Our Holiday Wish!!

Many of us hope that the developer, Bluegreen sells its option/contract on the 692 acres to NCDENR for the expansion of the Haw River State Park and protection of this section of the Haw River corridor. If the state and Bluegreen cannot reach an agreement, and Bluegreen's option/contract with the land owners expires in Jan. 2008, the state should then purchase the 692 acres directly from the three property owners at the fair market appraised value significantly determined by Bluegreen's proposed development.

The land owners must be wooed and courted by the state once Bluegreen is out of the picture. It is good for the property owners that they have a second eager buyer (the state) since it appears doubtful that Bluegreen will receive their necessary rezoning, special permits to draw water from the Haw River and permits to build a community septic system near the banks of the Haw River.

This purchase by the state can be accomplished by using special wetland and land preservation trust funds designed just for such a state park/land preservation purchase.

It should be noted that distant, outlying sprawl developments, like the proposed Patriot's Landing, remain a drain on us Guilford County tax payers. Such developments seldom replenish the significant taxes they consume. Patriot's Landing would have required the use of tax money for significant school expansion at all grade levels, road expansion and road corridor entry additions, a new fire department location and new sheriff department services, etc.

Haw River a little East of Hwy 29

Another Postponement

Tonight the Guilford County Commissioners did postpone again their rezoning hearing for Bluegreen's development of 692 acres of land crucial to the growth of the Haw River State Park. It appears that this request for postponement until Jan. 17, 2008 was simply routine and customary. The last postponement was at the request of Bluegreen. This new postponement of the Dec. 13th meeting was at the request of attorney Charles Winfree on behalf of Mrs. Cox and other property owners.

Charles Winfree did say that Mrs. Cox and the other property owners thought that more time should be given to insure an agreement between the state and Bluegreen. The property owners do also have a concern that a firm vote by the commissioners to refuse rezoning could devalue their property. Several commissioners, even some who said they were supporters of the expansion of the Haw River State Park, thought that the request of the property owners for a delay was necessary and proper procedure.

The new scheduled time for the county commissioners to decide this rezoning issue is Jan. 17th at 5:30 p.m. No one needs to show up on Dec. 13th for this issue.

In no way is this a step forward nor backward but another delay. Most everyone now seems to hope that the Haw River State Park can expand on this beautiful 692 acres and preserve this section of the Haw River corridor. And most seem to think that NCDENR and Bluegreen will resolve all of their differences before 2008. If this happens the state will purchase Bluegreen's option on the property. The property owners would be fully compensated, possibly some funds would flow to Bluegreen to help them offset some of their expenses and the 692 acres will become part of the HRSP.

Another possible scenario just around the corner that may have support among the property owners is -- Bluegreen's option/contract on their property runs out in Jan. 2008 and the property owners don't extend Bluegreen's option and then sell their land directly to NCDENR. This option may prove to actually put slightly more money into the hands of the property owners because Bluegreen is out of the picture.

Take a deep breath! Bottom line, it seems likely that Guilford and Rockingham County will have a greatly expanded Haw River State Park in 2008. Remember, we may all have to pack the commissioner's Jan. 17th meeting to help insure that happens.

Greensboro Partnership supports an expanding Haw River State Park

November 29, 2007
The Honorable William G. Ross, Jr. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

Dear Secretary Ross:

It has come to our attention that Bluegreen Corporation of Florida is planning to develop a 692 acre golf community (Patriots Landing Private Golf Course and Gated Community) on land proposed for the expansion of the Haw River State Park. The planned location of this development will be detrimental to the full development of the state park and therefore the economic growth and development of Greensboro and Guilford County.

Greensboro Partnership serves as the principal economic and community development organization in Greensboro. Our mission is to strategically develop a vibrant community that creates, expands and attracts business while advancing the quality of life for all. As part of our function we frequently assess what attracts residents and businesses to our community and what compels them to stay. We know from community polling and surveys that the inclusion of open space and green areas which support an active life style for residents is an important aspect of our community’s development. Additionally, in 2000, the citizens of Guilford County authorized a $10 million bond issue to acquire open space in Guilford County. This initiative, along with the authorization of the Haw River State Park in 2003, shows the widespread interest in preserving land for the creation of recreational opportunities for all citizens to enjoy. This confirms for us that the planned Haw River State Park is an essential component of the growth and development of our region.

In addition we are concerned about the impact the proposed development will have on our water supply, both the availability of water and the water quality. The project requires 100,000 gallons of water to be extracted daily from the Haw River which serves as a periodic emergency source of water supply for the City of Greensboro. Consistent depletion of this resource is a dangerous prospect for the City’s water and sewer department to manage. The golf community will also add run-off to the Haw River threatening its water quality and that of the bodies of waters to which the river connects. This adds further to the unattractive nature of the proposed development in this location.

The full development of the Haw River State Park is important to the economic growth of Greensboro and Guilford County. It is because of this reason we oppose the proposed location of the residential golf community by Bluegreen Corporation. We ask that the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources does everything in its power to preserve this land.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,


Pat Danahy
President/CEO
cc: Lewis Ledford, Director, N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation

Bluegreen Needs to Accept the State's Generous Offer Now!!

It is way past time for Bluegreen to accept the generous offer from NCDENR to purchase Bluegreen's option on the approximately 700 acres that adjoin the current Haw River State Park. The fledgling HRSP needs your help and especially the help of our County Commissioners to make sure it can expand and become a dynamic state park. Bluegreen can build another development elsewhere in Guilford County. The state's current offer allows Bluegreen to go ahead and fulfill their full offer to all three of the property owners plus put a little money in their pocket to help cover expenses they have incurred. Bluegreen has had sufficient time to study and sign this agreement.

Taft Wireback did have one mistake in his recent N&R piece on 11/29/07. He said that the "commissioner's hearing has been delayed before at the request of state government." That previous delay had been requested by Bluegreen -- not by the state.

In the written request to Paul Gibson from Charles Winfree dated 11/27/07 asking for another delay is an important paragraph: "Mrs. Cox and other property owners are concerned that if this matter is heard before the parties have fully explored the possibilities of settlement that the value of their property would be unnecessarily impaired. Furthermore, successful completion of the negotiations would eliminate the need for a hearing of any kind."

It appears that all the property owners also want Bluegreen to accept the state's generous offer so that the property owners can finally get their money based on Bluegreen's current offer, that the state will fully honor.

Another delay over the issue of rezoning is not necessary and a waste of everyone's time and energy. What is essential is that Bluegreen does need to accept the state's generous offer and sell the state their option on this property. Once that is done the property owners can be fully compensated, the HRSP can begin a healthy expansion and another important section of the Haw River's wildlife and wetland habitat will be protected and preserved.

Citizens for Haw River State Park Invites YOU to join us at a Rally for Haw River State Park

Saturday, December 1, 2007
From 1:00 p.m . to 4:00 p.m.

At the Summit Environmental Education Center at Haw River State Park
Gymnasium and Recreation Field
339 Conference Center Drive
Brown Summit, NC 27214

(Directions on HRSP website)

The Rally will include:
Food, Music, and Guided Tours of the Haw River Wetlands

Donations to support Haw River State Park will be gratefully accepted prior to the day of the event,
as solicitation is not allowed in North Carolina's State Parks.

Donations can be mailed to our treasurer:Kyle Klimek
6112 Church Street
Greensboro , NC 27455

Every little bit helps so even if you can only send $10 it will be greatly appreciated!

Please RSVP to HawRiverSP@gmail.com
By November 30, 2007

Special Thanks to the Following Service Providers:
Brunswick Stew By Citizens for Haw River State Park
Bread by Simple Kneads Bakery
Music by the Alley Rabbits
And Jim Ritchey

This is a Citizens for Haw River State Park Event. All park rules and regulations regarding facility rental have been followed. Please note that State Parks do not allow alcohol or solicitation on park property.
Any Media Outlets wishing to cover this event are asked to contact the park's superintendent, Sue McBean, for permission at least 24 hours prior to this, or any, event on park property.

Response from letter to Gov. Easley from Sherri Forrester with the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society

Ms. Forrester:

Thank you for sharing your support for the new Haw River State Park and your concerns about the proposed Patriot's Landing development adjacent to the park. Your letter to Gov. Mike Easley was referred to me for a response.

Gov. Easley is familiar with this matter and has directed Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ross to coordinate the state's efforts. In response to this directive, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and the State Property Office are working closely to find a way to negotiate an agreement with Bluegreen Corp. As you may be aware, the State Property Office in the Department of Administration is the state agency charged with negotiating land acquisition terms with property owners. An appraisal of the property has been completed and the State Property Office is in discussions with Bluegreen representatives. You may also know that Guilford County Board of Commissioners' consideration of the re-zoning appeal has been postponed until December.

The state parks system is on record in opposing the re-zoning and has ongoing interest in acquiring the land for addition to Haw River State Park.

The department agrees that the Haw River State Park has the potential to draw thousands of visitors to your area and will greatly enhance the quality of life in the community.

Thank you once again for your support in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Diana L. Kees, Communications Director
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(Please note: A specific offer by the NCDENR has already been made in a generous manner so that all of the property owners will be able to receive their full Bluegreen/developer price for their property. That means that the state is now willing to pay for the land as though the property was rezoned for Bluegreen's Patriot Landing development. Bluegreen also has an opportunity to get out from under this project in a softening housing market.)

Brooks Bridge Rd. pumping station and dam on the Haw River

Hoping Bluegreen's slow response is all bark

Just a slight ripple on the banks of the Haw River as we wait for Bluegreen to give us a clear answer

Lichens Waiting on OK from Bluegreen

The State Makes Bluegreen A Very Generous Offer.

The very generous offer for the approximate 692 acres made to Bluegreen by the N.C. Depart. of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation has not yet been accepted. We understand the parties are still in discussion.

