November 23, 2010

Dear Gary Marrs,

I am writing in regards to the proposal for a zoning change on the property near Kilpatrick Turnpike and Route 66 which is adjacent to Lake Overholser and the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge.

I recently purchased a house on the shore of Lake Overholser. I moved from the Mid-Town area and I work downtown. In my profession, I work with at-risk children in under served neighborhoods. I have 2 teenagers and growing up in the “inner city” they have not had the opportunity to fully experience wildlife, nature and exercise. We moved to Lake Overholser in October this year so that we could enjoy the recreation of birding, hiking, kayaking, biking and the experience of “getting away from it all.”

I would like it noted that I strongly oppose this development for the following reasons:

1. This land is “wetlands” and is in a flood plain. When they put in parking lots and rooftops, where will the water go? I am concerned about flooding at Lake Overholser and further downstream. My property is on the shore of the lake. I need some reassurance regarding the regulations and permits that will insure that there will be no issue with redirecting the waters. Please provide me with the information as to how these issues will be addressed.

2. I am concerned about the long term effects of a high density apartment complex on property values and the safety in the area. Frequently, once the newness wears off, high quality maintenance declines which attracts a demographic that becomes undesirable for the neighborhood. For example, look at Crown Martin Park as well as many others. If this land “must” be developed, then I would like to see it zoned for single family residential or only commercial. I am strongly opposed to having it re-zoned to include a high density apartment complex. Are there any provisions that insure that there will never be section 8 housing on that land in the future?

3. I am concerned about the effects on wildlife both upstream and downstream. I am concerned about the pollution, chemicals, noise, lighting, traffic and humans that will disturb the wildlife. I would like to see the property protected and added to the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge.

4. I am concerned about the urban sprawl. I would like to see the city encourage developers to buy property that has been abandoned or become an eyesore in the city and tear it down to rebuild on that land rather than continue to expand the city further and further out. How much will it cost tax payers in additional expenses to build new infrastructure with roadways, police, fire, public schools, utilities, public transportation? What will the effect be on crime? Please provide me with evidence of this research.

5. How does the city benefit from approving the rezoning for apartments? I am wondering, if the city approves a commercial development, doesn’t it generate more revenues, as opposed to an apartment complex that provides less in property taxes and again, depletes the city’s resources?

6. Is there any concern from the Water Trust with regard to the gateway to Lake Hefner and the additional costs to clean and filter our drinking water once grasses and forest’s natural filtering systems have been removed and replaced with the potential for generating pollutants?

7. Are there any permit restrictions that regulate the materials used by developers when they raise the elevation to fill the flood plains to redirect the flooding from the wetlands?

8. Are there any restrictions that can be placed to insure developers only use organic rather than chemicals in their landscaping and to the fill when they redirect the flooding?

Again, I am strongly opposed to this application for rezoning. First and foremost, I would like to see the area protected as wetlands and included in the Wildlife Refuge. I strongly oppose a high density apartment complex. If development must happen, then I request single family residential, or deny the application to rezone and keep it commercial only.

Thank you in advance for you attention to my concerns and I look forward to hearing from you.

Lynda Bahr
Lyndabahr2@yahoo.com