To: The Planning Commission

November 25, 2025

To: The Planning Commission of Yamhill County

From: Steve Harloff

Yamhill, OR 97148

Re: Repeal of Ordinance 880 re: Yamhelas Westsider Trail

During a recent visit to Utah’s great natural areas, I discovered a state covered with easily accessible pedestrian and cycling trails, but I found out something more important.

Paralyzed and severely handicapped people want to get out and share the Utah’s lengthy trails with “Advenchairs,” a bicycle-like adaptation that allows them to ride in their chairs with the freedom of a bicycle.

The device allows these folks the opportunity to ride one of the thousands of miles of recreational traits across the United States. None of these trails are to be found in Yamhill County!

I’ve also talked to mothers and fathers who have asked me when the Yarnhelas Trail will be done because they want to teach their kids the basics of riding a bike on it.

One Yamhill County woman who gives vocal lessons to clients from all over the country has wanted the Yarnhelas Trail as a place for her clients to run and cool down after a training session.

The captain of a small local running club I talked to can’t wait for the Yamhelas Trail’s completion so his club doesn’t have to drive to some other place to run. My experiences like this go on and on.

The polls suggest that even citizens of our county can’t imagine why someone might be opposed to such a valuable resource, especially if the development of the Yarnhelas Trail includes extensive input from the public and from adjacent landowners.

There is a rumor floating through our county that the Yamhill County Commissioners are excited to give or sell the property cheaply to their family, friends or financial supporters. I would hope this is not true

I would like to invite you to a walking field trip on the Banks-Vernonia Trail to see how valuable, clean, and refreshing it is for the entire adjacent community to have this resource. Let’s schedule the date to stroll the Banks-Vernonia Trail before you make any decisions!

Every time another walker or rider decides to brave Hwy 47 and is hit by a car or truck, especially after the citizens of Yamhill County have pleaded with you for this Trail, we’ve missed an opportunity to save a life.