Reading [“Colliding Visions” Jan. 22, Xpress] made my heart sick. I had heard that the Coggins Farm was in the process of being sold to a developer. What the article failed to mention is what an amazing, gorgeous piece of property it is! I had walked it many times. There are acres of woods full of native wildflowers, rich bottom land along a beautiful river and pastures galore. It is with disdain that I hear developers’ rhetoric to convince anyone that a high-density development can be done sustainably or with a “light” footprint on the land. I am further appalled that WNC Alliance is no longer an advocate for conservation but instead supports such developments.
There is no way you can build nearly 400 units, a school and retail community with all its infrastructure in a “light-footed,” gentle manner. The land will be bulldozed and altered forever. Runoff will increase, and the influx of thousands of people will tax the land further. The tiny roads leading to the farm will be clogged, as well as the already thickly used Tunnel Road. Traffic in and around Asheville has already become a nightmare.
The bottom line with this issue is always money. The commissioners see tax revenue dollar signs, and the developers will happily throw in their token green houses at the chance to rake in the dough. There surely were many other options. How about a gorgeous retreat center, and or 15-20 cute, nightly getaway cabin rentals, with most of the land being put into conservation easement. The farmland could be leased to the many organic farmers coming to our area. Now local residents will be affected forever. I would be devastated too if I were them!
But ultimately it is the land with all her trees, plants and wildlife that will be hurt the most. All because of lack of foresight. A travesty indeed.
— Troy Amastar
Alexander
Fantastic letter! Absolutely well-put.
Amen brother!
My favorite part was when they stated that they would build whatever was necessary for the folks out so they wouldn’t be “bored”.
People who enjoy living in the rural areas have figured out how to occupy themselves.
Could Mr. Amastar and others who agree that this land should be reserved for conservation organize a coalition and raise the funds to outbid the developers?