Posted by Rich/Mohican Press on August 11, 2000 at 03:16:06:
Nothing concrete, yet, but this latest dispatch is not very promising. Procastination can only make it worse. If you care, better act now ...
From Friends Of The Falls:
Dear Friends of the Falls supporter,
On Wednesday, August 9, the State announced that Jim Anthony agreed to a further two week extension of the construction moratorium on his property inside the DuPont State Forest. However, Friends of the Falls believes that, due to scheduling issues such as the Democratic National Convention and overseas trips, critical decisions will be reached in Raleigh during the next few days.
While Friends of the Falls is very grateful for the strong stand taken by Governor Hunt, Attorney General Easley, and Congressional Candidate Sam Neill, it appears that those in State agencies have been taking a considerably softer stand on the property.
We have learned that the ongoing negotiations between Anthony & State agencies are not about the purchase of any property, but only a conservation easement with very restricted access to the public. For example, the public may be granted the right to visit during certain hours, sign in at a security building, and view the falls only from certain observation decks. Obviously this would be a far cry from the type of ownership demanded by the public and our State leaders. Tragically, it also falls short of the meaning of true access.
Friends of the Falls is also very concerned by the ridiculously high cost estimates - many above $20 million (well over 3X the purchase price) which some in the State agencies are using as justification for settling for an easement. Apparently the State has still not conducted an independent appraisal of the property, and is apparently working from Anthony's own appraisal, instead. (If true, this would be very embarassing!) Let's give the Attorney General's trial lawyers some credit and presume that a jury would award something significantly less than what Anthony is asking for.
We appreciate your strong support on this issue in the past. If highly restricted access is not exactly what you had in mind for High Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, make sure you let Governor Hunt and Attorney General Easley know:
Contact Governor Hunt:
800-662-7952 or (919) 733-4240
Fax: (919) 733-2120
Email: jbryant@gov.state.nc.us
Contact Attorney General Mike Easley:
(919) 716-6000
Fax: (919) 716-6050
Email: AGJUS@MAIL.JUS.STATE.NC.US
***** Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested.
See more info and color photos at: http://www.dupontforest.com
Friends of the Falls
P. O. Box 272
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718