DK - Quarry letter

7/17/20
Dear DEMLR Representative,
I am writing today to state my continued opposition to the Wake Stone quarry
expansion onto the Odd Fellows property managed by Raleigh -Durham Airport (RDU).
share the concern of thousands of Triangle citizens who have publicly voiced their
opposition to the project. I am a Raleigh City Councilor, but am submitting this
Comment as a Raleigh citizen. While the question remains as to what public entity has
final authority over the use of the property, it is nevertheless public property, which
gives the right to the public to weigh in on its use. Overwhelmingly, the public is against
the use of this property for a quarry.
A much better use of this natural resource, given its location and current condition,
would be a public park to allow outdoor recreational uses. The Odd Fellows tract sits
right between Umstead State Park and Crabtree County Park and would be a great link
to these already -established public parks. There is a history of public use for recreational
purposes such as cycling, hiking, and camping on this property, which could continue
and be expanded as a public park. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that outdoor
recreation is essential to the wellbeing and prospering of our citizens. The establishment
of such a park will also draw visitors and tourists to the area. The economy of the future
is going to be driven by outdoor recreation.
RDU was presented with a market -based offer by The Conservation Fund to create just
such a property for recreational uses. This offer is just one example of how there could
be a win -win scenario where RDU would be paid a market rate immediately for a
long-term lease or in fee simple, and the public would get much needed and desired
open space for recreational use.
There are two other aggregate quarries within three miles of RDU, the economy is in a
protracted slowdown, and the basis for this quarry has not been scientifically and
economically established. There are too many uncertainties and unknowns to move
forward with this permit at this time. To put in bluntly, this is the wrong place for a
quarry and the right place for a public park.
Thanks,
David Knight
3348 Alleghany Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27609