Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 11:36:14 -0400
From: Joy Hewett
Subject: Big development planned
From what I’ve read, the 7,000 acre development park planned near Pittsboro is on land that goes all the way to the Haw River. Walking trails from the park sounds like a nice idea, but that area west of the Haw on 64 has great kayak access, and a sweet trail along the mountain laurel by the huge boulders that cover the river and the landscape. It is a delightful nature walk, but I would hate to see it “developed” in the heavy use it would get even as natural area. It is a Chatham treasure as it is.
One thing about the billionaire Goodnight’s investment plans for multi-use development is the opportunity to provide a few jobs locals. CORA has been active in trying to help hunger in Chatham. Paying workers more than minimum wage might be another way to reduce hunger in Chatham–by reducing poverty. A single parent family may not really be able to afford the fresh vegetables and fruits that are needed for healthy children. Processed foods (agrabusiness investments) may be cheap and readily available, but the cost of fresh food is soaring in our country, with “food deserts” (one s) and “food insecurity” becoming part of an economic problem with USDA funding of corn and wheat growers compared to fruit and vegetable growers.
Chatham has lots of local food and farmers markets, a good opportunity for small farmers, but we need better wages for workers so the “working poor” can afford the good nutrition so vital for health. Billionaire Goodnight could include incentive plans for the park that support a living wage for all workers.