The offer by the NCDENR was made in a generous manner so that all of the property owners would be able to receive their full Bluegreen/developer price for their property. That means that the state is willing to pay for the land as though the property was rezoned for Bluegreen's Patriot Landing development. Bluegreen also has an opportunity to get out from under this project in a softening housing market.

It appears at this time Bluegreen still thinks that it has a chance to have both the Guilford County Commissioners and the Rockingham County Commissioners approve their rezoning request.

Keep those phone calls, emails and letters coming! We cannot let down our guard!

Bluegreen wants us to ignore: 1. problems with edge of county sprawl, 2. the need for tax payers to build additional school classrooms at every level, 3. the need to widen and add roads at tax payers expense, 4. the need at taxpayers expense to provide an additional fire station and sheriff department, 5. the concerns of drawing significant water from the Haw River when that water is needed downstream, as a back-up reserve for Greensboro's Lake Townsend, also for significant, required and regulated flow for Reidsville's waste water treatment discharge, etc., 6. the problem with nitrogen rich discharge into the Haw River from Bluegreen's proposed community waste water treatment plant on the banks of the Haw, 7. protection of wetlands and wildlife habitat along the Haw River corridor from an invasive development on the banks of the Haw River, 8. most importantly the need to grow and expand the Haw River State Park for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

Haw River wetlands doing their job of storing and cleaning water

Great Blue Heron Rookery on the Haw River

Haw River in late October

David Wharton Takes Us to the Haw River

Excellent post over at A Little Urbanity by David Wharton. Thanks David!

David visits some old memories along the Haw River and concludes:

"Wouldn't if be a terrible waste if a place such as this were clearcut for a gated suburb? Don't you think places like this should be preserved for generations to enjoy?"

"I do. That's why I support Citizens for Haw River State Park."

Complete Biz Journal Article

State makes offer to buy contested Haw River land

The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - by Justin Catanoso The Business Journal Serving the Greater Triad Area

The ongoing debate over 690 acres of private land in northeast Guilford County -- whether it will become an upscale golf course community or instead more than double the size of the Haw River State Park -- could soon be resolved.

Or not.

Just last week, the state made an offer to Bluegreen Corp., of Boca Raton, Fla., which holds the options on the acreage, to purchase the tract for an amount appraised at commercial value -- even though the land is currently zoned for agriculture.

"The state has made what I consider a very reasonable offer for the entire property," says Lewis Ledford, director of the Parks and Recreation Division of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Ledford confirmed that the reported amount of $18,000 per acre was "reasonable to assume, and the state can afford to make that kind of offer."

In other words, the deal -- which is being negotiated by the state Property Office -- is worth a total of $12.4 million, or equal to what Bluegreen is believed to have offered to acquire the options to develop a 775-home golf course community on the Haw River.

Jill Lucas, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Administration, which oversees the Property Office, declines to comment, other than to say, "We hope to have a resolution by the end of the month."

If the state's offer were being made directly to the three property owners whose wooded and open land makes up the 690-acre tract, it's likely that the next step would have been scheduling a closing date. For reasons we'll explain later, that opportunity was lost three years ago.

Instead, the ball is squarely in Bluegreen's court. The development firm, through it's attorney Steve Levitas in Raleigh, declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.

But Bluegreen would seem to have these options:
It can accept the state's offer and then turn around and satisfy the purchase agreement it signed with the property owners earlier this year. Paul Milam, a Guilford County real estate agent, brokered the deal.

(Milam says he has not seen the offer and is concerned that there may be terms or conditions attached to the state offer that might reduce the amount of money the three property owners actually receive; answers to those concerns were not immediately available).

The downside to Bluegreen accepting the state's offer is that it has already invested several hundred thousand dollars in planning for what's being called Patriot's Landing. Bluegreen hopes to make millions in profits on a completed project; accepting the state's offer would leave them breaking even at best, or perhaps even losing some money.

Or Bluegreen can reject the state's offer and try to convince Guilford County commissioners to rezone the property to enable Patriot's Landing to go forward, which appears risky. This high-profile project has yet to draw the public endorsement of even one commissioner, and four commissioners (of the six votes needed) told us last month that they would likely oppose the rezoning.

Meanwhile, commissioners are being inundated with calls, letters and e-mail to reject the rezoning request in a highly organized, well-financed campaign by the Citizens for Haw River State Park.

Apparently rattled by the rising public sentiment against the project with virtually no one speaking in favor of it, Bluegreen recently requested that this month's rezoning hearing be delayed until December.

The deal grows more complicated still for the developer.

If the rezoning fails, Bluegreen could let its purchase options expire, thus enabling the state to deal directly with the three property owners (and locking in its losses). Or it could come up with a different development plan for the property that might be more palatable to the commissioners for rezoning.

Even if the rezoning passes, Bluegreen isn't in the clear. It must still obtain permission from Rockingham County to build a sewage treatment facility there. And there are a variety of state water-quality permits that Bluegreen must obtain because of the impact the project might have on the Haw River, which feeds downstream into Jordan Lake, a major Triangle water source.

If you're wondering where the state would get $12 million to buy parkland in Guilford County, you need to look to the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, which was established by the General Assembly in 1994 and is supported by a tax on real estate transfer deeds.

