Between the time someone buys raw land and the construction or placement of a structure on that land, there is a long and tedious process of surveying the property, drafting plans, and applying to the county for permits; there are reviews, inspections, and studies. So last week when neighbors saw a whirlwind of activity at an undeveloped five-acre parcel about a mile from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park on Quail Springs Road in Joshua Tree, they quickly mobilized to stop it. Reporter Mike Lipsitz picks up the story from here…
Before last week when things started going downhill for property owner Sally Hirsh, the process appeared routine. Hirsh enlisted the services of civil engineer William Murray & Associates of Morongo Valley. Murray was to complete a boundary survey and topographical map, the first steps required before any development at the property can be initiated. Murray said Hirsh wanted to stay in a temporary trailer on the property so he applied for that permit.
Hirsh declined to talk to Z107.7 News for this story, but it appears she grew tired of waiting because according to Murray, he arrived at the site early last week to find workers clearing brush around two large fifth-wheel trailers, and the smaller trailer where Hirsh intended to stay. Clear violations of county code, Murray insisted Hirsh arrange to relocate the trailers immediately. What Hirsh did next isn’t known, but what is known is that owners of nearby vacation home rental properties had already united with residents in protesting the owner’s actions to County Code Enforcement.
Stay tuned in to Z107.7 News for updates as we follow this story in the days ahead.
