By Michael Martin

This beautiful mountain community has so much potential for forward and
productive growth. But there is resistence. Some here have decided that any
change at all is detrimental.

It is my opinion that we “not as communities, but as ‘one community'” can
incorporate and lead the growth that will take place here, rather than be run
over by it. We cannot afford to think we can thwart growth. It is inevitable. We
must step up and shape the growth.

Say “growth” and images of housing tracts without water come to mind for
some. We can agree that is not a good thing. Yet many object to having a paved
road leading to their home. But none of us want to be known as the ?Slum on the
Hill.?

Our population is increasing at a rapid rate. As a mountain resident and a
business owner, I feel that we need to be that mountain community that is
friendly to those who want to “Come Up For Air” to our “Nearby Faraway Place.”

“Come up for Air” is not at all misleading if all we have to offer here is
just that…Air. But beyond a slogan, we need inviting amenities. We need to put
the word “commerce” back into our mountain if we are to provide economic
opportunity locally.

Currently, snow visitors come up, litter our area, maybe buy gas—maybe…and
then leave. We can change that. We can welcome them and profit from their
presence. Let’s not be complacent in our neat little hiding place.

The CHP and United States Forest Service have done better at managing our
snow visitors this year, adding a PortaPotty and trash cans in some snow play
areas, but we still need better parking for snow bunnies and accommodations so
they don’t leave their trash and used diapers. What about the idea of parking
places and a shuttle system to take them to snow play that could include other
attractions?

The USFS has proposed a new trail head that offers parking for snow visitors
in the winter. In the summer it can be used by those who come up to ride their
bicycles, hike, stargaze, watch birds or just enjoy the beauty of our mountains.

We have 350 miles of offroad trails around us, but only one trail is
dedicated to bicycle riders and hikers. On most others, we are subject to being run
over by a 4×4. Do you think a designated multi-use trail system would be a good
idea?

There is already a paved bicycle path coming to us from Lebec to Frazier
Park. This is awesome. A commuting corridor for nonmotorized vehicles is always
a good idea.

We can draw commerce from Lancaster, Palmdale, Los Angeles, Bakersfield,
Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Those visitors could be here eating in our
restaurants, shopping in our stores and staying overnight if there was a
walkable main street, lodging and activities for them. Too little of this
exists. It is time to do something people!

How many businesses have failed here? As a business owner of two years on
this mountain, I have been through hell trying to make it and to be part of a
solution to the problem that is in our face. I thank each and every wonderful
customer of mine for my existence on this mountain these past couple of years.

How many proactive folks here want a positive change? Please speak up and be
heard. Attend the next Synergy Summit meeting! [Feb. 15, Cuddy Hall 7 p.m.
All welcome]

The loss of Pam’s Country Bumpkin store is an example. Pam Low is the Chamber
of Commerce president. She has done wonders to put sparkle into our mountain
community until her own cupboards were bare, but the support for business here
can be disappointing. Pam and numerous other businesses have had to close their
doors, probably for good. A great loss.

A trail system, lodging, beautification, proper plowing, creative use of our
snow play attractions and access to an existing amphitheater (which, by the way,
does already exist), will bring the people and the money from commerce.

Will we fight “forward looking” growth until governments and big corporations
take it all away from us, leaving us no choice in the matter? Or will we step up
and control our own future and our surroundings in a positive and productive
way?

If we do not, nobody has the right to complain about what happens.

If we incorporated and had a mayor there would be a much smoother ability to do
what we need to do. If incorporation is not the answer, then let’s discover the
better options, but we need to act now for developing strong local leadership.

Fight what is not wanted (grid pattern housing tracts that chew up the
mountains we are trying to preserve), empower what is needed (a voice for us
all), and love thy neighbor in a much easier light. Thank you for your time, and
your business.

Michael Martin is owner of MG Martin’s Handbuilt Wheels bicycle shop. He
helped create The Courtyard in Frazier Park. He signed this “a concerned
citizen, and your neighbor.”

This is part of the February 02, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.