See earlier post.
It appears the weather-related postponement of the Marion County Planning Commission meeting was a blessing. It gave us time to do significant background work on our position and to engage in extensive dialogue with Mr. Tony Perry, the majority owner and developer of the proposed Woodland Preserve subdivision. Mr. Perry has offered a significant number of assurances and commitments intended to prevent and mitigate impact to the land and water during construction and long afterwards.
Based on those commitments, which far exceed any minimum requirements the county or state will impose, and with much time needed to iron out the details, the Executive Committee of Friends of South Cumberland State Parks voted on Sunday, April 7 to withdraw our current opposition to the development and to continue to collaborate with Mr. Perry. We believe that under the circumstances our best and most impactful role will be to help ensure that the design, construction, and occupancy of the development is as environmentally sensitive as we can get it.
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We still encourage you to attend the Planning Commission hearing this Tuesday, April 9, at 4 pm. We need to show everyone involved that we care and we are watching.
Ned R. Murray, Executive Director – Friends of South Cumberland
Photo: Bob Butters