I am a resident living next to the 70.37-acre agricultural parcel on Burkhalter Road in Statesboro, GA. The local government is considering rezoning this land for residential use. Their proposal indicates the intention to build 105 Townhomes, 54 Duplexes and 142 Single Family Homes. This decision will not only disrupt our peaceful community but also bring about a host of problems.

The influx of people (approximately 1,064 new neighbors) that this rezoning will invite is concerning. Our road conditions are already under strain and cannot handle an increase in traffic. Moreover, our schools are at capacity and any additional burden could compromise the quality of education provided to our children. Additionally, this addition would have a negative impact on fire/ems/police response time as it could cause staffing deficiencies. 

Furthermore, there's an environmental concern as well. This proposed development could negatively impact the drainage system from our neighborhood, leading to potential flooding issues in addition to infestation issues from the displaced mice who regularly come into the neighborhood when the land is plowed each year. 

Agricultural lands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and providing food and job security. According to American Farmland Trust, we lose 175 acres of farmland every hour due to urbanization and development pressures (American Farmland Trust). This statistic is alarming and we must act now before it's too late.

We urge you to consider these impacts before making any decisions regarding the rezoning proposal for Burkhalter Road's agricultural land parcel. Please stand with us in preserving our community’s tranquility, safety, educational standards, environment and most importantly - its character.

Sign this petition today if you believe in protecting Statesboro's agricultural heritage from unnecessary urban development.