HomeMy WebLinkAbout20061539 Ver 2_Public Comments_20120724 (46)06- IS39
This letter is in reference to the Public Notice issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the
application from the Grey Rock Community Association for impacts associated with their development
The intent of this letter is to express local citizens (Rosy Branch Taylor Creek Cedar Creek Watershed
Association) concerns about the integrity of the proposed development and its cumulative impacts on
the public interests as stated in the Public Notice
As referenced in the Public Notice specific concerns as regards the probable impacts on the public
interest are as follows
1) The request for a permit lists only 467 linear feet of stream channel and 0 03 acre of wetlands
associated with road construction as impacts The proposed 375 single family lots associated
infrastructure and their individual driveways excavations drain fields wells etc are not included as
constituting impact With that much construction the cumulative impacts increase dramatically in all
areas mentioned in the Public Notice These being specifically Water Quality Essential Fish Habitat and
Endangered Species
2a) As mentioned in the section Existing Site Conditions the site is almost entirely forested and the
streams are bordered by mature riparian forests These riparian forests are essential to the health of
the ecosystem wildlife and water quality In this section there is no mention of the steepness of the
slopes of this mountainous land or what measures will be taken to protect against erosion
2b) Also in this section are mentioned two unfinished spec homes and the HGTV Dream Home
These existing structures and the unfinished infrastructure thereof represents the kinds of development
practice that leave a burden on the landscape and local community in the form of erosion eyesores and
increased financial burden on the municipalities to correct and /or finish the uncompleted road
construction
2c) Conspicuously this section fails to mention the series of switchback roadways on the north face of
Joel Ridge below the spec homes This is a prime example of the kinds of impact that concerns local
residents This is an eroding mess seeded with an invasive species whose impact will last forever and
resists effective mitigation
3) When construction was initiated in 2005 it was noticed that a) Streams became silty water
temperature in the creeks rose and the local trout population declined b) A significant increase of
displaced wildlife (black bears etc) showed up in adjacent residential areas c) Property taxes were
doubled These are all noted impacts experienced directly by the local community
In the Evaluation section of the Public Notice mention is made of the probable and cumulative impacts
on the public interest The following impacts likely to occur affecting the needs and welfare of the
people are conservation economics* aesthetics general environmental concerns wetlands dama
to historic properties ** fish and wildlife values flood hazards water supply water quality and safe ii
*There are environmental educators and others who rely on this watershed being an agn tourism
attraction and the Grey Rock construction could potentially have a negative impact on the economy
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"Please note that historic preservation is also an important element within this project as many
residents have found artifacts such as indigenous pottery arrowheads spearheads and other tools A
State archaeologist (David Moore from Warren Wilson) has recently confirmed significant artifacts in
this particular watershed and the importance of historic preservation
In addition to these probable impacts our Watershed Association has remaining questions about
aspects to the development not mentioned in the Public Notice These Questions are as follows
1) Where does Grey Rock plan to get their water to supply 375 homes?
2) How will the septic and leach fields be treated for these homes?
3) What is the plan for the unrecorded roads that switchback down the North face of Joel Ridge?
4) Where will the water go from the steep (10% grade) impermeable roads during heavy rains?
5) How much will the property taxes go up after construction is completed at Grey Rock?
6) We ask that roads that are not directly used as access to the 375 home sites be taken off the plan
7) We ask that roads which are too steep or risk floods /run off be taken off the plan
The neighboring residents of Grey Rock recognize many plant and animals species that should be
acknowledged and protected throughout this process of evaluation Attached to this public letter are
lists that have been compiled of species that live in the Rosy Branch & Taylor /Cedar Creek Watersheds
The Grey Rock property is the sole wild area between the Town of Lake Lure and Taylor Creek
Watershed This area is the home to many species who are already encroached upon who would be
impacted by the large scale of roads and residential housing to be constructed at Grey Rock
As a final statement on this letter and perhaps in reference to the most significant impact on the people
of Rosy Branch Taylor Creek and Cedar Creek is the consideration of such a potentially destructive
project and the effects on the people and ecosystems neighboring Grey Rock without calling for a vote
from those who would be most affected This subtle yet steady influence on the local democratic rights
of the residents of this watershed (as well as others surrounding Grey Rock) is one that should be
considered when granting such large scale privileges We appeal to the Army Corps of Engineers to
protect the Rosy Branch Taylor Creek and Cedar Creek watershed and the neighbors who live here
from an assault on our properties economies water quality and our ecosystem
We the Rosy Branch Taylor Creek and Cedar Creek Association request a public hearing to be held in
regards to our questions and concerns as residents of this watershed that have already been impacted
by the construction of Grey Rock Association
We the undersigned are concerned residents of Rosy Branch Taylor Creek and Cedar Creek Association
living adjacent to Grey Rock development
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