Letter to Raptor Center

We were fortunate to have Charlotte's local National Public Radio Station WFAE take an interest in our concern for our two resident Bald Eagles. When the WFAE reporter said he was going to meet with the staff at the Carolina Raptor Center to understand more about the American Bald Eagle I assumed this was good news. I could have not be more wrong and disappointed.

From Nick's broadcast:

Inside the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, President and CEO Erin Katzner checks on a pair of disabled eagles in an enclosure. She said Mecklenburg County has more bald eagles than you might think.

"I know that we have some on Mountain Island Lake, there's some up on Lake Norman. If there's good habitat, there's very likely to be bald eagles nesting in the area," she said.

The last measurement of Charlotte’s tree canopy found it has shrunk to cover 45% of the city, down from 49% a decade ago. Katzner said habitat loss is a concern, but also said bald eagles are skilled at adapting.

"You know, I've seen bald eagles live in fairly developed areas, and fairly undeveloped areas, so it's really hard to say if it's going to be an issue for those birds, and what exactly would need to be done to prevent it from being an issue," she said.

She thought there were a few steps the developer could take.

"If it were me, I would probably want to protect that lake, protect that water system, which I imagine they would want to anyway, and ensure that some of those large trees remain standing," she said.

Obviously those of us who are very concerned about our Eagles "Glen" and "Piper" were stunned. Erin Katzner could not have been more dismissive. The raptor center director basically tossed us and our birds under the passing CATS bus.

Chip Starr's response to her on air comments is as follows unedited.

Erin,

I just wanted to make you aware that the habitat we feel is at risk cannot be preserved by the developer ensuring that "some of those large trees remain standing".

 

As an example of what is at risk is a developer's project approved by the City of Charlotte last year and less than one mile west, that was once 53 acres of native North Carolina Forest.

 

Here is the before:

and the unfortunate situation one year later.

Even developers who promise to preserve trees pay only minimum fines if they don't, and the truth is developers of large projects seldom save trees and that clearly would be an issue.

  
While Bald Eagles are indeed admirably adaptive, we are fairly certain that the projected five - seven years of heavy construction while completing the eight apartment buildings, that will tower over 65 feet can not be mitigated with a couple of large trees and a dredged pond with a fountain.

Yes, there are eagles at Mountain Island Lake and a reported pair at the far northern end of the Lake Norman area, but that is hardly more than most people might think are in Mecklenburg County.

 

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission says there are 400 known eagles in the state and to me that seems substantially limited compared to say Florida's 1,500. More objectively with 100 counties and 400 known Bald Eagles, North Carolina has exactly four eagles per county which again doesn't seem like a lot to me.

 

Furthermore, the Mountain Island area you mentioned to WFAE is surrounded by nearly 2,000 acres of Mecklenburg County Forest and Nature Preserves. While here in south Charlotte there is the Big Rock Nature Preserve that has a nominal 18 acres, add that to a few miles of rather polluted trash strewn Four Mile and McAlpine Greenways and anyone with even limited common sense would understand this developer’s project is a terrible idea. 

 

Obviously, I'm rather surprised that you would trivialize our concerns not only for this nesting pair of Bald Eagles but for all wildlife and the challenges nature is facing within the southern part of Mecklenburg County. 

 

Frankly, I expected more from the Raptor Center in the way of advocacy.

 

Regards

 

Chip Starr

Perhaps a little harsh, she never responded. 

The staff at the Raptor Center are wonderful and dedicated. We have applauded their efforts in the past and will continue to do so in the future. For now we must accept the fact that Erin Katzner is an insufferable twit who has just cost the Carolina Raptor Center one of the  biggest potential donation sources they could have hoped for, the 854 homeowners of Piper Glen.  

Closing in on 10,000!

The online petition has passed the 9,000 signature mile marker and we are closing in on 10,000. 

But equally impressive are the nearly 800 comments we have received. The first 200 are here.  

Once we get to 10,000 citizens we will present a printed copy to each Charlotte City Council Member in hopes of persuaded them to stop the Rea Road Gillespie Property rezoning request.

Opposing Views Correcting a Few Facts

The Rea Road Neighborhood Coalition is open to opposing views. 

However, some of the circulating mistruths about the Rea Road Gillespie Property rezoning request are really concerning:

Charlotte City Council Will Approve This Request Because The Democrats Have a Majority:

Ed Driggs excuse is that he is just one of two Republicans and democrats are committed to density housing. Mr. Driggs has repeatedly said "Developers have rights too".  Tariq Bokhari was doing is happy dance last week with the approval of the tear down of Trianon Condos to be replaced with a massive 11 story apartment tower and retail complex. Which means the if your home on Wickersham that you've owned for the last 20 years faced east the sun will rise no more. 

FACT: Ed Drigg's modus operandi is flawed and founded on the premise that developers negotiate in good faith. Nothing could be further from the truth. Presenting a project with a density that is 6 times that of any apartment complex in South Charlotte as your starting point is not a developer acting in good faith.

While Driggs is in an minority this is not a partisan issue. This is an infrastructure issue, a neighborhood quality of life issue and an environmental issue. 

If Charlotte approves this rezoning request it will have the needed votes because they don't listen or care to what the citizens say not because Ed Driggs is a republican.

The Eagles Don't Cross Rea Road or Visit the Gillespie Property

One local news reporter made it clear she'd been told the Bald Eagles, "Piper and Glen" never visit the Gillespie Property.

While conducting her on camera interview she relatedly asked, "Have you actually seen the Eagles visit the Gillespie property?" 

FACT: During the interview as if on cue, the male eagle "Glen" swooped over the reporter's head banked hard to the right gained a little bit of altitude crossed Rea Road and within a few seconds disappeared into the forested Gillespie property. 

A few minutes later he reemerged winging his way back across Rea Road holding a good-sized fish.

Yes. without any reservations this nesting pair frequents the Gillespie Property. It is as much their home as the Piper Glen golf course is.

The online petition is not representative of Charlotte.

Apparently, someone has claimed that the signers of the online petition are not from Charlotte but rather the global online community.

FACT: The petition has not been promoted outside of Charlotte. In fact, less than 1% of the signers are from outside the local area. Many of these are simply family or friends of Charlotte citizens. We are happy to allow media and elected officials examine the records for accuracy including name, dates, and locations. 

The Eagles Don't Live on the Gillespie Property their home is the Piper Glen Golf Course.

Odd thing about birds of prey they don't have addresses.

