We have to keep enough agriculture in Chatham County to maintain economic viability

Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 16:38:12 -0500
From: “John R Dykers”
Subject: Land Use/Chatham Park

I was rereading some old notes about the Conceptual Land Use Plan that several folks reviewed after a public invitation back in June 2013.

One concept that applies to the current conversation regarding Chatham Park is that we have to keep enough agriculture in the area to maintain economic viability for vital infrastructure such as Carolina Stockyards and Chaudry Halal Meat Processing, tractor companies, et al.

I asked the people attending the Livestock Assoc. Meeting if they wanted to keep their farms/ranches as such and forego selling at a high price for development and almost all raised their hands to symbolize a yes answer. This indicates a strong coalition of interests in maintaining land use tax  valuation so that can be possible.  Perhaps there is  additional impulse to purchase ‘development rights’. The concurrent benefit of developing more dense living areas whose citizens can enjoy the rural character of the county, green space and farmer’s markets, at the same time as shorter water and sewer lines, shorter paved roads, quicker police and fire service, schools close by, and shorter job commutes, stronger tax base, etc. all making living more affordable and pleasant in a different but compatible style.

Recognizing our interdependence is crucial.
John Dykers