Yo, Mata? You seen this article yet? About Are-We-Gone?
"There were no restrictions on the land when we bought it," said English, who wants to sell the land or give it to relatives. "To come in and put new regulations on it 20 years later, I think it's stealing."
I like this lady, Mrs. English, age 92. She's y0unger than most the legislators in Oregon, IMHO. Bright and lively. Obviously not a control freak.
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Just scanned the article, friend Alia. But it's not a subject that's new to me.
I voted against this measure. I was aghast to see it pass since I think it will have devasting financial results for an already "gimme everything for free" state that's in debt up to their eyeballs. There is no doubt that, in a litigation happy world, the courts will be jammed packed with landowners trying to make a buck, with the payoff coming from me and every other Oregon citizen.
Bunk...
Ms. English owns land in Portland Metro zoning about 12 miles from where I live. Note, the zoning restrictions are Portland the city and not Multnomah County. It's acreage on along the same hills that include Forest Park, Portland's premiere park.
There are things Ms. English can do with her land... just not divide it, as she wants to do. At least not now. Perhaps in the future, as the city grows, they may loosen the restrictions. But believe me, she has value in that land as is. That would bring a pretty penny in it's present zoning status, plus proximity to the city for commuting.
While I can sympathize with Ms. English's situation, I don't believe I and the rest of the Oregon citizens personally owe her, and every other disgruntled landowner, additional compensation because of the effect of zoning laws... aka "police power" in legalese... It is a fact that every land owner in every state in the union must accept upon purchase, along with "eminent domain". Caveat Emptor... Buyer Beware. Do your due diligence when purchasing, and accept that there can and will be unknowns that will affect future value.
I think it was a fool hardy measure with an immeasurable fiscal impact. Not to mention it opens up the can of worms to bypassing other zoning laws and comprehensive plans... an ugly necessity when planning a community.
I knew you'd have some insightful input, Mata. You are right: folks should do research; especially in re major purchases. Like land. And eminent domain. The moral of story seems to be: Keep life simple -- so your life is not overcluttered, and you CAN do the research. Perhaps Mrs. English's comments might encourage current and newer prospective buyers to fully research properties they are considering buying. Like here. I could have picked up some glorious historic plantation style mansions for a song. I did some research. OH MY! The area of these homes has the "historic" designation -- ergo, I'd have to get approval for even tiny renovations. No thanks.
LOL... so you checked into History Register type properties there? Lovely, aren't they?
Just to let you know, the federal "Historic Register" is not the only group with which to contend. The State, County and City can also add their own regs... and do.
History properties are defintely not for everyone. There are some that are worthy of being entrusted with a piece of history, and others who shouldn't be let near it! If you are going to take on a historic building, it is desirable that you adhere to visuals and architecture that are part of the period.
Afterall, if you wander thru one of the National Register homes on their "open house" days (one a year for four hours is generally required), wouldn't it take you aback to see that beautiful wainscotting on the lower bit of the walls, and Mickey Mouse or Sponge Bob Squarepants wallpaper on the top? LOL
I'm not abasing either of the characters. I am a huge Sponge Bob fan myself. And in truth, that's an extreme example. In reality they generally don't regulate wall treatment since that doesn't permanently alter a structure. So there is more freedom than you would guess.
But dang.... is sure would mar the effect of living in the historic past, don't you think?
Most alterations you may get approved since one who purchases something historic generally doesn't want to turn it into a contemporary palace. But just the act of having to ask for permission to alter anything is not for those as independent as you and I.
However, I must say, I think you'd be a great candidate for preserving some history, Alia! It is NC's loss that you decided to live in something more traditional.
DOH! Forgot to click on my name for the above post... I am NOT anonymous! Or at least, not at the moment!
Mata
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