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Show 10 - HOLIDAY TIMES - DECEMBER 1994 The following is a feature which Ed asked that we print. We do so, and m hope for a speedy resolution, but are bound to note some confusing statements within. All correspondence involving the old cottonwood tree is on file with the Town and available on request-I, ///I [l/////// I! Ill/l Ill Ill111/ll/l/l/l/l/I/I/I////////////[// Ill [/1 / llll / l [I The Old Cottonwood Xmas Tree Good news, folks! I bring tidings the Old Cottonwood Tree and the continuing rumor of its “contracted building permit. At that point, I immediately sought legal counsel and proceeded with the building permit process. Health Department approval removal.” Since this tree means a great was granted and theforms were of comfort and joy this season about deal to me, I decided to introduce myself to my neighbor, Mr. Dunning, to find out for myself the truth about what I’ve been reading. Apprehensive at first, I was pleasantly surprised to find John Dunning a friendly, affable person. He told me all he wants to do is restore the historic 70-year-old ranch buildings on his twelve acres and not let them decay into a hazard and an eyesore. He also told me his liability concerns about the tree and his threat to remove it, made in anger a long time ago, but that he never would have really cut down the tree. He could not understand why these rumors still exist, since he tried to explain all of this in a letter back in September. So completed and sent to Mr. Jack Campbell. I received a letterfrom Mr. Campbell claiming the property had been abandoned*—which was not true. Since that time,1 have received no damaged ceilings and walls and painting at this time. The property to my knowledge has never been abandoned. It was occupied at the time ofpurchase and has been used as a weekend camp by me and my family since that time. This can be easily verified if need be. I would like to assure you that it is my intent to retain the present charac- further correspondence from Mr. ter of the property since that is what Campbell and have turned the matter over to legal counsel—however I did attracted me to it in thefirst place. As time and money permit 1 hope to restore more of the property to its original state. I have no intentions of painting the structures and rocks pink nor cutting down the big cottonwood—— though I must admit it has crossed my mind lately. Cindy and Warren have been renting the old ranch house—but only until their house is completed in the valley. This was done mainly to prevent vandalism on the property. Once they move, it is my desire to use that house as a studio workshop with a guestroom, write Mr. Campbell explaining my situation (see enclosed). I would like to clear up several rumors at this time. First, I am not a developer, but I do invest and speculate in real estate andfirmly believe in property rights. The Castle Valley property was purchased solelyfor the personal enjoyment of myself and my of Castle Valley, along with a copy of family and not as an investment. Secondly, the houses on Lot 41 7 are not unsafe—but infact very sound. The his original letter, to be given to the exterior walls are constructed of FDA, the Planning Commission, and to the Castle Valley Times to be printed in buildings were apparently painted to but it will not be rented. I hope this letter will clear up some total. Happy holidays! —Ed Derderian look olderfor a movie set and were of the rumors that seem to plague the valley. Sincerely yours, John Dunning Letter from John L. Dunning originally white. I hope this clarifies the situation. Respectfully, John L. Dunning John has written a letter to the people To Castle Valley Property Owners horizontal rough sawn 4 " x 10"s. The Dated November 25, 1994 * My first letter to Mr. Dunning stated First, I would like to apologize for the commotion created by my letter concerning the cottonwood tree. It was never my intention to remove the tree, but to bring to the attention of the town a hazardous situation and the potential liability problem therein—as well as to bring attention to other town regula- tory problems. As to the repair of my house on Lot (If Mr. Dunning had written only his first letter, there would not have been that there was "possibly a problem with multiple dwellings on one lot." I told him I had to forward his building permit request to the Planing Commission and gave him phone numbers. —Jack Campbell Letter to Jack Campbell Dated September 24, 1994 Thank youfor sending the building 417—] went to the County Building Inspector to review the necessary forms and was at this time introduced to the permitforms. I will try to set up a mayor of Castle Valley, who workedfor the county across the hall. She told me There are no additions, structural, electrical or plumbing changes being she would not grant a Castle Valley performed. We are just repairing water meeting with Jeffnext week to review the forms with him. IIIIIIllIIIIIIIIIIIII[IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII’IIIIllIIIIIII concern about the tree. But then a second letter came, postmarked September 30, 1994: Dear Sir, I am conceer about the liability of the large Cottonwood located at the intersection on my property. For that reason I am contracting for its removal. I understand there is no permit needed for this. Thank you. John Dunning I have thought of deeding it to the town but that is impossible under the new County Zoning ordinance. At this pointI turned the matter over to the FDA. —Jack) IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII/ll |