I think we should count ourselves lucky to enjoy our close-up view of some of the last remaining farmland in Mecklenburg County. And it makes the question of preserving open space a critical one throughout this region. Many of the reasons are clear from an environmental standpoint given the benefits to be gained by minimizing stormwater runoff, restoring groundwater resources, reducing erosion, and providing wildlife habitats. At least as important, though, is the need to address purely aesthetic concerns. The love of natural, open spaces is, I think, part of our evolutionary heritage.
Open spaces help stir the soul and renew our spirits.
Davidsonians can enjoy this experience fewer than five minutes from the center of town and that's a tremendous resource we too often take for granted. I suspect, though, if that same open space were lost to rampant development, we would all sorely miss it. This struggle to balance rural and urban space has been at the heart of development patterns not just in Davidson but in other towns that surround Charlotte. Sadly, towns closer to Charlotte like Pineville and Matthews have already been overwhelmed by Charlotte's development engine. When that happens, the town's identity suffers for the loss.