Okay, here’s the story: arrogant rich guy buys a chunk of protected land overlooking the C&O Canal National Historic Park.
Tells NPS, “I want to build my mansion here, but the problem is that my sweet little boys are allergic to the nuts on the trees which so inconveniently infest the property.”
“Which trees? Those ones over there, blocking the view.”
C&O Canal gets this patently self-serving request for exemption from long-standing regulations, and then what happens? They sit on it until it’s too late to turn him down.
Tree-Cutting Proposal Near C& O Canal Spurs Debate
Washington Post, June 28, 2007:
(Park Superintendent Kevin) Brandt said the agency had been negotiating with Mardirossian and did not realize that his engineer, Huron Consulting, had submitted a letter that formally started a 30-day clock. By failing to reply in the time frame, the park service essentially approved Mardirossian’s plans…
But maybe there are heroes in this story, after all: the local county government has stepped in to defend the park integrity after the NPS dropped the ball.
Wish these folks luck- they’ll need it. Mr. Megabucks contributes lavishly to local pols, and has been known to sue citizens who question his plans. Charming.