I am a resident of Statesville, Iredell, NC, USA, where our community is on the verge of undergoing a drastic transformation. Due to the proposed rezoning of our agricultural properties into high-density housing, we fear that our community as we know it is turning into a thing of the past.

This proposed change is not merely affecting our landscapes; it threatens to destroy the very fabric of our community. Our locality, rich in agriculture, lacks the necessary infrastructure to cope with the high-density housing that rezoning would cause. Our roads, public services, and schools are designed to serve a rural population. Bringing high-density housing to our agricultural territories will put unprecedented stress on these public amenities, potentially leading to a decrease in the quality of life for all residents, old and new.

Further, it is worth noting that as of 2023, the United States has lost over 66 million acres of farmland since 2000, and over 13.62 million acres since 2014. This is an average loss of over 1.9 million acres per year. Protecting the integrity of our agricultural land is essential not just to our livelihood but to our nation's food security, economy, and environment.

Therefore, let us stand against the shortsightedness of proposal to rezone our precious agricultural lands. We need to urge our local decision-makers to consider the far-reaching impacts of such a move and act in the best interest of our community. Please, support us in preserving the integrity of Statesville. Sign this petition to oppose the rezoning of our agricultural properties into high-density housing.