HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP200900004 Legacy Document 2009-08-18Ruth A. Douglas, PhD
108 Wildflower Dr.
Charlottesville, VA 22911
16 August, 2009
Dear Members of the Albemarle County Planning Commission,
I write to express my deep concern about the request by AT &T to grant a waiver to build
a cell phone tower in the Key West neighborhood on property that includes a critical
slope and is in an area that has been designated as highly sensitive by the Natural
Heritage Committee.
I am a botanist and a resident of the Key West neighborhood, and frequently walk on a
trail along the Rivanna River that is adjacent to the highly sensitive area. It is both
beautiful and awe - inspiring with striking cliffs and boulders, and steep slopes. During the
spring, there is a great profusion of lovely native wildflowers and ferns along the flood
plain next to the river, and up the slope. This area is visited by many residents of the
county as well as members of the Key West community. It is also an area with
uncommon habitats, including some with fern colonies that may be unique, growing
undisturbed for hundreds if not thousands of years in an area that has mostly been heavily
used for agriculture for many generations.. Further, it is a favorite field trip location for
people who are teaching citizens about habitats and native plants, including in courses at
PVCC and field trips for Master Naturalists and Tree Stewards.
Disruption of these beautiful and unique areas due to construction near the top of the
critical slope would be inevitable, and very disturbing to all who enjoy the area.
Please turn down the AT &T application for a waiver. There must be many areas that
could support a cell phone tower without the threat of disturbance of a unique area in our
county.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ruth A. Douglas