Two meetings planned on Critical Areas Ordinance; Coldwell Banker hosts seminar Dec. 15, CAPR hosts presentation Dec. 19

Proposed changes to San Juan County’s Critical Areas Ordinance could change how we build, and where we build, in the San Juan Islands. Two community meetings are planned regarding those proposed changes.

Proposed changes to San Juan County’s Critical Areas Ordinance could change how we build, and where we build, in the San Juan Islands.

Two community meetings are planned regarding those proposed changes.

— Dec. 15: Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands hosts a seminar, 6-8 p.m., at the Fire District 3 headquarters fire station, 1011 Mullis St., Friday Harbor.

The seminar will address possible impacts to real estate values, local economy, property resale, and property rights.

Denny Holm will be the facilitator. Presenters are David Cable, proposed CAO; Merri Ann Simonson, real estate market update; Sam Buck, possible impacts to real estate; and Cathy Cavanagh, other counties’ experience.

The seminar will include a question and answer period at the end.

“The County Council members intend to make very important decisions after the first of this year so it is critical that you express your opinions to them,” Simonson said.

“This seminar is intended to educate you regarding the proposed CAO and its impact to real estate and our local economy. RSVP to 378-2101 as seating is limited.”

— Dec. 19: The local chapter of Citizens Alliance for Property Rights hosts a presentation at 3 p.m. in the Orcas High School cafeteria.

“The ordinance can dramatically affect your use of your property, as well as the value of your property,” the organization stated in an event announcement.

“If you are a property owner, you need to be informed and get involved.”

Citizens Alliance For Property Rights, or CAPR, is a chapter of a statewide organization that works on property rights issues.

CAPR has hosted monthly presentations on proposed changes to the CAO. Participants have included state Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders.