I moved to Pinehurst from Charlotte in 1989 and am now living in Aberdeen. I have also done time in Southern Pines. When I first moved here, I used to listen to National Public Radio (WFAE) as I could still receive it from Charlotte, and would listen with glee as they read out the traffic reports. Charlotte, like most big cities, has used almost every square inch of land to develop some type of something, so I have been reading with interest about the proposed commercial development on Midland Road by a Charlotte-based developer.

It was with glee that I moved to Pinehurst. I spent my first night here watching huge pines sway in the wind at the Palmetto House and seeing the stars gleam through the pine needles. And now I’m in Aberdeen, surrounded by huge wonderful trees.

So, this is the beginning of the Charlotte invasion. It’s like we are the Shire in “Lord of the Rings.” Let’s fight this proposal with all we can to prevent the destruction of trees and beautiful areas without fighting against lawful development.

There are still trees everywhere in North Carolina, but the leveling of so much beautiful scenery is incremental, so we hardly stop to take notice. Maybe it is time.

Steve Smith

Aberdeen