County should approve permit for new facility

The school board is to be complimented for their unanimous support of the Bird museum in adopting a resolution asking that the conditional use permit be granted.

Their action was far-sighted, recognizing the value of a hands-on education. What greater inspiration for young people than to be able to actually see and visualize original prototypes of inventions and follow the process from the beginning to the finished product, as well as to view the Hubble telescope replica.

It is the inspiration of past generations that has made our country great, and it is wonderful our children can be motivated by the first-hand experience of seeing what earlier scientists and inventors have given to the world. As a neighbor who drives by the museum site almost every day, I find it is a wonderful protection of our rural atmosphere. The museum has no visual or any other negative impact from the county road.

It certainly has a great deal less impact on the roads, public resources and environment than if it had been used for housing, that could have meant approximately 40, five-acre parcels. Economically, the owners could have decided to enrich themselves as described, which would have generated a substantial profit to them.

We thank Drs. Forrest and Pam Bird for this foresight. The community owes a debt of gratitude to the Birds. Likewise, it is a gift to the neighbors to keep that approximately 200 acres minimally developed and with a low-impact usage, at that.

DANIEL P. FEATHERSTON

Sagle