FACT: The Eagles have a "nest" on Piper Glen's golf course but their 'home" is an area that is nearly 3 miles across and includes all of the Gillespie Property. Once the eaglets fledge, they will only return to the nest off and on for a few weeks. The nesting pair Glen and Piper may return next January if undisturbed by the developer’s plans.

The Developer Will Save 40% of the Tree Canopy

FACT: There is absolutely no guarantee or enforcement process available to hold a developer to any promise of "saving trees". 

In this case the Developer's own plan simply states, "Possible Tree Save" and the reality is that like all development projects in Charlotte the trees are expendable. 

Developers will often promise to save trees then after wiping out all the tree canopy beg forgiveness, pay a small momentary fine and plant a few sapling trees as "replanted tree save" replacements as Russell Ranson has shown on the projects promotional material.

If you need proof look at Providence and Alexander Roads or Waverly. Given the scope of the project it is doubtful any trees will be saved.

The Development will extend the greenway.

FACT: The only extension of the greenway is a 75 foot pedestrian bridge that connects the proposed apartment complex to the Greenway. The developer has not indicated if access would be private or public, but they would need to comply with state and local design requirements if it was for the public. Additionally, liability insurance costs would likely be prohibitive to allow public access to private property. 

The developer's site plan illustrates an "extended" Greenway into the Piper Glen Golf Course area. This is an extension that would lead to nowhere even if built. According to Meck Park and Rec there are no funds or plans to extend the Greenway beyond Rea Road as shown on the builders presentation.

The Development will Provide Affordable Housing.

The developer has repeatedly described the property as "Luxury Apartments". 

FACT: There is nothing contractual about offering affordable housing. 

The Property Will Provide More Nursing Care in South Charlotte. 

One thing South Charlotte does not lack is the number of assisted living care facilities. 

FACT: There are more than two dozen within 5 miles of the Rea Road Gillespie Property, including Matthews Glen, Cypress, Brookdale, The Post, Waltonwood, Legacy and Southminister.

Traffic Increase will be minimal: According to Charlotte DOT if the property is developed as a "Senior Adult (Age 55+) property and nursing care center the traffic count will increase by 4,900 vehicle movements daily.  (We can assume perhaps double that if just an apartment complex).

Based on NC DOT Traffic counts there are currently 26,000 vehicle movements daily on this section of Rea Road. Adding the projected count of 4,900 and the tracffice count increases to more that 30,000 daily. That is a 20% increase, and hardly minimal. 

A family of bald eagles — and traffic worries — spark rezoning fight in a wealthy Charlotte suburb

A bald eagle perches above the TPC Piper Glen golf course in the Piper Glen neighborhood on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

                       Photo by Nick De La Canal WFAE

It's a peaceful day on the TPC Piper Glen golf course in south Charlotte. A line of golfers practice their swings on the driving range as residents Chris McIntire and his wife, Ellie, stroll along the grass behind them.

Chris points to the sky, and Ellie raises her binoculars. Above them, a bald eagle swoops into view.

"That is Glen, right there, flying in," Chris says.

"Yep, one of them is flying in. Just landed," Ellie adds.

The eagle's nickname is Glen, the McIntires say, and his mate is Piper. The bird swoops into a tree in the middle of the golf course and perches beside a big nest of sticks and twigs.

"Probably brought lunch, or dinner," Chris says.

"Yeah, it's dinner," his wife says, looking through her binoculars.

The McIntires have lived on this golf course for 28 years. It's a generally quiet, safe and wealthy enclave, where the median household income of the area is almost twice as much as that of the county as a whole. They think the eagles have lived here for at least 12 years, raising eaglets every spring and catching fish in nearby ponds.

But the McIntires worry one of those ponds is threatened by a plan to build a six-story, 1,100-unit apartment community across from the golf course on land that's currently undeveloped.

                        Layna Hong / WFAE

"We're fearful not just for [the eagles], but for all the wildlife — the deer, the coyotes, the beaver, the owls, the Canadian geese that you see here in front of you," the husband said.

So, he started a petition, titled "Save the Eagles — Request Charlotte City Council vote NO on Rea Road Rezoning." But he says it's not just about the wildlife.
"We've also got to consider the traffic, the infrastructure, the strain on the streets," he said.

Opposition to new developments from neighbors worried about the infrastructure's ability to support an influx of people is common. A mating pair of eagles as the face of that opposition is not. So far, about 8,500 people have signed the petition. It asks the city to block the apartments, and keep the area zoned for single-family homes that won't "dramatically alter the character of the neighborhood."

Carolina Raptor Center weighs in

Inside the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, President and CEO Erin Katzner checks on a pair of disabled eagles in an enclosure. She said Mecklenburg County has more bald eagles than you might think.

"I know that we have some on Mountain Island Lake, there's some up on Lake Norman. If there's good habitat, there's very likely to be bald eagles nesting in the area," she said.

The last measurement of Charlotte’s tree canopy found it has shrunk to cover 45% of the city, down from 49% a decade ago. Katzner said habitat loss is a concern, but also said bald eagles are skilled at adapting.

"You know, I've seen bald eagles live in fairly developed areas, and fairly undeveloped areas, so it's really hard to say if it's going to be an issue for those birds, and what exactly would need to be done to prevent it from being an issue," she said.

She thought there were a few steps the developer could take.
"If it were me, I would probably want to protect that lake, protect that water system, which I imagine they would want to anyway, and ensure that some of those large trees remain standing," she said.

                              A bald eagle perches above a nest on the TPC Piper Glen golf course in south Charlotte on March 16, 2023.
                                Nick De La Canal  / WFAE

Developer says lake, open space will remain

When contacted by WFAE, developer Russell Ranson of RK Investors said his team was planning to do exactly that.

"We absolutely plan to preserve the lake, as well as a strong perimeter of trees that should fully disguise our buildings," he said.

Ranson said his team only wants to dredge the pond and maybe install a fountain, while keeping the fish in place.

He also said he hopes to preserve 40% of the land as open space for wildlife and walking trails, and said the impact on traffic would be minimal, according to a traffic study.

"I would just say we've been very thoughtful, and we look forward to visiting with the neighbors and hearing their thoughts and concerns. 

At the same time, we're trying to provide opportunity for a lot of families that need housing in this area," he said.

More than 200,000 people are projected to move to Charlotte by 2030, according to the U.S. Census. Ranson said if the city wants to accommodate that growth — and doesn't want real estate prices to keep skyrocketing — then Charlotte needs to keep building.

Charlotte City Council - Don't Mess This Up!

