Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 08:52:20 -0400
From: lst Air Cav
Subject: Will Chatham Park Be a success?
WE SHOULD ASK OIURSELVES … “WILL CHATHAM PARK SUCCEED OR FAIL”? To answer this question we need to decide what we mean by success. Here let’s consider these criteria: (a) financial, (b) socioeconomic and (c) environmental.
*Financial Success:* A successful development will earn a good rate of return. This depends on whether the new 50 year Research Triangle Park Master Plan is successfully implemented and if the North Carolina economy goes into long-term decline. Given current trends, the odds of financial failure are great. Here, we only need to remember that many of the underlying reasons for the 2008 – 2010 financial collapse remain.
*Economic Success:* A successful development enhances the local economic environment. The small-town pleasantries of Pittsboro, and the rural beauty of Chatham County would remain. Strict zoning will prevent urban sprawl and congestion many local residents fled when they came to Chatham. Finally the developers should make a concerted effort to train Chatham residents who need work both during and after development. If the recommendations of the Lawrence Group are followed and enlarged by a Development Agreement providing for the above, the odds of a socially and economically successful development will be enhanced. If not, greater Pittsboro will become just another crowded, expensive place to live and Chatham Park will be an economic failure.
*Environmental Success:* A successful development will fully protect the Haw River and the economic value of Jordan Lake. Establish at least 3,000+/- acres as natural areas that protect all streams, steep slopes, and critical wildlife habitats. In addition reserve 500+/- acres as parks. Finally, the development should use low environmental impact designs and state of the art storm water controls and wastewater treatment facilities. If the recommendations of the Lawrence Group are followed and are enlarged by a development agreement that provides for the above, the odds of an environmentally successful development will be enhanced. If this does not occur, Chatham Park will further degrade the already seriously impaired Jordan Lake and Haw River and will be an environmental failure..
Given the above, the odds of financial, socioeconomic and environmental success are slim indeed.
*Pat Lloyd*