As a passionate and concerned resident of Chatham County who moved here a decade ago, I was drawn to the simplicity and peace of the county's rural nature. However, in merely 10 years, I have witnessed the population rise from 63,000 to 83,000, a turn of events transforming this serene rural area into a rapidly expanding urban center.

Private companies and developers, such as Preston Development, plan to build thousands of homes in our county, which could drive our population up to an alarming 300,000 in the next two decades. These plans have been confirmed by Bubba Rawl, co-founder of Preston Development and mastermind of the 20,000-home Chatham Park development in Pittsboro.

Land-use policies play a critical role in shaping the character of an area, and their effects are long lasting. Therefore, this decision should not be made hastily. Based on my observations, the issues are complex and controversial, requiring time to conduct adequate studies, prepare proper plans, and include broad public input in the debate. A more careful and deliberate course needs to be adopted by our local government.

For the sake of retaining the charm and tranquility of Chatham County, it is essential that we request a moratorium on the development until research is done to ensure our growth will be sustainable and won’t negatively impact our quality of life. We advocate for our local government to understand these complexities and challenges, and to drive decisions that preserve our values and lifestyle. Please sign this petition to call for a reviewed and balanced approach to development in Chatham County and for introducing a moratorium on future land use. Let's keep Chatham County the peaceful rural sanctuary that we all cherish.