Beaver Lake Threatened

From: Tyler >

Date: August 1, 2013 12:49:36 PM EDT

To: Bellamy <mayorbellamy@avlcouncil.com>

Subject: COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITY

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- Photo by Smythe Richbourg, May, 2008

Dear Mayor:  (Separate emails to each person on Council)   

As you have done in the past, I urge you to continue to listen.   Also, please remember the pollution of Azalea Lake and, currently, Lake Powhatan.

Some of us who live in the valley of Beaverdam Creek have serious concerns about a proposed Dog Park, for which you have approved $5,000.  We have a preliminary environmental assessment and report from Dr. Edward J.P. Hauser, Ph.D., Wetlands Ecologist and Environmental Biologist, that says, in part: 

4.07                    Recommendations

Based on the data presented in this preliminary report and the concluding statements listed above, it is clear that a follow up and detailed environmental assessment be conducted on the subject property. Ordinarily, this is a prudent first step taken by environmentally conscious developers, or county or city political entities, or germane groups supporting the project such as the “Friends or Supporters of the North Asheville Dog Park”.

Such a study should be done before engineering architectural drawings are completed so as to not waste tax payers monies or other funding.  To do other wise is to put the “cart before the horse.”

Councilman Pelly has met with a few of us, who are not "Friends of North Asheville Dog Park," at 284 Beaverdam Road.   He knows some of our issues.  Specifically, on July 18, 2013, he received from me seven questions, beginning with this question: 

 1.   ENVIRONMENTAL:  A prudent first step is normally to conduct a detailed environmental assessment on the property.  

When can an environmental study of Beaverdam Creek be included in the City of Asheville Time Line?

I have no way of knowing whether or not Councilman Pelly has met with the Country Club of Asheville, nor the 485 LakeView Park Homeowners, who maintain the lake, nor the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society.  Nevertheless, the primary issue is printed above.  (red)

It is the responsibility of the entire Council to determine what Asheville is to become, or rather, what Asheville is becoming, under your leadership.

Tyler