Since its creation, the fund has provided more than $111 million in land acquisition for state parks and state natural areas. The fund is administered by an 11-member board that meets quarterly and authorizes all trust fund projects.

Members are appointed by the governor and leaders of the state House and Senate. Neither Guilford nor Rockingham has an appointee. A $12 million deal would be among the higher prices the state has paid for parkland, but given the state's rising land prices, not unprecedented.

Dropping the ball

It's possible that none of this wrangling or controversy would have been necessary if state officials had been more diplomatic three years ago when first informing property owners in the area that they wanted to purchase their land to expand the new Haw River State Park.

Thaxton Richardson, who has used his 550 acres in the contested parcel for some 40 years to raise beef cattle, says the state got off on the wrong foot with him. The first time Richardson and many other property owners knew of the state's interest in buying their land was when they were invited to a meeting in early 2004 with state officials.

"They laid out what they wanted, and it looked like a done deal," Richardson recalls. "The impression they left was one of arrogance, as if they were entitled to our land. No one ever came to us before that meeting and asked what we would like to do."

Now on guard and not trusting the state's intentions, Richardson told a state official in mid-2004 that his land wasn't for sale. He gave that same answer when contacted a year later. But when he heard the state was seeking to acquire land all around him, he began to reconsider.

"If you asked me 10 years ago when I would make my land available for sale, I would've said 2040," says Richardson, who is 78, and whose mother lived to be 107. "I planned to live out my old age there."

But with the state's interest in his land, and all the other residential development nearby, Richardson realized he didn't have the luxury of waiting to sell, particularly because his land doesn't have main-road frontage.

In the fall of 2005, Richardson heard from a state official again, and was asked to give permission to have his property appraised. The state cannot make an offer on private land without an appraisal, and it cannot pay more than that amount.

When Richardson learned from the official that the state had paid about $8,000 per acre to buy 300 acres to establish the Haw River State Park, he responded: "That's not going to get my property." The official promised to call back in about a week.

"It was four or five months before I got another call, but in that time I decided I needed to do something else," Richardson says, noting that he and two other property owners signed with Paul Milam to broker their property for development as a single parcel.

"As far as I am concerned, the state dropped the ball," Richardson says.

Other nearby property owners, even some eager to see their land go for parkland, complain of difficulties and delays in dealing with state officials -- all of which leads them to suspect that the state is angling to pay them less than their land is worth.

Lewis Ledford, with the state parks and rec department, responds: "I know we have been trying to get permission to appraise the land since 2004. When you look back, you can see that we could have done a better job of it. I do regret if Mr. Richardson feels as if he was treated badly.

"I do believe that Mr. Richardson retains the right to determine when, how and if to sell his land. I don't believe we have put any pressure on him, and I know it's important to have good relations with key sellers. We have tried to handle this honestly, but if you look back, there are things we could have done better."

Three years after the fact, the state may have the opportunity to make it up to Richardson and the other property owners involved. It all depends on what Bluegreen decides.

Reach Justin Catanoso at (336) 370-2896 or jcatanoso@bizjournals.com. His business reports can he heard Fridays on WFMY-News 2 at 6:35 a.m. and WFDD-88.5 FM at 7:35 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.

State Makes Offer to Buy Contested Land

The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area - by Justin Catanoso

"The ongoing debate over 690 acres of private land in northeast Guilford County -- whether it will become an upscale golf course community or instead more than double the size of the Haw River State Park -- could soon be resolved.

Or not.

Just last week, the state made an offer to Bluegreen Corp., of Boca Raton, Fla., which holds the options on the acreage, to purchase the tract for an amount appraised at commercial value -- even though the land is currently zoned for agriculture.

"The state has made what I consider a very reasonable offer for the entire property," says Lewis Ledford, director of the Parks and Recreation Division of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources."

Currently the complete article is behind the pay wall at The Biz Journal .
_________________


With the State making this offer all the property owners will receive their full property compensation even if the rezoning is turned down, which at the moment appears likely. This can then be a true win/win for the Haw River State Park, protection of the Haw River corridor and the property owners. Even Bluegreen can get some points for being a good citizen and listening to the residents of Guilford and Rockingham County. Other key land is certainly available for their Patriot's Landing project.

