Dear Editor:

Inspections and Planning Director Ken Gay really sugarcoats it, saying of the property owner, “He’s trying to be a good neighbor to those around him.” I’m not disparaging Mr. Collins whatsoever — he and his company have always seemed to be good neighbors and genuinely nice people. But nobody I’ve spoken to who lives in the area around this pecan orchard (quite a lot of folks) are in favor of this rezoning. Nice houses on one-acre lots (R-1) are one thing, but 88 houses crammed into this orchard? Concerns over the environmental effect of 88 separate septic systems, congestion, traffic, etc. are all real and valid. Commissioner Mark Nesmith’s concerns over the so-called “buffer” are also valid. Pine trees? Seriously? One man’s buffer is another man’s sieve. I urge everyone to call their commissioner (and all commissioners) and kindly express their opposition to the rezoning, and to show up in person at the meeting at the Historic Thomas County Courthouse at 6 pm on Tuesday, November 28.

Chip Bragg

Springhill Road