila Hardwick, resident
“North Plains is already growing too fast without
annexation. We need a slower pace of growth.”
- Cindy Harmes, resident
“We moved here to get away from mass population.
We didn’t want it to follow us.”
- Steve Powers, resident
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