Sample Letter for Proposed Subdivision
This letter written by Diane Klement powerfully expresses the main concerns about the proposed subdivision. Feel free to copy and personalize this letter, and then send it to to the Camden County Commissioners today. Thanks to Diane and to all of you for flooding the commissioners with letters like these.
Dear Camden County Commissioners,
Nestled off the Georgia coast, Cumberland Island remains one of the state and nation’s greatest natural treasures. Designated as a National Seashore under the control of the National Park Service, the natural beauty, biodiversity, and inexplicable magic of the island has enchanted and inspired its visitors since 1972.
However, the Camden County Board of Commissioners plans to rezone 1,000 acres of this land to allow for residential development by Lumar LLC which represents heirs of the Coca-Cola founder and other island landowners. These 1,000 acres of privately owned, fee simple inholdings which describes land owned completely, without any limitations or conditions, cannot currently be developed for residential purposes. If this rezoning occurs, then Cumberland will be transformed into essentially an exclusive gated subdivision.
A Cumberland Island adulterated by houses and septic systems would completely contradict the legislation which established the National Seashore. This legislation states verbatim that “the seashore shall be permanently preserved in its primitive state.” Thus, how can the Camden County Commissioners and Lumar LLC disrespect this imperative? Do the Camden County Commissioners work for the Candlers and wealthy developers, or the people?
As citizens, we must remember that the Cumberland Island National Seashore belongs to us. We cannot let private interest sully the ethereal beauty, wilderness, and unique ecological state that defines this public land to so many who love it. Thus, as citizens, we must act now to preserve this land for future generations so that they too can explore the maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, and marshes that define Cumberland Island.
To act, please contact the Camden County Commissioners at (912) 510-0464 or visit their website http://www.co.camden.ga.us/80/Commissioners for more information regarding Commissioner meetings, emails, and addresses. Also, follow Save Cumberland Island and the Cumberland Island Coalition on Facebook for updates and more information regarding the situation.