We, the undersigned, are residents of Pittsboro, Chatham County and surrounding areas. We are very concerned about Chatham Park’s proposed changes to its Small Area Plan for its “North Village,” encompassing 2,225 acres between Pittsboro and the Haw River.

While the current plan will result in significant deforestation and environmental impacts, the proposed changes would greatly increase these adverse impacts to the Haw River, the wildlife corridor, the Lower Haw State Natural Area, and downstream water quality in Jordan Lake.

Therefore we urge you to:
- Reject a proposed through-road route that would go very close to the Haw River buffer - rather than a more direct and central route - causing more traffic, light, noise, and runoff pollution near the river;

- Reject a plan for a 10 ft wide, paved Chatham Park pedestrian and bicycle greenway, in a 30 ft cleared easement along the Haw and through the Lower Haw River State Natural Area. Any trail along the river should be part of the overall Haw River State Trail Plan, and be in keeping with conservation goals for the State Natural Area.

- Reject any further weakening of tree coverage requirements; and ensure compliance of Chatham Park’s prior commitment to 35% tree coverage of preserved existing trees within 2000 ft. of the Haw River;

- Reject Bynum Beach Road being used by North Village for anything other than emergency access. There should be no widening or expansion of this road, which is within a flood hazard area.