INC NEWS - Support for East Durham Open Space Plan

[pat carstensen]

One of the good things in Durham is to figure out what we got so we can do a 
better job of protecting what has value.  The East Durham Open Space Plan 
looks at -- ummm -- open space in the eastern part of Durham County.

>From the Plan:  "Historically, the watersheds of Lick, Little Lick, and 
Panther
Creeks were primarily rural with a number of large cattle farms as well
as tobacco and horse farms. Over the past ten years, the Little Lick Creek
watershed area has experienced a dramatic increase in suburban
development. The Lick and Panther Creek watersheds are also
experiencing pressure for new suburban development. Durham needs an
effective plan of action to protect valuable open space resources in these
areas."

Right now, the plan is a DRAFT which had been continually put to the back 
burner in Durham.  Community members in eastern Durham County are asking for 
our members' support to get the plan front and center, and finally passed.  
This plan is the kind of responsible planning we need other communities to 
embrace.  The type of conservation and trails/parks planning proposed is 
type of strategic planning we've needed for a long time.

The request from members of the east Durham Community:

First, here's a link to the East Durham Open Space Plan, so members can take 
a look
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/planning/pdf/plan_eastdurhamopenspace.pdf 
(note it is about 5 megs)

Second, please take a couple minutes and email or call the following Durham 
government officials.  Let them know you support the plan and would like to 
see it move forward ASAP.
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/planning/planning_commission_roster.cfm

Third, there is nothing more powerful than for members to attend the 
Planning meeting on February 13th, 5:30 PM, and let Durham government see 
the faces of the community who value open space and conservation.  People 
can choose to say a few words themselves, or simply stand when others say 
they've come in support of the plan.  What's key is for the planning 
committee to see the support.  I would encourage members to talk with 
neighbors in Durham, and come with them as a group to speak about how the 
quality of life in their community will be enhanced by having these trails, 
open spaces, and sensitive environmental areas protected.  The meeting will 
be in the Council Chambers in City Hall.  Put your name on the sign up 
sheet, and that's it.  When the Open Space plan comes up for discussion, 
you'll get to speak.
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/planning/planning_commission.cfm

Members may email me [LaCawna, see below] directly if they would like more 
information.  We appreciate anything members can do to call people to action 
on this.  Our entire community and environment will benefit if we can help 
get this through.

Thanks again,
LaDawnna
ladawnna at gmail.com

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