Having been out of town for the last couple of months, I was horrified to see the logging operation at the entrance to Lebanon Road in Cortez.

I am informed that this operation was initiated illegally, without permit, on commercial zoned property. I am also informed that the city is working with Independent Log Company to change the zoning to industrial. This is my neighborhood that they are encroaching upon. This is the entrance to our park at Carpenter (barely recognizable now with the trucks, heavy machinery, piles of logs, 55-gallon drums, etc.) that is being devastated.

What, as a city, as a community, could we possibly be thinking? Wildlife habitats are being threatened to the east and the north, and with increased truck traffic at an already dangerous intersection lives are being threatened to the west. At what expense do we sacrifice our peaceful lives to the reckless advance of an industrial developer?

Of course, we want jobs. This company is surely welcome in a properly zoned and appropriate area. Please, say no to improper and ill-advised zoning changes that infringe upon our neighborhoods and our public parks.

John Brzovic

Cortez