The following is an open letter to Charlotte City Council Members from one of many concerned Charlotte citizens opposed to the Rea Road Gillespie Property Rezoning:

March 21, 2023

Charlotte City Council members,

With regard to the Rezoning of the Rea Road Gillespie Property I respectfully submit this letter AGAINST its approval based upon the negative environmental impact it will have on our area.  

I have many additional reasons to oppose this rezoning, but for today I will stick with this one. 

I moved to the Touchstone neighborhood off Elm Lane in March of 2018 and appreciate the proximity to the Four-mile Creek Greenway immensely.  

More importantly, these birds do as well!

I took all these photos myself, right along the Greenway within less than a half-mile of my home.  

Photos Courtesy of Christine McCluskey all rights reserved.

A check of Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird stats reveals that a whopping 160 unique bird species have been recorded in this part of the Greenway system (a summary list can be obtained here https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2425288)!  

Not all are rare, although some are becoming so.  

In 40 years, the once-common Rusty Blackbird lost between 85 and 95 percent of its population, making it one of the fastest declining North American Landbirds.  

The stunning Prothonotary Warbler is also in serious decline, due to loss of swamps and forested wetlands in the U.S.  

This community values sharing and maintaining our open spaces so that these animals can thrive here.  

The point is that we are currently able to coexist, and it is a testament to the general health of our environment that these birds call our area home.

Four-mile Creek Greenway with all its bikers, runners and walkers is already pushing the limits of capacity, and often struggles to manage the creek overflow during heavy rains.  

I find it impossible to believe that a huge 1,100-unit apartment complex on the edge of the Greenway will not drastically affect this fragile balance.   

Please do not allow them to mess this up!

Sincerely,

Christine McCluskey

Request For Submissions

Over the past few weeks we have achieved a tremendous amount momentum via a very strong collective effort. 

Having collected nearly 9,000 signatures in opposition and on air coverage from WBTV, WSOC, WJZY and WFAE we "neighbors" have made an impact.

So now that we have a firm grip on everyone's attention and in order to keep our effort to save the natural habitat of the Rea Road Gillespie Property in focus the Rea Road Neighborhood Coalition is asking for "submissions" of any type, including written letters, documents, articials, photos and videos. 

Just email your submission to rearoadnc@gmail.com full credit and rights given to all.

Even submissions in support of the rezoning and opposing views will be considered.

Charlotte's Last Chance to Save a Little Green Space

OP - ED By Chip Starr

The Rea Road Gillespie Property is at risk. This land has remained undeveloped for the last forty years. But, as every trial attorney knows there are times when you just need to let the opposition talk:

Example when the developer says “There are no parcels of this size left in Charlotte,” as Russell Ranson with RK Investors recently told reporters. “It’s remarkable to have 50 acres inside of (Interstate 485) that have been undeveloped.”  

Its times like these we just need to let them talk.

Charlotte City Council needs to do the right thing and listen to Mr. Ranson. If they do, they will reject the rezoning request so as to protect this land for future generations.

But that's actually doubtful:

This what they did when Charlotte City Council signed off on a nearly identical "remarkable parcel" just 6/10s of a mile to the west last year.

Above is the 53.98 acre site that will become Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools next high school as it looked in January of 2022.

And below how it looks today.

So much for saving the "tree canopy" and guess who voted in support of the rezoning, in fact gleefully endorsed it? Ed Driggs, and he even commended the property owners for coming together with the developer.

Yes they agreed to have a high school football stadium and "Friday Night Lights" built in their backyard. But the council member is doing a happy dance?

Never mind that the property was zoned R-3 when the homeowners managed to save up enough money for the down payment on their modest homes.

The area to the left will also be wiped out and cleared for an apartment complex. Thank you Ed Driggs.

What is more troubling is that the project built a 1,500 foot retaining wall along the north and east side of the property and back filled the 20 foot tall wall. Which prevents future flood waters from over running the high school property but virtually assures that those same waters spread across a much narrower area than in the past posing a larger risk to the neighboring homes. 

This is not environmentally sustainable nor is it attractive. And the "Tree Save" area on the north edge of the property is actually nothing more than the unbuildable FEMA flood zone. 

The obvious rhetorical question is what is wrong with that? 

Well, for one thing the gratuitous nature in the way developers offer up these "tree save" compromises. Secondly because of the regularity with which this area now floods thanks to endless development, not only is this area unbuildable it also will not sustain the tree canopy as we know it today. Oak, Elm, Poplar and Maple don't tolerate "wet feet" and eventually will succumb to the repetitive and increasing floodwaters. It may take 30 years but one day the entire area will be a waste land of dead trees and marsh.

Do we stop the destruction of our tree canopy and in turn protect our environment? Or do we let greed and some less than honest city council members try to appease us with promises we know are hollow? Are we so hell bent of density saturation that we will ignore the environmental consequences of our actions? 

Well as Ed Driggs likes to say "Developers have rights too". 

Our Eagles Piper and Glen

Photo Courtesy of Emilie Knight all rights reserved.

Charlotte photographer Emilie Knight has been photographing our South Charlotte Bald Eagle couple for several years. She's been kind enough to share some of those photos with the Rea Road Neighborhood Coalition. 

We will be posting them in the days ahead in hopes of bringing greater awareness to our Bald Eagles plight as the threat of rezoning will remove nearly 2/3rds of their forested habitat if the developer's rezoning request is approved by Charlotte City Council members.

More of Emilie's photos of Piper and Glen can be found here.

Rea Road Widening and Why Rezoning the Gillespie Property is a Terrible Idea

If you think traffic on Rea Road is bad now just wait.

Traffic on Rea Road at Pineville - Matthews waits in line for the traffic signal to cycle

If you have recently sat in the line and watched the traffic signal at Rea Road and Pineville - Matthews cycle three or four times we feel your pain.

When Charlotte City Council approved the Rezoning for the Waverly Development on Providence Road they failed to understand the consequences that the sprawling development would have on Rea Road traffic within the Piper Glen community less than 4 miles away. 

A distance of less than 1/2 mile would have connected Ardrey Kell with Tilly Morris

Once the property was rezoned and with no teeth in the zoning agreement, developers scraped the plans for Ardrey Kell to connect with Tilley Morris electing to build a massive apartment complex where the road was to be located instead. 

Ardrey Kell Dead End Looking East

Ardrey Kell Dead End Looking West

Never mind that the NCDOT had already commited to build the traffic roundabout less than a mile east to connect Ardrey Kell to Tilly Morris.

