Ounce of Prevention re Chatham Park?

Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 01:31:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: mphorn22
Subject: Ounce of Prevention re Chatham Park?

Ounce of Prevention re Chatham Park?

Developers from Cary have proposed a huge development project between Pittsboro proper and Jordan Lake.  It encompasses 7001 acres and plans to increase our population from our current 5000 people to 55,000 people over the  next 30 years.  Our mayor and board of commissioners are in the deliberation phase.

In the town meeting at CCCC several months ago, the vast majority of community speakers reiterated what many people said in written communications: “go slow.†  Only a small handful of us said “don’t do it†or “I
don’t want it.†  Weeks before the meeting I heard people saying in so many words, “Change or progress is inevitable†or “I’m glad I won’t live to see it.†  It was as if everyone were bowing and bending subserviently to “authority.†  At the CCCC meeting, there was a gloomy pall over the room that felt like everyone was resigned to this perceived inevitability.  Even the Triangle Land Conservancy’s president said “go slow†while urging the commissioners to take into account the negative effect the project would have on wildlife.  Everyone seemed to be overly concerned with being nice or being tactful to our town leaders.

Tact is important; it takes into account another person’s feelings.  But in order for the truth behind it to be received, the listener has to go beneath the surface and really hear the underlying intent.  I don’t think our mayor and commissioners are hearing “don’t do it†when any speaker or writer says “go slow.†  They are listening to our details, yes.  However, they are also continuing to have meetings and deliberations on the developer’s proposal.  It seems like they have been hearing “go slow†as “I’m ok with the project, but take time to figure out how to do it all.†  In other words, they hear “go ahead with it.†  They are not hearing “stop!â€

Like everything else in life, tact can be taken to the extreme and thus be a detriment.  It is time for us to be very clear and direct about our true feelings about this huge project.  If you feel that our leaders should veto the entire Chatham Park proposal, now is the time to tell them very directly, “I don’t want Chatham Park at all. Veto it!†  Now is the time to say that, before any rezoning is done and before any part of the process is started.  www.pittsboronc.gov

There is an old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.† In this case, “an ounce of prevention is worth 10 tons and 7001 acres and 100 years of cure.†  If you want our mayor and  commissioners to veto Chatham Park, call or write them today.  Don’t wait.  Don’t be meek. Don’t mince words.  Whether or not you voice detailed concerns, please be direct in saying: “Veto the Chatham Park project.â€

Sincerely,
Maryphyllis Horn