Still looking for answers

A month ago, hundreds of letters from Swannanoa, Fairview and Alpine Mountain convinced the Department of Water Quality in Raleigh to host a public hearing on Nov. 18 in Asheville. One of the biggest developments in our mountains is finally under scrutiny.

Despite a nice PR gesture and some goodwill commitments a few weeks ago from developer Jim Anthony, The Cliffs at High Carolina still does not want to disclose the amount or the names of the chemicals it will use for the yearlong luxurious, green, fungus-free, insect-free golf course it plans to build on the watershed plateau in the Swannanoa Mountains.

As I am getting ready for the hearing day, I am surprised by the very few of us who committed to come defend the right to chemical disclosure in order to protect our water, wells and springs. Consider what it would be like if you could not drink your own water? The outpouring of letters from our community has been heard by the water authorities. We need to make a good showing to follow through.

Local changes happen when we decide to work for them. Please come to defend your property rights and your water. The Cliffs at High Carolina need to do a better job of communicating with our communities. Their attitude is to say: “Yes, we will do a good job!”—but not to commit on paper to our right to drink quality water free of pesticides and fertilizers.

There are some alternatives to a chemical-loaded golf course: ozonation, wetlands to filter surface chemicals, ultraviolet systems. One-hundred-percent organic golf courses exist and are the future for an environment free of health troubles. Until The Cliffs communicates with our communities in a professional manner, we will question the news that the Tiger Wood Golf Course design is good for our economy. It could very well be a disaster for our health! Please show up to encourage them to commit to our local “healthconomy.”

According to the meeting notice: The public is hereby notified that the Division of Water Quality will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 18, starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. at A.C. Reynolds High School. Doors will be open starting at 6 p.m. for seating and registration to speak.

The public is invited to comment in writing as well as during the public hearing. Speaking times will be determined on the day of the hearing depending upon the number of speaking slots requested. Those wanting to speak need to register at the hearing and speaking sequence will be in the order of registration.

— Francois Manavit
Fairview

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.