Harbin to BOS: We’re rebuilding! By Eli Nymeyer, Record-Bee staff POSTED: Lakeport >> Harbin Hot Springs has every intent to rebuild.
“We want to see how quickly we can re-open the pools,” said Sedat Mahmud, Vice President one of several representatives from Harbin Hot Springs that appeared before the Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) at the Tuesday, Sept. 22 meeting.
According to Mahmud, the hot springs and pools, which form “the basis for Harbin Springs,” are all still intact. Further good news was provided by Harbin Board of Directors member Julie Adams.
“Harbin still has houses and ranches in the Middletown area that are still standing,” she said. “It is our heartfelt, firm intention to rebuild and support the South Lake County economy.” She also stated they intend to utilize local contractors and labor to perform the reconstruction roof as much as possible.
The news that Harbin was so willing and eager to rebuild after their facilities being almost completely destroyed by the Valley Fire came as glad tidings for the BOS.
“Normally we don’t respond to public input,” said District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown. “It’s so encouraging to hear you’re already planning on rebuilding. You guys were wiped out.”
“We want you back. We would do anything to get you back,” added District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock. According to Adams, over 500 guests were evacuated from Harbin in under an hour, with flames lapping at their vehicles. They attribute that success, she said, to the evacuation plan they practice annually. “It worked, really, really well,” she noted.
“We have a strong desire to rebuild,” said Mahmud. “Whatever support you guys (BOS) can give would be appreciated.
District 4 Supervisor and Chair Anthony Farrington said Brown and Comstock would be “out front” to aid Harbin in getting the assistance and permits needed to begin the clean up and rebuilding process. Brown took the opportunity to announce a meeting to be held at 6 p.m. at the Middletown High School football field to help connect property owners with local, state and federal assistance to begin the recovery process. He stated contractors and utilities would be on hand to answer questions. He also stated that plans are in the works to set up a resource office in Middletown to help facilitate and expedite the permitting and reconstruction process.
“I’d like to see building permits coming in starting next week,” he added.
It is a challenge that, according to Adams, Harbin is willing to meet.
