Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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What is MERC?
What is MERC?
MERC (McGroarty Environmental Review Coalition) is a group of local residents working to ensure that proposed development in our community is safe, responsible, and compliant with environmental and wildfire regulations.
MERC (McGroarty Environmental Review Coalition) is a group of local residents working to ensure that proposed development in our community is safe, responsible, and compliant with environmental and wildfire regulations.
What is MERC trying to achieve?
What is MERC trying to achieve?
Given the area’s high wildfire risk, our goal is to ensure that any development in the McGroarty corridor undergoes thorough environmental and safety review before moving forward.
Given the area’s high wildfire risk, our goal is to ensure that any development in the McGroarty corridor undergoes thorough environmental and safety review before moving forward.
Who is representing MERC legally?
Who is representing MERC legally?
MERC is represented by Channel Law Group, a firm that specializes in land use and environmental law. They are actively working to challenge the project and advocate for proper review and compliance.
MERC is represented by Channel Law Group, a firm that specializes in land use and environmental law. They are actively working to challenge the project and advocate for proper review and compliance.
What is the current status of the project?
What is the current status of the project?
An appeal has been filed to halt the proposed development until comprehensive safety and environmental reviews are completed. The case is currently moving through the legal process.
An appeal has been filed to halt the proposed development until comprehensive safety and environmental reviews are completed. The case is currently moving through the legal process.
When is the next appeal hearing?
When is the next appeal hearing?
The next appeal hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2026.
Why is this project a concern?
Why is this project a concern?
The proposed development is located in a high wind and high fire hazard area. Without proper review, it could pose serious risks to public safety, evacuation routes, and the surrounding environment.
The proposed development is located in a high wind and high fire hazard area. Without proper review, it could pose serious risks to public safety, evacuation routes, and the surrounding environment.
How can I support MERC?
How can I support MERC?
Community support is critical. You can help by donating, staying informed, spreading the word, and participating in meetings or local actions when needed. Contact protectsunland@gmail.com if you’d like to become a member.
Community support is critical. You can help by donating, staying informed, spreading the word, and participating in meetings or local actions when needed. Contact protectsunland@gmail.com if you’d like to become a member.
How can I donate?
How can I donate?
Donations can be made through multiple methods, including
Donations can be made through multiple methods, including
- Zelle: merc-protectsunland
- Check: McGroarty Environmental Review Coalition
221 N Third St. #210
Burbank, CA 91502
These contributions go directly toward funding legal and expert support for the case.
These contributions go directly toward funding legal and expert support for the case.
Are donations tax deductible?
Are donations tax deductible?
No. Donations to MERC are not tax deductible. However, they play a critical role in helping protrect the safety and future of our community.
No. Donations to MERC are not tax deductible. However, they play a critical role in helping protrect the safety and future of our community.
Can I become a member of MERC?
Can I become a member of MERC?
Yes. If you're interested in getting involved, we welcome your participation. Please contact protectsunland@gmail.com
Yes. If you're interested in getting involved, we welcome your participation. Please contact protectsunland@gmail.com
How can I stay informed about the project?
How can I stay informed about the project?
You can stay updated by attending community zoom meetings, following MERC communications, and checking this website regularly for updates and key developments
You can stay updated by attending community zoom meetings, following MERC communications, and checking this website regularly for updates and key developments
How much is MERC trying to raise?
How much is MERC trying to raise?
MERC has already raised $5,000 to retain Channel Law Group and is now working to raise an additional $15,000 to cover legal and expert costs, including engineering and environmental review. To date, more than $4,500 has been raised toward that goal.
MERC has already raised $5,000 to retain Channel Law Group and is now working to raise an additional $15,000 to cover legal and expert costs, including engineering and environmental review. To date, more than $4,500 has been raised toward that goal.
Where does the money go?
Where does the money go?
Funds are used to pay for legal fees, expert consultants (such as engineers and environmental specialists), and other necessary costs associated with the appeal.
Funds are used to pay for legal fees, expert consultants (such as engineers and environmental specialists), and other necessary costs associated with the appeal.
Is this effort really making a difference?
Is this effort really making a difference?
Yes. Community support has already helped fund critical early steps in the appeal process and in retaining an engineering expert.
Yes. Community support has already helped fund critical early steps in the appeal process and in retaining an engineering expert.
What happens if the appeal is successful?
What happens if the appeal is successful?
If successful, the project could be paused, reevaluated, or potentially stopped altogether. At a minimum, it would require proper environmental and safety reviews before any development moves forward. It’s worth noting that a similar proposal was brought forward in 2016 and was stalled due to strong community pushback—demonstrating that collective action can make a real impact.
If successful, the project could be paused, reevaluated, or potentially stopped altogether. At a minimum, it would require proper environmental and safety reviews before any development moves forward. It’s worth noting that a similar proposal was brought forward in 2016 and was stalled due to strong community pushback—demonstrating that collective action can make a real impact.
Who can I contact for more information?
Who can I contact for more information?
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