Major Update: We’ve Launched SmartChatham.org — Here’s How You Can Take Action Now!

Major Update: We’ve Launched SmartChatham.org — Here’s How You Can Take Action Now!

Dear Coalition Supporters,

Over 1,000 of us have joined together to stand up for transparent, policy-compliant, and environmentally responsible growth in Northern Chatham County. When many of you first signed this petition, our movement was just beginning to take shape. Today, we have an exciting milestone to share: our grassroots coalition has officially launched SmartChatham.org!

Why We Stand United

Our core message to Chatham County leadership remains simple and unwavering:

IT’S NOT A COMPACT COMMUNITY!

We oppose the 2026 Fearrington Preserve rezoning application across its ~365-acre footprint. The applicant is seeking to exploit the Compact Community Ordinance to gain double residential density—pushing a net pod density of ~5.77 units/acre—while attempting to slash required commercial space by ~77%, shrink protective roadside buffers in half, and clear-cut over 100 acres of mature forest canopy.

Furthermore, dumping traffic from 630 homes onto narrow rural collector roads directly jeopardizes safety along the corridor serving four local schools: Margaret B. Pollard Middle, Chatham Grove Elementary, Woods Charter, and Willow Oak Montessori.

4 Easy Steps You Can Take Today

To defeat this non-compliant proposal, we need every single petition signer to step forward and convert their support into direct civic action.

1. Join Our Official Email List at SmartChatham.org

Change.org does not allow us to send frequent, detailed technical briefings or direct legal updates. Please visit SmartChatham.org right now and sign up directly for our official campaign email list so you never miss a critical hearing alert or public briefing.

2. Send a 1-Click Email to the Planning Board

We need the Planning Board to vote to Recommend DENIAL of the Fearrington Preserve CD-CC rezoning request. Visit our website's advocacy hub to send a pre-formatted, 1-click email directly to Planning Board members and county staff prior to their review.

3. Order a Free Yard Sign & Mark Your Calendar for Sept 1

Visibility matters! You can order a free high-contrast Smart Chatham yard sign directly on our website. Most importantly, plan to attend the upcoming Planning Board hearing:

• Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Location: Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center (or Virtual)

4. Share SmartChatham.org with Friends & Neighbors

Help us expand our reach beyond 1,000 members. Share SmartChatham.org on Facebook, Nextdoor, and via email with your neighbors, HOA groups, and community networks across Chatham County.

Thank you for your continued dedication to protecting our watersheds, school corridors, and procedural due process. Together, we are ensuring our community's voice cannot be ignored.

The Smart Chatham Team

Website: SmartChatham.org
Contact: team@smartchatham.org