20210224 Ver 1_Public Notice Comments_20211028 (289)

Public Notice Comment Form
ID#*
20210224
Project Name*
Westpoint
First Name
Affiliation (if applicable)
Phone Number
Version *
1
Number only.
Last Name
Letourneau
Email *
[e-mail]
*** The intent for collecting an email address is to allow us send you a receipt for submittal of this comment.
Please pick the response below that represents your stance on the above mentioned project? *
Yes - I agree with the project. No - I do not agree with the project.
Comment
I'm strongly opposed to this project as it poses a great threat to Durham's environment and the wellbeing of its
constituents. I'm advocating for a Public Hearing to be held before any permitting or construction be allowed, in
order for the people of Durham to voice their concerns regarding this project's impacts to health, safety, water
quality, and historic burial sites.
The current permit does not adequately address how this project will affect Durham's drinking water as well as
the (endangered) wildlife that calls Black Meadow Ridge home. Beyond this, having undeveloped greenspace at
Westpoint on the Eno is an integral part of mental and physical health, as it provides a place for sanctuary,
community gathering, exercise, and clean air and water.
Beyond the environmental effects, it would be irresponsible to allow for permitting to go through without
consulting the public when the city is aware that this permit seeks to disturb the burial grounds of African
American ancestors along the south side of the development site. I believe it's the responsibility of the city to
take into consideration the preservation and care for history and culture of Black communities that were once
oppressed here and continue to be marginalized and pushed out by development projects.
Furthermore, we as a country are beyond the point of understanding the harms that have been done to the initial
inhabitants of this land and African -descended peoples that were brought here. I call for direct engagement and
consent from the Indigenous communities whose land we are in in the consideration of land development
projects such as this so that we do not continue to perpetuate historical harms.
I'd appreciate if the board could respond to these comments, as well as take into consideration the requests of
Save Black Meadow Ridge and their extensive research.
Regards,
Isa Letourneau

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