We Have A State Park -- Sort Of

Driving north on Church St., just after crossing NC 150, one crosses a broad expanse of flat, wet land and a small bridge. This is the Haw River and its wetland flood-plain. Not a rushing white-water stream here in its headwater reaches, but rich in flora and fauna. Deer, turkey, bobcat, and fox are common. Even an occasional black bear has been seen. And the westernmost breeding pair of prothonotary warblers have been recorded along the wetlands. A look at aerial photos of the river corridor reveals that large expanses of woodlands still exist. Most Piedmont streams used to be this way, but the Haw is the last vestige of an unspoiled river corridor. This is what sold the NC Division of Parks and Recreation on agreeing to establish the Haw River State Park in 2003. Although about 400 acres have been purchased by the state, including the Summit, the former Episcopal Diocese conference center, land acquisition has been slow and difficult due to development pressure. Indeed, about 700 acres of land next to the Summit is under option to a company from Florida, Bluegreen, which intends to put a gated, golf-course community there. The state has said that it will buy the property at market value, and needs it for Park expansion. The decision by the Guilford County Planning Board to allow the rezoning of the land has been appealed to the County Commissioners, which have now put off hearing the appeal until early December. The proposed development has several environmental concerns, including withdrawing at least 100,000 gallons of water per day from the Haw River to irrigate the golf course; and spraying treated sewage effluent onto the course in later years for irrigation. The development will have only one entrance, onto Church Street, with as many as 8000 cars trips a day using it. The new northern schools (elementary, middle and high) are already at capacity, and so additional schools would be required if this project goes forward. But far beyond these concerns is this simple question. Do we want another exclusive development, or do we want a full-fledged state park?? It is really that simple. Public support for the Park has been surging in the last few weeks. Commissioners Chair Paul Gibson said that he has not gotten as much mail on any other issue in his seven years on the Board. This is what will win the day for OUR STATE PARK. Our County Commissioners must hear from us. All of us. Please help secure the future of the Haw River State Park by communicating with the Commissioners. Their e-mail addresses and phone numbers and lots more information about the issue can be found at the web site: CitizensForHawRiverSP.org . Thank you.

Jack Jezorek

Thank You Mayor Festerman!!

In a letter dated Sept 27th addressed to both Harold Bass, Chairman of the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners and Paul Gibson, Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Mayor Festerman said the following (sorry but I could not reproduce a digital version of the original letter):

"Dear Harold: (or Dear Chairman Gibson almost identical letter see below)

On behalf of the Reidsville City Council and the City of Reidsville, I want to express our strong opposition to the proposed rezoning of the approximately 700 acres adjacent to the Haw River State Park on the Rockingham County-Guilford County line when it comes before the Rockingham County Commissioners. I'm sure you're very familiar with the issues so I won't take time to repeat those, but let me briefly say that our concerns are twofold.

First of all, as you know, tourism and eco-tourism have been identified as a major growth possibility for Rockingham County as we seek to rebuild our economy after the loss of so many textile and tobacco-related jobs. The Haw River State Park holds a great deal of promise to address this goal, and we have supported its development from the very beginning as I believe the Rockingham County Commissioners do. Anything that negatively impact both the present State Park and the possibility of its expansion cannot be good for Reidsville or Rockingham County.

Secondly, while we do not draw our public drinking water from the Haw River, we do discharge our wastewater into the Haw River at a point southeast of Reidsville. We relocated this discharge point approximately eight years ago out of concern for the ecology in Little Troublesome Creek and as a result of low flow in that stream. Our discharge limits at that point in the Haw River are very tight. Any diminished flow in the Haw River could have a devastating and costly effect on Reidsville's wastewater treatment plant operations. As we understand it, the proposed development could potentially draw 100,000 gallons a day out of the Haw River in order to water their golf course. I'm afraid this would just be the start of it, and it would lead to further withdrawals along the river that could severely affect the City.

We are all vitally concerned about what happens in Rockingham County. As elected officials, we are all concerned about the future of our citizens. I hope that you will take this into consideration and vote "no" on the proposed rezoning when it comes before the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give me a call.

Sincerely,

James K. Festerman
Mayor
City of Reidsville

cc: Tom Robinson, Rockingham County Manager"
_______________

1st paragraph of letter addressed to Chairman Gibson:

"On behalf of the Reidsville City Council and the City of Reidsville, let me express our strong opposition to the proposed rezoning of approximately 700 acres adjacent to the Haw River State Park on the Rockingham County-Guilford County line. I know tht you've received many contacts on both sides of this question, and I'm sure you are very familiar with the issues. I won't take the time to repeat those, but let me say that our concerns are twofold."

paragraph 2 and 3 are almost identical.

paragraph 4:

"We are vitally concerned about what happens in Guilford County as I know you are concerned about what happens in Rockingham County. As officials in neighboring counties, we both know the importance of strong, collaborative friendships as we seek to look after the futures of our citizens. I hope that you will take this into consideration and vote "no" on the proposed rezoning when it comes before you on Oct. 18th.

cc: W. David McNeill Jr., County Manager"

WFMY-TV on the Haw River State Park

WFMY-TV featured a story tonight on the Haw River State Park and the large community response to stop the rezoning and allow the expansion of the park. There is plenty of property elsewhere for a golf course and gated housing community but the Haw River State Park needs this adjoining 691 acre tract for healthy growth.

It appears that the attorney for Bluegreen, Henry Issacson, is still trying to understand what is the level of interest in this tract from N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. The answer is the State needs this entire tract for the future expansion and growth of the Haw River State Park.

"In a perfect world I would rather see a state park out there"

Justin Catanoso has a very informative piece today in the Triad Business Journal. Much of his article is quoted below:

"It promises to be a classic real estate showdown -- development vs. preservation -- with hot-button issues such a gated golf course community and fragile ecosystems being argued by prominent corporate attorneys for both sides."

