Posted by Rich/Mohican Press on August 11, 1999 at 04:17:39:
"Sterling Property Update
7/23/99
On 7/22, the Hendersonville
Times-News made public the sale of the
Sterling property to Jim Anthony,
developer and owner of the Cliffs of
Glassy, Cliffs Valley, and Cliffs
Vineyards. Anthony has stated his
intention to preserve the natural beauty
and features on the site, and to allow
managed access to members of his resorts,
Agfa employees, and potentially
members of the public. He has also stated
his willingness to discuss arrangements
with the State and the Conservation
Fund. (A previous article in the
Transylvania Times suggested that
Anthony may be willing to sell 1200 of
the 2200 acres to the State, including the
waterfalls.)
The conservation community is obviously
greatly disappointed to lose their bid to
add this property to the DuPont State
Forest. The Conservation Fund and the
State of North Carolina made a serious
and sincere effort to purchase the Sterling
property, offering at the high range of
independently appraised value. In the
end, no opportunity was given for the
State to match Anthony's offer.
While we realize that words are cheap in
the land development business, we are
pleased to hear the hopeful words from
Anthony about his concern for the future
of the natural resources.
ECO suggests that the public. . .
Encourage Anthony to commit this
concern to writing through
permanent and binding
agreements with the State and/or
the Conservation Fund.
Withhold final judgment or
premature criticism until after we
learn more about Anthony's
intentions.
Express their gratitude to the
Conservation Fund and the State
agencies for their tireless efforts to
acquire this property.
Temporary access or non-binding
protection is not what this effort is about.
Our concern is for the long-term
future of this wonderful place. And
this is not over yet."
Not all good, not all bad! Will keep you posted as we formulate our Gathering Plans!