Million dollar roundabout that is Tilly Morris and Ardrey Kell  

Today eight years later, with plans to build the South Mecklenburg County Circumferential Parkway in the trash, Waverly has become a massive choke point on Providence Road with notorious traffic backups and a crazy amount of motor vehicle accidents.

And the now completed Tilly Morris roundabout is nothing more than a splendid monument to Charlotte City Council's incompetency.

The Providence Road log jam of stunning proportions has forced Charlotte bound traffic to utilize Rea Road instead of Providence. 

This has caused Charlotte to now propose widening Rea Road between 485 and Williams Pond at a cost of nearly $16 Million a combination of state and federal funding. (If you build it they will come).

To make matters worse the NCDOT plans to extend Rea Road past Providence to the east and have it connect with NC-84 bringing traffic from Wesley Chapel and Monroe.

This will funnel even more traffic on to Rea Road and into the Rea Road and Piper Glen Neighborhoods.

From The NCDOT: 

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to extend Rea Road 1.7 miles east from N.C. 16 (Providence Road) to N.C. 84 (Weddington Road) near Twelve Mile Creek Road in Weddington. Proposed work also involves widening 2.7 miles of the existing N.C. 84 from two to four lanes from Twelve Mile Creek Road to Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road in Wesley Chapel.  

Proposed work would help improve the mobility and connectivity of N.C. 84 in Union County.

Currently, vehicles traveling west on N.C. 84 to Rea Road must follow an indirect route. Westbound traffic on N.C. 84 must turn left onto N.C. 16, travel approximately three-quarters of a mile and then turn right onto Rea Road. 

Without improvement, traffic volumes in 2035 are also expected to exceed capacity on N.C. 84 in the project area.

The NCDOT site plan is here. 

How Bad Can It Get?

Add all the above to the Rea Road Gillespie Property Rezoning Request with conservatively adding more than 4000 daily car movements (Could be as high as 8000 daily car movements) and you will have recipe for  infrastructure overload that we have never seen before.

What can you do to encourage Charlotte leaders choose Smart Growth? 

Sign the petition to STOP the Rea Road Gillespie Property Rezoning and even more high density development on Rea Road here.

Email, write and call Charlotte City Council members (all of them) with your concerns. Their email addresses and phone numbers are here. 

Plan to attend the next "IN PERSON" Petition signing at the Four Mile Greenway on Sunday March 26, 2023 from 9 until 3 asking Charlotte City Council to VOTE NO on the Rea Road Gillespie Property Rezoning. (Yes You Can Sign Both online and in person)

Encourage Mecklenburg County to continue exploring the possibility of making a The Gillespie Property a County Park or Forest Preserve.

Finally spread the word. We need more voices to help encourage Smart Growth in South Charlotte.

The Gillespie Property Supports More Than Eagles

As the following story from Axios notes Charlotte's Urban Wildlife is all around us.

By Katie Peralta Soloff | February 12, 2023

The howling of packs of coyotes is a sound that’s become almost ubiquitous in Charlotte. These days, concerns over the animals flood neighborhood group chats and apps like NextDoor.

The local coyote hubbub raises plenty of questions. Are humans and the city’s rapid development responsible for displacing coyotes from wooded areas? Are they dangerous? Why are we hearing more of them these days?

What’s happening: The coyote population in the Charlotte area isn’t necessarily growing, experts tell Axios. Instead, humans are creating hospitable environments for them.

Coyotes thrive in residential parts of Charlotte where there’s plenty of food — they eat everything from berries to rabbits to rodents to garbage, says Sara Gagné, an associate professor or urban ecology and landscape ecology at UNC Charlotte.

What they’re saying: “We’re intersecting with species’ habitats, including coyotes,” Gagné says. “Especially in those lower density subdivision areas, coyotes are finding a pretty good habitat.”

Golf courses, backyards, parks and subdivisions — all of which provide coverage and food opportunities — are popular spots for coyotes.

Why it matters: Urban coyotes are becoming an increasingly common sight and sound in places like Charlotte. These animals are relatively new here, but we have to learn how to coexist, multiple local experts tell Axios.

Their mating season began in mid-January, which is why they may seem to be noisier these days, as the Observer noted.

Zoom out: Coyotes are native to the West and Midwest — they only started moving into the Carolinas in the 1980s, says Falyn Owens, a wildlife biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. For a long time before that, red wolves dominated the area until they were hunted essentially to extinction.

Red wolves and coyotes are similar in size, live in similar habitats and eat the same kinds of foods.

“The loss of the red wolf opened up opportunities for coyotes to expand,” Owens said.

What’s more, coyotes are resilient and respond to attempts to control the population. For instance, when a large number of adults are killed off, the remaining coyotes will have larger litters, and they’ll reproduce at a younger age, per Owens.

“The more people tried to kill coyotes, the more coyote populations grew,” she added. “They are biologically programmed to rebound when there is high mortality. It’s really amazing.”

What’s next: Coyotes are here to stay, even if we’re not exactly accustomed to them yet. The city’s Animal Care & Control regularly fields calls about coyotes, though the department doesn’t handle wildlife, says spokesperson Melissa Knicely.

“We’re used to seeing raccoons and possums and squirrels and things like that. But when you see something that looks like a dog and it’s kind of wolf-like, it’s kind of alarming,” Knicely says.

Coyotes aren’t known to attack humans or dogs, Gagné and Owens tell Axios. But they sometimes go after small pets, such as cats, rabbits and even some small dogs.

If you know there are coyotes in your neighborhood, make sure your trash is secured in bins. Make sure the seeds from bird feeders isn’t scattered around, and ensure dogs are on a leash or behind a fence.

“We don’t have that cultural understanding of normal coyote behavior,” Owens said. “Coyotes are still fairly new here.” 

Rezoning threatens south Charlotte habitat Queen City News - WJZY 46

Rea Gillespie Property Rezoning - Comments

This is sort of long. But here are in order the first 200 or so comments made by signers of the online petition. This is by no means all of the nearly 800 comments received in addition to the 8,500 on line signatures asking Charlotte City Council to VOTE NO on the Gillespie Property Rezoning Request.

"Charlotte needs affordable housing and to maintain its tree canopy. This development accomplishes neither."

Kelsey Foxon - Charlotte

"We need more spaces like this… not more 5 story apartment buildings. There is no social/community benefit to cutting down these trees and destroying the habitat of the last small space for wildlife in this city. And the economic benefit will be limited to another large development company that doesn’t care about anything other than lining their pockets."            