"... Yet this week, Isaacson asked emphatically: "The big question here is -- what does the state want to do here?"
That answer is already known. On Aug. 22, Lewis Ledford, director of the Parks and Recreation Division of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, wrote Guilford County Manager David McNeil, saying:

"From the outset, state parks identified the properties (considered in the rezoning) appropriate for addition to the Haw River State Park based upon natural resources, habitat and location... Unfortunately, we were unable to secure permission to appraise the properties prior to the assemblage of the development proposal... Bottom line, we remain interested in acquiring the property and have the funding options in place to be able to close in a timely manner."

"...So, is the state willing to pay the three property owners of the 690 acres roughly the same amount of money Bluegreen has agreed to pay?"

"Sue McBean, the superintendent of the Haw River State Park, knows that's a sensitive issue."

"We can pay between $16,000 and $20,000 per acre for that land, which is what we believe the developer is paying," McBean says. "We are definitely not looking to hurt any of the property owners. If we had been able to make those appraisals two years ago, this all could have been resolved."

"...At the moment, where do the commissioners stand?
We managed to reach seven of the 11 commissioners this week. Each one said he or she is keeping an open mind and wants to hear from both sides. But four -- Gibson, Linda Shaw, Kirk Perkins and Carolyn Coleman -- say they are leaning against the rezoning."

"The other three -- Skip Alston, John Parks and Billy Yow -- say they are undecided."

"...Meanwhile, Gibson, the board chair, says, "In a perfect world, I would rather see a state park out there."

"...None of the commissioners says the estimated $360 million that Patriot's Landing could add to the county tax base when fully developed is a persuasive argument by itself. Coleman worries that with 775 homes, the county would likely have to build a new school in the area, which might not be offset by the tax-base gain."

"For his part, Perkins, whose district encompasses most of the land in question, pretty much knows how he will vote. He points out that he is an Eagle Scout and member of the Nature Conservancy."

"This is an opportunity we don't want to miss," he says, "not just six months from now, but 25 years from now."

The Powerful Voice of Students and Our Youth

Dr. Ken Gracz and your 6 Environmental Science students -- THANKS!! -- for your wonderful comments below.

The long term expansion and growth of the Haw River State Park will benefit us all especially the youth in our community.

WE appreciate your direct support for the proper expansion of the park.

Now on Facebook pages, via emails, via My Space and many other channels we are hearing from the youth in our community. They are asking us to expand the Haw River State Park and protect the Haw River corridor for the long range benefit to all of us in Rockingham and Guilford County.

Keep your comments coming!!

Triad Ranks 2nd Greatest in Sprawl in US

Thanks to Jim Rosenberg for the heads up about the severe level of sprawl in the Triad. Rosenberg said: "Saving the park also makes good business sense. Corporate site selection is increasingly focusing on sprawl"

"Smart Growth America, a Washington, D.C. - based advocacy group has released the results of a three year study..."The three metro areas with the greatest sprawl, at least according to the SGA study, are Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.; Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, N.C.; and Raleigh-Durham, N.C., respectively."

" Sprawl and "policy recommendations": Not surprisingly, the SGA study also comes with "six policy recommendations to reduce sprawl and promote smarter growth" for "regions wishing to improve their quality of life." Those recommendations include:
"Reinvest in neglected communities and provide more housing opportunities;"
"Rehabilitate abandoned properties;"
"Encourage new development or redevelopment in already built up areas;"
"Create and nurture thriving, mixed-use centers of activity;"
"Support growth management strategies;" and
"Craft transportation policies that complement smarter growth."

Haw River Golf Course Can Go Elsewhere!

Eric Schaefer has provided us with a number of wonderful articles on some of his wilderness experiences. His recent article in today's N&R Outdoors Section (C10) in the back of the Sports Section is very timely.

Eric is one who has moved through the world with a gentle footprint that honors simplicity and shows love for the natural environment. He tells of his recent adventure, along with Vance Arnold: "...dragging the boat (due to very low water) through cat briars and poison ivy,under or over falling trees, stumbling over submerged sticks, falling in holes in the water or sitting in the water resting up for the next obstacles."

Schaefer asks us "How badly we want this park, what are we willing to sacrifice, and how extensive and inclusive it needs to be are questions we ought to be asking now, since we have only one chance. Once the land is developed there will be no returning."

"Shall we make this park our priority and do what we can to ensure it will be the jewel that is envisioned...? Although I'm a golfer and enjoy walking around a new course, this is a no-brainer -- our priority should be making this park the crown jewel of the Piedmont..."

"There are other sites for golf course -- there is no other place for the Haw River State Park."

"Let your commissioners know what you think."

Ed Cone's Excellent N&R Column

"Therein lies the choice and the chance to make a decision that will resonate into the future. We can open a vital bit of our vanishing natural landscape for public use, creating a legacy for generations, or we can lock it away for the pleasure of a few, remaking yet another expanse of countryside into suburbia."

As stated in his fine column we hope that on this issue the Guilford County Commissioners will "work for us."

