Dear editor,
I have been hearing some rumors that there is an ongoing effort to bring some sort of boating industry to Milton. And I understand a site south of Bagdad on Robinson Point Road, maybe the old Baja site, is again being considered.
At one time the vacant land just north of I-10 on Robinson Point Road was under consideration for an outboard engine builder. But it was considered unsuited for such an endeavor due to the pristine Blackwater River and the adjoining Yellow River Preserve just south of it.
Headlines in the paper on July 9, 2002, said, “Santa Rosa rejects new business.” It goes on to say the commissioners asked the state to deny the permits.
One commissioner was quoted as saying, “We’ve just got to be selective about what goes in and around our waterways.”
The daily traffic up and down the river/bay was certainly a negative factor and the potential contamination of the industry-free water system was like waving a red flag to the community. If it had come to pass, you can be assured it would have been scrutinized daily by the community for any violations, and action taken as deemed necessary.
I think the commissioners’ decision was prudent and was in the best interest of the community.
I certainly hope this effort isn’t another attempt to put some sort of boating industry or even any industry on said river system.
It would almost certainly have a negative impact on what is now one of the nicest water systems in the state, and would again be watched by the locals for any violations.
Rest assured they would be reported.
RAY SLINGERLAND
Milton
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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Just say no to boating industry