I am the Lorax

Last night I attended a workshop hosted by the RDU authority discussing the potential uses and land designations. The night played out much the way it did when I protested the development of a treed land area in my hometown that is currently covered in an apartment complex. The big developer put on the airs of caring about the tree-hugging contributions of the constituents. The people cited a number of data points demonstrating that they are not actually listening. The meeting was halted by the Communications designee from the airport authority. So, I sit down here to write to you what I feel in my heart... about the way we were treated, about the way of the business, and my sadness about what will be lost. Here are the major takeaways.

The introduction and the bulk of the meeting talked about FAA requirements for noise and a map detailing the sound levels in the area. The speaker tried to paint this as forethought of the authority to examine the needs of the region as required by law.

The Q&A was when Dr. Jean Spooner from the Umstead Coalition stood and asked about the thousands of comments received. She wondered what modifications were made as a result. The speaker responded that the map was updated to include Recreation areas. She clarified that the legend was updated to include 'Office/Hotel/Recreation' instead of just 'Office/Hotel'. The speaker confirmed this was the modification he meant. No other changes have been over the course of four public meetings.

A second audience member asked about the feasibility of eliminating the rock quarry proposal from the drawing. She polled the audience for support of a rock quarry. One individual was in support, the remainder of the room opposed. Later, John Williams explained to me that the map is not a recommendation, but a potential use map.

A third audience member was closer and I could not hear the question. It was clear that the audience felt like their concerns were not getting heard, and wanted a different outcome than the proposal.

At this time, Sig Hutchinson, a Wake County Commissioner, interjected. He cautioned the audience from getting too upset. He encourage the individuals to continue to provide their comments via the appropriate forums, and tried to assuage our fears about the apparent deaf ears of the airport authority.

My personal experience is that I couldn't hear much more. Kristie VanAuken (VP Communications and Community Affairs) stepped in front of me. She said to the person next to her that she was going to stop this and pull the mic. She exited the room, re-entered at the front, and shut the conversation down.

We milled about and tried to make sense of how to have an impact on making a positive choice for our beloved parks. How do you propose to a businessman with the potential income of a hotel at $200 per night over 100 units was less valuable than getting to ride with the 10 and under group on Wednesday afternoons through the pump and jump tracks.

Here are some of the ways I have used this park. Going places in order to avoid cars and driving. I do this a lot, but here are 3 pretty examples.

At a crossroad

Rolling cyclocross near sunset

Getting over I-40

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