"Wouldn't it be great if we could offer that kind of timeless (wilderness) experience to our children and their children?"

The Key Problem -- Wastewater Treatment Plants

Back in late July Jordan Green had an important article in YES Weekly on the regional governments ongoing attempt to resist the cleanup of Jordan Lake, the main water supply for the Triangle. Wastewater pollution from the Haw River as it flows into Jordan Lake is a central concern of the N.C. Division of Water Quality. If the Guilford and Rockingham County Commissioners allow the rezoning for Patriot's Landing both counties will be again ignoring the major concerns of the N.C. Division of Water Quality and may be directly forcing the creation of new, stricter, more expensive water quality rules and regulations for the Haw River/Upper Cape Fear River Basin watershed.

Green said: "The state's data tells a somewhat different story about the sources of Jordan Lake's pollution from the Haw River. The Division of Water Quality found that 35 percent of nitrogen loads in the Haw River comes from point sources - mainly wastewater treatment plants..."

The County Commissioners in both Guilford and Rockingham will be sending the wrong signal if they allow the placement of a new community sewer treatment plant on the banks of the Haw River that will add to the nitrogen rich flow heading towards Jordan Lake. There is also no doubt that both the golf course chemicals and the extensive use of yard chemicals from the 775 planned houses will also add to the nitrogen and phosphorous pollution damaging Jordan Lake.

Open House Sunday at Haw River State Park

You are invited to an Open House at the Haw River State Park on Sunday, Sept. 16th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Come with Family and Friends to the Summit at the Haw River State Park.

From Greensboro head north out Church St. to Hwy 150. Take a right onto Hwy 150 and head down to Spearman Rd. Take a left on Spearman Rd. and go 1 1/2 miles. Take a left onto Conference Center Drive and follow to the end of the drive.

Community Meeting on Sept. 13th

We are hosting a community wide meeting at Gethsemane UMC (on the corner of Church St. and Highway 150) Thursday night, Sept. 13th. The gathering will take place from 5-7 p.m. and we'd love to see you there. There will be opportunities for you to learn more about the Haw River State Park, let your County Commissioners know how you feel, and find out what we're doing to stop the rezoning. Plus there will be cookies and lemonade!

Protecting Water Resources

Good questions from down in the comment areas below! Bluegreen has spoken of using an average of 100,000 gallons of water per day but a new course, with un-established turf during a draught will require significantly more water than their original estimate. They plan to confiscate water from the Haw River during times of high water levels and store that water in a containment pond. But my bet is that pond would be dry if we have a repeat of this summer and then they are forced to confiscate additional water during a time of very low flow.
They may need well over 400,000 gallons of water per day during the hot dry summer months with tender young turf.

Rockingham County may be far better off to manage their water resources with an eye on our ongoing drought and the long term needs of the residents of Rockingham County. Water lines run to the far stretches of Rockingham County will be over utilized down the road as more and more developments tie onto those water line.

Please Visit our Web Site!

Thanks for visiting our blog but also be sure to visit our Web Site. Near the top of our Web Site's home page be sure to click on "Photos of the Haw River." On a recent canoe trip (canoe push) down the Haw River, Jenny Kimmel took some new pictures that were recently posted. Even during this time of intense drought notice how the wetland photo shows clearly how the wetlands do their job of storing water.

Help us protect these wetlands and support the expansion of the Haw River State Park!!

Triad Business Journal Op-Ed

Today David Craft had an excellent Op-Ed in the Business Journal.

If Patriot's Landing is built it "will drive a spike in the heart of the Haw River State Park."

David's Op-Ed also hits some key points that the increased pollution of Lake Jordan, coming in part from our section of the Haw River, may force the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to place greater water quality restrictions on Guilford County and Rockingham County.

Wildlife Along the Haw River

In the comments below someone asked about the wildlife along the Haw River corridor. In the sections of the Haw River wetlands in Guilford County and Rockingham County I have personally viewed a great abundance of wildlife. I have seen many grey and red foxes, a huge abundance of deer, several coyotes, several otters, a tremendous amount of beavers. There have been several black bears sighted along the Haw's wetlands. I have seen many Copperheads, King snakes, Northern Water snakes and loads of Black snakes. Many types of salamanders, frogs and toads as well as fresh water mussels thrive along the Haw River.

One can usually see Great Blue Herons, Wild Turkey, Quail and an abundance of many song birds.

John Young

Already Agreed to Stay back a Minimum of 500'

The Haw River Trail Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners (April 10, 2006) and Rockingham County Board of Commissioners (March 16, 2006) prohibits wastewater treatment plants or development within 500 feet of the Haw River.

From the memorandum: "Whereas, the preservation of lands within the Trail Corridor would support the multiple goals of the Partners; therefore the width of the Trail Corridor for planning purposes should be a minimum of 500 feet from the top of the bank (1000' corridor) where possible. The proposed use of the Trail Corridor should be a balance of natural resource protection, recreation, water quality, historical and cultural preservation, view shed protection, and economic development. As much as possible, undisturbed natural vegetation within the Trail Corridor is preferred to meet the maximum of these goals.."

