The city of Aurora has joined
other area communities in asking U.S. Sen. Jeff
Merkley to monitor the interpretation and use of
the Klamath Indian Tribe Restoration Act in
regards to a proposed development of land around
the Langdon Farms Golf Course.
The owners of the land, brothers Chris and Tom Maletis, are negotiating with the Klamath Tribes in Southern Oregon to place their property in trust and then lease it back to develop what they call a “green industrial project.”
But some area officials question the validity of the Klamath claim to property 250 miles from the site of their original reservation. They also are concerned that the trust might circumvent federal, state and local land-use laws and even lead to the establishment of a casino, a claim the property owners and tribes deny.
Aurora’s letter, previously discussed by the council, came after city of Wilsonville officials attended the March 9 Aurora City Council meeting, asking Aurora to add its voice.
Originally, the meeting was to have included presentations by representatives of the Maletis family and Wilsonville officials regarding Landon Farms. The meeting was moved to the Aurora Fire Station to accommodate a larger audience. Presentations are also slated for St. Paul and Hubbard.
On March 8, the Maletis family said its representatives would not appear because an agreement was not final regarding the lands surrounded by the Aurora State Airport, Interstate 5, the interstate rest stop and Charbonneau.
While the Maletis contingent did not attend the Aurora meeting, Wilsonville representatives, Council Steven Hurst and City Attorney Mike Kohlhoff, did.
They said the Maletis brothers did not want to play by the same rules as others and that the controversy has pitted cities against tribes and tribes against tribes.
The letter
Re: Assistance with the Klamath Tribe Restoration Act
The owners of the land, brothers Chris and Tom Maletis, are negotiating with the Klamath Tribes in Southern Oregon to place their property in trust and then lease it back to develop what they call a “green industrial project.”
But some area officials question the validity of the Klamath claim to property 250 miles from the site of their original reservation. They also are concerned that the trust might circumvent federal, state and local land-use laws and even lead to the establishment of a casino, a claim the property owners and tribes deny.
Aurora’s letter, previously discussed by the council, came after city of Wilsonville officials attended the March 9 Aurora City Council meeting, asking Aurora to add its voice.
Originally, the meeting was to have included presentations by representatives of the Maletis family and Wilsonville officials regarding Landon Farms. The meeting was moved to the Aurora Fire Station to accommodate a larger audience. Presentations are also slated for St. Paul and Hubbard.
On March 8, the Maletis family said its representatives would not appear because an agreement was not final regarding the lands surrounded by the Aurora State Airport, Interstate 5, the interstate rest stop and Charbonneau.
While the Maletis contingent did not attend the Aurora meeting, Wilsonville representatives, Council Steven Hurst and City Attorney Mike Kohlhoff, did.
They said the Maletis brothers did not want to play by the same rules as others and that the controversy has pitted cities against tribes and tribes against tribes.
The letter
Re: Assistance with the Klamath Tribe Restoration Act
Sir:
As I am sure you are aware, there is a local landowner that is involved in talks with the Klamath Tribes about the possibility of putting 385 acres into a trust and therefore allowing the tribe to develop this land. We as a small city are very concerned about what happens with to this property, it is right in our own back yard. There has been a lot of talk as to what might be located there, anything from an industrial complex to a casino. Obviously, you can see our concern.
It would be nice if you could look into the interpretation of the Klamath Restoration tribes, but at the same time we need to protect the farmland in our own backyard.
We would be greatly appreciative of any help we could from you on this matter.
Jim Meirow
Mayor