Anthony Magnarini - Matthews

"Completely agree. It will be a complete disruption of an already delicate ecosystem; these animals will have nowhere to go. Not to mention the incredible toll on public infrastructure such as healthcare/hospitals, schools, traffic, parking, etc."     

Danay Houser - Charlotte

"More thought needs to be given to impact on roads, schools, lack of access to public transportation that works, in fact, infrastructure in general rather than allowing city planners to let developers build anywhere and everywhere with little or no regards to these important issues."         

Joan Rudie - Charlotte

"Green spaces are important for mental health."              

Sejal Desai - Matthews

"We do not have the infrastructure to support this many homesites."     

Jennifer West - Matthews

"The environmental impact of removing this wildlife area is concerning. This area is biodiverse and offers shelter to the natural that we all need around us to live fulfilling lives."       

Michaelann Carlin - Charlotte

"This development will NOT contribute to more affordable housing in our area. It is simply a way by which the builder can maximize profit while minimizing input from the surrounding communities. This development will overwhelm current city and county services and the builder will have no investment in the lasting infrastructure that will be needed to support this development. We are privileged to have a pair of bald eagles living here. They are symbolic of our nation that is both for the people and by the people. Please stand with the people of our community against this development and changes to local zoning for this property."       

Kelly Price - Charlotte

"Wanting to know results of studies done on environmental impact, what public transportation will be available, how infrastructure will be impacted, increased traffic, how schools will be affected by increase in number of students."               

Linda Horvath - Charlotte

"We need to stop the overgrowth; in support of our wildlife and what little natural areas we have left.  Not to mention the traffic"         

Kim Thompson - Charlotte

"Wildlife is at risk as well as any remaining space and we do not need more apartments - replace existing ones with high rise if needed but do not take more green space"   

Patricia Howe - Charlotte

"Too many homes wedged into any open space without the infrastructure to support!"  

Carole Meisel - Charlotte

"We are crowding out our wildlife, which is a darn shame! The city of Charlotte is proud of its tree canopy and "greenness", but that is rapidly going away day by day. How can the city continue to speak about how proud they are of this when they continue to approve more development?"      

John Reiter - Charlotte

"Schools in this area are already crowded, traffic is getting worst, USPS staff has to work until 7PM to deliver the mail. I don't understand the need to change the zoning rules, it won't attract diversity as all the multifamily and town homes that will be built to target high-income families. PLEASE DON'T MESS WITH OUR BEAUTYFUL NEIGHBORHOOD."               

Shailesh Shukla

"The traffic in this area is already an issue, plus the schools are beyond full before adding 1,100 more families to the mix.  Not to mention the impact construction would have on the nearby wetlands and creek. There is a mated pair of American eagles that have nested on the edge of this property for over 15 years. There are many more areas much better suited to handle this development. Just because a builder can propose the development doesn't mean it should be done. Once this land is razed, cleared and grated there's no way to go back and fix the problems created."      

Laura Ditrich - Charlotte

"We as humans are not any more entitled to the space on earth than animals, especially animals with a history of being endangered."       

Blair Davis - Roaring River

"We need to conserve land - have Greenways instead of the endless construction of apartments, condos, and grocery stores.  Please keep this property in its "natural" state; save the wildlife that call this area home."             

Dawn Smith - Matthews

"To put more concrete in this area is insanely irresponsible."      

Mary Lyberg     

 

"Habitat is incredibly important to save the diversity of animals. The area needs to be left alone!"

                                Aleta Galusha - Waxhaw

"I think the eagles need a place to live and not be disturbed not to mention the other wild animals who make their home in this beautiful location. Please do not take the last remaining safe place from them."       

                                S. Bartel - Charlotte

"Please for anyone on the voting council who reads - let’s be sensible. The Shops at Piper Glen is already at max capacity at all times, even 3pm on a Tuesday. The 2-lane tree lined charm of Rea Rd would inevitably be in jeopardy because our roads wouldn’t be able to handle this additional demand. This isn’t about us in a neighborhood being snobby, it’s about us knowing the irreversible consequences this mistake would cause. Please reject this rezoning request. Thanks."           

Gary Morrison - Charlotte

"City leaders need to value the people and property owners who live here and voted for them. Respect established zoning promises (promises to the people who bought into that area). Protect the area wetlands and home to special wildlife."             

Scott Dawson - Charlotte

"To protect green space!!! Protect wildlife!"       

Brenda Putnam - Charlotte

"It will create a traffic nightmare…. anyone who travels on Rea Road & Elm Lane knows this."      

                                Shannon Martin - Charlotte

"Irresponsible. Wetland, habitat, Charlotte’s urban canopy, green space, lack of infrastructure to support additional multi-family housing and traffic, the irresponsible footprint of developers who will certainly only be thinking of $$$."               

Katie Guelzow - Charlotte

"The area is already getting congested and there are no plans to expand the current infrastructure for this rezoning. This will also greatly impact wildlife in the area. City Council should represent its constituents, not the developers that fund their campaigns." 

Sid Patel - Charlotte

"I live in this area and the wildlife is already being destroyed!"   

Pam Powell       

"We need to preserve some wetlands."                

Darrel Glankler - Charlotte

 

"South Charlotte doesn't need yet another environmentally destructive, unnecessary housing project, built with no real intent, or purpose, other than to increase the city's property taxes' coffer, when the city does not have the CURRENT infrastructure, or services, to support housing that is ALREADY in existence!"  

SL Kite - Charlotte

"This development would have a devastating impact on an already overdeveloped area. Developers make their money and then move on...with little to no concern about the communities affected."  

Michael Burnett - Charlotte

"South Charlotte doesn't need yet another environmentally destructive, unnecessary housing project, built with no real intent, or purpose, other than to increase the city's property taxes' coffer, when the city does not have the CURRENT infrastructure, or services, to support housing that is ALREADY in existence!"  

SL Kite - Charlotte

"To protect green space and Protect wildlife!"   

Monika Arora - Charlotte

"Our aging power grid cannot handle 1100 new units. This area experienced widespread blackouts lasting several hours during the holidays because Duke Energy could not keep up with demand. The Greenway parking lot is at maximum capacity on a daily basis. City Council should focus on improving infrastructure and quality of life for the residents who already live here rather than destroying the delicate ecosystem and further taxing already overburdened resources."          

Danay Houser - Charlotte

"Bald Eagles, Wildlife and Greenspace are more important in this already crowded area than more commercial development and worse traffic congestion."       