For details of the Memorandum of Understanding see -- http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/parknews/releases/HawRiver_MOU_FINAL.html

Very Low Water in the Haw River!!

Over the last 10 days Vance Arnold and friends have kayaked and canoed the Haw River twice along the area needed for expansion of the Haw River State Park. In reality Vance and friends have mostly pushed their canoe/kayak because of the extremely low water in the Haw River. A feeder pipe was added several years ago by the City of Greensboro to draw water from the Haw River during times like these of receding reservoirs and drought. However, the Haw River today cannot supply any water for Greensboro because the water level is far too low in the Haw River to be of any help. We understand the city's feeder pipe at the Haw River is many feet higher than the current flow level.

Golf courses, especially during the first two years as the turf develops, need massive amounts of water. A brand new 27 hole course sits barren in Boca Raton, Fla. because the estimated 1,000,000 gallons of water needed per day is not yet available from any approved resource.
See --
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/south/epaper/2007/07/06/s1b_golf_0706.html

Many estimates for the first two years of watering a quality golf course far exceed the 100,000 gallon amount that has been discussed as the average needed at the proposed Patriot's Landing development. Tender turf, with no rain and temperatures in the high 90's, scream for constant moisture. Patriot's Landing proposed holding pond, that is designed to be filled from the Haw River when the Haw River has a high flow, would probably have become significantly depleted over our recent hot, dry months. So Patriot's Landing may need to replenish their holding pond in another dry July, August and September when hardly any water is available from the Haw River. A real conflict of water resources could occur if Patriot's Landing is built along the bank of the Haw River.

In a comment section below Vance Arnold said: Yesterday I "canoed", no "kayaked" the Haw River from Church St. to the bridge at Monroeton Rd. The quotation marks are to highlight how little water there is in that section of the river at this point, deep in an extreme drought. It was however beautiful. The wetlands are extensive and serving their very important function of storing water during dry times.What will happen if Bluegreen is allowed to withdraw 100,000 gallons minimum per day.

It Will Benefit Us All

Conservation of our environment is not an issue for the Left or the Right, nor an issue for Republicans or Democrats. I have seen some of the best efforts for land preservation and protection pushed by groups who love the out of doors but also love to hunt and fish. Wildlife habitat preservation and protection of the few natural areas of our county remaining is a broad community good. It can benefit both the Tree Huggers and the those who like to take a grandson or granddaughter onto other land permitted for hunting. If the Haw River State Park is allowed, with broad community support, to grow and develop it will be a benefit for all of us. Protected wildlife corridors help many for many different reasons.

So the next time you pass a hiker in the woods don't waste your time talking about politics. Instead you may want to discuss that a few black bears have been sighted in our Guilford County section of the Haw River. You may even be interested in hiking together to the nearby Great Blue Heron rookery on the banks of the Haw River.

The choice is easy -- YES!! -- we want a growing, dynamic Haw River State Park placed in our backyard for the long range benefit of Guilford and Rockingham County. This is a gift far too good to turn down!!


John D. Young

Real Choice

Someone in N&R LTTE comments yesterday mentioned about the State's ability of eminent domain but that is not being raised by anyone connected with the Haw River State Park. The property owners have already signed contracts to sale their land to the Bluegreen development group. That contract, however, is dependent on several factors including rezoning, special permits to remove significant water from the Haw River, community septic system permits, water line extension approval from Rockingham County (at significant expense to Rockingham County), etc. That rezoning and special permit process is underway but is far from being resolved. In fact the infrastructure expense to both Rockingham and Guilford County for this proposed 775 house development at the edge of both counties could prove very expensive to tax payers. Including water line extension, new fire department, widening of Church St. and areas of Hwy 150, plus additional class space in the areas primary, middle and high schools that are currently almost at full capacity.

What is now good for the property owners is that they have a second, eager, alternative buyer, N.C. Depart. of Environment and Natural Resources, willing to pay the full market value as determined to a large extent by Bluegreen's development. So now the property owners have two real buyers in the wing. If all of the hoops that Bluegreen must jump through for this project along the banks of the Haw River are not approved their contract will be terminated. The land owners then will have another fine option.

Also funds for the expansion of the Haw River State Park are of little drain on the State's budget. Money for the huge land acquisition needed for the long term development of the HRSP will likely come from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, supported by a portion of the state's tax on real estate deed transfers. Other funding comes from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund.

WE are lucky that the State wants to give Guilford County the treasure of a expanding State Park in our back yard and preserve some of this beautiful land along the Haw River. I hope we fully support their efforts and understand its significance to our children, and grand children. Other land can work well for Bluegreen's development. I hope that 50 years from now a lot of folks will say -- Thanks for preserving this land back in 2007 with this wonderful State Park!!

John Young

What is this about

This blog is dedicated to serving as a place of discussion on the issues surrounding the Haw River State Park. I will try to update this daily, but cannot guarantee that.

We welcome differing opinions, questions, and dialogue in general.

Keep the discussion clean and no personal attacks.

Look for more soon.