20210224 Ver 1_Public Notice Comments_20211028 (332)

Public Notice Comment Form
ID#*
20210224
Project Name*
Westpoint
First Name
Peter
Affiliation (if applicable)
Phone Number
Version *
1
Number only.
Last Name
Scott
Email *
[e-mail]
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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 am appalled to learn about the Westpoint development plan near West Point on the Eno in Durham, and the
fact that it has so far escaped a proper review. A development of 370 houses on Black Ridge, draining into the
Eno at a key spot, will inevitably degrade the river and state park. The preservation of the Eno in a relatively
natural state within and near Durham's boundaries was initiated in the 1970's, when threatened by similar
proposed developments and a new highway, Eno Drive. Over the next decade or two a state park was
established, and enough key areas protected that the ecological integrity of the river and its woodlands was
preserved, AND made accessible to countless residents of the area, who continue to use it in large numbers. All
this could be significantly undermined by a development of the magnitude proposed at a key location.
I grew up in Durham and hiked, camped, fished, hunted, and rafted along the Eno with my friends in high school
years. I treasured my friendship with the Nygard family, and watched in some awe as Margaret, Holger, their
family and friends helped build a mindset that a well -protected Eno River park could be a huge asset for Durham
that would add to the city's attractiveness and quality of life. I later earned degrees in ecology and became a
professor of biology. In courses dealing with conservation and environmental matters, I told students the story of
the Eno River preservation as an example of how making preservation decisions in the nick of time can really
pay off, but requires nearly endless reservoirs of dedication, alertness, and time. Because, even when an area
seems to have been protected, it remains vulnerable to development activities on its boundaries, pollution
sources and so forth. One bad idea for development that is allowed to proceed can significantly weaken a natural
area.
I urge the NC Department of Environmental Quality to allow public input as part of a thorough review of this
massive threat to the Eno River city and state parks.
Peter E. Scott, Associate Professor of Biology (retired), Indiana State University
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