Judd Pellow - Charlotte

"Unbridled growth will be the end of our beautiful, green city.  Don't do this, please think far into the future by preserving rookeries, wild spaces and wetlands."             

AP Bergwall - Charlotte

"I am  disgusted with corporate control over environmentalists causing water and the eco system decay and pollution. Shame on you!"

Margaret M Burns - New Castle

"I care."               

Trey McCabe

 

 

"This would be bad news for the entire area, not only affecting wildlife but also clogging up the area along Highway 51, with more traffic than the roads can bear. We live in Ivy Hall, a small community of 57 homes along Elm Lane. Even now it is difficult to turn out of our neighborhood due to heavy traffic. If approved, this construction will be a nightmare and unwelcome from everyone in the close by area."

Glenn Ostle - Charlotte

"We must preserve our wildlands. The overbuilding has become obscene. Please save what's left of our beautiful area."   

Wendi Rossi - Waxhaw

"Save the Eagles! Stop destroying!"        

Donna Leavitt - Toms River

"The proposed development disrespects the history and peace of the area."        

Ann Boleyn - Valley Village

"Enough with the building!  Housing almost unaffordable!"         

Lawrence Siska - Schaumburg

"South Charlotte is ridiculously overcrowded. Stop!"      

Amy Gershen - Matthews

"Enough with the new developments! We have enough!"            

Stephen Golembeski - Concord

"Save the trees and all wildlife.”

Diane Amiel - Sherman Oaks

"There appears to be insufficient planning to accommodate the proposed housing. But most importantly, it is essential that we keep certain areas and places open for wildlife. I'm suggesting that those in authority be mindful when planning and that they carefully look at all aspects of things before finalizing and making a decision. Critical thinking is essential to making everything work for the better."       

Joslynne Young Kahului

"South Charlotte doesn’t need Another housing development! I love seeing wildlife and if you keep on there will be no attraction, no peace in this area!"            

Kim Atkinson - Charlotte

"The last thing Earth needs is more sardine stacked & packed humans. Doing this to humans is also a terrible thing. Making Eagles die in order to stack and pack human labor pools is positively Demonic."  

Christy Wilkinson - Simpsonville

 

"Too crowded - adds traffic and homes and increases class sizes."             

Paul Nichols - Matthews

"We need to allow the wildlife present to remain rather than increase traffic in the area."             

Brady Drummond-Ryan - Charlotte

"I do not want this rezoning."    

Laura Tritschler - Granville

"We run the greenway almost daily and have watched owls, bald eagles, mallard Ducks, deer and hawks call this home for many years."              

Joan Goode - Johns Island

"to beg you do not destroy this natural habitat for the sake of human development. God bless you for making the right decision." 

Sean Flaherty - Burlington

"This area doesn't need any more development until the infrastructure is there!! We want to preserve land for the natural inhabitants like deer and owls!"

Sarah Coulter - Matthews

"This area has a HUGE wildlife population. It would be horrible for them to lose their homes plus it will be reducing our tree canopy. I vote NO because the animals cannot vote for themselves!!"   

Michelle Beck - Charlotte

"Rea road is busy enough without any more changes!"  

Anne Dickinson - Charlotte

"It is wrong for natural habitats and animals to suffer/die at the expense of human unnecessary needs."

Sara Graffin - Berwick

"RK Investors MUST be stopped from this development!  The decline in habitats for wildlife in Mecklenburg County is alarming and the very area RK Investors wants to develop is crucial to the survival of SO many of God's creatures as well as providing oxygen rich air for the city of Charlotte.  Preserving this area for wildlife is also a great opportunity for Charlotte citizens to learn about the environment, about ecosystems, and how to protect something important for our welfare."    

Diane Thornton - Charlotte

"Save the forest, save the trees, let the wildlife live in peace!! This place contributes to keeping the air & water clean, & a peaceful place for a walk!!!"               

Lynne Boehm - Bayside

"Protecting the property for the eagles is important.  the runoff into the wetlands by pesticides used in lawns will kill not just wildlife, but pets too"   

Pat & Jim Isaacs - Indian land

"I care about the quality of life for all creatures."              

Sandra Henney - Berryville

"As a resident of Piper Glen for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand what growth south of 485 has caused to our infrastructure - damage to our roads and safety caused by excessive unchecked speeding down Rea Road. Considering additional growth in an area that has served as a sanctuary to this area is a travesty -- the impact detrimental to the environment and infrastructure."            

Sheryl Kursar - Charlotte

"It's the right thing to do!"          

Kenneth Kolling - Fort Mill

"Why not repurpose a closed down factory or some neighborhood in the city. Natural spaces are not only vital to wildlife and the environment but also provides a place to decompress and help reduce human stress. Please vote no to rezoning and consider protecting this space as a city/county park."     

Lalie Burns - San Antonio

"This is outrageous on so many levels, environmental, traffic, human health and wellbeing and multitude of aspects."               

Kim Hombs - Charlotte

"This area needs wildlife protection being close to Four Mile Creek. We are seeing an increase of deer population and dead animals all over because developers took their habitat."     

Sardha Miller - Charlotte

"Sick and tired of clear cutting in this city, massacring all wildlife, and adding high density to areas already unable to accommodate safely."  

Ilana Martin - Charlotte

"Animals deserve to live free."  

Delia Reyes - Orlando

"The wildlife habitat needs to be protected! The property needs to stay as is …."

Barbara Goodman - Charlotte

"I agree with all the petitioner states."  

Shelagh Winter - Charlotte

 

"Charlotte's growth has already destroyed too much wildlife habitat."    

M L Greene - Charlotte

"I enjoying walking in the area and have observed the eagles that make their home in the area."

Grace Sunstrom - Charlotte

"I believe that this project will have a very negative impact on the entire Piper Glen area."            

Rich Shaeffer - Charlotte

"We need to maintain this essential wildlife habitat.   The natural beauty of the area is under threat by projects like this. Part of the essence of this area involves the balance of nature and wildlife with the numerous existing neighborhoods that we currently reside in. This important eagle habitat is necessary and must remain." 

Joseph Del Broccolo - Middletown

"I feel this is very important. Greed and corruption should not overshadow the values and ecology of this area." 

DD Gamble - Waxhaw

"I live in the area and believe we need to protect the wildlife and green spaces. Dense population can be placed in the heart of city not wetlands."        

Ellen McLaughlin - Northfield

"We don’t want the density to change in this area due to the eagle nature conservation designation the Piper Glen golf course has the traffic this project would have on the already over congested single lane Elm Road, Ballantyne Commons, Rea Road and RT 51 would be atrocious."      

