I'm not asking for your hard-earned money, I'm asking your voice! Here is what you need to know and how you can help:

On August 25 2023, we spoke up and were successful in delaying the Garner Town Council's referral of SLI Capital and McAdams Co's proposed 800-rental-unit and commercial space development on 401 crossing, former site of Par Golf and Pelican's Snoballs. On October 5 2023, despite passionate public input against the application and serious concerns raised by Councilmembers Dellinger and Singleton, the Town of Garner voted 4:1 to move the application forward to the planning commission. You can watch the hearings and see the applicant's ridiculous proposal here and here.

We need to continue speaking up for our community and the Swift Creek Watershed so the Town of Garner represents its community's desires, instead of bending to the whims of an unwelcome corporate. We believe that developers are intentionally exploiting the limited representation of small towns in order to make an easy buck while destroying North Carolina habitat and charm.

My name is Ally Kristan. I'm a conservation biologist and wildlife policy expert born and raised in Raleigh, NC. I recently began an environmental organization to help protect North Carolina natural lands from unnecessary development. Many of you know my father, Dave Kristan, who managed 401 Par Golf since before I was even born.

UPCOMING MEETINGS IN THE APPROVAL PROCESS

THANK YOU to all who have shown up and spoken up at the prior Town Council meetings.

The Garner Planning Commission will discuss this rezoning application on Monday, November 13th at 7PM at the Garner Town Hall. It is crucial to have a large showing of community members at this meeting to speak up and voice your concerns. This is what makes the difference.

With this advanced notice, please plan prior commitments and childcare accordingly as possible so that you can attend. Speak up about:

• Your concerns for the should-be-protected Swift Creek Watershed, and the inevitable flooding that accompanies this egregious 80% impervious surface development
• Increased traffic and safety concerns
•  Your schools and emergency services that are not prepared for this increase in residents, and operate off of your tax dollars
• The wildlife who will be displaced and the trees that will fall
• The injustice that the affected neighborhood cannot vote in the Town of Garner elections and therefore has no real representation in this matter.

AND MUCH MORE!

Speak up so that this little plot of paradise doesn't become the next wanna-be North Hills just so a few people can get even richer off the backs of working class Carolinians. This development is headed by Brian Kane, son of Kane Realty's John Kane.

IF the Planning Commission moves forward with this plan, it will go back to the Town Council to vote for a rezoning. Sign up here to receive an email notification for future Hearings, and check the agenda for "401 Crossing".

For questions and concerns, contact the Town of Garner Planning Commission members:

• Gina Avent avents4@aol.com
• Jon Blasco jblasco03@gmail.com
• Ralph Carson rcarsonGPC@outlook.com
• Phillip Jefferson phillip.h.jefferson@gmail.com
• Jihan Hodges vamoua05@att.net
• Sherry Phillips sherryphillips@hotmail.com
• Michael Voiland mick@mikemickxer.com
• Gra Singleton garnernc.gov (liaison to Town Council)

Also exercise your right to contact the Garner Town Council:

• Kathy Behringer kbehringer@garnernc.gov
• Demian Dellinger ddellinger@garnernc.gov
• Phil Matthews pmatthews@garnernc.gov
• Gra Singleton gsingleton@garnernc.gov
• Elmo Vance evance@garnernc.gov

TOWN OF GARNER ELECTIONS

Town of Garner early voting begins this month on October 28. Read more about election dates and candidates here.

Councilmembers Demian Dellinger and Gra Singleton are the only Councilmembers who have publicly expressed concern and dissatisfaction with this proposed development application at Town Meetings. Only Demian Dellinger voted against moving the application forward. Demian's term is up this December, and Gra's is up in December 2025.

Demian, Phil, and Elmo's terms are up this December, and they are all up for re-election.

If you want to keep Garner's charm and open spaces, protecting it from an onslaught of rapid developments, it is crucial that you vote in the Town of Garner elections.

LITIGATION

Local residents did retain a lawyer who submitted testimony to the 8/22 Town Hall. We are still in communication with the lawyer over staunch environmental and procedural concerns, and welcome input from any residents interested in pursuing litigation further.

If you want more information or have any questions, please contact me at ally.kristan@outlook.com

THANK YOU!

Yours in gratitude and solidarity,

Ally Kristan

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead