This is a landmark issue. Zoning is every landowner’s protection. Why should five-acre lots be changed to two-acre lots? Because of greed! There are numerous concerns.
Local concerns include water and septic problems, ranging from lack of water to pollution in a watershed area affecting both Carthage and Southern Pines water supplies. They also include destruction of habitat and rare wildlife species due to homesites within wetland boundaries.
Countywide concerns include a death knell to the Moore County Land Use Plan. Goal 1 of the plan is to “preserve and protect the rural agricultural nature of the county,” and this rezoning sets a negative precedent. It does not meet three of the five criteria for rezoning (per the Planning Board meeting of July 14). If this rezoning is permitted, other rezonings will line up right behind it, and the wonderful rural character of the county will be changed forever. Increased density will lead to annexations.
Our elected county officials should understand that they must be held accountable for their actions. They should serve the people, protect the public interests, and uphold the important programs that they fostered, such as the Moore County Land-Use Plan. They should not bow to big business.
Please attend this Oct. 17 meeting. Show our elected officials that we care, and that they should, too.
Bob and Ruth Stolting
West End
