Part 1: Prevent the rezoning of the Markham Hill property.
Part 2: Purchase the Markham Hill property from the owner/developer and make it a nature and wildlife preserve.
We are working hard right now to accomplish Part 1.
Our petition opposes any rezonings of the Markham Hill property and seeks to save as much of the mountain from development as possible, This would protect the urban forest, natural habitat, environment, historical sites, and Native American archaeological sites. This would also prevent problems with pollution, water quality, air quality, carbon emissions, noise, sewage, traffic, roads, flooding, and escape from fire (with single exit from high density RIU and 80-room hotel). In addition, this would protect the value of our low density properties by preventing commercialization and higher density housing in the middle of our unique RSF-4 neighborhood.
Important to remember:
(1) The current zoning still allows Specialized Real Estate Group to develop the 72-acre RSF-4 on the west side of the mountain. They will need to follow hillside/hilltop ordinances by saving 30% of the tree cover and follow tree preservation codes as all developers should. This fits with the RSF-4 surrounding neighborhoods and is more appropriate and compatible development for our area.
(2) The current zoning protects the 72-acre PZD on the east side of the mountain from any development and any additional commercialization (the Pratt Inn and Event Barn already exist). It protects what I listed above and prevents what I listed above. This was a promise made by previous City Council members and the Mayor. We hope that the current City Council members will examine the history of this carefully worked-through arrangement and honor those promises. We want to be able to trust our City government no matter who is in office.
Thank you for your help and support in this effort to save Markham Hill from as much development as possible and to protect our rural residential RSF-4 neighborhood from the frantic fad of urbanization, infill, and development at all costs.
What you can do to help:
(1) Sign our petition on change.org. Type 'Save Markham Hill' in the Browse/Search to find it.
(2) Join the Facebook group 'Friends of Markham Hill' to see photos of Markham Hill, learn about its history, read updates, learn the reasons why the current zoning is the best, and see announcements of meetings.
(3) Write letters to the City Council today at ssmith@fayetteville-ar.gov opposing the rezonings and why.
(4) Come to the Oct 2 and Oct 16 City Council meetings at 5:30pm at City Hall 2nd floor. If able, please speak for 3-5 minutes at the podium to explain why you oppose the rezonings. We need each and every supporter in order to succeed!
If the City Council votes to oppose the rezoning, then we can begin Part 2 of our effort. We will try to purchase this property from the owner/developer, put it all in a conservation easement, and make it a nature and wildlife preserve.
Sincerely,
Lisa Orton
lisa_m_orton@yahoo.com