Jackson's Neverland Savior to Neighbors: Be Patient

Real estate exec who took over Jackson's loan urges fellow Santa Barbara County residents to "be prepared for the fact that visitors and fans will come"

The man who kept Neverland Ranch from being auctioned off to the highest bidder (or the person with the biggest U-Haul) isn't yet sure what will become of the mammoth estate. But he wants to assure Neverland's neighbors that he's got their best interests at heart.

"We must be prepared for the fact that visitors and fans will come, with or without permission or an invitation," said Station Casinos owner Thomas Barrack, whose real estate company, Colony Capital, bought up Michael Jackson's $23.9 million loan in May 2008.

"As a consequence, all actions being taken at the moment are aimed at creating a well thought out and coordinated plan amongst the family, the sheriff, the county regulatory agencies, the fire department, local proprietors, local press, local residents and the highway patrol to protect and preserve the interests of all constituencies."

Meaning, we'll try our best to keep the looky-loos off your lawn.

Oozing with pride for the Santa Ynez Valley and the "warm and kind environment crafted by the hands of its residents," Barrack (whose own ranch borders Jackson's estate) reminds the people of Santa Barbara County that, though "the impressions left by Michael’s last interaction with Santa Barbara County were not positive," his family and fans shouldn't be punished for the past.

"Michael Jackson was accused, tried and acquitted in our county and found innocent on all counts," Barrack's statement continued. "As Michael's final arrangements are planned, his family's wishes should be welcomed by this county with open arms. Let's adopt an attitude of hospitality, warmth and tolerance and allow the world to pay their respects to this global icon by conducting ourselves with grace and elegance."

While we're not sure at this point whether he's talking about Neverland or heaven, the community has been warned to brace itself for a major influx of mourners this weekend.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department said earlier Tuesday that a public viewing of Jackson's body will take place at Neverland on Friday, with a private memorial service to follow on Sunday.

A Jackson family insider says, however, that "no decision has been made" regarding the possiblity of services at Neverland. Barrack apparently wants it to happen, but there are no plans in place just yet.

Jackson had not lived on the property since 2005 following his acquittal on child-molestation charges.