After taking a leave of absence from blogging while working on other projects, I'm happy to begin blogging again with good news for our area. UNC announced today they would NOT build an airport in Orange County.
Controversy began when the university asked for and was given by the state legislature the power of eminent domain to place an airport in an Orange County. While the use of eminent domain by universities has been used in the last decade across the country, it has never been used for a non-educational purpose like an airport.
Another site had been recommended by a consulting firm. It would cost a pittance compared to building a new airport in an area with no sewer and county water facilities. The areas targeted were the last bastion of farm acreage in the county. Much of the property had been in the families for generations. The prime site targeted is also in the watershed for this region. In addition, it is the rural buffer zone scores of public workers and private citizens have worked decades to protect.
I thank all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect what can't be replaced. My one regret is that the local board of Realtors and the state association of Realtors never made a public statement in defense of their clients in Orange County.
My clients, friends, and neighbors were well aware the board did not have their backs. In these especially uncertain times it was an opportunity lost.
