20080880 Ver 1_Public Comments_20080807 (6)

The Cliffs @ High Carolina--public hearing
Subject: The Cliffs @ High Carolina--public hearing
From: "Larissa A. Bowman, DVM" <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 14:19:14 -0400
To: <Loretta.A. Beckwithgsaw02. usace. army. mil>, <[e-mail]>,
<[e-mail]>
CC: <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>
Please refer to the attached letter. I can most easily be reached via email or the phone number listed below. Thank
you.
Larissa A. bowman, DVM
828, 670-8327
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1 of 1 8/8/2008 12:03 PM
Dear Sirs & Madames:
As an 8-year resident of Flat Top Mountain in Fairview, I have witnessed many changes and much
development along our scenic byways and mountain lands. The Cliffs at High Carolina will be historic
not only for Buncombe county (as the largest development ever) but for residents of Flat Top Mountain
and the Spring Mountain communities, which will be intimate neighbors to this project of grand scale. I
wish to publicize my concerns in an effort to participate in our democracy and stand up for the little
piece of heaven I call home.
As stated in an article by Rebecca Bowe in last week's Mountain Express, much of our worries center
upon the Tiger Woods signature golf course under construction. The enormous amounts of water
required to irrigate a typical 18-hole course got my attention-particularly since much, if not all, of this
water is anticipated to come from wells drilled into Flat Top Mountain's aquifer. Readers don't need me
to remind them that Western NC is in a category D4 drought (D4=exceptional, on a scale of 0-5). All of
the current residents on Flat Top are like little aphids drilling down to the aquifer-and a golf course's
demand for water may dry any one or more of us up. This is a quality of life issue for established
residents here, not a matter of recreation. Furthermore, the word 'green' has been bantered about ever
since Mr. Anthony held a'town hall' at the Spring Mountain Community Center last year. Mountain
residents remain very concerned about the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other unnatural
'enhancements', if you will, to beautify and propagate the greens of this so-called 'green' golf course.
What are the Cliffs plans to mitigate these impacts? Will they be at all significant as truly green
measures or merely a way to soften the blow? The applications to the golf course will inevitably result in
additional impacts to the waters 'downstream' from it all.
Another serious concern for current residents will be the impact on stream channels, natural springs, and
wetland areas which provide water to families of humans as well as indigenous wildlife and flora on the
mountains. While I am aware that the Cliffs has submitted the necessary application(s) for permission to
impact these sensitive areas, I feel that more public input, mutual education, and the exchange of ideas
may be necessary in order to reach a point where existing residents are satisfied, our watershed is
protected, and the Cliffs can become a good neighbor. I cannot presume to speak for Mr. Anthony or
the Cliffs, however, in the past they have been quite willing to meet with our community and I would
suggest that it is time for a public hearing on these matters BEFORE irreparable damage to the
environment and the good will of Fairview's community is done.
Thank you for your consideration.
Larissa Bowman, DVM
425 Flat Top Mountain Road
Fairview, NC 28730