Standing strong for our future

The BOCC’s USR decision set precedent that allows exploitation of Douglas County’s rural landscape while destroying it in the process. Projects no longer need to meet setback, buffer, or noise study requirements, or uphold the character of rural communities. This means more traffic, construction, and destruction of historic places, and letting developers profit at the expense of rural communities.

Residents do not believe that bringing 15,000 people per year to Cherry Valley enhances their quality of life or protects their rural area. Noise pollution, night-time disturbance, and increased risk of traffic accidents and drunk drivers are huge concerns. With 7-day per week operations and events held 33-50 weekends per year, the enjoyment of country living will cease with a party barn next door. 

Noise pollution will extend beyond USR site boundaries. The history of a 110-year-old barn that qualifies for the National Registry of Historic Places will be lost. The endangered Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse may be threatened and the adjacent riparian conservation zone may be disturbed. Traffic problems are likely with no turn lanes currently at the Lucas Ave intersection.

The white dairy barn was built for the Whittier family in 1911. It passed to the O’Brien family in the mid-1900s and is a long-time icon of Cherry Valley. The Event Center USR proposes to greatly alter the barn while transforming the humble farmstead into a major commercial venue. This reconstruction will erase the Whittier farmstead’s history and deprive future generations of Cherry Valley’s past. 

Rule 106 allows suit in District Court to overturn a county government decision. It is our last defense and a great expense to protect our history and stop 15,000 people from partying in Cherry Valley each year.  

The members of Cherry Valley Community Action have filed the Rule 106 lawsuit and it is paid for out of their own pocket. No big business or out of state out financing committees.  

The legal bills continue and we are now waiting for the judge's decision.  Donations are needed. Please donate if you can and let others know that we are standing strong to protect rural communities and open spaces of Douglas County.  Please click below to make a financial donation.

We started as a group of Cherry Valley neighbors and now include 200+ Douglas County residents. We are families, veterans, ranchers, professionals, engineers, and retirees all bonded by our love of country, rural living, and desire to protect natural resources for future generations. Our goal is to ensure Douglas County remains a place where stars in a dark night sky shine brightly on our rural landscape.