The Washington County Circuit Court judge did not accept the amendment to our appeal application of the Markham Hill rezonings, not because he didn't believe we meant to appeal all Markham Hill rezonings but because of the laws involved on deadlines and paperwork accuracy.

So, we will be pursuing an appeal of the 24-acre CPZD only (which was on our original application even though we meant all Markham Hill rezonings on its 144 acres). We hope to win and not only go back to the original definition of the CPZD zoning (which is no development allowed at all) for the 24 acres but also for the CPZD's original 72-acre size.

We are still hoping the City, a Fayetteville conservationist, or a Fayetteville conservation group will buy the property at a reasonable price from the out-of-state owner, RMD Properties, so that Markham Hill can return to Fayetteville ownership and protection. The goal is to make all 144 acres a nature and wildlife preserve park under a permanent conservation easement. The City could do this with some of the Parks Improvement money from the April 9 Bond Package and through eminent domain if RMD Properties is not willing to sell and at a reasonable price. Cities can do this to save its urban forests and parks from destruction by developers.

We will continue to brainstorm ways to reach our goal, no matter how many battles we lose along the way. We are not giving up!

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Sincerely,

Lisa Orton