Marsha Prime - Charlotte

"I want to keep our neighborhood naturally beautiful!" 

Mary Jane Burgoon - Charlotte

"1. Infrastructure along Elm Lane is NOT capable of accommodating the high residency & traffic capacity required for such zoning. The area's current lack of sewer & effective drainage, dangerous curves & lack of shoulders & guardrails (which have all gone ignored by local government for DECADES) will exponentially cause more personal risk to drivers, bicyclists & pedestrians than already exists.

2. Additional water runoff generated by new parking lots and structures on this property and at this elevation will guarantee this portion of the McMullen Creek Greenway will stay flooded and underwater much more than it does currently.

3. The wildlife here adds quality to living, and is precious, rare, & already at high risk."    

Janet Saunders – Charlotte

 

"Charlotte is growing too quickly!"          

Margaret Lawrence - Charlotte

"Traffic congestion already overloaded."              

Guy Wilson - Charlotte

"Charlotte City Council has to stop approving all these developments. We're full. We need infrastructure as well as respect for families that understand that kids need yards to play in, not just parks. Families need privacy not neighbors piled on top of neighbors like lab rats. People want to move here for a higher standard of living but all this development is lowering it by the day."

Kimberly Helms - Charlotte

"As a Ballantyne resident, I DO NOT want this beautiful natural habitat to be destroyed."

Parteek Agarwal - Conord

"Trying to stop the “money grabbers”. Also does anyone know the impact on the already overcrowded schools, traffic, and lack of green space to produce a healthy environment (ie oxygen).  Probably will be one of the worst decisions this inept group could make.  Governing bodies do not seem to care about the average citizen. If they did they would be more concerned about making sure our children are in a safe place each day as well as making sure that our children are prepared to live in the world. You have failed those that you represent.  My opinion! Vote No for this proposal."          

Catherine R. Roberts - Charlotte

"The area cannot handle that many new residents."       

Dana Timchenko - Charlotte

"Nature and humanity have to have each other for survival! Stop this madness and save our precious world."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Cindy Parsons - Charlotte

"I want to preserve the natural area and protect the animals that live there."      

Kyle Brown - Charlotte

"This irresponsible constant housing building without expanding public transit is not doing Charlotte any favors."

Genea Swan - Charlotte

"This is crazy!! This area cannot handle more density. Leave the wetlands!"         

Nicole Williams - Waxhaw

 

 

"This area, for both humans and wildlife, is already adversely impacted by the insurmountable growth. Nature and wildlife is disappearing from Charlotte and becoming an unattractive hard scape to appease the hungry pockets of politicians and developers. Our area cannot continue to suffer the growing pains that are being ignored while our property taxes soar."     

Heather Cavan - Charlotte

"We need to preserve our environment and not disturb the balance towards commercialism."    

Sharad Mathur- Fort Mill

"Protecting species is important."            

Srinivasan Srivilliputhur               - Denton

"We need to conserve land in Mecklenburg County."     

Jocelyn Piccone - Pineville

"It's time the city start listening to those who elected them and stop taking handouts from developers."

                                Juliann Cunningham - Charlotte

"The toll on wildlife would be horrendous and hugely irresponsible! Don’t think we don’t know the council members in the developer’s pocket!! That’s the only way this would happen- it makes absolutely no sense to destroy the little bit of natural area left and to put such stress on roads, traffic, schools and medical resources is insane.  We’re watching this and you closely." 

Sharon Summers - Charlotte

"Animals need someone to be/hear their voices! All life on this planet matters!"

John Leos - Los Angeles

"Stop destroying wildlife habitats!!!"      

Joy Beane - East Boston

" I do not want to see a developer destroy this natural habitat so close to a greenway. Why not instead develop a park on a portion of this 53-acre parcel and leave the balance as a natural habitat for wildlife."             

Steve Regele - Charlotte

"Because I so care about displaced animals and our environment. Please consider all angles when making these incredibly impactful decisions. Thank you"           

Julie Hall - Charlotte

"Saving the Eagles!"       

Erin Grace - Charlotte

"Eagles are very precious and need our help to protect them from losing their homes."   Robyn Glancy     Swansea

"Progress isn’t always in the best interest of all.  Please leave this area untouched."         

Carolyn Rand - Roseville

"The traffic is already more than the current roads can accommodate, schools are overcrowded NOW and wildlife continues to be pushed out!"    

Shelley Bobay - Charlotte

"I care fiercely for our protected spaces, canopy and wildlife!"    

Jaime Shaw – Fort Milll

"Too much natural environment is already being purged and replaced with towering apartment houses, i.e. Wildlife is threatened by being displaced and no other natural place to go, and trees and other greenery are being destroyed which affects our environment, even to the quality of the air we breathe! Add to that the pollution of additional traffic which is also unhealthy! Enough is enough."       

Harriett Gallego               - Orlando

"Save the eagles"            

Jacy Shaffer - Charlotte

"We were once the city of trees. Let's please keep some of them and the wildlife that comes with it."      

Adam Gill - Charlotte

"Too much traffic already"          

Anthony DiNapoli - Charlotte

"Too much traffic, additional road noise, wear and tear on streets that are already in need of resurfacing. Same some remaining wildlife for animals, peace, and vegetation. Save the eagles and all other natural ponds, creeks. This entire city is becoming a parking lot, and this will add hundreds of cars, trucks and all the construction equipment and add more chaos to the already well-developed area as it is. Elm lane is only a 2-lane road and its crazy crowded now!!"               

Jim McDaid - Charlotte

"What a disaster this would be. We do not have the infrastructure to add more population to an already burdened, overgrown city with resources and traffic that is already overwhelmed with too many cars. Plus, there is the loss of wildlife habitat that can never be replaced and that is already suffering from over-development. Third, the people who bought these homes did so with the trust that they wouldn’t be overwhelmed with apartments. This is bad for the people of South Charlotte and for its indigenous wildlife. At some point, the people have to say enough and stand up for themselves and the ecosystem!"

Elaine Alexander - Charlotte

"Charlotte has lost just about all of its beautiful green canopy, please let’s save what we can and have left!!"       

Kim Schineller - Charlotte

"This location is inappropriate for development."             

Crystal Hall - Charlotte

"This parcel of land is a natural treasure.  Overdevelopment is taking place at an insane pace in many areas of Charlotte, causing environmental destruction that can never be undone.  In this rezoning case the City Council can and should do the right thing."          

