Case # 26-08-PLBD-00033

For the reasons below, we respectfully ask the Guilford County Planning Board and Board of Commissioners to deny the proposed Howerton/NC 61 RS-30 rezoning request and protect rural and agricultural land and the Guilford County Farm.

1. We need careful planning in our rapidly developing area to preserve and protect farmland and natural rural spaces like the Guilford County Farm so what life-long residents and newcomers value about our beautiful area will not be lost.

2. The goals of the 2025-2045 Guiding Guilford Comprehensive Plan to preserve working agricultural land and green space, especially in eastern Guilford, should be upheld as it recognizes that not every location is appropriate for housing developments.

3. This rezoning request would turn 234 acres of farm and forest land from Agricultural to RS 30 zoning for a development of 130 houses in the $400,000- $850,000 range that do not meet the critical need for affordable housing.

4. This development borders on the 720-acre Guilford County Farm passive park and compromises this haven for humans and wildlife that is a noted East Coast birding hot spot.

5. The County Farm and the surrounding habitat is a natural resource that supports the community and fulfills the goals of the Guiding Guilford Comprehensive Plan to provides “ample green space to enjoy and explore.” The Mountain-to-Sea Trail runs through it. It deserves and needs adequate protection from foreseeable development impacts, like increased traffic, light, noise, and water pollution and depletion. 6. Retention of natural space and farmland are both of critical importance to our health and economy. Farmland provides us with a resilient local food source and boosts the
economy. Once a housing development comes in, farmland and rural, natural space is permanently lost.