I had a public hearing to argue the height of a 200 unit lake front condo a few weeks ago. The location is directly across from a 300 acre industrial park. Not the greatest area. There is 20 unit condo adjacent to the project that is run down.
When I give the presentation there is a out cry as to how the construction is going to pollute the lake and make it so that the existing condo "renters" cannot boat or swim in the lake any longer. The complainants get one of the board members on there side.
I retort with the normal BS about pollution control devices (silt fence, etc.). They don't bite.
I get an idea! I ask for a continuance and decide to have the water tested for pollutants. The test comes back and the lake is so polluted that roaches couldn't live in it.
We go back to hearing and there is double the amount of complainants with slide shows of them boating and swimming. I sit and smile.
When I give me presentation you should have seen the horror on the faces.
Needless to say we got the 80' building height and offered to help clean up the lake.