Aaron Newlander - Charlotte

"I LIVE HERE! WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. LEAVE THEM BE"

Ashley Allen - Charlotte

"The growth in this city has reached the insanity level, people are literally killing themselves on our highways every day!!  Some cities experiencing our growth have demanded that these real estate investors set aside a percentage for affordable housing, contributing to infrastructure and education!!  We the people are going to hold these elected officials accountable!!" 

                               Everleen Richardson - Charlotte

"I'm signing because since I moved here 30 years ago, I've watched Charlotte change from a beautiful tree-lined city to a concrete, over-crowded, traffic mess. I'm tired of seeing dead animals on the side of the road...apartment buildings and cheap housing projects crammed in unbelievably small lots... homeless people at every intersection...crime waves in what were once " safe" neighborhoods. All of this construction is forcing people to move farther and farther away- but when will it stop? Now whenever I see a patch of land that has a few trees left on it, I think to myself “Well, your days are numbered". Everyone is so worried about global warming - why can't you see that we are killing ourselves and the environment by cutting down our source of oxygen? I used to love Charlotte but now I don't.  I can't wait to retire and get out of here."         

Lura Teeter - Charlotte

"This is a wildlife habitat. Our marsh is an area we can’t use (White Oak HOA) and supports the local animals. All we are asking is this property be developed for a low-density neighborhood with single family homes. Not for high density housing."            

Steve Pepper - Charlotte

"This area of town is already suffering from poor city planning. Overcrowded schools, slow emergency medical response, slow police response, heavy traffic and diminished green space for natural animal habitats are the direct consequences of this poor planning."     

Sheila Baker - Charlotte

 

 

 

"What will our future generations say?  “I’m glad we have more generic apartments, and condos”? Or will they say “thank God for Mecklenburg County protecting one of the largest undeveloped sections left inside the 485. loop”? For our future we need to preserve as much of our ecosystem as we can. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Let’s do the right thing for our future and turn down the money hungry investor from destroying one of the last remaining undeveloped areas."

Braedon Shelton - Charlotte

"We don't need to destroy this area with that kind of development You won't be able to get onto Elm Lane."       

John Burghart - Charlotte

"Natural habitats for bald eagles must be preserved!"    

Kendra May – Nashville

"I am appalled at the disregard for infrastructure and wildlife safety. Development is out of control here and the 2040 plan is the decree for greed."    

Jane Francisco - Charlotte

"While we live in Union County and not in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, we are opposed to the development that would destroy the beauty of Piper Glen along Rea Road, the Thornhill neighborhood, add even more traffic to an area that is already extremely busy, and, last but definitely not least, would endanger the habitat and environment of all the wildlife in the wooded area of the proposed development.  I am a native Charlottean, and I have seen a lot of growth and many changes in the landscape in my lifetime, and the developers need to understand that they are destroying the beautiful, clean city I grew up in.  Enough of the high-density housing!"          

Sarah Hodges - Waxhaw

"We have GOT to stop development at some point in this city!!  We are KILLING all the wildlife and trees.  It makes me sad.  This is not the same city I moved to 30+ years ago.  Moreover, we do not have the infrastructure to sustain this continued growth!!"      

Sharon Ayers - Charlotte

"Save our national emblem.”     

Debbie green - Spokane

"Too much development leads to too much loss of wildlife. We need to honor wildlife instead of always knocking it down."

Cathy Moran - Charlotte

"This is a pristine wetland, wildlife and woodland area that needs protection from development. May W3 prevail. Agree w/ Debbie Green and Kendra May. Metropolitan areas aren't bald eagles’ first choice for habitat and we're lucky to have them."     

John Bergman - Wilmington

"WE NEED every last wild animal; our very lives depend on it."   

Mary McKay - Deer Park

"Too many apartments already.  Schools and roads are a mess from overcrowding.   One of the drawing cards to Charlotte was so many natural areas.  No more.  Becoming a small NY City.  Please care for the residents once instead of the money"  

Lynne Mayor - Charlotte

"The wetlands/Greenway and it's wildlife should be preserved."

Cheryl Smith - Charlotte

"Growth must not simply be measured in development and financial strength. It must also include our recognition of the importance of quality of life, the need for green space and a connection to nature." 

Ernie McLaney - Charlotte

"Save property with many animal inhabitants from being destroyed."     

Sheila Miller - Longmeadow

"I live in Charlotte. We need these eagles to remind us why life is good. We don’t need more people here—it’s gotten overcrowded, and we don’t have the infrastructure to support a higher population and more cars. Let’s choose the eagles!"              

Mary Tuma - Charlotte

"Urban sprawl is ruining my hometown. It’s just greedy and disgusting."

Susan Clark - Charlotte

"There is way too much building of apartments, condos and all other venues!  You are destroying any and all WILDLIFE!!!  It seems that nothing se matters in this city anymore EXCEPT MONEY !!You have torn down every piece of history this city has ever had.  You all just see how much you can put in YOUR POCKETS !!SHAME ON EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU !!!" 

Rose Cullingford - Charlotte

"This and all the greenways in Charlotte are important to us.  As the city gives way to developers in every nook and cranny, spaces like this, that allow nature to breathe, and allow people to breathe, to enjoy nature, are essential. And after the tax money that's gone into this, the idea of destroying this environment to build apartments is ridiculous, unfair, and maddening!  DO NOT REZONE THIS AREA! Please leave it as it is so we can continue to enjoy it."          

Susan Orrell - Charlotte

"The mongrel hordes of construction equipment have invaded Mecklenburg County, and they tear up everything in their path.  I've never seen such destruction.  Plus, our wildlife is suffering, all for the sake of a buck in someone else's pocket.  This has to stop.  Leave the Gillespie property alone."    

Pamela Overby - Charlotte

"Because it’s stupid! A crime against nature and the city is damn near unlivable now!"    

Jane Claymore - Summersville

"Charlotte has enough luxury high rises and unaffordable housing, we don't need more. Preserve wildlife so Charlotte can continue to be the green, beautiful city that attracts people from around the world!"              

Katherine Bennett - Charlotte

"We keep taking. What will we leave future generations? Cement, asphalt crowded homes…we need open space, wildlife, wetlands. Please, do not approve this subdivision."        

Joan Fouty         

"Charlotte's wildlife is already running out of space. Not another multi-family monstrosity!"         

Loretta Summers - Charlotte

"City Council needs to do the right thing."            

Deborah Edwards - Charlotte